CHAPTER TWO

VIVIAN

"Mom? Dad? Wendy?" My voice cracked as I called out, surprised and relieved to see my family stepping in.

My mom looked like a raging bull. She locked her gaze on Ronald and Jessica like she wanted to rip them apart piece by piece.

That fierce, protective side of her never failed to surface when I was hurt. But I was terrified. Ronald was the Alpha. He had the authority to punish anyone who dared to disrespect him, even my mother.

"Mom, he’s an Alpha. Don’t look at him that way. Please," I whispered, after rushing to her side and wrapping my arms around her.

"Did he hurt you?" She asked. I didn’t answer, but the sob that escaped me was answer enough.

My sister, Wendy, bolted to my side, brushing away my tears like she was determined to erase the pain with every swipe.

"Did you hit my daughter?" My dad’s voice boomed across the room. His eyes locked on Ronald with a fury that could ignite a forest fire.

Oh shit.

Ronald’s Alpha authority wouldn’t take kindly to such insolence. Fear twisted in my gut. The last thing I wanted was for my family to bear the brunt of my failed marriage.

"Let’s go home. Please," I said, pulling away from my mom. My voice trembled, but I tried to sound firm. "I’ll explain everything there."

Mom shook her head and her stubborn determination remained. "No. Not until this…this asshole understands the consequences of breaking my daughter’s heart."

Ronald surprisingly remained composed. He leaned casually against the doorframe and his lips curled into a smirk.

"We just got divorced," he announced as if it were an ordinary business transaction.

My dad's face turned white as snow. Instead of outrage, a surprising reaction followed—my mom and Wendy pumped their fists in the air like they’d just hit the jackpot.

"HOORAY!" Mom exclaimed. Her grin was so wide it could split her face. "Sweetheart, he never deserved you. Not in a million years."

Wendy crossed her arms, glaring at Ronald with unmasked hate. "You think we didn’t know? I’ve caught him cheating on you more times than I care to count. Including today. But we kept quiet because we knew how much you loved him."

My dad stepped forward, and his voice sounded colder than ice. "We came here today to tell you everything and convince you to leave him. But it looks like the trash took itself out."

My jaw dropped. What were they doing? Were they trying to provoke him and get themselves punished? I glanced at Ronald and Jessica, expecting rage, but instead, they just stood there, stunned into silence.

Tears welled up again. This time, they weren’t just from heartbreak but from the overwhelming realization that my family had known all along.

My sister rushed to hug me, and her hand rubbed soothing circles on my back. "It’s okay, Viv. You’ll be fine without him. We’ve got you."

My mom turned to the maid standing awkwardly in the corner. "Pack all of Vivian’s belongings. Our driver will pick them up."

The maid nodded, casting me a pitiful look before hurrying off. Mom turned her full attention back to Ronald. Her eyes blazed with fury.

"You’ll regret this, Ronald. Mark my words," she hissed, each word cutting like a blade.

Ronald laughed, low and condescending. "Regret? The only thing I regret is being merciful enough not to punish you all for your disrespect. Consider yourselves lucky because I am in a good mood knowing I’ve finally divorced your daughter,”

Then he straightened and his smirk deepened. "I, Alpha Ronald Connor of Wandnight Pack, reject you, Vivian Miller, as my mate."

My heart shattered all over again. His words were the final blow, severing the sacred bond that had tied us together. I fought to hold back my sobs as the emptiness of our broken connection flooded me.

"I, Vivian Miller, accept your rejection," I whispered, a single tear rolling down my cheek. The mate bond snapped, leaving behind a void that nothing could fill.

Ronald’s smirk widened. "Good. Now the divorce is complete." He turned away as if I were nothing but a forgotten chapter in his life.

"Let’s go," my mom said firmly, gripping my arm. Without another word, we left, stepping into the car that waited outside. The moment we pulled away, I busted into tears, letting the pain pour out as Wendy and Mom comforted me.

---

A WEEK LATER

The days following the divorce were a blur of heartbreak and exhaustion. I’d spent so many years loving Ronald, and now, without him, I felt like a shell of myself. But life wasn't going to wait for me to grieve. I had responsibilities, and a company to run.

"You’ve got a business meeting, Viv. Time to pull yourself together," Mom’s voice called through my door.

"I’m coming," I replied, forcing a smile for her sake. She’d been my rock through it all, showering me with the kind of love and support I’d taken for granted before.

I remember when her identical twin sister, my aunt Rosemary died. The death took a huge toll on my mom and I was there for her because I knew my mom loved Aunt Rosemary with everything she had.

I guess my Mom was trying to be here for me just like I was there for her when Aunt Rosemary died.

Ever since the divorce, she had been trying her best to make me happy and I appreciated her alot. Don't get me wrong my Dad and Wendy tried too but my Mom put in the most effort.

Taking one last look in the mirror, I carried my handbag and left my room.

I stepped into the living room and grabbed my bag as Dad filled me in. "The Alpha of ScarletMoon Pack and other investors are visiting today. Make sure they leave impressed."

I nodded, nerves twisting in my stomach. The Alpha of ScarletMoon was a mysterious figure no one had ever seen, but his reputation for power and wealth preceded him. I pushed the thought aside and headed for my car.

When I arrived at the company, I barely made it through the door before bumping into someone. My bag hit the floor, spilling its contents everywhere.

"I’m so sor—" My words froze in my throat as I looked up.

Standing in front of me was a very handsome and hot man. He was beautiful because there was no way a man could be this handsome.

He was 6’1 tall with broad shoulders. His eyes, nose, and lips were all perfectly shaped and his hair was packed in a low bun adding to his unique appearance. His cognac eyes, damn I could get lost in them forever. He had a powerful and fierce aura that commanded respect.

But the smirk on his lips was the kind that screamed, I know I’m better than you.

"Cat got your tongue? Or are you still busy checking me out?" The handsome man said one of his brows raised.

Okay, that was rude.

I blinked, stunned. Not because he was wrong—I was checking him out quite alright, but because he had the nerve to talk to me like I was some starstruck fan swooning over him, I disliked him instantly. His arrogance filled the atmosphere that I was beginning to get claustrophobic.

Who the hell did think he was? Some kind of Greek god strolling off Mount Olympus to bless us mortals with his presence?

"I’m sorry for bumping into you," I said coolly, ignoring his tone as I crouched to gather my belongings.

He didn’t bother responding. Instead, he walked past me as if I were invisible. The man who was with him, and far kinder, knelt to help me. "Sorry about him. Can I help?"

"No, I’ve got it. Thank you," I said, offering him a small smile. He nodded and hurried after his companion.

I brushed off the encounter and headed to the meeting room.

But as I stepped inside, my heart nearly stopped. Sitting at the head of the table was the arrogant man from earlier. His eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, they flickered with surprise before settling back into a Stoic look.

I swallowed hard and introduced myself, but before I could begin the meeting, the door burst open. A man stormed in, ignoring my secretary’s protests.

"This company no longer belongs to you," he announced, his voice dripping with confidence.

The room fell silent.

"And who the hell are you?" I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Alpha Ronald Connor’s lawyer," he replied with a smug grin. His next words shattered my world. "The company now legally belongs to him."

“What? How?”.