Piss Off, Alpha! You Lost Me Forever-Chapter 48 Done Being Afraid

SOPHIA’S POV

I sat alone at a small corner table in the restaurant. It was the kind of space that was tucked away where no one usually chose to sit unless they wanted to disappear. That was exactly why I had come.

It was my lunch break, but I didn’t want noise or company. I wanted quiet. I wanted space to breathe.

I ordered a simple salad and a glass of water. When the plate arrived, I barely touched it. I wasn’t hungry. My stomach felt tight, like it had been knotted for days.

Sunlight poured in through tall windows. For a few minutes, I let myself pretend this peace was real.

I needed this. I needed silence. After Damien, after the school, after everything.

I checked my phone. There were no messages and no missed calls. There was nothing from Damien. Nothing from anyone.

I set the phone face down on the table and picked at a piece of lettuce.

Movement near the entrance caught my eye. My heart skipped before my mind could catch up.

It was Lance.

He walked into the restaurant slowly.

He looked thinner than the last time I’d seen him. His suit was slightly wrinkled, like he hadn’t bothered to press it. He had dark circles under his eyes. He looked tired and worn down. He looked like a man who had been fighting and losing.

Goddess... what did they do to you? What did I do to you?

He hadn’t seen me yet. He walked in then spoke briefly to the hostess. She smiled politely and pointed toward the private dining area. Lance nodded and thanked her, then headed that way.

My chest felt tight so hard it hurt.

He lost his job because of me. Damien destroyed his career because he wanted to get back at me. Everything happening to him was all my fault.

I pushed my chair back and stood. I didn’t think. I just moved.

I walked toward the private dining area and found Lance standing outside one of the rooms, checking his watch. He looked nervous.

“Lance,” I said softly.

He turned to my direction. He looked shocked when he saw me.

“Sophia,” he said with a smile “I didn’t expect to see you.”

I stook awkwardly in front of him. I wasn’t sure whether to hug him or....

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I have a meeting,” he said. “With the hospital director.”

I heard the hope in his voice as he spoke. “There’s another hospital across town. It’s smaller but... they might take me.”

I felt relieved as soon as he said that. But I still felt guilty. He wouldn’t have to be job hunting if it wasn’t for me.

“I’m sorry,” I blurted out.

He frowned slightly. “Sorry for what?”

“For everything,” I said. “You lost your job because of me. Your reputation. Your future. Damien-”

He shook his head firmly. “No. Don’t do that.”

“It was my fault,” I insisted. “I ruined your career.”

“You didn’t,” he said. “I chose to stand by you. I don’t regret that. Not for a second.”

His words made tears burn at the back of my eyes. I looked away quickly.

Without thinking, I reached into my purse and pulled out my bank card. I offered it to him.

“Take this,” I said. “Please.”

He stepped back immediately. He looked surprised. “Sophia, no.”

“You need it more than I do,” I said. “Just for now.”

“I won’t take your money,” he said firmly. “I’m not doing that.”

I grabbed his hand and pressed the card into his palm. My voice dropped low.

“The PIN is 2841,” I said. “Use it for anything you need.”

Before he could argue again, I turned and walked away.

“Sophia.” Lance called out.

I didn’t answer. I kept walking.

My vision blurred with tears as I pushed through the restaurant toward the exit. I wasn’t watching where I was going. My heel caught on the edge of a rug, and I stumbled forward.

Before I could land on the ground, strong hands caught my waist.

I gasped and looked up. It was Lance who caught me. I sighed in relief.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I nodded quickly. “I’m fine.”

I tried to step back but he held me a second longer. I looked at him, only to find him looking at me too. He stared into my eyes. His expression looked full of things he didn’t say.

Then a voice cut through the moment.

“Well. This is interesting.”

We both turned. Simon stood a few feet away.

He wore an expensive suit that screamed money and power. His smile was mocking. He looked between Lance and me, lifting his eyebrows.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked politely.

I pulled away from Lance at once. Simon stepped closer, examining us like insects.

“I didn’t know you moved on so quickly, Sophia,” he said. “Is Lance your new project?”

Lance’s jaw clenched. My blood boiled with anger. How dare he?

Simon chuckled. “I wonder how long before you destroy him too.”

“Shut up,” I snapped.

He laughed. “Truth hurts.”

He tilted his head. “Damien is better off without you. Everyone agrees. Our whole circle saw through you. You’re nothing but a gold digger. You always have been.”

Lance stepped forward. “Watch your mouth.”

Simon’s smile widened. “Or what? You’ll defend her honor? How noble. How stupid.”

I stepped between them.

“You have no right to judge anyone,” I said, staring straight into Simon’s eyes. “You and Damien and your entire circle are the same. You’re all polished on the outside but rotten inside.”

His smile vanished.

“You destroy people for fun,” I continued. “You feel nothing. You’re empty.”

Simon stepped closer. “Be careful,” he said quietly. “You already lost everything once.”

I didn’t flinch. “I’m not afraid anymore,”

Simon opened his mouth to say something but a sweet voice cut in.

“Oh my. What’s going on here?”

Tiffany appeared behind Simon. She looked perfect.

She wore a designer dress. Her make up was flawless and her hair was styled to perfection.

What the hell is she doing here?

She placed a hand on Simon’s arm. “There’s no need for conflict,” she said lightly.

She turned to me. “Why don’t we all have lunch together? It could help clear the air.”

I stared at her, feeling disgusted.

“Drop the act,” I said flatly. “It’s nauseating.”

Her smile tightened. Her eyes went cold.

“I’m only trying to help,” she said.

I laughed bitterly. “You only ever help yourself.”

I looked at both of them.

“Stay away from me,” I said. “And stay away from Lance. You’re not worth our time.”

I turned and walked out with my head high. My wolf stirring inside me. She howled in approval.

I was done being afraid. Done being small. Done letting monsters think they owned me.

I didn’t look back.