Chasing His Scentless Mate-Chapter 349 A Photo Worth a Thousand Lies

Ava’s POV

After Joseph left, I lay in bed contemplating everything. Perhaps I should forgive him. Maybe I should lower my defenses and properly communicate the struggles I’d been facing alone. After all, Joseph was a proud and strong Alpha who had lowered all his barriers for me. Besides, forgiving him at Caroline and Draven’s wedding might be meaningful. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

My phone chimed on the nightstand. Thinking it was a message from my mother Odelia, I quickly grabbed it. What I saw left me stunned.

I’d received a text from an unknown number. When I opened it, there was a photo of Joseph and that tramp entwined together. He was wearing the exact clothes I’d seen him in when he left my place earlier, so this photo had been taken today. Looking closer, I realized it was shot in the social club parking lot. God, I was absolutely furious!

That Alpha bastard had lied to me! I wanted to kill him! How could he be so shameless? But you know what? I was done crying. I’d had enough! I went to the kitchen, made myself a cup of tea, returned to bed, and fell asleep.

The next morning, I woke up early, packed my things, called a taxi, and headed to Caroline’s place. Of course, I turned my phone off! Not long after, Eleanor’s phone rang.

"What do you want, playboy?" Eleanor answered Joseph’s call. "Yes, she’s here. What did you do this time?"

She listened. "Oh, you don’t know? Then keep not knowing. But watch yourself, today is Caroline and Draven’s wedding, so behave. When Ava wants to talk to you, she’ll find you."

Eleanor hung up. "Spill it, Ava," she demanded.

"There’s nothing to say, Elle. Let’s focus on Caroline’s wedding," I forced a smile that didn’t come easily.

"Is this how you see us?" Caroline asked. "You’ve been carrying so much alone, and it breaks my heart. Are you still going to shut us out?"

"Oh, Carrie..." Her words shattered my heart. I decided to tell them about the situation with Joseph, since it was her wedding day, but my other secrets should remain private.

I explained everything—how I was ready to forgive Joseph until I saw that photo. I showed the girls the picture.

"Don’t you think you might be jumping to conclusions again, just like Joseph did?" Kyle asked, making me pause and think.

"But the photo is right here, Kyle," I argued. "There’s nothing to doubt."

"But he also had a photo of you with his father, and that wasn’t what it seemed," Nina pointed out.

"Ava, from my experience, those three vipers will lie, cheat, and fabricate anything to take what belongs to us. I suggest you investigate this properly," Caroline advised.

"I think the girls are right. I need to be vigilant about that snake Vanessa who keeps hovering around my man," Ruby emphasized.

"Here’s what we’ll do, Ava. I’ll go to the social club now and ask the manager for the security footage. We’ll deal with this after the wedding. But think carefully and don’t rush. Joseph may be a playboy, but he’s been good to you, and I believe he wouldn’t give in to temptation," Eleanor suggested, and I agreed.

"Fine, you’re right," I said. "But now, let’s focus on what really matters today..."

The rest of breakfast passed peacefully, and afterward, we went to prepare at the wedding venue. It was beautiful seeing Caroline so excited. We got ready together with constant laughter and had a wonderful time.

I wore a bright orange dress with a flowing, lightweight fabric, a fluttering skirt, V-neckline, thin straps, and a slit. The dress was gorgeous, and I paired it with black strappy sandals. When we girls walked into the garden, we found the men already lined up waiting for us, and Eleanor complained that they were late. With the ceremony about to begin, Eleanor immediately started arranging the procession.

"Nina, come here," Eleanor called to Nina.

"Yes, General!" Nina muttered, teasing Eleanor, who truly was behaving like a military commander.

"Oh, I like that title!" Eleanor laughed. "I hope to be called that often in the future." We all laughed. "Let me introduce you—this is Jace, the investigator who found Liam. Remember him?" Eleanor positioned Nina in front of Jace.

"Y-yes," Nina stammered. Her face turned as red as a tomato.

"Excellent!" Eleanor said. "He’s the newest member of our elite team and will be your partner today."

Eleanor pushed Nina toward Jace, bringing them close together. The scene was like Beauty and the Beast—she was small and delicate, while he was tall and imposing. However, this "beast" was certainly a fine specimen.

Eleanor introduced them, and Jace immediately turned on his charm, making Nina’s cheeks flush. From that moment on, Jace stuck to her, refusing to let her go, and promptly placed her hand on his arm.

When Eleanor began organizing the line, she commented that Jace was much taller than Nina. To tease them, I suggested switching partners with Nina. Joseph immediately looked unhappy, but Jace refused without hesitation.

While Eleanor organized and explained how we should behave, Joseph whispered in my ear.

"You look stunning, Ava!" He kissed just below my earlobe.

"Don’t get too close," I scolded.

"Ava, what happened? I thought things were going well between us," Joseph asked, looking hurt.

"That bitch is what happened!" I answered through clenched teeth.

"What?" He seemed confused.

"Not now. After the wedding, I’ll help you remember," I said impatiently, and he just sighed.

The ceremony was beautiful; everything was perfect, every detail impeccable. It was truly moving. At the reception, Joseph stayed glued to my side, refusing to leave no matter how I tried to persuade him.

"It’s no use, Ava," he said. "I’m not letting you go, I’m not giving up on you, and we need to talk."

"Joseph, now is not the time or place," I complained.

"I don’t care! I need to know what happened today. You’d better tell me, or I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you out of this wedding!" He was tense, as if he couldn’t take it anymore.

"You wouldn’t dare!" I replied. "Let’s sit down. I want some food and drink."

We sat at a table with his mother, and he went to get me food. We started eating while his mother told us about her recent trip with the pack sisters.

Beta Ryan approached and called Joseph over, leaving him no choice but to follow. Hedi looked at me as if she wanted to say something.

"Dear, I don’t want to interfere, but Flora mentioned what happened," Hedi said cautiously, "but I still want to tell you something."

I was curious. What could she possibly want to tell me?