Chapter 11 : Betrayal at Golden Sands Chapter 11 : Betrayal at Golden Sands ( Samantha's POV ) I stared at my phone , scrolling through the news article with growing disbelief . There I was , captured in Ethan's embrace at Moonlight International Airport . Thankfully , my face wasn't clearly visible in any of the photos - just the back of my head or a blurred profile as I turned away from him . " At least they didn't get a clear shot ," I muttered , sinking deeper into the plush sofa of Blackwood Manor's living room . Was this Ethan's strategy ? Make our reunion public so I couldn't divorce him without causing a scandal ? The thought flickered through my mind before I dismissed it . Even Ethan wouldn't be that calculating . My eyelids grew heavy as exhaustion from the day's events caught up with me . The last thing I remembered was October curling up beside me , her warm body a comforting presence as sleep claimed me . ( Ethan's POV ) I drove slowly through our neighborhood , the familiar streets bathed in moonlight . After circling the block twice , I pulled into the driveway of a property neighboring Blackwood Manor - a house I'd purchased months ago without Samantha's knowledge . Inside , I went straight to the surveillance room . Multiple screens displayed different areas of our home - the kitchen , living room , master bedroom , and main entrances . All installed under the guise of " security upgrades . " On the center screen , I could see Samantha asleep on the living room sofa , October nestled against her side . Her face looked peaceful in sleep , the worry lines that had marked her expression earlier now smoothed away . " Sam , we won't be separated , never , " I murmured , touching her image on the screen . ( Samantha's POV ) I woke to sunlight streaming through the windows and a soft blanket draped over me . Ms. Thompson must have covered me during the night . October was gone , probably taken out for her morning walk by one of the staff . After a quick shower and change of clothes , I made my way to the kitchen where Ms. Thompson was preparing breakfast . " Good morning , Luna Reed , " she greeted warmly , setting a plate of venison sausage and eggs before me . " Did you sleep well ? " " Well enough , " I replied , accepting the coffee she offered . " Thank you for the blanket . " She beamed at me . " It wasn't me , dear . The Alpha came by very early this morning to check on you . " I froze with my coffee cup halfway to my lips . " Ethan was here ? " " Just for a moment ," she assured me . " He didn't want to wake you . " The thought of Ethan watching me sleep sent an uncomfortable shiver down my spine . I'd have to change the security codes today . As I finished my breakfast , Ms. Thompson bustled in carrying a stunning bouquet of roses . " These just arrived for you , " she announced , setting them on the counter with a knowing smile . " From the Alpha . " The roses were exquisite - deep crimson with velvety petals . I reluctantly reached for the small card nestled among the 13 Chapter 11 Betrayal at Golde blooms . " Meet me at Golden Sands Cove tonight at 8. I have something important to tell you . -E I arranged the flowers in a crystal vase , pricking my finger on a thorn . A drop of blood welled up , bright red against my pale skin . " Be careful , Luna Reed , " Ms. Thompson cautioned , handing me a tissue . " The Alpha mentioned he has a special surprise planned for tonight . " " Did he ? " I asked , pressing the tissue to my finger . She nodded enthusiastically . " He sounded very determined . I think he wants to rekindle your relationship " I sighed , setting the vase on the kitchen island . Perhaps this meeting would be an opportunity to discuss my desire to return to healing work . If Ethan truly wanted to save our marriage , he would need to accept my independence . As I left Blackwood Manor that afternoon , I could feel Ms. Thompson watching from the window . The moment my car disappeared down the driveway , she reached for her phone . " Alpha Blackwood ? She's just left , " she reported eagerly , " She seemed thoughtful but not upset . " She listened for a moment , then added , " Remember what I said - be bold , be passionate . That's what Luna Reed needs right now . " I was driving toward Crescent Moon Medical Center when my phone rang . Olivia Blackwood's name flashed on the screen . " Olivia ? " I answered , switching to speaker mode . " Samantha , thank goodness , " she said , her voice strained , " I've had an accident with my Silver Arrow Roadster on Champagne Boulevard . Could you come ? I don't want to bother Ethan with this ." I hesitated , glancing at the time . " Are you hurt ? " " No , just shaken up . The car's pretty damaged though . " " I'll be there in fifteen minutes ," I promised , redirecting my route . When I arrived at the scene , Olivia was leaning against her crumpled roadster , looking remarkably composed for someone who'd just crashed an expensive car . Her designer outfit was pristine , not a hair out of place . " Samantha , you're a lifesaver ," she called , waving casually . Something felt off about the situation . The Olivia I knew would be distraught over damaging her prized car . " What happened ? " I asked, surveying the damage . The front bumper was crushed against a guardrail , but it looked more like a controlled collision than an accident . " Oh , you know me ," she laughed lightly . " Distracted driving . Saw a cute guy jogging and - barn ! " I remembered the last time Olivia had overstepped her boundaries - authorizing the pack's communications department to announce Ethan's supposed relationship with Rebecca without his knowledge . The rift it had created between us still lingered . " Let's call your insurance , I suggested , pulling out my phone . As we waited for the insurance agent , Olivia kept glancing at her watch . " Going somewhere ? " I asked . " No , but aren't you ? " she countered . " Meeting Ethan tonight , right ? " 213 < Chapter 11 Betrayal at Golde I frowned . " How did you know about that ? " She waved dismissively . " He mentioned it . I hope I'm not making you late . " 15 Pustot " It's fine , " I assured her , though I checked the time myself . . I'd still make it to Golden Sands Cove by eight if we wrapped this up quickly . " So , tell me exactly how this happened ," I said , turning back to the matter at hand . It was nearly when I finally arrived at Golden Sands Cove . The insurance process had taken longer than expected , with Olivia seemingly finding new questions to ask the agent at every turn . As I walked down the stone steps leading to the beach , the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled my ears . The night was beautiful - stars twinkling above , a gentle breeze carrying the scent of salt water . I spotted Ethan immediately . His tall figure was unmistakable , even in the dim light . He was kneeling on the sand , a bouquet of blood - red roses extended toward … another woman . My steps faltered as fireworks suddenly exploded overhead , illuminating the scene in harsh clarity . The woman facing Ethan was Rebecca Taylor , dressed in a purple dress eerily similar to ones I often wore . I stood frozen , watching as Rebecca accepted the roses with a delighted smile . My heart didn't break - it simply went numb , as if someone had injected ice into my veins . The fireworks continued to burst overhead , casting colorful shadows across the sand . Each explosion seemed to echo the shattering of whatever lingering affection I'd harbored for Ethan . Rebecca's voice carried across the beach , high and excited . " Yes , of course I accept ! " I couldn't move , couldn't breathe . The betrayal was so complete , so perfectly orchestrated , that it left me stunned . Another burst of fireworks illuminated Ethan's face . He looked pale , shocked . " How could it be you ? " he asked , clearly surprised by Rebecca's presence . She laughed nervously . " I was just enjoying the view here at the cove . What a coincidence running into you ! " Ethan turned , his eyes scanning the beach until they found me standing on the steps . The look of horror that crossed his face might have been comical under different circumstances . I didn't wait to hear his explanation . With as much dignity as I could muster , I turned and walked away , my footsteps steady despite the trembling in my core . " Sam , listen to my explanation ! " Ethan called desperately after me , but I was already gone .