Chapter 45. Why Do You Insist on Going Against Me?

Caliana’s POV

The next day, I woke up earlier than usual, long before the soft light of dawn had fully crept through the curtains. For a moment, I lay still, staring at the ceiling, listening to the quiet hum of the pack house waking up around me. My body felt heavy, not from exhaustion alone but from the weight of thoughts that had followed me even into sleep. Still, there was work to be done, and I welcomed the distraction.

After washing up and dressing in practical clothes, I left the house with a notebook tucked under my arm and my hair pulled back neatly. The air outside was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of fresh earth and pine. It felt grounding. Today, I was scheduled to inspect the new construction site for the elderly homes—a project that had become close to my heart. When I arrived, the sight before me filled me with a quiet sense of pride. The buildings stood