Chapter 268: Coping mechanism

Ivan 

"We have to go!" Nefera calls from the bedroom, and I sigh, knowing she's right.

"Yeah." I was cutting it close, but I hadn't had the chance to shave this morning, and I couldn't leave it and look presentable. Goddess, how were we fucking supposed to go through this?

We were both at our mental breaking point, and now we have to go downstairs and play politics too? Granted, I'm Alpha. I can say fuck it and let someone else entertain the guests, but I know my responsibilities. So does Nefera, but I wonder if she has the strength to keep this up. Not because she isn't a brilliant actress when it comes to hiding her pain, but when even I'm overwhelmed, it's asking more than anyone.

"Come on, everyone's waiting." Looking up from the mirror, I see Nefera standing in the doorway, and I'm forced to turn around, my jaw on the tiles. "What?"