Chapter 2

I swallowed the pain in my chest and forced myself to keep reading.

"A spontaneous trip with Boweike today. Consider it my little reward. Thank you!" The picture showed Mia in a bikini, lounging on a famous beach.

"Boweike really went all out for me. Thank you! I love it." Another post, this time featuring Mia wearing a diamond necklace.

Nearly every post in Mia's feed revolved around Boweike.

They had traveled to countless places together, shared experiences filled with meaning, and celebrated special moments side by side. Boweike had showered her with gifts.

In every picture, Mia's smile brimmed with joy, her eyes overflowing with love.

So, this was their secret. Their sweet, hidden life.

My heart twisted in agony as I stared at the evidence, unable to tear my eyes away. My trembling hands finally closed the app, but before I could stop myself, I grabbed Boweike's second phone.

Opening the chat logs, I found only messages logs with Mia.

I read the most recent messages.

Mia: [You won't ignore me after Pearl gives birth, will you?]

Boweike: [Of course, not.]

Mia: [You'll still love me like this, right?]

Boweike: [Mhm.]

Mia seemed insecure, and was constantly seeking reassurance.

I didn't have the strength to scroll further.

The sound of running water in the bathroom stopped abruptly. I set the phone down and dragged myself back to the bedroom.

Every step I took felt endless, my stomach heavy and aching. When I finally collapsed onto the bed, my body trembled in silence.

Once, I had believed I was the happiest woman alive. I thought I possessed the fullest, most perfect love.

But now, I couldn't tell who Boweike's whispered "I love you" was truly meant for.

Thinking back, I should have trusted my instincts the first time I met Mia.

She always leaned too close to Boweike, acting as if it was natural. She claimed they were comrades who had fought side by side, survived countless battles, and forged an unbreakable bond.

Boweike only smiled, praising Mia for her toughness and courage. He admired her strength, saying she was as fierce as any man.

I laughed bitterly to myself. Of course. If I hadn't come between them, they probably would have been together all along.

And Mia—the ever-capable Mia—suddenly became helpless when her lightbulbs went out, her pipes burst, or her drains clogged.

Boweike had rushed to her side every time, insisting, "She doesn't know how to handle these things."

I had believed him. Like a fool.

Boweike came to bed after his shower, dressed in his pajamas. He held me gently, whispering words of love and painting dreams of our future as a family of three.

I listened in silence, numb and detached, all the while thinking, ‘Boweike, I can't trust you anymore. Your lies and your endless closeness to Mia have shattered my heart.'

That night, I fell into a fever. Boweike panicked, called the doctor, and helped me take medicine.

By morning, I woke up parched and got out of bed to find some water.

The moment I opened the door, I froze.

In the living room, Mia leaned casually against Boweike, typing on her laptop. She pointed at the screen and asked, "Boweike, does this part need editing?"

Boweike leaned in close, speaking softly as he explained.

When they finished, Mia smiled at him. "Thanks, my Alpha."

Boweike responded by pressing a kiss to her cheek.

I drew in a sharp breath and stepped back, letting the door creak just enough to announce my presence before walking out again.

Boweike jumped, pushing Mia away as he rushed toward me.