Chapter 2

Hazel’s POV

Tears streamed down my face as I realized the truth. Thalia had not only framed me for trying to kill her but had also taken my company and my mate. I was sent away when I was just 7 after my father got remarried, and then I returned later.

At first, my father was happy and wanted to make up for lost time. But Thalia started to ruin everything for me. Little by little, she pushed me away. By the time I turned 22, Thalia had told so many lies that everyone believed her. 

Thalia accused me of trying to kill her because of Adrian. No one listened to my side of the story. They sent me to jail without a second thought. They never believed me—not even once! 

My fiancé even turned against me, calling me guilty. I staggered back, feeling as if I had been hit in the stomach. How could my father betray me like this again? 

How could Adrian forget our special day and celebrate with Thalia instead? Just then, I realized Adrian had seen me, so I rushed out of the hall, tears streaming down my face.

My legs ached with pain, but I didn’t stop running. No one paid attention to me; they were too busy enjoying the party. I had no idea that Adrian was right behind me. 

Without saying a word, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back toward the main packhouse. I struggled with him, but his grip was strong. “Let go of me, Adrian! You’re hurting me!” I yelled, trying to break free. 

“Shut it,” Adrian whispered, covering my mouth with his hand to silence me. He kept pulling me until we reached the packhouse, but what I saw inside shocked me. 

The walls were covered with pictures of Thalia, and there wasn’t a single picture of me anywhere. I felt hurt and betrayed as Adrian dragged me to Thalia’s room, pushed me inside, and locked the door. 

“What are you doing here, Hazel, looking like that?” he asked, disgust filled his voice. “That’s all you can say to your mate and fiancée after three months, Adrian?” 

“Why didn’t you come get me? Today’s our anniversary! You left me in prison to be with her!” I yelled, tears streaming down my cheeks.

Adrian stayed quiet, his face blank. I couldn’t believe it as I stepped away from Adrian, the man I had loved for all these years. “Why are you limping?” Adrian asked, pointing at my leg, his voice cold. 

I was shocked; didn’t he know why I was limping? I had been beaten by other inmates since the first day in prison. They said Adrian had paid them to make me suffer. 

"Did you pay those ladies in prison to hurt me?" I asked, my voice trembling. But as usual, he ignored my question. "Stop all this now. I’ll get a maid to clean you up; you smell terrible." 

“In your eyes, only Thalia is clean, right?” Adrian's face tightened, anger flashing in his eyes. “How dare you mention her? If you hurt Thalia again, prison won’t be your only problem.”

“The party just started; come meet me downstairs. Your parents would be happy to see you." But I didn’t care about the party or my parents right now. I wanted answers from Adrian. 

Why was he treating me like this? Disgusted by how I looked, Adrian opened the door and walked out, leaving me alone. I felt tired from crying. I wanted to move on, but my heart felt heavy.

I loved Adrian deeply ever since we were little, and growing up, I found out he was my mate. But now, I felt all alone and knew I had to stand up for myself. If I didn’t, I would always be treated like the dirt I was being called in prison. 

“Let’s see how this party goes,” I whispered, my fists clenched tightly. Just then, there was a soft knock on the door, and a nervous maid walked in. 

“Adrian sent me to help you clean up,” the maid said. As we headed to the bathroom, I decided to send the maid away and locked the door. For an hour, I scrubbed my skin hard, trying to wash away the pain.

The memories of my time in prison still haunt her. For just three months, I faced constant abuse. My old wounds still hurt. Many of them were hidden beneath my skin—bruises, scratches, and deep scars. 

The prison didn’t provide any real care, and my untreated injuries had only gotten worse over time. The worst part for me was the constant ache in my abdomen, which pulsed with every rainstorm. 

After the long bath, I looked myself in the mirror for the first time in months; I looked pale and had lost so much weight. I picked out the most beautiful dress from Lydia's closet, a stunning red gown. 

It wasn’t a perfect fit, but I made it work. The dress hugged my curves perfectly, and the slits on the sides made me look even more striking. Even though the dress showed off my scars, that was just what I wanted. 

I styled my hair and put on a little makeup. As I made my way downstairs, I suddenly froze when I heard familiar voices. “Adrian, I just heard Hazel is out of prison. Is that true?” Alaric, Adrian's best friend, asked. 

“If I remember right, you two are engaged. Do you have any plans for your mating ceremony now that she’s back?” Alaric looked at Adrian, waiting for him to respond. 

My heart raced as I held my breath, anxious for his words. Then it came—the statement that shattered my world. “She’s dirty and broken; I can’t have someone like her as my wife and Luna." 

Alaric stared at him, unsure if Adrian was joking or being serious. I felt frozen, my face twisting into a painful smile. Everyone knew I loved Adrian, but hearing him toss me aside like I meant nothing was a crushing blow. 

I pressed my hand against my chest, overwhelmed by a deep sense of betrayal. Everything seemed to spiral downwards, and suddenly, a wave of nausea hit me hard. 

I dashed to the nearest restroom, barely making it to the toilet before I lost everything in my stomach. I felt lightheaded, gripping the sink for balance. When I looked up, I saw Adrian standing there, a strange look on his face. 

"Are you pregnant?" he asked, his tone cold and uncaring. My anger boiled over. "How can you even ask that, Adrian?" I shot back, my eyes blazing with fury. Adrian just shrugged. 

"Things happen in prisons Hazel, you must have opened your legs for the warders," he replied, not even bothering to check on my well-being. I shook with rage, struggling to find the right words. 

"Did you know I had a miscarriage in prison?” Because of the ladies you paid to hurt me?" I finally blurted out, tears streaming down my cheeks. 

“And I should feel sorry for a slut?” Adrian shot back, his words like daggers. Just then, the door burst open.