Chapter 3

I settled into the lakeside healing cabin in White Moon Pack.

I sat by the window wrapped in a thick blanket, my hand unconsciously resting on my abdomen.

The old housekeeper brought medicine and meals every day, never mentioning Kael or what was happening at the villa.

I was content with the peace, wanting only to completely distance myself from that place full of lies and betrayal.

On the third afternoon, the wooden door was shoved open violently.

Kael walked in with a chill, carrying several exquisite gift boxes.

"Elara, I've been looking for you for three days. So you've been hiding here."

I didn't turn around, still looking out the window: "I'm not hiding. I just don't want to see you."

He walked to my side, reaching out to touch my hair, but I dodged by tilting my head.

His hand froze in mid-air, his tone carrying a hint of grievance:

"I know you're still angry. I've already sent Lila to the European branch. I'll never let her appear before you again for the rest of my life.

I've already done this much. What more do you want?"

I finally turned my head to look at him.

His reddened eyes looked affectionate and pathetic, but I only felt extreme disgust.

Thinking about how he had held Lila with these hands, spoken sweet words to Lila with this mouth, made me nauseous.

"Kael, I don't want anything." My voice was calm. "I just want to divorce you."

The ingratiating expression on his face instantly vanished.

"Divorce? Elara, are you insane? Just because of one insignificant Omega?

I already sent her away! Are you still going to hold onto this?"

I looked into Kael's eyes and suddenly remembered long ago, when I first met him.

Back then, I met Kael at a bar and fell in love with him at first sight. I believed he was my mate, wanting to spend my life with him.

But when I learned he was Ocean Pack's Alpha, I hesitated.

Powerful Alphas always had all kinds of temptations around them. I didn't know if Kael truly loved me.

My parents respected my opinion greatly.

They said if I was unwilling, I didn't need to worry about the century-old alliance. I could take my time finding an Alpha I liked.

It was Kael who knelt before White Moon Pack's altar, swearing to the Moon Goddess.

"Elara, I, Kael, will never betray you in this lifetime."

"There will only ever be you as my partner."

"I will protect you and White Moon Pack with my life."

The vows in my ears seemed like yesterday, yet had long become the biggest joke.

"Insignificant?" I laughed. "When she was having sex with you in our marriage bed, did you think that too?

When you knelt at my feet swearing before both packs, did you think that too?"

"That's all in the past!" He slammed the table, the gift boxes tumbling to the floor from the impact.

"I told you I was just confused for a moment! The one I love has always been you!

Can't you be more magnanimous? As Ocean Pack's Luna, you should have a Luna's grace!"

"I don't have that kind of grace." I stood up, took the divorce agreement from the drawer, and threw it in front of him.

"Sign it. Let's make a clean break."

Kael's face instantly turned pale. He picked up the agreement, his fingers trembling uncontrollably:

"You had this prepared all along? You've wanted to divorce me all along, haven't you?"

"You forced me to." I looked at him, my eyes devoid of any warmth.

"From the day you betrayed me, things between us were finished."

"I don't agree!" He violently tore the agreement to shreds, his eyes bloodshot as he looked at me.

"The two packs' alliance has been bound for a century. You think you can just divorce me?

Do you want White Moon Pack and Ocean Pack to go to war?"

"That's your problem." I walked around him toward the door.

"I have countless backup copies of the agreement. In three days, I'll formally submit the divorce application. If you don't agree, we'll see each other in court."

"Elara!" He rushed over to grab me, but I dodged to the side.

"Get lost. Don't let me see you again. You disgust me."

Kael looked at my resolute eyes and finally understood I wasn't just throwing a tantrum.

He clenched his fists tightly, nails digging into his palms. Finally, he glared at me fiercely and slammed the door as he left.

The snow outside fell heavier. I leaned against the doorframe, slowly sliding to sit on the floor.

Tears finally flowed uncontrollably.