Everyone Believed in Our Love, But I Knew It Wouldn't Survive

Alpha Jakob gave me the grandest bonding ceremony five years ago. I became the world's most envied woman. Five years later, I received a provocative voice message from Jakob's first love, Molly. "I just got back to the pack, and all I needed to do was to play coy with Jakob, and he came right over. Tonight, he originally prepared blue fireworks for me. I don't like blue, but I decided to give it to you since I never liked to waste. You can use it during your anniversary." The day during our fifth mate bond anniversary, I looked at the blue fireworks blooming in the night sky, quietly waiting in my seat as I faced the empty seat opposite me. Molly's provocation came again. A photo of her having a candlelight dinner with Jakob. I didn't cry, and simply submit the application to terminate my mate bond with Jakob to the pack's Elder Council. At this time, my personal assistant told me she saw someone had applied for a grand bonding ceremony. "Luna Cynthia, the bonding ceremony is prepared by Molly for herself and Alpha Jakob. It will take place seven days later. Do you wish to stop it?" "There's no need to. If this is what Jakob wants, I'll make their wish come true." Jakob was still promoting how deep his love for me was, saying that I was the woman he loved the most in his life. But he didn't know that seven days later, I would leave the pack and never return again. That night, he collapsed. Chapter 1 "Luna Cynthia, here's the mate bond termination request form from the safe." I took the form and thanked my personal assistant, Mia. On the day the Blackflame Pack's alpha Jakob, and I bonded as mates five years ago, he had already prepared this form. The form had already been signed with Jakob's name. That was because he had sworn to love only me. If he ever betrayed me, then I could file for a mate bond termination at any time. This form was once the proof of his loyalty. I never imagined I had to take it out again. Especially not on our fifth mate bond anniversary. I quickly signed my name, eyes looking at his empty seat across me with sorrow and exhaustion. My wolf sobbed within me. "No… I saw the Jakob from five years ago. He wants to stop your hand from signing!" I shook my head and whispered back. "You said it yourself. That was him from five years ago. He was an illusion from your past." I looked at Mia and said in a quick tone, as if I was worried I would have second thoughts. "Take this mate bond termination form and submit it to the pack's Elder Council as soon as possible." Once Mia finished her task, she quickly called me back and said cautiously, "Luna, the submission went smoothly. But I saw a she-wolf called Molly quietly reserving a large bonding ceremony hall. She said it was for her and Alpha Jakob. Do you wish to stop the bonding ceremony?" "No, there's no need to." Mia held her breath and didn't dare to say another word. I knew why she asked. Molly was Jakob's first love. There weren't many women who would allow her mate's first love to quietly prepare a bonding ceremony for them. Mia asked with a trembling voice, filled with pity. "Luna, why are you doing this?" I turned slowly to the window. The long and dazzling blue fireworks had finally faded in the air, leaving nothing but a line of words in the night sky. "Happy Fifth Mate Bond Anniversary! Jakob & Cynthia!" I looked away and sighed. "Book my trip back to the Palemoon Pack seven days from now. On the same day as their bonding ceremony." "You're going back to the Palemoon Pack?" Mia was shocked and quickly asked, "Please reconsider, Luna! This is not a minor decision!" Five years ago, on the day Jakob and I became mates, not only did he sign the mate bond termination form, but he also reached a pact with my parents. The pact was clear. If Jakob ever betrayed my love and I returned to the Palemoon Pack alone, then Jakob could never step into the Palemoon Pack ever again. He would lose any chance of asking for forgiveness, and he would never see me again. "There's nothing left to consider," I said. Five years of loving memories were indeed hard to let go of. My eyes welled up with tears, but that wasn't enough to make me change my decision. Seven days from now would be my birthday. I would leave Jakob and return to the Palemoon Pack. At the same time, I would send Jakob to the bonding ceremony Molly had prepared for themselves. I would grant them their wish. Once Mia ended the call to work on my commands, I heard a notification on my phone. I glanced at the screen. Jakob had posted something openly on social media. [Image]: Blue fireworks exploding across the night sky. [Text]: Luna Cynthia, happy 5th mate bond anniversary! Your Alpha Jakob will always love you! After the post was made, it exploded with comments. "I'm so envious! No wonder there was an hour's worth of fireworks in the sky tonight! Alpha Jakob was doing it for his mate bond anniversary with Cynthia!" "No surprises there. Alpha Jakob and Luna Cynthia have been mates for five years and celebrated big for all these five years. I look forward to seeing what they do next year." "I heard Alpha Jakob suffered grievous injury in the battlefield last year and has just woken up from treatment. He's not fully conscious yet. The first thing he said after seeing his Luna was to ask her to go to rest and not watch over him all night. Their deep love touched even the healers!" There was only one reply from Jakob for all the comments. "Cynthia is my Luna. I love her. I spoil her. I will protect her for the rest of her life. That's my duty as her Alpha." The replies exploded once more within seconds. All filled with admiration and envy. And I, the subject of their envy, simply stared at the empty seat because of Jakob's absence. … Jakob and I used to have love, of course. We were in love for seven years and bonded for five. We never had a single fight. In those seven years, Jakob gave me everything. Love, wealth, and the title of Luna. But one month ago, when he was supposedly away on a business trip, I discovered another woman was with him. Then I received a voice message from Jakob's account. I pressed play, and I heard an unfamiliar woman's voice. "I just got back to the pack and all I needed to do was to play coy with Jakob, and he came right over. Tonight, he originally prepared blue fireworks for me. I don't like blue, but I decided to give it to you since I never liked to waste. You can use it during your mate bond anniversary." I didn't know who that woman was back then. Not until two weeks ago, when Jakob brought her into the living room at his side. Jakob introduced her as his distant cousin, Molly. Molly was all smiles and greeted me with a face full of makeup, "Hello, Cynthia. I've always heard that you're the most envied woman in the world. We finally met in person." Her voice was exactly the same as the one in the voice message, and my mind went completely blank. It was getting difficult for me to handle the emotions inside of me, so I left early to stop myself from breaking down. However, Molly wasn't done. That night, she sent me another provocative message. "You missed an exciting session on the terrace tonight. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it and left claw marks on my ex's chest." I gripped my phone tightly and stared at Jakob as he came home. He reeked of alcohol and was completely drunk. He immediately passed out on the bed the moment he walked in. Through his shirt that had two buttons loose, I saw his chest with all the claw marks. How ironic. The shirt he wore was a matching custom-designed shirt we had booked for last year's anniversary. On the collar, I had personally embroidered the words "Cynthia's Mate." When Jakob first received the shirt, he was so touched that he held my hand and tenderly said, "Cynthia, when I wear this shirt, it's like having you by my side. I don't think I'll ever let another woman come close to me while I'm wearing it. I won't let another scent contaminate this symbol of your love for me." Yet, a bold lipstick mark was smeared across the embroidery, making the words almost unreadable. I could almost see Molly smugly smirking at me from behind the lipstick stain. … And then, today. On our fifth mate bond anniversary, I got a call from Jakob while I was at the restaurant. "Honey, I'm setting up a surprise for you, so I can't make it to our candlelight dinner. As an apology, how about some fireworks?" And with that, he hung up. Two minutes later, my screen lit up. It was another message from his account. My heart skipped, and I tapped open the photo with my last shred of faith. In the photo, candlelight lit up Jakob's face. Flowers and a bottle of red wine were placed on the table. It was like a perfect romantic date. But the woman sitting across from him wasn't me. It was Molly. Then, another provocative message. I closed my eyes to hide my tears. I didn't want anyone to see how fragile I was, as if I was still that dignified and strong Luna. I couldn't understand how Jakob could declare his love for me publicly while still being with Molly at the same time. Was this really the kind of love the world envied? Chapter 2 I ignored Jakob's open announcement of his love for me on social media and went home. Then, I asked a maid for a pair of scissors. Then, I pulled out the matching custom-designed shirt I had made and cut it into shreds. The sound of the fabric being torn apart was soft, but they seemed to have left slices on my heart. Then, I picked up the shredded fabric and placed our ring into a box labeled "Second Mate Bond Gift." I meant to give this box to Jakob on the day I was going to leave. Maybe he would be thrilled when he received it. Or maybe excited, happy… But he didn't know that I was also returning all my shattered tenderness and love to him. Once I had tucked the box away, I ran into Jakob who came back home. He smiled at me fondly as he took my hand and led me outside. "Honey! The surprise I planned for you is here! Come see it!" Once outside, a massive pink gift box greeted me. Jakob snapped his fingers, and the box automatically opened. As a flurry of balloons and confetti burst into the sky, a pink Bugatti caught my eye. Two domestic helpers quickly raised a banner that read, "For my beloved Luna, Cynthia." Crowds gathered again as he presented his gift in such an extravagant manner, all of them sighing with envy. Jakob then handed me the keys, his eyes brimming with love. "Cynthia, didn't you say the seat in your car is a little uncomfortable? I remembered it, so I chose a new car for you. As your Alpha, I'll give you everything you want." Just when I was about to accept his gift as I drowned myself in his eyes filled with burning passion, I suddenly saw a bracelet that I had never seen before around his wrist. It was something any woman could recognize. A bracelet made of a lace bra strap. My hand froze, and I felt my stomach churning. Jakob noticed the change in my expression and asked worryingly, "What's wrong, Cynthia? You don't want this car? You didn't like the color?" I shook my head and took the car keys, my voice trembling. "No… It's a wonderful car." But I never wanted a car. I wanted Jakob. He obviously sighed in relief, thinking that I was probably just too touched. Back in our bedroom, Jakob noticed a gift box on my dressing table. He wanted to see what it was, but I stepped in front of him. Jakob held my hands and said, "You prepared a surprise for me too, didn't you?" I pursed my lips then said with a fake smile, "Of course. You know how I'll always treat others with kindness when they treat me well. But you can't open it yet. I'll give it to you and another gift seven days later. I'm sure you'll love it." Jakob's eyes sparkled. He hugged me tightly and asked happily, "A double surprise? Is there a special day seven days from now? Why can't I remember?" He thought for a moment before walking out of the bedroom and calling the butler after a moment of realization. "I almost forgot! Cynthia's birthday is seven days from now! Sebastian, prepare a grand birthday celebration. That's right, bigger than last year. I won't be cheap with my Luna." When Jakob was making the call, he didn't realize that I was staring at him from the bedroom doorway, my eyes colder than ever. He had never forgotten about my birthday during the seven years we were together. The moment Molly returned, he forgot it completely. Everything in this world was fair. Since Jakob didn't come for the dinner I had painstakingly planned, I would be absent from the birthday party he was preparing for me. I wonder what kind of expression he would have later on? I lowered my eyes and texted Mia. "Which floor of which hotel is the birthday banquet that Jakob was planning? Have someone set up Molly's bonding ceremony directly above it." "Understood, Luna." Jakob was still calling the butler when I overheard the butler remind him, saying, "Alpha, remember that today is your mate bond anniversary with your Luna. You must take Luna to have dessert at the Dessert Oasis. The Luna will be sad if you don't. "Ah, right. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me. Help me reserve Cynthia's favorite dessert. I'll take her there right now." I heard all of it clearly. Jakob helped me put my coat on. "Cynthia, let's go have dessert. I've already made a reservation. We can eat as soon as we get there." The Dessert Oasis had been my favorite since my school days. It was also where Jakob and I first met. That was why Jakob would take me there for dessert during every anniversary. To thank the Moon Goddess for bringing us together. He had said that this was the day he treasured the most. It was the day when fate turned for him. It was a place he would never forget. He would book this place one week in advance and even arrange the plating as he chose my favorite pieces of dessert. But now, he only remembered this because the butler told him. My heart turned ice-cold after that. What I once treasured had just become another line on his schedule. And what about me? What was I to him? It only strengthened my resolve to leave. After all, I prefer to walk away with some dignity left rather than becoming a Luna in name only. Soon, Jakob helped me out of a luxury car like a gentleman. As Alpha and Luna of the Blackflame Pack, many recognized us. All of them started to look at us excitedly. "Oh, gods! That's the Alpha who spoils his Luna? I think I see them!" "They look like a perfect match for each other! I heard that Alpha Jakob will take his Luna to where they first met for dessert every anniversary! It's true! This is so romantic!" Jakob covered for me as we walked toward the Dessert Oasis. Then he noticed a small speck of dust on the tip of my high heels. He then crouched down in front of everyone and wiped the dust off with his handkerchief. The crowd cheered as they looked at what he did. Some of the bolder werewolves even came to offer us their blessings. "Alpha Jakob, you have only ever knelt before your wife as a ruler of your empire. You two are the most loving mates I have ever seen. I wish you everlasting love!" Their blessings felt like knives cutting across my heart. I looked at the man kneeling before me with a blank expression before giving the crowd a distant, polite smile. Jakob and I entered Dessert Oasis and sat where we would usually sit. He then turned to the owner and asked, "Are the desserts ready? Blueberry layers, light cream. That is what Cynthia likes." "It's already ready. It's your fifth mate bond anniversary, isn't it?" The shop owner has a deep impression of us. She told us she had been telling everyone that since today was our anniversary, we would come eventually despite being so late at night due to how well our relationship was. Indeed, we came. The owner then brought the dessert over and asked us, full of compassion, "You've been together for five years and yet your love is still so deep. When are you planning to have a child?" Jakob looked at me affectionately and he couldn't even stop himself from smiling. "We'll let nature take its course. Maybe this year. Cynthia is so pretty, our baby will definitely be adorable. I can't wait to hold them already." I lowered my eyes and looked at the dessert in front of me. I couldn't even fake my smile anymore. Chapter 3 Jakob had only cut the dessert halfway through when he suddenly received a call. He whispered something to the other side before telling me that his car that was parked outside had been scratched. He wanted to take a look. Jakob frowned, looking genuinely troubled. "Go ahead and eat, Cynthia. I'll look at the car. I'll be quick. You can order a drink too, but don't drink anything cold or alcoholic though. Your cycle is coming in three days and I don't want to see you suffer, alright?" His words made the nearby customers in the dessert shop envious. "Alpha Jakob is so considerate! He even remembers his Luna's cycle!" "I can't imagine it. If I were Cynthia, how happy would I be?" The shop owner gave me a warm smile and said, "You're so lucky to be with a man who cherishes and is loyal to you, Luna Cynthia. That is something very rare." I smiled bitterly. "True. It's very rare." So rare, in fact, that this so-called legendary love that everyone envied was just a performance. So rare that in fact, I had never actually found it. I didn't want to continue this topic, so I turned my head and looked out the window. Jakob quickly walked out of the dessert shop and passed by the luxury car we'd come in and climbed into another pink Ferrari parked next to it. The car looked familiar. If I wasn't mistaken, Molly arrived at the last gathering in that car. I heard it was a welcome-home gift from Jakob that was worth several million dollars. It was around the same price as my Bugatti. Jakob was such a master of balancing acts. Molly and I. First love and mate. He didn't want to offend either. He kept everything between us delicately balanced. I couldn't see what was happening inside the car, but that familiar number sent another provoking text to me again. I didn't even need to unlock my phone. I already know that Jakob and Molly had yet again slipped into another private and intimate moment. With my hands trembling, I shoved my phone into the bottom of my bag. I looked at the dessert in front of me that was losing its freshness, and I could feel my stomach twist in dull pain. A heart wouldn't break with a loud bang. Instead, it would quietly splinter into countless pieces. The wolf within me growled. Angry, confused, disbelief, all mixed. But I forced it back inside. When I came to, I realized I had already destroyed the words written using chocolate on my cake with my fork. "Happy 5th Mate Bond Anniversary", all messed up. Half an hour later, Jakob finally returned. He looked at the cake that had barely been touched and my pale face before quickly asking in concern. "What is it, honey? You don't look well. Are you feeling sick? Should I take you to the healer?" His voice was full of concern, but I looked away. I couldn't bear to look at the face I once loved. "I ran into something disgusting. I lost my appetite," I answered. "What happened? Do you need me to deal with it?" Jakob asked, becoming even more anxious. I looked at him with tears welling up in my eyes. "You wouldn't want to know." Because the one who needed to be dealt with was him. Jakob couldn't understand why I was so upset. He wanted to give me a hug, but I moved away. I wiped my tears and walked straight out of the Dessert Oasis, hailing for a cab to go home. Jakob was still showing behind me. "Where are you going, Cynthia? Wait for me!" He then chased after me in his luxury car. Right behind him was the pink Ferrari. How laughable. We were like characters playing in a tragic comedy. As soon as I got out of the cab once I was home, I fell right into Jakob's arms. I struggled to break free, but he clung to me and refused to let go. He anxiously asked, "Why are you angry, Cynthia? Is it because I didn't stay and eat dessert with you when I went to check on my scratched car? I stopped struggling and looked him dead in the eyes. I saw the worry, the guilt, but there was no shame at all. He still didn't think he did anything wrong. I gave him a bitter smile. "That's right. Only because you didn't eat the cake with me." Jakob let out a sigh of relief. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have left you alone because of a car. Next time, I'll stay with you even if my car is totaled next time." Then, he carefully took my hand and asked, "I just received news that something happened to a business partner of mine and I need to check up on him. Is it alright if I leave you for a while?" He was willing to make such an elaborate lie just for Molly? I pushed his hand and calmly said, "Go, then. If your business partner is really that important." He kissed me with joy. "It's a blessing to have a she-wolf like you to be my Luna, Cynthia." I endured the pain in my heart. 'But Jakob, you're not my blessing.' Chapter 4 I walked into the villa and looked out the window, toward the parking lot not far away. Molly's pink Ferrari had already driven away. Even the smoke it left behind felt like a sneer. I took out my phone and called my mother. "Mom, I'm coming back to the Palemoon Pack in seven days. I want to see you and Dad." My mom immediately felt the tremble in my voice from the other side. She anxiously asked, "Cynthia, are you coming back alone or with Jakob?" I said with a hoarse voice. "I'm coming home alone." I could hear my mother's silence. She quickly understood what I meant from what I hadn't said. She suppressed her fury and worry and did her best to console me. "Don't be upset. I'll pick you up." I whispered okay, and tears finally rolled down my cheeks. Later that night, Jakob finally came home. He woke me up with his burning kiss. He was all drunk and kissed me again and again as he held my face. Perhaps he was still uneasy about the anger yesterday, so he kept on whispering words of love into my ears. "I love you so much, honey. "You can be angry at me. You can hit me, yell at me. But don't leave me, alright? "Don't worry, I swear I'll treat you well for the rest of my life." I said nothing and simply stared at Jakob in silence. He was so drunk that he forgot to clean the lipstick stain on his neck. I didn't know how he managed to escape the mate bond's punishment, but I could feel it. His love for me at this moment was real. I couldn't understand it. If he loved me, why did he treat me like this? When I woke up in the morning, Jakob had already picked out my clothes. He squeezed some toothpaste onto my toothbrush. He even tied my braids himself. However, when we were at breakfast, he once again gave me an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, Cynthia. I won't be home tonight. There's a gathering I need to attend in the pack." My hand holding the fork paused mid-air. I knew he was going to accompany Molly again. I couldn't even be bothered to expose him. I simply said the same word I always did again. "Sure." Coincidentally, my best friend Tessa invited me for tea in the afternoon. I needed the distraction too, so I went to the cafe. I had just barely sat down when Tessa patted my arm excitedly. "Look, Cynthia? Isn't that Alpha Jakob? Why is he standing in front of a bridal studio? Is he going to give you another surprise? Maybe shooting you in a new wedding gown?" I looked outside, and I just realized this cafe was right next to a bridal photo studio. Before I could even respond, a seductive she-wolf wrapped her arm around Jakob's and walked inside with him. The studio's employee was so loud that we could even hear it from our table. "You two are finally here? The bridal shoot setup you booked is already ready. By the way, you two look absolutely perfect together!" Tessa's laughter stopped abruptly. Then, she saw me looking at what was happening with indifference. Tessa slammed the table and angrily yelled, "What's going on?! Who's that woman next to Jakob?! He wants to take wedding photos with someone else. This is ridiculous!" I sighed and then told Tessa everything about Jakob and Molly that had happened lately. Then I showed Molly's provocative messages and pointed to the bridal shop, my voice shaking. "Look at it yourself, Tessa. It's Molly's birthday today. That's why Jakob is taking wedding photos with her." Inside the bridal studio, Jakob was adjusting Molly's cuff with care. His expression was gentle, as if he were touching something priceless. Tessa clenched her jaw. "I can't take it anymore! I'm going over to splash this cup of coffee on their faces!" Tessa had always had a temper. She picked up the hot coffee and wanted to walk over, but I stopped her first. "Wait, Tessa. Don't alert them. I want to see what they'll do next." Half an hour later, Jakob and Molly walked out of the bridal studio. Jakob was wearing a black suit, sharp and majestic. Molly was wearing a white gown, showing her slender waist. Jakob's name was even intentionally tattooed across her collarbone. They got into a luxury car hand in hand and headed straight for the lake in the countryside. The photography crew had been waiting for a long time. A barrier had already been set up, so no other werewolves could interrupt them. However, Jakob's barrier never blocked me. He would never expect that I was standing behind a tree, watching him and Molly having a wedding photoshoot. The photographer approached and smiled fawningly. "You two are so good-looking, as if you're from a painting." Molly held Jakob's arm with a smile. "Well, I have great taste and chose the best man I can see." The photographer then said, "I'd like to use your wedding photos to advertise our shop if that's-" Before the photographer could even finish, Jakob quickly cut him off. "No." The photographer was startled before he apologized, "Alright, sure. I understand." Molly's expression darkened. During the rest of the shoot, she kept on saying that the weather was too cold and asked Jakob to help her put on his coat. Then she said she was not in a good enough mood, wanting Jakob to hold her up so she could find her joy. Jakob was also patient with her. "How about now? Do you need me to do anything else? Just tell me if you want anything." For the last shot, Jakob dropped down on one knee. Even the night wind became still as all eyes turned to him. Then, under Molly's shocking gaze, he pulled out a bouquet of red roses. There was a ring in the center of the roses. "You kept on saying that wearing the wedding gown is just a dream of yours. While you said you didn't need a proposal, I don't want you to have any regrets. Molly, will you take this ring?" Molly was stunned, then tears welled in her eyes as she screamed, "Yes! Yes, I will!" Cheers surrounded them. "Marriage! Marriage!" Meanwhile, I glared at what was happening from my car behind the tree, feeling a chill in my soul. Chapter 5 Five years ago, when Jakob had proposed to me, he had looked at me with those same devoted eyes. I still remembered he was also wearing the same sharp black suit, holding a bouquet of blue roses. He then proposed with a ring that was one-of-a-kind in the world. He was even teary-eyed when he proposed to me. "Cynthia, I swear I'll only love you. I'll take care of you. No other woman will ever find a place in my heart. So, please. Bond with me and be my mate, alright?" I let out a bitter laugh. Then, I broke into tears halfway through. Everything was a lie. The vow was a lie. Taking care of me was also a lie. Even love could change… Tessa couldn't bear to look at me as she gently wiped the tears from my face. "They're gone, Cynthia. Should we still follow them?" I shook my head. "Let's go." "I didn't want to stay here for another second. Tessa originally wanted to send me home, but I refused her. "It's fine. I know you're worried about me, but my mind's a mess. I need some time alone." Tessa didn't console me anymore. She knew how I felt. Once she left, I wandered the streets without aim. It was during deep winter and the temperature had dropped below freezing. I had only come out wearing a light coat. But compared to the chill I'm feeling on my flesh, my heart was even colder. I didn't know how long I'd walked before my phone buzzed again. It was from Jakob's account. I tapped them open. Three sweet wedding photos entered my eyes, almost blinding me. One was when they got out of a car. Jakob was holding up the skirt of Molly's wedding gown as she smiled smugly. Another one was when Molly was in Jakob's arms. The two of them were intimately close together. The final one was when Jakob went down on one knee, holding out a dazzling diamond ring. Molly texted, "We took our wedding photos today, and he even prepared a ring for the proposal. I was so touched. He even came and met my parents. They were very happy with Jakob. Other than being unable to form a mate bond, we had already completed all the procedures. To be honest, I don't mind you being a Luna. Since he'll just throw you aside and always come to me. Just you wait." Molly's sneers were like blades, stabbing straight into my heart. I froze, unable to respond. After a long while, I finally forwarded the photos and chat record to Mia, along with a message, "Show these at their wedding." Then I switched my phone off as I walked on the streets with my mind clouded. My mind was so consumed with everything that had happened that I couldn't even move when I finally realized a car had lost control and came right at me. There was an explosion of pain. And then, only darkness remained. I didn't know how long it had passed. When I once again opened my eyes, all I could smell was the sharp smell of antiseptic typical of medical settings. Jakob was slouching over the hospital bed, gripping my hand. He instantly noticed when I stirred. He looked at me with frantic eyes, filled with fear and regret. "You're finally awake, Cynthia! Do you feel pain anywhere? Should I call the healers? I'm so scared…" I turned my head slightly, my eyes falling on Jakob. His clothes were all wrinkled and his eyes were red. It was obvious that he had been staying by my side for a long time. His pain was also genuine, like he wished he were the one suffering the injuries and not me. But all I felt was disgust. When I looked at his face, I was reminded of him taking those wedding photos with Molly. 'Jakob… Which is the real you? I can't trust you anymore.' Chapter 6 "Why aren't you saying anything? Are you feeling pain anywhere? I'll get the healer right away!" Jakob immediately got up, but I stopped him. I asked him in a hoarse voice, "Why are you here?" Jakob was stunned by my question. When the healer called, he was dining with Molly and her parents. When he heard about my accident, he didn't hesitate when he rushed over, leaving Molly and her family behind. Thankfully, my wolf was quite powerful, and most of my injuries were healed, so I was mostly fine. He then said, "I was having dinner with my business partners. We were finalizing details for a big project, but when the healer called me about the accident, I came right away." I repeated parts of his sentence. "Dinner with your business partners?" Jakob held my hands up to his cheek, as if trying to show his vulnerable side. "That's right. Business talks are quite exhausting." Another lie. I closed my eyes slowly and didn't offer him any comforting words. Jakob accompanied me, but his phone suddenly started ringing. He decisively hung up the call, but the other side kept on calling. The caller didn't seem to want to give up. Jakob had no choice but to switch it to silent mode and started typing away with his head low. A minute later, he excitedly switched off the phone and made up an excuse before leaving the private room. It was long when Tessa walked in with a dark expression. "Cynthia, guess who I ran into on my way here?" It was such a simple question. I sighed. "Jakob?" Tessa furiously said, "He left you alone and went out after what happened? I quietly followed him and noticed that he and Molly went to the gynecology department. Jakob was practically grinning when Molly received her pregnancy report!" I looked down with a thought in my mind, but my expression didn't show any hint of being upset. "I see. Molly's with pup?" Tessa looked at me carefully. She felt something was off with my reaction. "Aren't you upset? You don't have to act strong in front of me." I revealed a pale smile. "No… There's something you don't know. Jakob has a genetic condition. The best healer once told me he could never have his own pup." Three years ago, Jakob and I tried our best for one entire year. I thought I was the problem, so I secretly went for tests at the hospital. The result was that Jakob had a congenital infertility disorder. I couldn't sleep that night. I couldn't accept that I'd never have my pup. I even hid this truth on Jakob's behalf. Telling the outside world that I was the one with the problem, and I could only have my own pup after long-term treatment. All because I was worried that Jakob's dignity and reputation would be ruined. But now, after seeing Jakob being so excited for a pup that wasn't his, it made all my effort to hide this for him feel meaningless. "What?! That's huge news!" Teresa almost jumped out of her seat after hearing what I had to say. Then, her eyes narrowed as she came up with an idea. "Let's see here. You're going back to the Palemoon Pack in five days, so we'll pretend we don't know about the pregnancy. Once the baby is born, we'll send Jakob his own infertility report. He will be so regretful he'll go insane." The next day, Jakob didn't show up at the hospital. Mia came to my private room. After she reported to me about the preparation for the wedding, she was hesitant about mentioning something else. I frowned. "Tell me what you have in mind." Mia then whispered, "When I went to the villa this afternoon to take some files, I saw Molly walking out of the bedroom in your sleepwear. Luna, you've always been kind to me. I simply can't ignore this. That's why I want to tell you about this first." I felt utterly crushed. I was still in the hospital, and Molly couldn't wait anymore and moved into the bedroom that Jakob and I shared? No wonder Jakob told me to inform him before being discharged, so he could pick me up. I gritted my teeth, and my throat almost closed up. I could hear the ragged sounds of my breathing. "Thanks. I understand." Chapter 7 Three days before my departure, Jakob came to visit me early with a flask of chicken soup. "I asked the chef to make it. It's made the way you like it. Have a taste." I didn't refuse and ate the soup slowly. He simply watched me with a smile as he waited at the side, as if the sight of me eating was enough to make him happy. But I knew it was all fake. After he left, I pulled out a memory sphere that I had asked Mia to buy for me from a sorcerer. Then, I watched what had happened at the villa. In the living room, Molly was complaining about wanting to go shopping. It was raining, and the roads were slippery. Jakob, worried that she would fall and hurt the pup, simply contacted all the shops selling luxury branded goods to come to the villa to let Molly choose. He even had a shop selling pup clothing to bring over their collection for newborn pups. I stopped crying. Tears had little value. It was worth so little that it couldn't change anything. I quietly wondered how the alpha that I used to trust wholeheartedly had become someone like a stranger. I could barely recognize him now. That night, the pack elder, Elder Sam, came to my private room in the hospital. "Luna Cynthia, your mate bond termination request will take effect soon. Are you leaving the Blackflame Pack?" "I'm sorry, but I've already decided. If you miss me, you can always find me at the Palemoon Pack." Elder Sam sighed and looked at me with sadness. "I'm deeply saddened that you're leaving. As a goodbye gift, I've asked for the help of the sorcerer to ensure you and Alpha Jakob feel no pain when your mate bond is severed. "Cynthia, it's not that you're not good enough. Instead, you're the best. So much so that people simply take and forget that you need to be cherished, too." "Thanks," I said as I looked at the mate bond termination agreement. Then, I turned to Mia and said, "Make a copy of this and put it in a gift box labelled as 'Second Mate Bond Gift'." It was time for this seven-year bond of torment with Jakob to end. Two days before my departure, Jakob showed up with a bouquet of sunflowers and a charm that supposedly cost a million dollars. I was recovering well, and he personally helped me put on the charm with a bright smile on his face. "I've asked the healer. You can be discharged tomorrow. I got this protection charm just for you. It'll keep you safe." I looked at the charm around my neck coldly, and my fingers slowly brushed over the engravings. I knew this was another lie. Last night, Molly's belly was in pain. So, Jakob sent Molly to the hospital and asked for a pup protection charm. As for my protection charm, it was just an afterthought as he bought it from the sorcerer. I adjusted the charm so that it would be far from my heart. Just like how Jakob was no longer close to my heart. After Jakob left, Mia came to make her report. "Luna, the wedding invitations are all ready. After you leave, I'll have the others send the invitations on Molly's behalf." She paused and then said in hesitation, "Alpha Jakob had just bought the villa behind yours for a very high price." I frowned. "Wasn't there someone living in that villa at all times?" "That's right, Luna. But Alpha Jakob paid a fortune to get the family to leave. I heard that Molly's name was the only name on the property deed. It is a gift for her pregnancy." I pressed my lips, my heart hurt so much it was numbing, but my expression remained calm. Jakob was preparing to secretly dote on Molly so that she could live a life of luxury just like a Luna. I should have known. He had never been mine alone, just like he promised. That evening, I watched through the memory sphere as Molly unwillingly ordered her maids to pack up her things to move into the new villa at the back. And then, it was the last day before I left Jakob. Jakob came to pick me up early in the morning. He buckled my seatbelt and smiled, "Today's your birthday, Cynthia. I've arranged everything. The party starts at seven. Remember to invite your friends." I nodded. "Sure." The car rolled into the neighborhood. After four days, I was finally back home. Everything looked the same, as if Molly had never lived here. But when I walked into the master bedroom, I noticed that there was lipstick on my dressing table. It had been used. The lipstick that was intentionally left behind was like a statement. I should have felt anger, disappointment, and pain. But nothing. There was only silence. Even my wolf couldn't make any excuses for this bond anymore. I didn't stay long in the master bedroom when a servant called me down for my meal. At the table, Jakob peeled a fruit and held it to my mouth. He was so gentle, affectionate… Just like he had been with Molly, two days ago. I chewed slowly and saw the softness in his eyes. I suddenly asked, "If… Just if… If I leave you one day, will you feel sad?" Jakob's hand shook and the fruit dropped on the table. Then, he turned to me sharply, his voice filled with anxiety. "How can you even say that, honey? Sad? I'll go crazy! Just hearing the world leave makes me feel like my heart is being ripped out." He then held my hand tightly, like he was afraid I would really disappear. At that moment, I had to admit. I hesitated. His words were so moving, so sincere. My thoughts of leaving were stopped when he said he would go crazy. However, his phone played a tone in the few moments I hesitated. I looked. It was a message from Molly. "My vagina is bleeding! It hurts! Honey, is our pup going to be okay?" There was a flash of panic in Jakob's eyes as he immediately stood up. "Cynthia, there's something wrong with the party setup. I'll head on over to handle it. I'll pick you up for the party later. He turned to leave, but I suddenly grabbed his hand. Then, I gave him a faint smile. "Goodbye, Jakob." He suddenly turned and looked at me. But before he could say anything, I had already let go. Something inside Jakob jolted. In the past, his reflection was the only one that filled my eyes. But there was only silence in my eyes now. He wasn't even sure when it started. "Cynthia, just wait…" Jakob wanted to say something again, but his phone rang. Jakob frowned and hesitated. In the end, he chose to turn and leave. I watched him leave, and I thought, 'No. No more waiting.' I went to the master bedroom, grabbed all my documents, and tossed the protective charm into the bin. Then, I called Mia. "Jakob is away with Molly. I'm leaving the pack now. Once I leave the Blackflame Pack, proceed as planned." "Understood." An hour later, I had crossed the Blackflame Pack's border. Then, I sent my parents my location. I then texted Jakob. [I prepared two gifts for you tonight. I hope you like them.] Jakob immediately replied, [I'm so excited! I'm still finalizing the party setup. I'll personally see that they prepare the perfect birthday banquet for you. Give me a minute. I'll come pick you up soon.] I shook my head. Then, I replied, [No need. I'll go to the hotel myself.] But I wouldn't go, of course. I pulled out the SIM card and tossed it into the bin. I had destroyed every way he could contact me. Goodbye, Jakob. From this moment onward, you would never see me again.