Chapter 5

When I got home, I couldn’t wait to call Kelly, my only friend. I picked up my phone and dialed her number. My heart pounded as it rang. She was my rock, the one person who always had my back.

“Hey, what’s up?” Kelly’s voice came through, warm and familiar.

“Kelly, I’ve decided to divorce him,” I said, my voice cracking. I wasn’t sure if it was fear or sadness, maybe a little of both.

There was a pause. Then, Kelly said, “What? Why? Is it because of Lynda? That girl is pure trouble! I’ve heard things about her.”

I shook my head even though she couldn’t see me. “No, not just because of her. Adrian brought it up, and I agreed.”

Another long silence. I could feel Kelly processing it all. “Wait, are you serious?”

I took a deep breath. “Yes. I’m done. I’ve made up my mind.”

Kelly didn’t hesitate. “What now? After the divorce, where will you go? You can come stay with me. My pack would welcome you.”

Her offer was so kind. It made my eyes sting, but I didn’t cry. “You’re too good to me,” I said softly. “Let me get out of here first. Then, I’ll come to you. I just need to make sure everything’s in place.”

“I’m here for you, Natalia. Whenever you’re ready, I’m waiting.”

I hung up, feeling a little lighter. The decision was made. It was time to leave.

*****

I grabbed my keys and headed for my car. It was old and beat-up, barely running, but it was mine. I bought it with my own money, not Adrian’s or anyone else’s. That small victory made me feel proud as I slid into the driver’s seat.

The drive to Raven, the pack’s most exclusive restaurant, wasn’t far, but the nerves gnawed at me. Adrian and I had spent so many nights here, pretending to be the perfect couple. Tonight, though, I wasn’t just another wife. I was going to make my own mark.

When I arrived, the place was as impressive as always. I parked and made my way inside, my heels clicking on the marble floors. Each step felt more confident than the last. I wasn’t the same woman who had entered here years ago. That woman was gone.

I walked toward the biggest VVIP room, where Adrian and his friends would be. As I reached the door, I overheard their conversation.

“So, when are you planning to marry Lynda, our future Alpha?” It was Mike, one of Adrian’s closest friends.

I froze for a second, my hand on the door handle.

Another voice chimed in, “Don’t forget, our future Alpha still has a wife.”

I could feel my blood begin to boil.

Mike laughed, his voice dripping with mockery. “Who doesn’t know that woman doesn’t deserve Adrian? He should’ve divorced her a long time ago.”

That was it. My patience shattered.

Without thinking, I pushed open the door, stepping into the room with a calm smile. “I’m here. Who’s been talking about me?” I said, keeping my voice cool.

The room went dead silent. Every single person turned to look at me. I could feel their stares like weight on my shoulders.

Adrian looked at me, his expression cold. “So, you finally showed up. Now, apologize to Lynda. She’s been sick for days after you poisoned her.”

Lynda feigned innocence. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Really, you don’t need to apologize.”

Adrian frowned. “Let her off? Not a chance. She’s been bullying you for so long. Today, I’m making sure she learns her lesson.”

I couldn’t take it anymore. It was just an apology, right? Apologizing for something I didn’t even do? Fine, I could do that.

“Miss Lynda, I’m sorry…”

Lynda suddenly stood up and grabbed my hand, putting on her sickly sweet smile. “It’s okay, I forgive you. But you’ll need to take better care of me from now on, alright?”

I forced a smile. “Of course.” But inside, I was thinking, I’m leaving. Far away from you both.

I started to turn to leave, but someone grabbed my hand. I looked back, and it was Lynda.

What did she want now? I gave her a wary look.

“Aren’t you leaving too soon? The show’s just beginning,” she said, her voice dripping with provocation.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked, my heart pounding.

Before she could answer, two men in black rushed toward us. One of them knocked me to the ground, and I hit my head against the wall. Pain exploded through my skull. Blood started pouring from the wound, and I felt dizzy, struggling to stay conscious.

Adrian and his group came running out. But as I tried to cry out for help, Lynda’s voice cut through first.

“Adrian! Help me, it hurts so much!”

I watched helplessly as Adrian ran to her, picked her up, and started to leave.

He paused, glanced back at me. His eyes met mine for a brief moment, but there was no warmth in them. “I’ll have my Beta come for you. Wait here,” he said flatly, before turning his back and walking away.

I felt crushed. My body wouldn’t move. Then, an agonizing pain stabbed through my abdomen. The babies.

I grabbed my phone with shaking hands. “Doctor Harold, help! I’m hurt... at Raven...”

Before I could finish, everything went black.