Chapter 2

After an exhilarating workout with friends, we sat in the rest area drinking water.

My friends joked half-seriously, "We thought you'd forgotten about us once you got a boyfriend. We almost didn't dare invite you anymore."

I quickly apologized and promised, "I'm sorry! It won't happen again. If there's any activity, definitely invite me!"

"That's more like it! Come on, let's go sit and chat at a café."

After getting together with Leon, I'd always tried to fit into his circle, unknowingly distancing myself from my own friends.

Every day revolved around him, putting him first in everything. Looking back now, I'd been such a fool.

By the time I got home, it was almost midnight. I pushed open the bedroom door to find Leon sitting on the bed.

He frowned. "Rhea, why are you back so late? I had to order takeout for lunch and dinner. It was terrible."

I opened the closet to get clean clothes. "I ate out today too. It tasted pretty good, no worse than homemade."

Leon's eyes widened in surprise. "Didn't you used to say you'd cook for me every day from now on, that you wouldn't let me eat takeout because it's bad for my health?"

"I was wrong. Living in this era, if you can't cook, you have to get used to takeout."

Anger flashed in Leon's eyes. "And you say you're not mad! Out all day, not a single call or message, and you didn't come back to cook!"

I said calmly, "I'm really not mad. Just hanging out with friends. My phone died."

Seeing me like this, Leon suddenly threw off the covers, got out of bed angrily, grabbed me as I was about to leave, and raised his voice:

"Can you stop being so petty? I told you we're just like siblings! What exactly are you making a fuss about? Rhea, my patience has limits!"

I pulled my hand free. "I'm really not making a fuss. I'm tired. I'll sleep in the guest room tonight."

With that, I took my clothes to the bathroom, ignoring Leon's calls behind me.

That night, I finally slept soundly through the whole night.

The next morning, Leon sat in the living room with his arms crossed, his expression dark.

I knew he was waiting for me to apologize first, to make him happy.

In the past, whenever he was unhappy, whether it was my fault or not, I'd beg him humbly for forgiveness.

Then he'd make a bunch of demands, and only after I'd done everything would he reluctantly forgive me.

This had been the pattern for years. I was tired of it.

I ignored him, washed up, and left. I had important things to do today.

I found a café and made a video call home.

My father is the Alpha of Frosthowl pack. Since dating Leon, I'd moved to Shadowclaw pack to live with him, only returning to Frosthowl pack during holidays.

This time, I told my parents I was planning to return to Frosthowl pack and wouldn't be leaving again.

I saw the tears of joy in my mother's eyes.

My father was clearly relieved too, saying I should come back to help him share some of the pack responsibilities.

Frosthowl pack is located in a quiet northern town with a cold, damp climate.

Leon grew up in a warm region and never adapted to the weather there.

He'd always refused to go back with me, which is why I'd left my parents to live with him here.

That evening, I met my friends for dinner and told them the news.

Someone asked, "What about Leon?"

I was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "We... should be breaking up soon."

I used to think I'd build a family with Leon here.

But now that home no longer existed. I was going back to the home with my parents—the one that would never abandon me.

When I got home, I saw Leon wearing a white dress shirt, his hair carefully styled, holding his phone on a video call with Nora.

Nora's voice came through the phone. "Leon, you look so handsome! Even a simple white shirt looks so good on you!"

Leon laughed happily, his voice full of mirth. "Really? You always know what to say."

I stood quietly without speaking. This expensive white shirt was also a gift from me to Leon.

When Leon turned around laughing and saw me, his face immediately fell. He turned back to Nora and said, "I have to go. I'm heading out soon and will be there shortly. Eat something to tide you over first."

Leon could greet Nora with smiles and thoughtful care, but couldn't spare even a smile for me.

He glanced at me with annoyance, walked past me, changed his shoes, and left.

He was starting to give me the silent treatment again.

Over the years we'd been together, he'd often ignored me over things related to Nora.

Each time I'd been anxious, trying every way to make him happy.

But this time, I wasn't worried. I just took the groceries I'd bought and went to the kitchen to make myself a late-night snack.

I'd been too busy chatting with friends at dinner and hadn't eaten much. Now I was a bit hungry.

Over the next few days, I busied myself packing.

My belongings in the house gradually decreased. Leon didn't notice.