:End Of Flashback:
I still remember that night. How my own father had treated me over a piece of paper. They took Nerissa’s word as gold. They hadn’t listened to me. My own father said the rogues who took me as a child should have killed me, that he shouldn’t have rescued me.
What a man, huh? He’d left me out in the cold to die, to suffer. Someone had saved me, though. I’m not sure who. I only remember seeing sharp golden eyes. The only person I know with those eyes is Matthias. He saved me. Perhaps he thought I was someone else. But in that moment, I saw him as my savior - and I gave him my heart without a second thought.
He carried me all the way home and set me down at the doorstep. As I walked my healed body back into what was no longer considered my home, my father barely looked at me.
Did he apologize? No. Did he ask how I was okay? Not even once. He made a statement that night, and now we don’t speak. I send them money whenever they text me, but I don’t say a word to them.
They’re Nerissa’s family, the same way Matthias is really Nerissa’s husband.
I looked at the picture once again, but this time I saw the real her in it. She’s not dead. About a year into my marriage with Matthias, I received a text from Nerissa’s number. She and her phone were never found. She’d sent me one line.
/The living cannot compare to the dead, Sis./
That had been her first message to me. I was in shock. I immediately went to Matthias, and I was introduced to the study on the day. He screamed at me for trying to ruin his precious mate’s name. By fabricating messages. He called me a mistress of deception.
I’m a liar in his eyes. Nerissa is alive, or perhaps someone is using her phone to mess with me. Whichever one it is... I’m done.
I looked down at my bare body. Unwashed despite having had sex moments ago, tired, hungry, and caring for a child that doesn’t need to be born into this toxicity. I’ve had enough of my parents, I’ve had enough of Matthias and his mistreatment, and I’ve had enough of Nerissa. I want nothing to do with her, or this. This whole mess. I hate being treated like the enemy. Being hated, being punished like a child.
I hate how happy I’d been to be rescued by my father, only to be introduced to the daughter he had replaced me with. I hate how he’d beat me that night, and he pretends nothing happened.
I hate them all.
I cannot raise a son or a daughter in these conditions. I can’t have them seeing their mother cry every single night, I can’t have them be humiliated and told that they could never compare to the child of a dead woman.
I just.... I can’t do it anymore.
I inhaled and shut my eyes. I slowly pulled the ring from my finger and clutched it tightly.
I need to make a plan for this baby.
Twelve hours was long, I was in pain all over. I needed water, food, and I felt like throwing up. Once the doors opened, the servants announced that I could be let out. And that Matthias had told them to inform me of an event happening tomorrow, which I needed to dress well for.
I would normally try to make small talk, but this time, I focused on getting up. Ignoring the pain in my knees, and then brushed past them. I didn’t make eye contact, I needed to bathe, and get something into my stomach before my baby suffers for something they didn’t do.
I took a quick bath, trying to keep my exhausted body from dropping down in the shower. I was working on adrenaline, I should be unconscious, but I was holding out. After my shower, I dressed in black. A color Matthias won’t scream about.
Then I headed to the kitchen to cook something up and to wrap my wounded wrist in bandages. I did all of this on autopilot. The eating, the bandages, and drinking water. I barely felt or tasted anything.
I went back to my room once I was done. I could have asked the chef to prepare something, but I’m practicing for when I live by myself. I can’t just leave. If I run off, I’ll be branded a rogue. And most packs within this region don’t take in rogues.
My only option is to divorce Matthias. And that.... I feel stressed already thinking about it.
The council of wolves has very strict rules that not only govern this section of packs, but also the individual wolves residing in them. I’ll need to apply for a divorce form.
How do I even do that? I haven’t met any divorced wolves. I’ve only heard stories. I need to draft out a plan and talk to people. That’s the only way I can know what moves to make.
The saddest part about this is my wolf. She’s connected to Matthias. Every time he hurts us, she shrinks a little bit inside. She’s not the beta she’s meant to be.
Today was the final straw for me. I mean, I gave this man my body, my time, my firsts, and whether he liked it or not, he had my heart. And he’d thrown it all into the trash for a woman who… who I could never be. I don’t look like he’s perfectly blonde, and pretty nerissa.
Where she has striking, almost magnetic blue eyes, I have amber eyes.
Sometimes I can’t even tell if they’re gold or brown. Or brownish gold.
They’re not not captivating. They only make you wonder if I’m possessed.
I wrapped my arms around my stomach. The one thing I could never understand is why Matthias saved me back then, if he loved Nerissa so damn much.
Why bother?
He’d made it clear he didn’t like me off the bat. I was the one who took his Nerissa away. I’ve watched him for years, while he only focused on her.
But now... I've finally made up my mind.
To him, I’m a liar, a murderer, a worthless woman. For my child, I will be brave.
I will put a stop to this.
I will not bring a baby into this hate-filled home.
Turns out I was right to worry. Getting a divorce form is not easy. I went online to search, and the only way to get the council to send a form was to contact one of their messengers. Which seems easy, but the messengers don’t bother with divorce forms. They know it’s a tireless thing, and getting one to reply is difficult. I’d need to know someone who can talk to one for me. Normally, getting a divorce shouldn’t be hard. For humans, that is. As for us wolves, the council decides whether or not you get separated. You’d need to convince them. I think they make the whole process tiring, so you don’t go through with it. Sighing, I zipped up my dress. Matthias’s mother should know someone. I’ll contact her after tonight. I won’t tell her it’s for a divorce, she might not agree to call her contact. The weird thing is, his parents love me. They actually love me. They think I’m wonderful and just the right person for their son. If only he felt the same. I can’t ponder what he feels anym
I’m not sure why I came to this stupid event. I wasn’t obligated to do so. I was simply bored. Dealing with my pack, the council, a lot of travel, and so much more. Nothing that doesn’t feel like a routine. Coming to this should be a good distraction. That’s what I thought initially. But being the only council member at this event means everyone is coming up to me to pass on greetings. Hoping I’d notice them. I’m like a wealthy man in a pool of poor people. As rude as that analogy is, it’s the best description I have. I checked the time on my watch, only five minutes. I can’t leave anytime soon. I’ve got a duty. When a couple approaches me, I bite back my sigh as I feelthe dread.“Alpha Cassiel Aldric, I’m glad you could make it.” I turned slowly to face them. My eyes and wolf don’t even register the male. My gaze is immediately drawn to the girl. Beautiful, full golden brown hair, pink lips, fair skin, and a gorgeous set of amber eyes. Eyes that scan over my face with interest b
The breeze from the balcony brushes against my skin, cool and calming, like nature’s attempt to soothe my fraying nerves. I exhale softly, trying to settle the whirlwind of emotion stirring in my chest. But I can feel Alpha Cassiel's eyes on me—sharp, golden, curious. The man is... utterly enthralling. Not just handsome in the traditional sense, but arresting. Magnetic. The kind of presence that makes a room pause. His scent reaches me, subtle yet intoxicating, and it raises goosebumps along my arms.He hadn’t batted an eye when I declined alcohol earlier. No judgment, no probing questions. Just a nod and a quiet order to have a mocktail made instead. That small gesture had said more than words could.Being out here, away from the party and its clinking glasses, forced laughter, and lingering tension, should’ve made me feel better. But instead, it made the anxiety louder in my head. Every quiet second was another second for my doubts to scream.Can I really do this?Being a pregnant r
The sound of water running put an ease on my worries. I could smell myself and Matthias on the sheets. He was taking his usual after sex shower, while I lay here. I moved around on the bed, feeling more giddy than I’d been in days. Maybe months.This was one of the only times when I could pretend he was truly my husband. That’s strange to say, seeing as I wear a ring that legally binds us together. We live in the same house and all that. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that none of those things make you husband and wife. But in this moment, after he and I have connected physically, this is when I feel like a true wife. Although this isn’t the only reason for the huge smile on my face. Part of this smile is attributed to something even better. Something that I think will break the walls he’s put between us. I know it will. My period’s been late. And I’m never late. I was worried, that’s why I decided to take a pregnancy test, and boy, oh boy, did I get the most amazing news. Matt
Hearing him bring up the word ‘punished’, my heart sank to my stomach. The tears I’d been fighting away broke free. Pouring down my face. “No, no, please. I’m begging. I’m begging you, I didn’t know. I’ll never wear pink again. I’ll never wear silk again.” I tried. I tried everything to explain, but Matthias had that look that I was used to. The look that said he was thinking of Nerissa and the sight of me made him sick.“You never learn. I have to tell you this over and over. You will never be her. You can never be, Nerissa. She was amazing. I would have sold your soul in place of hers.”“I’m sorry.”“You’re always sorry! Always fucking sorry. Go to the study, and kneel there. This time I’m giving you twelve hours to learn your lesson.”I froze. That was the longest time he’d ever given me. Twelve hours? Oh my god. I’ve done it right for months, trying to avoid being punished. The last time I was there for eight hours and I nearly starved to death. I ended up passing out due to dehy
:Flashback- Three Years Ago:When Nerissa asked me to accompany her on a trip, I said no. About ten to twenty times, but I eventually caved in when she said she wanted to make up for every bad blood between us. Honestly, the two-day trip had been kind of nice. But on our way back, something happened. I was driving. I’m not sure how the accident happened.But I know it happened, and I was found with only minor injuries. Nerissa though? The car had been too wrecked, and with no other sign of her... well, she was pronounced dead. My parents had been sad, but initially, they were alright and slightly glad that I was okay. The next night, though, that was when I realized what my place was. Despite being their biological daughter, Nerissa is the one they truly love.That night, the house was too quiet. The kind of quiet that made my skin crawl, that made my stomach twist in a way I couldn't explain. I didn’t know then that silence could be a warning. I didn’t know that by morning, nothing
The breeze from the balcony brushes against my skin, cool and calming, like nature’s attempt to soothe my fraying nerves. I exhale softly, trying to settle the whirlwind of emotion stirring in my chest. But I can feel Alpha Cassiel's eyes on me—sharp, golden, curious. The man is... utterly enthralling. Not just handsome in the traditional sense, but arresting. Magnetic. The kind of presence that makes a room pause. His scent reaches me, subtle yet intoxicating, and it raises goosebumps along my arms.He hadn’t batted an eye when I declined alcohol earlier. No judgment, no probing questions. Just a nod and a quiet order to have a mocktail made instead. That small gesture had said more than words could.Being out here, away from the party and its clinking glasses, forced laughter, and lingering tension, should’ve made me feel better. But instead, it made the anxiety louder in my head. Every quiet second was another second for my doubts to scream.Can I really do this?Being a pregnant r
I’m not sure why I came to this stupid event. I wasn’t obligated to do so. I was simply bored. Dealing with my pack, the council, a lot of travel, and so much more. Nothing that doesn’t feel like a routine. Coming to this should be a good distraction. That’s what I thought initially. But being the only council member at this event means everyone is coming up to me to pass on greetings. Hoping I’d notice them. I’m like a wealthy man in a pool of poor people. As rude as that analogy is, it’s the best description I have. I checked the time on my watch, only five minutes. I can’t leave anytime soon. I’ve got a duty. When a couple approaches me, I bite back my sigh as I feelthe dread.“Alpha Cassiel Aldric, I’m glad you could make it.” I turned slowly to face them. My eyes and wolf don’t even register the male. My gaze is immediately drawn to the girl. Beautiful, full golden brown hair, pink lips, fair skin, and a gorgeous set of amber eyes. Eyes that scan over my face with interest b
Turns out I was right to worry. Getting a divorce form is not easy. I went online to search, and the only way to get the council to send a form was to contact one of their messengers. Which seems easy, but the messengers don’t bother with divorce forms. They know it’s a tireless thing, and getting one to reply is difficult. I’d need to know someone who can talk to one for me. Normally, getting a divorce shouldn’t be hard. For humans, that is. As for us wolves, the council decides whether or not you get separated. You’d need to convince them. I think they make the whole process tiring, so you don’t go through with it. Sighing, I zipped up my dress. Matthias’s mother should know someone. I’ll contact her after tonight. I won’t tell her it’s for a divorce, she might not agree to call her contact. The weird thing is, his parents love me. They actually love me. They think I’m wonderful and just the right person for their son. If only he felt the same. I can’t ponder what he feels anym
:End Of Flashback:I still remember that night. How my own father had treated me over a piece of paper. They took Nerissa’s word as gold. They hadn’t listened to me. My own father said the rogues who took me as a child should have killed me, that he shouldn’t have rescued me. What a man, huh? He’d left me out in the cold to die, to suffer. Someone had saved me, though. I’m not sure who. I only remember seeing sharp golden eyes. The only person I know with those eyes is Matthias. He saved me. Perhaps he thought I was someone else. But in that moment, I saw him as my savior - and I gave him my heart without a second thought.He carried me all the way home and set me down at the doorstep. As I walked my healed body back into what was no longer considered my home, my father barely looked at me. Did he apologize? No. Did he ask how I was okay? Not even once. He made a statement that night, and now we don’t speak. I send them money whenever they text me, but I don’t say a word to them.Th
:Flashback- Three Years Ago:When Nerissa asked me to accompany her on a trip, I said no. About ten to twenty times, but I eventually caved in when she said she wanted to make up for every bad blood between us. Honestly, the two-day trip had been kind of nice. But on our way back, something happened. I was driving. I’m not sure how the accident happened.But I know it happened, and I was found with only minor injuries. Nerissa though? The car had been too wrecked, and with no other sign of her... well, she was pronounced dead. My parents had been sad, but initially, they were alright and slightly glad that I was okay. The next night, though, that was when I realized what my place was. Despite being their biological daughter, Nerissa is the one they truly love.That night, the house was too quiet. The kind of quiet that made my skin crawl, that made my stomach twist in a way I couldn't explain. I didn’t know then that silence could be a warning. I didn’t know that by morning, nothing
Hearing him bring up the word ‘punished’, my heart sank to my stomach. The tears I’d been fighting away broke free. Pouring down my face. “No, no, please. I’m begging. I’m begging you, I didn’t know. I’ll never wear pink again. I’ll never wear silk again.” I tried. I tried everything to explain, but Matthias had that look that I was used to. The look that said he was thinking of Nerissa and the sight of me made him sick.“You never learn. I have to tell you this over and over. You will never be her. You can never be, Nerissa. She was amazing. I would have sold your soul in place of hers.”“I’m sorry.”“You’re always sorry! Always fucking sorry. Go to the study, and kneel there. This time I’m giving you twelve hours to learn your lesson.”I froze. That was the longest time he’d ever given me. Twelve hours? Oh my god. I’ve done it right for months, trying to avoid being punished. The last time I was there for eight hours and I nearly starved to death. I ended up passing out due to dehy
The sound of water running put an ease on my worries. I could smell myself and Matthias on the sheets. He was taking his usual after sex shower, while I lay here. I moved around on the bed, feeling more giddy than I’d been in days. Maybe months.This was one of the only times when I could pretend he was truly my husband. That’s strange to say, seeing as I wear a ring that legally binds us together. We live in the same house and all that. But if I’ve learned anything, it’s that none of those things make you husband and wife. But in this moment, after he and I have connected physically, this is when I feel like a true wife. Although this isn’t the only reason for the huge smile on my face. Part of this smile is attributed to something even better. Something that I think will break the walls he’s put between us. I know it will. My period’s been late. And I’m never late. I was worried, that’s why I decided to take a pregnancy test, and boy, oh boy, did I get the most amazing news. Matt