Chapter 2

Emma Wilson POV

Perhaps it was the last shred of hope I still held for him, but I simply couldn't believe that James would truly propose to another woman.

Even less could I believe that the woman he was going to propose to was my half-sister.

In the end, I still went to the Packhouse where the celebration was being held.

It was easy for me to avoid anyone who might recognize me.

I sprayed myself with perfume to mask my scent and changed into a maid's uniform.

The banquet hall was crowded.

James was wearing the outfit I'd picked out for him that morning. He stood tall, chatting effortlessly, his eyes sparkling with renewed ambition.

Olivia wore a shimmering silver mermaid-cut gown, her makeup exquisite and tasteful, one hand held firmly by James.

The two walked in side-by-side from the entrance, heading towards the center of the venue under everyone's gaze.

My eyes fixated on Olivia.

A distinct, dark red hickey was visible on her neck, just above her collarbone.

And on the ring finger of the hand James was holding, a diamond ring sparkled, reflecting dazzling light under the chandeliers.

James raised his glass and began to speak.

"Welcome, all of you, to witness the return of the Mooncrest Pack. Four years ago, our Pack was invaded, my father was killed, and we lost everything. But today, we have not only successfully avenged ourselves and reclaimed what is ours."

He paused, his gaze turning to Olivia beside him, his voice filled with unprecedented solemnity.

"I have also found my fated mate."

He took her hand, raising it high so everyone could see the ring on her finger.

"Her name is Olivia Parker." He looked at the woman beside him, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Without her, perhaps I wouldn't be standing here today."

The entire hall erupted in enthusiastic applause and cheers, people raising their glasses in congratulation.

"Congratulations, Alpha Anderson!"

"A fated mate! How wonderful!"

I stood in the shadows, watching the couple embrace, watching them accept the blessings and adoration of the crowd. My nails dug deep into my palms, but I felt no pain.

So, all this time, for four years, Olivia was the most important person to him, and without her, there would be no James today?

What about me? What did all my years of companionship and sacrifice count for?

A foolish joke?

I tried to smile, but the curve of my lips was purely bitter.

I didn't rush out, didn't make a scene to disrupt the meticulously planned proposal ceremony. Instead, I quietly turned and left the ceremony that wasn't mine.

The April night wind felt chilling.

I walked aimlessly through the town streets, like a ghost.

After an unknown amount of time, a wedding dress shop display caught my eye.

The pristine white wedding gowns on the mannequins looked like an unreal dream under the warm yellow lights.

The floodgates of memory suddenly opened. I remembered one of our most desperate times, when James and I passed a high-end bridal shop, and I couldn't help but glance at the dresses.

James noticed my longing for a wedding gown, squeezed my hand tightly, and said, "Emma, I'm sorry, I can't give you anything right now. But someday, I'll personally buy you a unique wedding dress and make you the most beautiful, happiest bride in the world."

At that moment, the light in his eyes was so bright and genuine.

So I believed him, and I was willing to sacrifice everything for it.

But now, he had put a ring he personally designed on another woman's finger.

Yes, he only said he would buy me a unique wedding dress and make me the happiest bride, but he never said he would make me his most beautiful bride.

An uncontrollable ache bloomed in my chest again, tears blurring my vision.

My trust in him had become a colossal joke.

Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket.

It was an unsaved number, but one I knew well.

I intended to hang up, but the moment my finger touched the screen, I hesitated.

Then, I took a deep breath, masking my emotions, and answered, "Hello?"

"Ms. Wilson, I apologize for calling so late, but we genuinely admire your abilities. Our Alpha sincerely invites you to join us, and he said he would agree to any conditions you propose. Are you truly not reconsidering?"

This wasn't the first time they'd called, extending an offer.

This time, I suddenly no longer wanted to refuse them for James's sake.

I was silent for a moment. "Alright, I accept your offer to join you."

The person on the other end was clearly surprised by my decisiveness this time. "Really?"

"Give me some time to handle things on my end."