I watched her pacing anxiously, my voice cold as I said, "He's not here.""Impossible. Is he hiding from me?""Boweike, please come out!" Her voice trembled with desperation. "You promised we'd establish our mate bond this afternoon! Get out here!"Mia darted through the house, searching every corner like a madwoman. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched her chaos unfold, my eyes laced with mockery."Try checking the toilet," I suggested dryly. "He might've flushed himself down the drain."Conrad burst into laughter, his deep voice echoing through the room, while Mia turned red and glared at me with teary eyes."Don't think you've won," she hissed. "You've already lost."I shrugged. "Sure, I lost.""You—" Mia's words were cut off as her phone rang. She grabbed it, and I could hear the panicked voice on the other end."Mia! Boweike has been poisoned with a werewolf toxin. He's in the hospital!"I turned to Conrad, my eyes wide with shock. He met my gaze, equally startled.
There were so many memories, yet I had forgotten most of them. But Conrad remembered everything so clearly.In the glow of the setting sun, his face looked impossibly gentle.That evening, my mother seemed troubled. She kept glancing at me as though she wanted to speak but hesitated each time.I already had a guess about what she wanted to say.Meeting her gaze, I remained calm.At last, she spoke. "Did you know that Boweike was poisoned with wolf venom?"I nodded. "Yes, I know."She stared at me in surprise for a long moment before continuing, "His mother... she hopes you'll go see him."I lowered my head, silent.Her voice softened again. "He was your mate, after all."Yes, once upon a time, we were mates.My brooding expression didn't escape Conrad's notice."If you want to see him, then go," he said.I froze. "You're okay with that?"Conrad smiled helplessly. "Pearl, I trust you."His words felt like a warm embrace. "I believe you'll handle it well. I just want you t
The doctor smiled as he withdrew the examination equipment.I turned my gaze to Boweike who had accompanied me to the prenatal checkup yet had been on the phone the entire time.Resting a hand on my stomach, I tried to feel the movements of my child beneath my palm."Doctor, is it still possible to terminate the pregnancy?"The doctor froze, visibly startled. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke cautiously, "Well… it's possible, but it won't be easy. The baby is very healthy, so I'd suggest you think it through carefully.""Alright."I didn't want to hear any more of his advice.That day, when I saw the kiss mark on Boweike's neck, I knew. The pain I felt then wasn't imaginary, nor was it just panic caused by pregnancy.Boweike had cheated on me.Later, I carefully examined his scent, and it carried Mia's perfume.Mia—his Beta.Whether by design or coincidence, news of Boweike risking his life to save me during the earthquake had spread like wildfire throughout the pack. Pe
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:
I shook my head."Are you feeling better?""Mm."Mia stepped toward me, reaching out as if to support me. I sidestepped her touch with practiced ease."Pearl, you gave Boweike such a scare when you suddenly came down with a fever," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "He didn't even go to the office today, and I had no choice but to come over here. Sorry to disturb. Are you hungry? Boweike bought you some food. Here, which one would you like?"Her words buzzed in my ears, but I couldn't miss the diamond necklace glittering at her neck—a necklace that felt like a dagger piercing straight through my chest.The receipt for that necklace was still tucked in the pocket of Boweike's suit jacket. Once, I had believed it was meant for me. But no, here it was, resting around Mia's neck."Nice necklace," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Anything is fine for lunch."As soon as I spoke, Boweike looked visibly tense, while Mia's face softened into
Boweike seemed completely unaware of my plans. Over the past few days, he had cared for me as attentively as ever.On the day of the surgery, my mother arrived in person.She held my hand firmly and said, "I'll be your strongest support. I'll stay with you through this."Then she added, "Your brother came back, too."I froze for a moment before forcing a bitter smile.The brother she mentioned was Conrad—my stepbrother, the son of my mother's second mate. He had been my only companion when I was young.My mother was a rare female Alpha, and Conrad was the most renowned warrior in the Elara Pack. His name alone could strike fear into any territory.Years ago, when I married Boweike and joined his pack, Conrad had been so furious that he cut off all contact with me. We hadn't spoken since.But right now, I didn't have the energy to think about him. My focus was on ending this pregnancy and severing the mate bond with Boweike.Fate, however, always seemed to enjoy playing cruel j
"Mom, are you really going to stand by and watch Pearl abort the baby?"My mom's voice was firm. "I will support Pearl in anything she decides to do. The surgery has already started. Are you hoping to see Pearl die on the operating table?""But Mom! That's your grandchild!"Pearl! Come out here! You hear me? Come out right now!" Boweike's voice thundered outside."What gives you the right to make this decision without me? I have the right to say no!"Hearing his furious accusations as he shoved past the nurses, whatever lingering affection I had for him vanished. The man who used to whisper sweet words into my ear and tend to my every need had finally shown his true colors. He dared to question my right to my own body.Ridiculous."If you have any conscience left, don't let her die on that operating table!" My mom's voice cut sharply through the chaos.Silence fell outside, broken only by Boweike's ragged sobs.The surgery ended quickly. The door burst open, and Boweike storme
There were so many memories, yet I had forgotten most of them. But Conrad remembered everything so clearly.In the glow of the setting sun, his face looked impossibly gentle.That evening, my mother seemed troubled. She kept glancing at me as though she wanted to speak but hesitated each time.I already had a guess about what she wanted to say.Meeting her gaze, I remained calm.At last, she spoke. "Did you know that Boweike was poisoned with wolf venom?"I nodded. "Yes, I know."She stared at me in surprise for a long moment before continuing, "His mother... she hopes you'll go see him."I lowered my head, silent.Her voice softened again. "He was your mate, after all."Yes, once upon a time, we were mates.My brooding expression didn't escape Conrad's notice."If you want to see him, then go," he said.I froze. "You're okay with that?"Conrad smiled helplessly. "Pearl, I trust you."His words felt like a warm embrace. "I believe you'll handle it well. I just want you t
I watched her pacing anxiously, my voice cold as I said, "He's not here.""Impossible. Is he hiding from me?""Boweike, please come out!" Her voice trembled with desperation. "You promised we'd establish our mate bond this afternoon! Get out here!"Mia darted through the house, searching every corner like a madwoman. Leaning against the doorframe, I watched her chaos unfold, my eyes laced with mockery."Try checking the toilet," I suggested dryly. "He might've flushed himself down the drain."Conrad burst into laughter, his deep voice echoing through the room, while Mia turned red and glared at me with teary eyes."Don't think you've won," she hissed. "You've already lost."I shrugged. "Sure, I lost.""You—" Mia's words were cut off as her phone rang. She grabbed it, and I could hear the panicked voice on the other end."Mia! Boweike has been poisoned with a werewolf toxin. He's in the hospital!"I turned to Conrad, my eyes wide with shock. He met my gaze, equally startled.
Conrad immediately pulled Boweike away, but Boweike clung to me, begging desperately, refusing to let go.Conrad's patience finally snapped. He loosened the tie around his neck and threw a hard punch straight at Boweike's face."When you married her, I warned you—if you ever hurt her, I wouldn't let you off easy." His voice was cold, each word carrying the weight of a promise. "Did you think I was bluffing?"Blow after blow rained down on Boweike, and I stood there frozen.What did Conrad mean by that?I remembered clearly—he hadn't come to my wedding. He'd declared he was cutting ties with me and even blocked my number.Could there be something I didn't know?With a sharp thud, the door slammed shut. Conrad returned and sank into a chair, still brimming with anger."When you told me you were marrying Boweike, I was furious. But even so, I showed up at your wedding," he said, his voice low but firm. "That day, I was ready to take you away if you had any doubts. But when I saw y
"Mom, are you really going to stand by and watch Pearl abort the baby?"My mom's voice was firm. "I will support Pearl in anything she decides to do. The surgery has already started. Are you hoping to see Pearl die on the operating table?""But Mom! That's your grandchild!"Pearl! Come out here! You hear me? Come out right now!" Boweike's voice thundered outside."What gives you the right to make this decision without me? I have the right to say no!"Hearing his furious accusations as he shoved past the nurses, whatever lingering affection I had for him vanished. The man who used to whisper sweet words into my ear and tend to my every need had finally shown his true colors. He dared to question my right to my own body.Ridiculous."If you have any conscience left, don't let her die on that operating table!" My mom's voice cut sharply through the chaos.Silence fell outside, broken only by Boweike's ragged sobs.The surgery ended quickly. The door burst open, and Boweike storme
Boweike seemed completely unaware of my plans. Over the past few days, he had cared for me as attentively as ever.On the day of the surgery, my mother arrived in person.She held my hand firmly and said, "I'll be your strongest support. I'll stay with you through this."Then she added, "Your brother came back, too."I froze for a moment before forcing a bitter smile.The brother she mentioned was Conrad—my stepbrother, the son of my mother's second mate. He had been my only companion when I was young.My mother was a rare female Alpha, and Conrad was the most renowned warrior in the Elara Pack. His name alone could strike fear into any territory.Years ago, when I married Boweike and joined his pack, Conrad had been so furious that he cut off all contact with me. We hadn't spoken since.But right now, I didn't have the energy to think about him. My focus was on ending this pregnancy and severing the mate bond with Boweike.Fate, however, always seemed to enjoy playing cruel j
I shook my head."Are you feeling better?""Mm."Mia stepped toward me, reaching out as if to support me. I sidestepped her touch with practiced ease."Pearl, you gave Boweike such a scare when you suddenly came down with a fever," she said with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "He didn't even go to the office today, and I had no choice but to come over here. Sorry to disturb. Are you hungry? Boweike bought you some food. Here, which one would you like?"Her words buzzed in my ears, but I couldn't miss the diamond necklace glittering at her neck—a necklace that felt like a dagger piercing straight through my chest.The receipt for that necklace was still tucked in the pocket of Boweike's suit jacket. Once, I had believed it was meant for me. But no, here it was, resting around Mia's neck."Nice necklace," I said, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me. "Anything is fine for lunch."As soon as I spoke, Boweike looked visibly tense, while Mia's face softened into
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:
The doctor smiled as he withdrew the examination equipment.I turned my gaze to Boweike who had accompanied me to the prenatal checkup yet had been on the phone the entire time.Resting a hand on my stomach, I tried to feel the movements of my child beneath my palm."Doctor, is it still possible to terminate the pregnancy?"The doctor froze, visibly startled. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke cautiously, "Well… it's possible, but it won't be easy. The baby is very healthy, so I'd suggest you think it through carefully.""Alright."I didn't want to hear any more of his advice.That day, when I saw the kiss mark on Boweike's neck, I knew. The pain I felt then wasn't imaginary, nor was it just panic caused by pregnancy.Boweike had cheated on me.Later, I carefully examined his scent, and it carried Mia's perfume.Mia—his Beta.Whether by design or coincidence, news of Boweike risking his life to save me during the earthquake had spread like wildfire throughout the pack. Pe