Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law
Chapter 36: Torn

Chapter 36: Chapter 36: Torn

“I’m honestly doing okay after my mate’s rejection,” I told Isabella. “As you said, the power of choice is just as important as fate. And I want to choose to be happy and not waste my life pining after someone who rejected me.”

Now, if only my former mate would leave me alone.

“That’s a great way to look at it,” Isabella noted as she pulled into her long driveway.

The beauty of Gareth’s mansion stunned me just like always. On the front steps, Butler Jones was waiting, his posture straight and his arms behind his back.

“Miss Isabella,” he greeted, then turned to me. “And Miss Lowett, good morning. Miss Michelle is in the back. She’s already started practicing her swordwork. Her weapon’s test is next week.” The butler glanced around and lowered his voice slightly. “She needs to improve greatly if she’s going to pass the test.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ll get her where she needs to be by next week.”

“I’ll come with you to offer moral support,” Isabella added as we walked through the wide doors.

In the expansive backyard, Michelle was swinging a sword around wildly. She didn’t have the correct form or proper footwork. When she saw me, her green eyes went wide with joy.

“Jasmine!” she yelled and flung the sword to the ground. She raced up to me and brought me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. How are you?”

I hugged her back and smiled. “I’m alright. Thank you for the lovely flowers and card.” I pulled away and went over to the weapons rack filled with swords, daggers, and axes. I picked out a sharp sword with a black hilt and a red jewel. “Are you up for a sparring session?”

Michelle grinned. “Hell yeah!”

Isabella sat on the steps of the patio to watch the lesson. First, I instructed Michelle on how to hold her sword properly.

“When you’re fighting with a sword, defense should always be your first priority,” I told her while showing her how to block an attack correctly. “You can’t defeat your enemy if you’re injured.”

For the next half an hour, we worked up a sweat as the midmorning sun beat down on us. As I showed her everything I knew about sword fighting, my mind cleared. It was nice to get lost in a physical activity that demanded all of my attention. As I sparred with Michelle, all of my worries faded away.

Michelle quickly began to improve. At one point, she even managed to get past my blocking and cut through both sides of my black shirt. My ripped shirt fell to tattered pieces, and I was left in only my pink sports bra.

I lowered my sword and laughed.

“Nice one,” I complimented my student. “Good thing your blade wasn’t bigger, or that could have ended badly.”

Michelle’s mouth fell open, and she let out a horrified gasp, her weapon clattering to the ground. Isabella rose from her spot on the stairs.

“I’m so sorry!” Michelle squeaked and ran toward me. “I could have really hurt you.”

I patted her arm. “Don’t be silly. Accidents happen, and this just means you’re improving.”

“Come on,” Isabella chimed in. “You can borrow one of my shirts, then you can continue the lesson.”

I assured Michelle—who still had an anxious expression—that I was fine, then followed Isabella to her room. We made the trek up the grand staircase, passing by the maid, and a room that only had a large piano in it.

Isabella opened her bedroom door, and I was smacked in the face with Elliot’s scent. My wolf stirred inside of me, and my heart ached. Throughout her room were picture frames of the happily engaged couple. That, along with his overpowering scent, made me stumble back a few steps.

“Maybe I can just finish Michelle’s training like this.” I gestured to my torn shirt, practically hanging off my body.

“Nonsense.” Isabella waved me into her room. “You can’t go back out there half-naked. I have way too many clothes, I’d love it if you’d take a whole outfit off my hands. It would give me more closet space. Luckily, we’re around the same size.”

Reluctantly, I followed her into the large room, complete with a king-sized bed, a vanity filled with makeup and hair products, and a reading corner next to the window. She led me into a walk-in closet that was bigger than my bedroom. Rows upon rows of color-coordinated clothing hang from the racks. There was a wall just dedicated to designer shoes and even a blue velvet seat in the middle of the closet.

Isabella walked around toward the shelf that seemed to hold her workout clothes. She chose a white tank top, a light purple tennis skirt, and even a white sports bra.

Isabella handed me the clothes with a grin. “Why don’t you try these on? That shade of purple will look lovely with your skin tone.”

Wearing her clothes felt too personal, but faced with her kind gray eyes, I couldn’t find a nice way to tell her no.

“I’ll give you some privacy to change.” Isabella walked out of the closet, closing the door behind her.

I sighed as my eyes strayed to a picture on Isabella’s desk of Elliot and her kissing. I began to take off my shirt as my former mate’s sharp scent hit me like a battering ram. He must have spent a lot of time in this room.

As I slid off my pants, the hair on the back of my neck prickled. Being surrounded by Elliot’s scent made me feel like he was in the room watching me undress. My stomach lurched, and I forced myself to stop thinking about him.

Once I was naked, I studied myself in the full-length mirror. My long honey-colored hair was still braided back, showcasing my blue eyes and long eyelashes. My breasts were full and rounded, leading to my toned stomach, curvy hips, and strong, tanned thighs.

I trained hard for my body, and I believed it was beautiful. Elliot might have rejected me, but it was his loss.

I pulled on the white bra Isabella gave me, but it was too tight. My breasts were spilling out of the top. With difficulty, I took it off and put on the skirt. It fit, but my legs must be longer than Isabella’s because it barely came to my upper thigh. I examined myself in the mirror. Isabella had been right. The lavender color of the skirt did go well with my tan skin.

I looked pretty hot.

Since I was still topless, I grabbed my own sports bra to put on because Isabella’s didn’t fit.

Then there was a knock on the door, and I froze.

The door opened, and Gareth Laken was standing in the doorway.

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