Chapter 3

Elaine POV

I didn't return home until dusk.

The enormous villa was empty and hollow, with only a single lonely lamp lit in the entrance hall. I practically dragged myself onto the sofa, my gaze sweeping over the art pieces and books we'd chosen together throughout the house. My heart felt crushed by a giant boulder, each beat pulling out clear and sharp pain.

I raised my hand to rub my temples, forcing myself to get up and walk to the bookshelf.

That first out-of-print art book we found together. He had laughed and praised my impeccable taste.

The art history book full of our notes. He'd held my waist and promised we'd visit every museum in the world.

And the poetry collection he'd hunted everywhere for me. On the title page, in his elegant script:

"To my beloved Elaine, my one and only."

...

I pulled out one of the books and opened it.

Then, I tore out every word he had written, page by page, until it was shredded.

The sound of tearing paper was especially clear in the empty living room. All through the night, I mechanically repeated the same motion, bit by bit completely severing the thoughts, passions, and souls we once shared.

By dawn, my arms were numb, my fingertips had lost all feeling.

And Sebastian never came home.

Today was supposed to be our wedding anniversary.

At midnight on our anniversary, Sebastian's social media updated right on schedule.

It was a video he had personally edited, recording all the moments of our five years together, with a deeply emotional caption.

The comments were full of envious voices.

The outdoor screen in the pack territory plaza was also playing that video on loop.

The lawn outside the villa had been transformed into a sea of roses at some point.

In the center of the rose garden sat a drone, carrying a huge gift box containing a set of limited edition art supplies I'd been wanting forever.

Through the speaker system, his deep magnetic voice played on repeat.

"Elaine, happy anniversary. I love you, just as I did in the beginning."

I expressionlessly pulled the curtains shut, burying myself under the covers, shutting out the world's noise.

Before long, his call came through, his tone full of apology. "Sweetheart, I need to discuss some cooperation with another pack's alpha, I can't make it back today. When I return, I'll make it up to you with an even grander anniversary celebration."

Listening to his flawless lies, I suddenly laughed, though my laughter trembled slightly. "It's fine, you're busy."

"Sweetheart, you're upset." He keenly sensed my emotions. "You don't like the surprise I prepared? Don't be angry, I'll make it up to you double in a few days."

"No, work is important." My tone was calm. "I'm a bit tired, I want to sleep."

I hung up the phone and curled up, desperately suppressing the pain in my chest.

I don't know how much time passed before the bedroom door was suddenly thrown open, a blinding beam of light flooding in.

Backlit, I saw Sebastian standing in the doorway, panic all over his face.

His hair was disheveled, his face pale, those deep eyes filled with fear and relief.

Perhaps because he sensed something wrong with my emotions and couldn't reach me no matter what, he had actually used his private jet to rush back.

The moment he saw me, he practically rushed over, pulling me tightly into his arms, his voice hoarse and choked. "Thank god you're alright! Sweetheart, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..."

His eyes were red, his body trembling uncontrollably. "I'll never leave you alone again. When you didn't answer my calls, my whole world collapsed."

"Nothing is more important than you. I came back to be with you."

I said nothing.

He assumed I was still angry, kneeling on one knee by the bed, coaxing me in a low voice. "Elaine, promise me, never ignore my calls again, never ignore me. I'll truly go insane."

His nervousness and fear didn't seem fake.

He did love me.

But was this love from possessiveness over his fated mate, or was it genuine?

"You came back so quickly." I forced a smile, speaking softly.

His expression changed slightly, a flash of guilt in his eyes, and he immediately changed the subject. "Sweetheart, you haven't eaten all day, have you? I'll take you to the restaurant, I made your favorites."

"I'm not going." I shook my head.

He was clearly flustered. "Then rest, I'll go downstairs and cook."

"Okay." I nodded coldly, turning over with my back to him.

He thought I was still sulking, took a deep breath, and left the room.

The moment the door closed, I lay with my eyes open, staring into the darkness, my heart a wasteland.