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I spent five years being the invisible wife — cooking, cleaning, paying every bill while my husband's family treated me like hired help. I funded their $60,000-a-month lifestyle. Raised his teenage sister. And quietly built his career from the shadows. My reward? Divorce papers served at our anniversary dinner. His ex wearing the necklace I designed. His mother already calling her "my real daughter-in-law." They thought they were discarding a simple consultant who married above her station. They had no idea who I really was. I'm Sophia Carter. Heir to a $30 billion empire. Owner of the company where Ethan works. And the woman holding the deed to every luxury they take for granted. I signed those papers without reading a single clause. Not because I'm weak. Because revenge tastes better when they never see it coming. They gave me forty-eight hours to disappear quietly. I gave them forty-eight hours before their entire world collapses. ---

The Moon Goddess gifted my husband of years a second Mate. “I’m sorry. But she’s my fated mate too,” he said and claimed her before all the pack members. From that moment on, my marriage was split into two. Everything I had, I had to share with Christy.— My husband. My home. Even my money. I didn’t make a scene. Because in our world, it was called "the Goddess’ will". I just counted, writing down every single hurt and humiliation in my diary. — And when there was 100, I would just reject him. That day came sooner than I expected. "I have to leave. Christy's heat came early,” he apologized, forgetting I was also in my heat, also the fact that two she-wolves who shared one Mate never went into heat at the same time. “She’s too young to cope with her jealousy,” he said nonchalantly when I revealed her little dirty trick. I sneered. “And I’m mature enough to save myself from this torture. I, Mischa Dean, reject you, Anthony Trenery, as my mate and Alpha. And I cut all ties with your pack.” I hurled my diary at his face and strode out. The little jealous omega could have him all to herself now. And I will have my new life. ***** Mischa had been mated to Alpha Anthony Trenery of the Night Whispers Pack for two decades now. They had a good, strong bond filled with love and happiness even though their lives were more than difficult at times. They’d decided when coming together early in their mate bond to put off having an heir or heirs for their pack. That they needed to focus upon the growing of the pack’s businesses. She ran the accounting company and kept track of all the pack's funds, was vigilant in their spending decisions, because when they’d taken over the pack it was in the red, and the pack owed money to a lot of other packs as well as human banks. Finally, they were completely in the black. No longer did they have loans to pay back to humans or other wolfen packs that had helped them out over the past two decades. They were also now a bigger, stronger and healthier pack, with more reliable businesses to support them. It had taken the two of them a mighty effort of complete devotion to clearing out the debts left behind, that no one knew the former Alpha and Luna had run up, until they’d taken over and seen if for themselves. She’d never have believed it if she’d not seen it with her own two eyes, and they’d sat down and had to talk it out, weighed the pros and cons of disbanding the pack or trying to rebuild it, and become viable and keep the wolves that lived here together instead of scattered all over the place. She’d already had her accounting degree but was fresh out of uni, and going through the funding situation had been hard for her, and even harder for Anthony to hear, being it was his own parents that had sunk the pack into debt and told no one how bad it was. But in the end they’d opted to try and save the pack, and although it had been difficult for them to do. They’d worked their way through the hardship and survived it. Tonight was the very first mating ball to be held by them since taking over. They simply just couldn’t afford to waste pack funds on it. The pack members had all understood and been allowed to go off to other packs of their own accord for mating balls if they wished over those years. Tonight was an event they’d planned together, how they’d be holding mating balls in the future as well. Only two a year, they were costly and though their pack was in the black now, they didn’t want to use a lot of funds on mating balls at this time, they would set more up as the years past when they had more available funds to do so. It was a simple sit-down dinner, where everyone came dressed in smart casual clothing and could mingle at will with the other packs. Any mating prior to the full moon had to be out of sight in one or another's accommodation, so there would be fewer issues for pairs scenting each other out. She stood as always next to Anthony to greet the arriving Alphas. Only one pack was unknown to them, but it came through a known affiliated pack. They were said to be safe and wouldn’t cause them any issues. She and Anthony were hoping for some pairing up tonight, and she smiled at the comments from their Allied Alphas about finally, they were holding a mating ball, and those that knew the true hardship she and Anthony had been through, over the last two decades smiled and congratulated them on beating the odds, and them now having a prosperous pack. She was happy with how things were going and sat down to eat her meal, smiled and chatted with the other Alphas at the table. Her own Mate, Anthony, smiled at her as he always did. What she’d not seen coming was as the moon set her own Alpha Mate of 20 years, nostrils flaring and him breathing in all deeply; as he scented out a second Mate. Her eyes widened, as she watched him just stand up and leave the table, to go and hunt the one he scented. Many eyes were on him, they all knew she was his Goddess-Gifted Mate. They were the same age and scented each other out at 19, inside this very room the full moon after he’d come home from Alpha College. Mischa was more than shocked as she watched Anthony step right up to she-wolf and just reach out and touch her face all soft and lovingly. She’d braced herself to feel the pains of betrayal, right there in front of all their allies, and she’d even felt Paul, her Gamma’s hand on her arm, as he also readied himself to try and ease the pain they all thought she was going to feel. She had not stood up or even objected to Anthony’s scenting of a second Mate, wouldn’t protest against it even though a part of her wanted to. This was the will of their Goddess, that he was getting a second Mate, and here inside this pack they believed one should accept their Goddess-Gifted Mate. Anthony’s hand cupped that she-wolf’s face, and she felt absolutely nothing, not a single pain of betrayal at all. Paul frowned a little, and she sighed with relief and murmured. “Is the will of Selena, so she grants me no pain.” Though a part of her was unhappy about her loyal, loving Alpha Mate now having a new and likely much younger Mate on his arm. She knew that he wasn’t going to reject her, she’d been gifted to him by Selena, so of course, he would accept that she-wolf. She gently removed Paul’s hand from her arm. “It’s fine… is meant to be.” She’d stated softly, all she could do was accept it. If it was a lie or some sort of magic to trick him, she'd have felt the pains of betrayal, but there were none. So she just sat there and watched as Anthony lay his verbal claim upon that she-wolf, for all in this room to hear without any hesitation. “My pack, I have been blessed by Selena herself, with a second Mate and Luna,” he'd announced, and she’d even heard the pride in his voice as he’d spoken. He was very happy with this. Had yet to even look at Mischa regarding him getting a second Mate; to see what she thought of it. She’d been eclipsed by a new Mate and Luna for the pack in a heartbeat. He was supposed to love and cherish only her, but now he had someone else to love and cherish, a she-wolf that barely looked old enough to be here at this mating ball. Likely only just turned 18 a moon or two back, she thought absently to herself. That girl's smile faulted instantly at Anthony’s words of her being his second Mate and Luna, and her eyes had moved around the room to look right at her. Mischa had nodded her head ever so slightly to the girl. Who’d turned back to Anthony and bowed her head to him, stated in softly spoken words, “I am happy, Alpha, and will work alongside your first Mate, to learn from her to be your perfect Luna.” Anthony had laughed. “Mischa is loving and kind and will be a good friend and confidante to you, as well as to teach you all that is needed and the three of us will be truly happy together.” Then he had walked that she-wolf over to the table she was sitting at, and smiled at Mischa “Sweetheart, I was blessed by Selena once more. This is Christy.” He introduced the girl to her. She felt many eyes upon her from not only at this table but from the room. It was a very unusual set of circumstances to be seen. She did know that when one wolf got gifted two Mates it was usually at the same time, not 20 years apart. That the one wolf, if his or her Mates were from different packs, they would have to choose one over the other. But Anthony was an Alpha Wolf, and he reigned over this pack so he could choose to have both of them as his Mates, because they’d all live here. This was what he was doing. He’d not even thought about it, not even so much as taken Mischa's thoughts into account about him having a new Mate. No, he’d just accepted Christy and announced her right away, expecting Mischa to just accept it and that was the end of it. Mischa wasn’t about to throw a fit or even argue it there was no point; he’d made his decision already. The Goddess had blessed him was how he’d put it. She wasn’t that kind of person, arguments were only to be had if she could win the verbal battle, which she knew she couldn’t right this very minute. It was also not her place to tell him who he could or couldn’t be mated to, if he was gifted a second Mate. It was entirely up to him to accept or reject that she-wolf. “Hello, Christy.” Mischa greeted his new Mate, and she saw the way that she-wolf instantly moved closer to Anthony and hugged into him. “It’s the will of the Goddess, please Luna don’t ask him to reject me,” Christy stated with a slight tremble to her soft voice. Mischa raised an eyebrow at her “I wouldn’t dare to. If Anthony accepts you, then so do I,” she countered the girls between the line's accusation. She understood in that one moment this she-wolf was out to cause trouble, and wanted Anthony to see Mischa was unreasonable, and appear to be unwilling to accept her as a second Luna to this pack. Mischa wouldn’t play that game, her eyes moved to Anthony, and he was frowning down at Christy, he wasn’t what she would call a stupid man, and had also picked up on there was no greeting from Christy to Mischa, just an unspoken accusation that Mischa would want to tear them apart. “Christy, what was that? Mischa would never come between us, and you just accuse her of it right away. I brought you over here just to say hello,” he stated and removed her hand from his arm. Mischa refused to allow the smile that wanted to touch her face to reach it as she heard the disappointment in Anthony’s voice about what he was seeing and hearing. She watched as Christy kind of looked up at him in surprise, that he would not only defend his current Mate and Luna, but step away from Christy herself, to look down at her in disapproval. This she-wolf had thought Anthony would come to her defense instantly, and be drawn into her innocence, and I’m afraid of your first Mate, act. That she was so clearly putting on for all in this room to see. She didn’t know him at all, and had played that hand way too soon, but Mischa now understood herself this was going to be something Christy would do all the time. She was already scheming inside her mind on how to push out a Luna and Mate of 20 years, so she could be the only Mate and Luna to this, her and Anthony’s hard earned pack. II CH 2 Mischa didn’t think this she-wolf's schemes would work on Anthony. He was not only level-headed, but they had grown up here inside this pack together, and he knew everything about her, including her own nature. That she would never harm anyone without due cause, that she certainly wouldn’t harm his other Mate. That she wouldn’t get in between them or try and stop them from spending time together. He knew that she also believed in the will of the Goddess. So, accepting that he’d been gifted a second Mate, was actually what she would do even if she was unhappy about it, she’d come to terms with it and accept it. She wouldn’t fight against it or try to make him choose between them. This new Mate of his, Christy, should have taken the time to solidify her bond with Anthony, be marked and mated before trying anything stupid like this. That would see her pitted up against his first Luna and Mate of 20 years. She knew nothing about either of them, or their temperaments. She should have learned that before scheming. “I… I’m sorry. I was just nervous that she’d want to harm me… You’re her Mate first and Luna’s are… Possessive.” Christy tried to explain her prior statement. “As are Alphas,” Mischa stated right back. “Here inside the Night Whispers pack, a Mate is a Mate. If I were to get a second Mate, Anthony would accept it as I am of him being gifted you, Christy. Don’t fear me, I’m happy to have a fellow Luna to share the duties of running this pack with.” She smiled at her. Anthony chuckled softly and looked at Mischa. “I’d be very jealous, sweetheart, of another getting to have you, but…” he took a breath in “I would accept it, as the will of our Goddess, Selena.” Mischa smiled right at him. “I know darling.” She stated, “Such a good, kind, loving and loyal Mate you’ve always been.” She’d reached out and put her hand in his, and he’d raised it right to his lips and kissed the back of it. His way of showing his gratitude for her gracious acceptance of his new Mate. Christy, however, gasped and tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the display of affection between them. “You don’t want me,” she sobbed, and then was just gone, running off, away from them through the crowded ballroom. Anthony blinked in complete shock and stood there staring after her, he’d not once said he didn’t want her, he’d even claimed her for all to hear. It wasn’t expected that those words would come from her, let alone for her to run away. He looked to her hand and then to her and Mischa shook her head. “She felt no pains of betrayal, because I felt none when you touched her.” she told him what she knew to be the truth. “Sweetheart, I must go and…” he trailed off as he looked at her a little uncertain for the first time. “Of course, I understand Anthony, go and find your second Mate. She appears young and very...” She trailed off. Who the h*ll knew, she couldn’t say scheming to him. She let go of his hand and waved him off to go after the girl. Then she just sat back down in her seat and picked up her wine glass and took a controlled sip from it. She wanted to down the entire glass but would not let that be seen by all in this room. The Alphas at her table were looking at her with knowing looks. She just nodded, acknowledging that it hadn’t escaped their attention that this new Mate of Anthony’s was trying to manipulate things before she was even Marked and Mated. She and Christy had not scented each other out, and therefore would have to share their Mate’s attention between them, and no Mate wanted to share with another. Christy’s own Alpha sighed from his seat at the table. “My apologies, Luna, that one is new to my pack; her mother mated into mine just two moons back. I don’t know her well, she appeared pleasant to me.” “Hmm, she is how old?” Mischa asked. “Turned 18 inside my pack,” he answered her. “Hmm, very young. Me not so much. She is getting a Mate that already has a Mate, something I’m guessing can bring out many different sides to a she-wolf, that is expecting to suddenly become a Luna, only to find out her Mate already has a Luna. “Don’t concern yourself with it too much. Anthony won’t stand for scheming games, is level-headed, he will likely only mark and mate her if she is seen to be genuinely accepting of the three-way mate bond. She and I didn’t scent each other out, are not Mate’s that complicates things a bit, I dare say. “She’ll have to willingly accept that she has to share him with me. He is not about to reject me, his Mate and Luna of 20 years for her… one he doesn’t know and is currently acting like a petulant, jealous child for all to see. Something I don’t and won’t do. “He’ll want to have both of us as his Mates. I do know this, and if young Christy isn’t willing to even try to accept this, then he’ll likely reject her for her not accepting the will of the Goddess.” She told him, “I’m patient and will wait and see what happens.” She sipped her wine once more. “You seem to be handling it well, at ease with all this going on around you, Luna, when most would be at least upset,” he stated. “I’m not overly happy about it, Alpha, but what can I do about it? It’s not for me to make Anthony’s decisions for him. Only Anthony can choose to accept or reject Christy. I felt no pains of betrayal, so it is likely meant to be, and I am willing to accept what it is that Selena has planned for this pack,” she stated simply. She would not be the one in this three-way mate bond, which she was certain was about to happen, to pitch a fit and act as if she couldn’t handle it. This may be out of her control, but she could handle it with grace and stay calm in the face of things she didn’t like or truly know how to handle, until she found a way to do so. That was something she’d learned long ago. Panicking about the unknown didn’t help you resolve the issue before you. There had been a lot of panic at times trying to rebuild and bring this pack back to stability, and she’d overcome it all, one thing at a time. This was going to be just like that, she supposed. She would likely find a way to deal with Christy’s schemes if Anthony marked and mated her, if that she-wolf continued to try and use that innocent act, and wouldn’t give up on trying to push her out of Anthony’s life. There was at present nothing else she could do at this point, only sit and wait on the outcome of the night was all. She did wonder though if Christy was smart enough to talk her way out of being seen as petty and jealous just now. None had threatened her, and Anthony hadn’t once voiced he didn’t want her, so her act was all going to have to be apologized for, and she was going to have to explain to him why she responded that way, when Mischa had not once presented herself as a threat, had in fact welcomed her. That she’d run off after seeing affection go between herself and Anthony, something that all fully bonded pairs did, something that she-wolf would also have to get used to seeing as well. “Filled with she-wolf jealousy is my bet, and that, Luna Mischa, is never a good thing,” Alpha Nicholas stated as he leaned back in his chair. “It won’t end well if she remains the same. Been on the receiving end of that myself.” She nodded, she knew his tale; this pack had been allied to his while he’d been trying to claim his Luna, Lucinda. “Mm, I’m not so young as she is, or immature either. I can handle myself and most situations in a calm and rational manner, unlike her, it seems.” She stated with a half-smile and sipped her wine, then motioned for it to be refilled once more. “That I dare say will be the very difference between the two of you,” Nicholas nodded. “If you need a break from what I foresee as trouble brewing, come on down to the Rising Blue Lotus, for a well-earned rest. Braidy’s Mate just opened up a day spa on the edge of the pack. I’m certain she and her team can massage away or soak away any tension.” She smiled at him. “I may just take you up on that, Nicholas.” “It would be my pleasure, Luna Mischa.” He’d tipped his glass to her and they’d both sipped their wine. She’d sat there and presided over the mating ball for the rest of the night. She’d waited for Anthony to come back and tell her what he was going to do, give her an explanation as to Christy’s attitude, but it had not come at all. She’d attempted to connect with him just once, just after 10pm and shut it down very quickly felt that he was mating out there, so he’d claimed that girl and was marking and mating her. She’d mentioned it to his unit, and they’d all kind of just stared at her as if to say 'are you kidding?' She’d just nodded, there was nothing she could do about it. The Mate Bond had either gotten him or Christy had played her sweet and innocent act, come up with some plausible reason as to why she had been like that, and then likely turned on the charm and he and his wolf had been enticed into mating her and claiming her officially. Yet again, he’d done that without consulting her or even informing her that he would be doing that tonight. She’d gone to bed alone, walked up to the Alpha Suite, his unit all there with her, and she’d sighed, “I hate to be a bother, but is it possible one of you could stay here until Anthony comes back? I don’t want that she-wolf in my suite. Until all things have been discussed properly, he’ll have to understand, considering he didn’t discuss anything with me prior to this and sitting down and sorting out how this is going to work. “Please inform Anthony and his new Mate, that they can stay in the Luna Suite for the night. I’m happy he got a Mate but unhappy he has gone a head and done things without a proper discussion first. I don’t want to wake up to the sound of my Mate having sεx with his other Mate inside my suite.” They all just nodded and Kendrick, their Beta, had stated, “I’ll wait up for him. Best that comes from me. If he doesn’t understand and opts to try and bring her inside, what do you want, Mischa?” “Tell him to respect my wishes. It's just one night, and he can spend that night curled up with his new Mate in the Luna Suite. It’s as plush as his own. If he opts not to respect my wishes for even one night, I guess I know exactly where I’ll stand with him and his new Mate.” III CH 3 Mischa had accepted the fact that he had a second Mate, and he’d hugged her the following day after claiming Christy, told Mischa he loved her so very much, even more for her accepting Christy into their Mate bond. She’d only had one request regarding their three-person mate bond, where she and Christy shared only him between them. Which had been that Christy reside in the Luna Suite, that was her designated suite, and Mischa remained in the Alpha Suite. She had been his Mate and Luna for 20 years, and had earned the right to stay in there. He’d looked at Christy, and she’d nodded and stated, "I'm okay with that." Neither she nor Christy had wanted to live in the same suite as each other, because they weren’t mated to each other. Both saw it as standard for a Mate bond like this, for there to be separate rooms. Anthony had been happy about them agreeing to this and he'd agreed as well. The one being shared also got to choose where and who they slept with on a nightly basis. She’d told him at Christy’s frown, as she’d had to watch him pull Mischa on to his lap, in his office that morning. After being away from her for the entire night, he wanted to hold her and be close to her, tell her he’d missed her. Christy hadn’t liked seeing that at all, and she had stated, “I think there should be a schedule to make it fair to both of us, like me, say Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and you take the alternate days.” She’d not even used Mischa’s name. Misha had leaned into Anthony and hugged him, told him she’d missed him too, as she'd watched Christy's reaction to it, then stated, “I don’t think we should put constraints on our Mate like that, and I think Anthony can pick and choose each and every night who he wants to be with, as is his right.” She’d also not missed that Christy had opted to give herself four nights a week and Mischa only three. Right off the bat, this she-wolf was trying to take control of their mate bond. She had some balls, that was for sure. Anthony, on the other hand had, had a better idea. “I’ll rotate days between you both. I think that is fair, so one night with you Christy, then one night with Mischa, on a continually rotating basis. That way, each of you gets a four-night week and a three-night week, exactly half of each month. Otherwise, one of you will get 16 days and the other only 12; that is not fair.” He’d also promised her he’d never bed Christy in their suite, especially their bed, and then, at Christy’s pout, he’d laid down the same rule for her, that he’d never bed Misha in Christy’s suite or bed; again making it fair. He’d told Christy he’d open up a few walls and create her a proper suite just like his and Mischa’s for when they had pups. Misha hadn’t objected, just nodded and told him and Christy that was a good idea. He had been trying, she knew, to keep both of them happy, trying to work this new three-person mate bond out in a way that suited them all. “We’re newly mated,” Christy had murmured, “and you two have been mated for decades. I want a little more time with you to bond properly.” “You’ll go into heat in a week and get to have him all to yourself for 3 to 7 days,” Mischa commented casually. “You’ll interrupt it.” Christy had muttered. “I will not. I have no interest in separating you from Anthony at all. You should, however, come over here and let him initiate you. He’s not done that yet.” Mischa had stood up and even picked up the pack blade for him and held it out to him, showing him she was accepting of everything. Only now a year and a half later, she was not in the Alpha Suite, nor was she in the Luna Suite. She’d moved herself out of the Alpha Suite six months ago when she’d walked into it and pushed into her bedroom to find Anthony and Christy having sεx in her and Anthony’s bed. She’d come to a stand still at the sight of them and then her anger got the better of her. She and her wolf Laud had grated out his name for him to hear their anger at what was going on in their bed. Something he’d promised would never happen. Only to have him snarl at her to get the hll out of his bedroom, his aura had rolled at her even before he’d turned to see who it was. Christy had looked right at her and smirked as if to say 'you know you can’t beat me.' “Fine,” had been the only word that had come from her. She was his equal and could in fact ignore his aura, but had turned and walked from the suite, left at his order and then had moved herself into a suite down the hall, across from the Delta’s suite. She’d had omegas go in and collect all her belongings when she’d felt him leave that suite, not just her clothes, everything that was hers and moved, had them set up in her new room down the hall. They’d not understood it, why she was moving out of the Alpha Suite, when she’d lived in there for the past two decades, and for the first time since Christy had come into this pack and started eclipsing her position, she’d not cared to keep quite as to why she was moving out. Told her omegas that the Alpha had ordered her to get out of the suite. It was in fact true he had done so. That hadn’t gone down so well with Anthony when he’d realized she’d actually moved out of the suite, and not just left it to come back later when she’d calmed down. He’d thought she was just angry about him breaking his promise, and so he had opted to sleep in Christy’s suite that night. He had left her be, because he actually understood he was in the wrong, and she had a right to be angry. But what he’d not realized until the following evening, when he’d gone to the Alpha Suite to shower and change, probably apologize for his mistake. That her side of the closet was empty, not a single thing was left in there of her, not even her jewelry. That she had in fact moved out completely, and he’d had to go looking for her, he hadn’t seen her all day either. She’d opted to work from her new suite because she wasn’t in any mood to deal with a smug Christy, or her own Mate who had broken his one promise to her. He’d found her sitting in that suite across from Derek's with many of her things setup in there around her. She’d already made herself comfortable in there. He’d been completely shocked at the realization that she’d taken more than just her clothes, but her trinkets and throw rugs, her favorite vase and many of the books that were in the study, they’d shared in that suite. He’d asked her exactly what was going on, and she’d casually closed the book she’d been sitting documenting in, her Luna’s Diary, and looked at him, his worried expression, as he’d sat down on the lounge next to her. She’d stated simply, “You broke your promise and ordered me to get out of your suite. I did exactly what you wanted.” He’d sighed at her and murmured, “That’s not what I meant, sweetheart, I’m sorry for what happened. Christy was upset about never having seen inside the Alpha Suite… she just wanted to see what it looked like, she’s only ever been in the Luna Suite, doesn’t feel as if I truly see her as my Luna, because she’s never even walked through the door and seen inside the Alpha’s Suite.” He’d sighed heavily. “I saw no harm in her walking through it and looking around. She was so happy to just be shown the suite, and she kissed me to say thank you for allowing her to see where I lived when not with her and, well… we just got carried away is all, and it resulted in sx. It wasn’t intentional,” he told her. Maybe not on his part, but it had clearly been on Christy’s part. “In our bed.” Had been Mischa’s words, she could read between the lines, Christy had gotten Anthony to take her into their bedroom, a place she was never allowed to go unless Mischa invited her personally. Just like Mischa wasn’t allowed in Christy’s bedroom. So, once again, she’d been able to make Anthony believe she was innocent in them fking on Mischa’s bed, and he’d bought it. She had gotten him to take her into that room to help her feel more like his Luna, when he’d already given her a fully remodeled suite. He was still blind to her deceptions. Only this time, Christy had used sx to get it past him. She knew exactly what that she-wolf was doing. She’d also not missed in his relaying of what had happened that it had been Christy who had kissed him and gotten him all worked up, she'd done it on purpose, and she knew that, from that one look on Christy’s face, that he’d not seen. She didn’t really understand the she-wolf. It wasn’t like Anthony ignored her, or didn’t give her exactly what she wanted. Her Luna Suite was now as large and plush as the Alpha Suite was, there was room for them to start their family. It was now a four-bedroom suite. She’d gotten her Mate and the title of Luna as well, had a desk in the Luna’s office, was allowed to give Luna Blessings and she spent on a daily basis more time with Anthony than Mischa did. “Well, Anthony, she can now have what she wants, both the Alpha and Luna suites, can’t she! Seeing as she got you to break your promise to me and so easily.” “Don’t be like that Mischa, it won’t happen again,” he’d sighed. “You’re right, it won’t.” she’d nodded, because she would never set foot in the Alpha Suite again. “You ordered I get out, I had no choice but to do as you ordered, you are the Alpha.” She told him and watched his eyes widen at her very words. He was racking his brain trying to recall if he’d made it an order or not. She knew it wasn’t for her to move out, just to leave the room. But at that moment it could well have been for all he knew. He and his wolf Shade might not even know they’d done that in that moment, where they were consumed with the need to mate Christy. “I take it back.” He’d huffed after a full minute of thought. “Rescind it. If I did that, I can’t say for certain if I did or not.” “No need. I now understand my place, Anthony. Your new and younger Mate is the one you want to please. I’ll step aside for her. She can move into the actual Alpha Suite. I’ll stay here as is my place.” She’d not been trying to make him feel guilty, she’d simply made the decision to not go back to his suite was all, it was now tainted by that she-wolf, so he could have it all to himself or move that she-wolf in there. “Your place is beside me, Mischa, as it will always be,” he’d stated. “Hmm” had been her only reaction because she wondered just how long it would be before Christy got the Luna’s office all to herself and had Mischa moved out of it. Christy was currently still undergoing Luna Training, but the moment it was over. Mischa could see Christy was going to push her from it. She wasn’t exactly sure how yet, but she was willing to bet that she-wolf was plotting how already. Just couldn’t do it until she’d actually finished her training was all. IV CH 4 She was just documenting everything that happened in her personal Luna’s Diary, that was casually sitting closed on her lap right that minute; all of Christy’s behavior. It was kind of like a Luna’s Diary, she supposed. Only this one was filled with all the times Christy had manipulated Anthony, pouted or put on a show of waterworks, complained she was just insecure, intimidated by Mischa, or didn’t think she could ever measure up to his first Mate. All the things that saw Anthony wanting to comfort Christy about and how he did that; taking her out shopping or to dinner, to make her feel loved and cherished and to make it up to her, so she'd feel secure in her position as his second Mate. Though Christy had learned not to insult her directly, that brought about full annoyance in Anthony towards her, regardless of if Christy did it with a few tears or indirectly. Which she had a few times in the beginning when she had been more openly trying to separate them so she could spend more time with Anthony then Mischa could; she’d learned the hard way not to do that. Anthony wouldn’t stand for Christy insulting Mischa, and he would come to her defense, because not once had Mischa ever insulted Christy; she wasn’t like that. Wasn’t one to be mean or cruel on purpose. Even now here in this situation, Christy and Anthony’s having sεx in her bed, she’d not blamed Christy; she hadn’t said anything other than he’d broken his promise to her. Anthony would demand

She signed the divorce and vanished. Five years later, she returned with a secret that shattered his world. He tossed her aside for his lover. Little did he know, she left with his heir. The wife he despised disappeared. He never expected to meet her again... with a mini-him by her side. --------------------------------------------- Chapter 1 His First Love Returned Sophia Evans could feel her world beginning to crack the moment she heard the news—the woman her husband, Lucas Westwood, had never gotten over was back. When Sophia arrived at the hotel's VIP suite with a gift, she found Lucas's first love—Emily Evans—being humiliated by his childhood friends. "Lick the wine off my shoe, Emily. I'll give you thirty thousand dollars," one of them said. Emily was forced to kneel on the floor, tears in her defiant eyes as she stared shamefully at Lucas. Lucas watched with a dark expression, saying nothing as he held his temper in check. Sophia halted mid-step, struck by the painful familiarity of the scene. Three years ago, when she had first been welcomed into the Evans family, these same privileged young men had tormented her in exactly the same way to gain Emily's favor. But back then, Lucas hadn't worn this expression of utter heartbreak. "There you are," Lucas said as soon as he spotted Sophia, his arm sliding around her waist in a show of intimacy. Only Sophia could feel the desperate pressure of his grip—a silent testament to the pain he was trying to conceal. Lucas's childhood friends had reserved the entire venue for his birthday celebration. But Sophia had never expected Emily to show up here. Everyone knew Lucas had married Sophia just to spite Emily. Three years ago, Emily's identity as a fake heiress was exposed. She broke up with Lucas then and there and left the Evans family behind. Lucas pursued her to the airport, boarded her departing flight, and forced the plane that had already taken off to turn back. Right there on that plane, he proposed to Emily. To his complete surprise, Emily refused without hesitation, declaring that the arranged marriage should be honored by the Evans family's true heiress. Humiliated and acting out of spite, Lucas married Sophia instead. For three years, Sophia had lived as Emily's stand-in. Everyone whispered that if Emily ever returned, Lucas would discard Sophia without a second thought. Sophia had once believed that too, but something had shifted in these past six months—Lucas seemed to be genuinely falling for her. He made grand declarations of love in the press, showered her with luxury homes and cars, and even replaced the cherry tree he'd planted for Emily with a garden full of red roses. In their most tender moments, he'd whisper against her ear, "Let's have a baby, Sophie. I hope they have your smile." Sophia's hand drifted absently to her stomach as she clutched the gift box a little tighter. Inside was a positive pregnancy test—meant to be Lucas's birthday surprise. But now, the timing of the gift felt all wrong. "You still think you're the Evans family princess, Emily? Lucas only has eyes for Sophia now. Why not be with me? A pretty thing like you deserves to be treated right," one of Lucas's friends, Ryan Shaw, sneered. He dragged Emily onto his lap, his hands already roaming over her. "Get your hands off me!" Emily cried, fighting against Ryan's grip as humiliation burned through her. Her resistance only fueled Ryan's excitement. In one swift motion, he shoved her down onto the couch, his powerful body trapping hers. Horrified that Ryan would assault Emily right in front of Lucas, Sophia jumped up to stop him, only to be shoved aside as Lucas already surged into action. As she stumbled, her hands instinctively reached for Lucas's arm, but he brutally shook her off. She hit the floor hard, a jolt of sharp pain shooting from her tailbone straight to her womb. Through the pain-induced haze, she saw Lucas grab Ryan by the collar, drag him off Emily, and pummel his face with brutal, unforgiving fists. "You've overstepped, Ryan. Emily is mine. Even if I discard her, she'll never be yours to touch," Lucas snapped. His words hung in the air, and the entire room fell silent as if frozen in time. Sophia stared at Lucas in disbelief, wondering where she stood in his life now that he had openly claimed Emily as his woman. All eyes in the room were drawn to the scene. Some watched with malicious delight, while others were simply captivated by the unfolding drama. Doubled over in pain, Sophia felt a warm wetness spreading beneath her. Her face paled as a cold dread gripped her heart. "Honey, my stomach hurts," she turned to Lucas instinctively. "Please, take me to the hospital." Without even glancing her way, Lucas removed his jacket and gently placed it around Emily's shoulders. Nestling into his embrace, Emily whispered, her voice trembling, "Lucas, I'm scared. Please take me away from here." "Don't worry," he murmured, holding her close. "I won't let anyone hurt you." Sweeping Emily into his arms, Lucas carried her out of the room, completely ignoring Sophia's pain-racked form shuddering on the floor. Perched comfortably on his shoulder, Emily gazed down at Sophia's crumpled form on the floor, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. The spectators murmured among themselves, still savoring the drama they'd just witnessed. "Emily's definitely the one for Lucas. He hasn't taken his eyes off her all night." "The way Lucas looks at her... I thought it was hatred, but it's clearly something else entirely." "Who could resist someone like her? I certainly wouldn't be able to stay angry." "Poor Sophia. She was just a side character in their love story." At the mention of Sophia's name, the crowd remembered her presence simultaneously, their attention shifting to where she sat. Sophia was in terrible pain and covered in a cold sweat until someone finally noticed her condition and quickly helped her to her feet. "Are you okay?" the guy asked. She gripped his arm tightly as the room spun around her. "Please take me to the hospital. My stomach hurts terribly," she pleaded. Then everything went dark as she fainted. Through the haze of semi-consciousness, distant screams about blood echoed in her ears. When Sophia regained consciousness, she found herself lying in a hospital room. The sharp scent of antiseptic hung in the air as she lay alone in the quiet ward. A nurse tending to her bandages noticed her awakening. "You're awake," she said softly. Sophia's voice came out weak and fearful. "My baby... Is my baby alright?" "Your baby is fine," the nurse reassured her. "But you'll need to take special care. These first few months are particularly delicate in your condition." Relief washed over Sophia as grateful tears fell. "Thank you," she whispered, overwhelmed that her child was safe. Through the emotional turmoil, Sophia's first thought was to share the news with Lucas immediately. Wiping her tears, she reached for her phone and dialed his number. The phone rang several times before Lucas finally picked up. His voice was edged with impatience as he answered, "Not coming home tonight. Don't wait—" "Lucas, my hair's caught in this zipper," Emily's voice interrupted, floating through the line. "Could you give me a hand?" Sophia's knuckles went white around her phone. "Be right there," he said. The call ended before Sophia could form a response. Overnight, things between her and Lucas had reverted to how they were six months ago. Back then, he'd been all cold shoulders and sharp tones. Even in their most intimate moments, he treated her like just another need to be met. To him, she might as well have been a stranger—or worse, just a convenient body. So when he finally let his guard down, she'd been so grateful for the warmth that she fell harder than she ever meant to. She thought her years of longing had finally paid off. But reality slapped her senseless when Lucas chose Emily's safety over their own child's life. After being discharged from the hospital, Sophia caught a taxi home. Midway through the ride, her phone buzzed with a Twitter alert. It was a tweet from Emily: [You told me you'd hold my hand and never let go—not for the rest of our lives.] The attached photo showed Emily dressed like a princess, complete with a tiny crown, her hand locked tightly with a larger, elegant hand. Around the wrist was a bracelet made of prayer beads—the very one Sophia had prayed for in a church last year, when Lucas was burning up with fever. That day, he squeezed her hand and whispered a promise that he would never leave her side. Chapter 2 Ask Him for a Divorce The taxi stopped outside the Nightfall Estate, where Sophia paid the fare and got out of the vehicle. She was just heading inside when a truck carrying young cherry trees rumbled up the drive and stopped near the garden. Workers carefully unloaded the cherry trees and settled them into the prepared holes. Where a vibrant sea of red roses had bloomed just yesterday, now only upturned earth remained, with the plants piled carelessly to the side. A dull ache spread through Sophia's chest as she gazed at the rose petals strewn like crimson tears across the soil. The familiar purr of a luxury car engine approached from behind. Turning around, Sophia saw Lucas step out of the car. He stood tall and straight, radiating a natural air of calm elegance. "Honey..." Sophia began, but the words died on her lips as he leaned back into the car. With gentle care, he helped a woman step out—it was Emily, who looked radiant in an exquisite designer ensemble that made her complexion glow. Only when Emily was steady did Lucas's gaze finally meet Sophia's, those usually warm eyes now regarding her with detached indifference. "Did you need something?" he asked, his tone flat. The cold unfamiliarity in his look struck Sophia's heart like a physical blow. "Why are you tearing out the roses when they were growing so well?" she asked, desperate for his explanation. Those roses had been his special way of confessing his feelings to her. Lucas barely glanced at the destroyed garden. "Emily's not feeling well. She'll be staying with us for a bit." "What does that have to do with the roses?" she pressed. "She's allergic to the pollen," he said curtly, already turning to guide Emily inside. Sophia stood rooted to the spot, her heart breaking. Emily's delicate voice carried through the air. "Lucas, Sophia seems upset. This is all my fault. I shouldn't have complained about the roses." "She doesn't matter to me," Lucas reassured her. "But I worry she'll resent me. Really, I can manage with allergy medication," Emily offered, her voice dripping with false concern. "Medication always has side effects. Don't suggest things that worry me," he replied. Sophia stood motionless as she watched their figures grow smaller in the distance. A silent tear traced its way down her cheek while overwhelming sorrow washed over her. 'I don't matter to him... Yeah, right,' Sophia murmured with bitter irony, the truth of the words settling like a weight in her heart. He hadn't even asked about her absence last night, and now he had ordered her favorite roses to be torn out. The message was clear—she meant less to him than the slightest thought of Emily. For three years, she had devoted herself to him, offering unwavering love and comfort through difficult times. She had believed her constant warmth could thaw even the coldest heart, but Emily's reappearance had erased everything in an instant. She wondered what their intimacy these past six months had truly meant, and what role she had actually played in his life. A sudden twinge in her lower abdomen made her catch her breath. Pale and unsteady, she turned toward the villa. As Sophia stepped into the living room, she saw Emily nestled against Lucas on the sofa, watching with affectionate amusement as he peeled an orange for her. Lucas gently picked away every bit of white pith from the orange segments before arranging them on a plate for Emily. "For you," he said with a soft smile. "Enjoy, my little foodie." As Emily took the plate, she noticed Sophia entering the room. A triumphant smile graced her lips as she called out, "Sophia, would you like some? Lucas peeled these himself. Something you've never experienced, I'm sure." Sophia's gaze fell upon the perfectly prepared orange segments, and she felt a sudden sting behind her eyes. The painful truth was that in all their time together, Lucas had never once peeled an orange for her. She had always been the one serving him. The realization struck her with perfect clarity—Lucas knew well how to be thoughtful, but he simply reserved his kindness for Emily. Sophia felt her heart breaking into pieces as she finally understood how painful comparison could be. "She's perfectly capable of peeling her own fruit," Lucas said dismissively, barely glancing at Sophia. Then he noticed her pale complexion and added, "Are you alright? You look terribly pale." Sophia's hands clenched into fists at her sides as she debated telling Lucas her secret pregnancy. A fragile hope whispered within her—that this truth might finally soften his heart toward her. "I..." Her voice faltered, the words dying on her lips. "If you're ill, see a doctor. This pathetic act is getting tiresome," Lucas said, impatience flashing across his handsome features. He was annoyed by her wounded expression, which seemed to suggest she was the victim of some terrible injustice. Sophia swallowed her unspoken words, her gaze lingering on the man who suddenly felt like a complete stranger. "I'm fine," she murmured. "I'll just go to my room." As she turned toward the staircase, Lucas felt a surge of irritation. 'I must've been too lenient with her, and now she dared to show me attitude,' he thought, fuming. Sophia had only climbed a few steps when the housekeeper, Wendy, appeared descending the stairs with servants carrying boxes. The items looked familiar, but it was the sight of her stuffed doll in Wendy's arms that made Sophia realize everything they carried was hers. In a swift motion, she stepped forward and snatched the doll. Her voice turned icy as she asked, "Wendy, care to explain this?" "Mr. Westwood's orders," Wendy said quietly. "You're to move to the storage room downstairs." The words hit Sophia like a physical blow, leaving her mind reeling. She turned to Lucas, her eyes wide with disbelief. "You can't be serious." They'd already maintained separate bedrooms, but she never imagined that she'd be banished to a storage room instead of even being offered the guest suite after Emily's return. For a fleeting moment under her gaze, Lucas felt a twinge of guilt, but it quickly hardened into resolve. "Emily needs the sunroom for her health," he stated matter-of-factly. "Your room gets the best light. It's better for her recovery." The absurdity of it all drew a bitter laugh from Sophia's lips. She thought his previous cruelty—shoving her while pregnant and replacing her roses with Emily's cherry trees—had been the worst it could get. But this new humiliation surpassed even that. All Lucas had done since Emily's return yesterday was talk about her. In just one day, she had turned Sophia's whole life upside down. Sophia expected to feel rage, but instead found only a hollow emptiness settling in her chest. 'Look at him, Sophia,' Sophia thought bitterly. 'This is the man you gave your heart and soul to. Was any of it worth it?' "If you're so worried about her comfort, why not just move her into your room? The master suite gets the best light anyway," Sophia shot back. Lucas responded sharply, "Sophia, you need to watch your tone." Emily's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I know you don't want me here, Sophia. I'll go. Please don't fight with Lucas over me." Sophia saw right through Emily's act. A humorless laugh escaped her as she spat, "You're not going anywhere. I am." Tightening her grip on the stuffed doll, she turned and headed for the door. "Don't you dare, Sophia." Lucas rose to his feet, his voice cutting through the room. "Walk out that door now, and don't expect to ever come back." Sophia's hands tightened into fists at her sides. "I'll make sure you receive the divorce papers," she said, her voice cold and steady. "See that you sign them." "You're asking me for a divorce?" Lucas's voice was low, thick with barely restrained fury. He added, his tone edged with contempt, "Have you forgotten who gave you this life, Sophia? The luxury, the status—all of it came from me. Without my name, you're just that wide-eyed girl fresh off that forgotten little town. You don't get to leave." Chapter 3 The Replaced Medical Result Sophia didn't need to look back to know the condescending smirk that was surely on Lucas's face. She knew he had always despised her. His proposal three years ago had been motivated only by a desire to fulfill the marriage agreement between their families and to exact revenge on Emily. She had been naive enough to believe his empty promises, offering him her genuine love when he saw her as nothing more than a pawn. To him, she would always be a leech, clinging to his wealth and name for survival. But now, she had reached her limit, and she no longer wanted him in her life. Sophia walked out without a backward glance. As she stepped through the gateway, the sound of shattering porcelain echoed behind her, but she no longer cared. Lucas stood amid the shattered remains, fingers pressed to his temples. His face was a mask of simmering anger. He dismissed the mention of divorce as just another one of her calculated moves, a transparent attempt to get his attention by pulling away. Emily watched him hesitantly. "Maybe I shouldn't be staying here, Lucas. Sophia seemed really upset." "It's nothing," Lucas replied evenly. Seeing how the mention of divorce had affected him, she suggested softly, "You could go after her. Women usually respond well to a little reassurance." "I don't have time for that," Lucas said, turning toward the staircase. With a business trip looming, his mind was elsewhere. 'Let her make a scene if she wants to,' he thought. 'She'll cool off and come crawling back. She always does.' ***** Sophia's home was a beautiful 3,200-square-foot apartment with an open-concept layout and sleek modern decor—all paid for with her own earnings. In her study, she printed the divorce papers and a letter resigning from her position. With a steady hand, she signed both, and then summoned a courier to deliver them directly to the Westwood Group. When she married Lucas three years ago, Sophia had joined his company, hoping to build a genuine connection with him. She started at the very bottom as an assistant and gradually earned her way up to department manager. She had wanted nothing more than to be close to him—in their home and at work. But in the end, her efforts were met with cold indifference. Gazing downward, Sophia softly cradled her stomach. "It's just us now, little one," she whispered. The courier arrived at Westwood headquarters while Lucas was away. His chief executive assistant, Kevin Chapman, received the delivery and signed. The moment Kevin saw the contents, he reached for the phone, dialing Lucas's number in haste. "Mr. Westwood, your wife has sent divorce documents." "Burn it all." On the other side of the ocean, Lucas loosened his tie as an unexpected wave of irritation came over him. "But Mrs. Westwood has even submitted her resignation letter..." Kevin replied, his tone hesitant. "She can't survive without this family." The blue flame from Lucas's lighter highlighted the grim set of his features. "Let her be. She'll come crawling back once reality sets in." Meanwhile, Sophia remained completely unaware of his words. Her morning had begun with a call from her mother-in-law, Helen Westwood. "Where are you? Return at once," Helen commanded in her typically imperious manner, leaving no room for discussion. Complying, Sophia drove back to the estate. No sooner had she stepped inside than a velvet box came hurling toward her head, which she narrowly avoided by stepping aside. Helen's shrill voice pierced the air. "How dare you avoid that? You've got some nerve." Sophia's gaze fell upon the velvet box at her feet, and suddenly, she understood why it seemed familiar. She remembered purchasing that exact box to store her pregnancy test results. On Lucas's birthday, she had intended to present it to him as a gift, but he had accidentally pushed her before she could give it to him, resulting in her hospitalization. Her heart leaped as she turned to face Helen's livid expression. 'Could she know about the pregnancy? But something about her reaction seems strange,' she wondered. For three years, Helen had made no secret of her disapproval of Sophia, someone raised in a small town. Yet every time Sophia visited the Westwood residence with Lucas, Helen would consistently nag Sophia about starting a family soon. If Helen knew Sophia was pregnant, she was supposed to be absolutely delighted instead of reacting like this. Helen clutched a medical report, her eyes blazing with fury as she stared down Sophia. "For three years, I've watched your marriage to Lucas, wondering why you never conceived. Now I understand—he married a barren woman. "If you hadn't left this at the hotel and Lucas's friend hadn't been kind enough to deliver it, I'd still be in the dark about your condition." Heart pounding with shock, Sophia ignored Helen's murderous gaze and snatched the document from her hand. The clinical report lay cold and pale in the morning light. There was her name, clearly printed, alongside the devastating diagnosis: "permanent infertility." 'Permanent infertility? But that's impossible. I'm pregnant. Someone must have switched my test results. But who would do such a thing?' Sophia wondered. The words tumbled out before she could stop them. "This isn't my..." Emily, who had remained silent until now, suddenly interrupted, "Sophia, the Westwood lineage has been passed down through a single heir for ten generations. Are you trying to ensure Lucas dies without an heir? To extinguish the family line completely?" "How utterly heartless!" Helen exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Sophia as her anger reached its peak. "We've welcomed you with open arms since you married into this family. Yet you've been hiding this from us? To think you'd let our family line die out—it's truly despicable!" she added. Sophia didn't even attempt to explain herself. If they wanted to believe she was barren, so be it—it would only simplify the divorce proceedings. "I only received the results two days ago. I hadn't found the right moment to share the news," Sophia replied, her voice calm. "This wasn't about finding the right moment. You did this intentionally," Helen retorted, her face contorted with rage. "And you planned to give this to Lucas as a gift? What kind of twisted mind would conceive such a thing?" Sophia maintained her silence. Helen took a measured breath, forcing her anger down. "If you can't conceive naturally, I won't hold it against you. I've spoken with Emily, and she's agreed to donate her eggs so you and Lucas can pursue in vitro fertilization." Sophia stared in disbelief at the unexpected turn. "Could you repeat that?" She believed she had misheard because the suggestion was both preposterous and deeply offensive. "If you can't conceive, that's your problem. Emily is being extraordinarily generous by offering her eggs. The least you could do is show some appreciation instead of this ingratitude," Helen sneered. A bitter smile touched Sophia's lips. "Perhaps you'd like to accept this generous offer yourself?" "How dare you speak to me like that!" Helen's eyes flashed with fury. "Sophia, you shouldn't speak to Mrs. Westwood that way. She was suggesting that for your sake," Emily said in a honeyed tone, reaching for the glass. As she moved, she made certain to display the prayer beads circling her delicate wrist. Sophia's breath caught—she would recognize the bracelet anywhere. That was the very ones she had sacrificed so much to obtain while praying for Lucas's recovery. It felt like a personal insult, seeing the bracelet that symbolized her love for Lucas now clasped around Emily's wrist. "For my sake?" Sophia repeated, the words tasting bitter as she caught the sly glint of satisfaction in Emily's eyes. It sent a sharp ache through her. She knew this game all too well. Emily had a gift for twisting people's vulnerabilities to her advantage, a lesson Sophia had learned the hard way three years ago. "I'm infertile. What possible use could I have for your eggs?" Sophia asked, her voice cold. "Do you really think I need a constant reminder of what I can't have?" Emily's smile vanished. For Helen's benefit, she bit her lip, her eyes instantly welling with feigned hurt. "Mrs. Westwood," she said, her voice trembling slightly, "I was only trying to help Sophia." Helen immediately comforted Emily by patting her hand. She then shot Sophia a disapproving look. "How can you be so selfish, Sophia? Are you really determined to let the Westwood family line die out?" Sophia gestured dismissively toward Emily. "Well, if she's so fertile, let her handle the baby-making." The thought of Emily getting to be a mother the easy way turned Sophia's stomach. Chapter 4 Take Back Her Things The color drained from both Helen's and Emily's faces. Helen stepped forward, jabbing a finger toward Sophia. "You think you're better than us? Then you give the Westwood family an heir. Don't blame anyone else for your own useless womb." Sophia bit back the sharp retort on her tongue. She was done with this family, done with Lucas. Arguing now would only prolong the inevitable. "Mrs. Westwood," she began, "I've decided—" Lucas's familiar, deep voice cut through the tension from the doorway. "Decided what?" Sophia turned to see Lucas standing there, his clothes rumpled from travel. His assistant, Kevin, hovered behind him with a suitcase in hand. The air in the room was thick with tension, so Kevin knew better than to stay. He simply left the suitcase by the door and made a quick exit. Loosening his tie, Lucas turned to Helen. "Mom, what brings you here?" "If I hadn't come, you'd have let our family name die out," Helen shot back. She then snatched the medical report from Sophia and flung it at Lucas's chest. "See for yourself," she said coldly, and with that, she swept out of the room. Lucas looked down at the document in his hands, and the words "permanent infertility" caused a faint twitch in his brow. His eyes, when they finally lifted to meet Sophia's, were devoid of warmth. "You'll go back to the hospital tomorrow for a full work-up. I will not have a wife who can't give me an heir." A hollow ache spread through Sophia's chest. Any foolish hope she'd been clinging to finally faded. Lucas had never defended her in three years of his mother's constant belittlement. And now, the ease with which he believed this lie revealed the chilling truth of his character. "I have the divorce papers right here," Sophia said, pulling the documents from her bag. She extended them toward him, her voice steady. "Just sign them, and you'll never have to see me again." Lucas didn't even look at the papers. In one swift motion, his hand closed around her throat, pulling her close. He leaned in until his face was mere inches from hers, and she could feel his warm breath and smell the familiar scent of his cologne. There was a time when this closeness would have made her heart flutter. Now, it only made her skin crawl. It was amazing how easy it was to walk away when all the love had drained away. "Sophia, have I been too soft with you?" Lucas's voice was thick with contempt. "Where exactly do you think you'll go without my protection?" She held his gaze without flinching. "That's really none of your concern anymore." "Still got that sharp tongue," he sneered. He released her with a dismissive shove, as if her defiance meant nothing. "Go make me dinner. I'm hungry." A wave of pain shot through Sophia's lower abdomen as she sank into the sofa, her skin turning clammy with an instant, cold sweat. Across the room, Emily slid her arm through Lucas's with practiced ease. "Don't let Sophia bother you," she murmured. "Her little scene was just a cry for your attention." Lucas pulled his tie free, his stern expression melting away as he focused on Emily. "How are you holding up?" he asked, his tone gentler. "I'm fine," she sighed, putting on a pitiful face. "It's just that the medicine is so awfully bitter." "It's bitter because it's strong. You need to keep taking it," he reminded her. "I picked up those candies you like. They're in my suitcase. Go get them yourself." "I know you always look out for me," Emily said, stretching up to press a light kiss to Lucas's cheek. "Consider that your reward." A look of quiet satisfaction crossed his features at the gesture. "I'm going up to shower," he said. "Go ahead," Emily said sweetly, fluttering a wave at him. She waited until Lucas's footsteps faded up the staircase before turning to the suitcase. They carried on as if Sophia weren't standing right there in the same room. Humming cheerfully, Emily unzipped the luggage. Alongside Lucas's neatly folded clothes sat a jar of shimmering candies and an elegant red velvet box that clearly held something valuable. Her eyes skipped over the candy, going straight to the velvet box. When she lifted the lid, a pink diamond necklace lay gleaming, its facets scattering rainbows in the light. "Oh, it's exquisite. I love it," she whispered, her eyes widening. "So the candy was just a decoy. This necklace is what he really wanted me to find." Draping the necklace against her collarbone, Emily turned to face Sophia, who had risen from the sofa. "Well, Sophia? Don't you think it suits me perfectly?" The pink diamond necklace around Emily's neck struck Sophia as oddly familiar. It came to her a moment later—she had coveted it last month while flipping through a magazine. Lucas had seen her fascination and promised to get it for her. The catch was its exclusivity—a single piece, sourced from Melaria, the country where Lucas had been attending to business. "That was for me," Sophia said, her voice calm. The man was disposable, but her possessions were not. She would reclaim what was rightfully hers. With a swift motion, Emily clasped the necklace. "Finders keepers," she said with a mocking grin. Sophia approached for a closer look. Though the necklace was more exquisite than its photograph, any desire for it had vanished. A wary look crossed Emily's face. "What is this about?" "To take what belongs to me, of course," Sophia said, stepping close and extending her hand. "It's time you returned it." Emily's hands instinctively flew to the diamond necklace at her throat. "Lucas will never stand for this, Sophia. You know what I mean to him." Sophia almost laughed. She knew well that Emily held a special place in Lucas's heart. But that was irrelevant. She was only claiming what was hers. "Give the bracelet back to me," Sophia said coldly. It was a token earned through true devotion, and she wouldn't let its significance be tarnished. Realizing Sophia only wanted the simple bracelet, Emily smiled condescendingly. 'Some shortsighted people have no taste,' she thought. Emily twisted the bracelet around her wrist. "I heard you went to Grace Abbey to beg for this good-luck charm," she said. "You are so hung up on him, aren't you?" The hypocrisy of her words was almost laughable. "Give it back," Sophia said, her voice like ice. Emily's eyes flickered to a point behind Sophia, and a sly smile touched her lips. She lowered her voice. "If you want it so badly, why don't you come and take it?" Sophia didn't stop to think. She grabbed Emily's wrist and tugged the bracelet free. The moment it was off, Emily's demeanor shifted completely. "Sophia, what are you doing?" she cried out, her voice suddenly loud and panicked. "Lucas gave this to me." Before Sophia could even turn around, a powerful hand seized her by the collar and hauled her backwards. The fabric dug sharply into her throat, stealing her breath. Stumbling to regain her footing, Sophia looked up to see Lucas. He was already cradling Emily. "Emily, are you alright?" he asked, his voice full of concern. Emily buried her face in his chest. "I'm fine," she whispered, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Please, don't be angry with Sophia. She didn't mean it." Lucas's jaw tightened, a vein pulsing visibly at his temple. He took a deep breath and fixed Sophia with an icy stare. "Apologize to Emily." Chapter 5 She Wants a Clean Break A bitter smile touched Sophia's lips. She had fooled herself into thinking she was numb to Lucas's coldness. But his command still sent a fresh, sharp pain through her chest. She knew there was no point arguing with a man who had already chosen the other woman's side. "I won't apologize," Sophia said, her fist closing tightly around the bracelet. "What for?" Emily looked up at Lucas with well-practiced vulnerability. "I'm causing trouble here, Lucas. I should go." Lucas caught her wrist before she could take a second step. "You're staying right here." His attention snapped back to Sophia, his expression darkening. "Now, Sophia, apologize to Emily." The room blurred as tears filled Sophia's eyes, twisting his familiar face into a stranger's. She lifted the simple bracelet between them. "This is my stuff in the first place. Since when is taking back what was stolen a crime?" "Your stuff? Since when do you have anything of your own?" Lucas's lips curled in a sneer. "I've paid for every stitch of clothing on your back." The words hit Sophia like a physical blow, forcing a bitter laugh from her lips. He knew perfectly well she earned her own living, yet he took every opportunity to demean her. "This bracelet came from Grace Abbey," she countered, her voice trembling. "You didn't pay a cent for it." Lucas's eyes dropped to the simple beads in her palm. "You think I care about some cheap bracelet?" he scoffed. Hot tears streamed down Sophia's face without warning. Wiping them away, Sophia made a silent vow—this would be the last time he reduced her to this. "Fine!" With one sharp motion, she snapped the bracelet's cord, sending beads skittering across the floor. Lucas watched the scattered beads come to rest, his hand curling into a white-knuckled fist at his side. He knew how much that bracelet meant to her, but the moment Emily wanted it, he didn't hesitate to take it off and hand it over. Lucas's head snapped up, his eyes blazing. "Sophia!" "I want a divorce," Sophia said, her voice eerily calm. As she opened her hand, the last bead from the bracelet clattered onto the floor between them. "Let's just end this." The sound was small, but in the tense silence, it was deafening, echoing in Lucas's mind. He let out a short laugh, his gaze locked on her. "You think a threat will work? You should know better than that by now." 'This has to be a ploy,' he thought to himself. 'She loves me too much to go through with it. She has accepted her role as Emily's replacement from the beginning and has never once tried to leave. 'She would never have the strength to walk away from me.' "Go make us something to eat, and we can forget this ever happened." Lucas was certain he had thrown Sophia a lifeline. He waited, fully expecting her to be overcome with relief and scurry off to the kitchen. He'd been away on business, and days of unfamiliar rich food had left his stomach unsettled. What he craved was Sophia's cooking—simple, hearty food that tasted like home. It was a flavor he couldn't find anywhere else. "You can go eat your ass," Sophia shot back. She picked up her bag, her lips twisting into a scornful smile, and walked out without a backward glance. That smile grated on Lucas's nerves more than the insult itself. In his frustration, his eyes fell on the string of prayer beads lying scattered on the floor, and he gave them an impatient kick. 'So that's her game. She wants to challenge me? I'd like to see just how long her resolve will hold,' he thought, fuming. ***** Sophia sped away from Nightfall Estate, her phone buzzing relentlessly on the passenger seat. Lucas's name flashed across the screen again and again until she finally grabbed it and blocked his number for good. When she looked up at the road, she blinked, her vision blurring for a moment. She braced for the familiar sting of tears, but when her fingers touched her skin, it was dry. It was only then that she noticed the soft patter against the windshield. A fine drizzle had begun to fall, and a quiet melancholy settled over her, as gray as the sky. Up ahead, the flickering hazard lights of a sleek black car broke the rhythm of the rain. A man in a soaked suit, looking to be in his forties, stood beside it, waving frantically at passing traffic. Almost without conscious thought, Sophia found herself flipping on her turn signal and pulling over. She rolled down her window as the man rushed over. "Everything okay?" she asked. "It's my boss," the man said, his voice tight with panic. "He's having a heart attack. The ambulance is stuck in a multi-car accident. Please, can you take us to the hospital?" Sophia hesitated. Letting two strange men into her car, especially in this weather, felt dangerous. Every cautionary tale she'd ever heard flashed through her mind. Seeing her hesitation, the man added urgently, "I promise we're not dangerous. My boss is—" But Sophia was already moving, cutting the engine and stepping out into the downpour. "Just get him to my car, now," she called out as she rushed toward their vehicle. As she got closer, she recognized the distinctive emblem of the black Maybach. Working together, they carefully transferred the elderly man from the luxury sedan into Sophia's more modest car. The old man's lips were tinged with blue, and each ragged breath seemed like a struggle, clear signs of his critical condition. Sliding behind the wheel, Sophia started the car and pulled back onto the road, pushing through the veils of rain. In the backseat, the middle-aged man was a whirlwind of activity on his phone, coordinating with a hospital and alerting the family. Beyond the windows, the storm seemed to intensify, as if trying to match the urgency inside the car. After ensuring everything was in place, the man turned to Sophia with heartfelt appreciation. "You're the only one who stopped in this downpour. We can't thank you enough." A warm smile touched Sophia's lips. "Some things are just meant to be." ***** Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at the hospital entrance where medical staff stood ready. The team swiftly transferred the elderly man to a stretcher and hurried him inside for emergency care. Just as Sophia was about to drive away, she spotted a lone leather shoe in the backseat—the one the elderly man had been wearing. After a moment's hesitation, she parked properly and carried the shoe to the reception desk, logging it as a lost item. Sophia was just turning to leave when a group emerged from the hospital's main entrance. At the front of the group was a man whose height and posture commanded attention. He turned his sharp gaze on her, and the intensity in his eyes was so commanding that it felt like a physical pressure. 'That frown means trouble,' Sophia thought. She averted her gaze and continued walking, brushing past the group without a second look. It wasn't until she was back in the driver's seat that she felt the chill of her wet clothes clinging to her skin. As she dried her hair with a towel from the backseat, a notification popped up on her phone while she was opening the navigation app. It was a post from Emily: [Nothing says 'forever' like a soft-boiled egg made with love! My ultimate comfort food.] The post featured two photos—one showed a soft-boiled egg with a ketchup heart, and the other captured a tall man's back as he stood at the stove, an apron tied around his waist. Sophia couldn't help but compare. When she was with Lucas, he had acted like even pouring her a glass of water was a significant concession. Cooking a meal was utterly out of the question. The fact that he was now cooking for Emily spoke volumes about where his true affections lay. She closed the page and entered her apartment address into the navigation system before driving out of the parking lot. As she watched the heavy rain outside, a single decisive thought crystallized in her mind—this marriage was over. Chapter 6 Return the Trash to the Dumpster That evening, a text came through from Annabelle Quinn, Sophia's best friend since college, insisting they go out to a lounge. The old Sophia would have declined immediately, conditioned to obey Lucas's rule about her not going out. But now that Sophia was divorcing him, his opinions held no weight. ***** The moment Sophia stepped out of the car, she saw Annabelle waiting by the entrance. "Hope you haven't been waiting long," she said as she approached. "Just got here," Annabelle grinned, looping her arm through Sophia's. "So, what's the special occasion? Did you finally get a night off from your sweetheart?" Sophia struggled to find the words, but she couldn't keep it from her best friend. "I'm getting a divorce," she finally said. "Let me guess," Annabelle said, not one to mince words in front of her best friend. "This is about Emily being back, isn't it?" "It's not just that," Sophia admitted, her voice quiet. It just took seeing the difference for herself to truly see how little her three years of effort had meant. Annabelle threw a supportive arm around Sophia's shoulders. "You should have woken up to this a long time ago." For three years, she had watched Sophia lose herself in a hollow relationship, and it killed Annabelle to see her friend throw everything away for a man who never appreciated her. "Better late than never," Sophia offered with a weak smile. "Damn right it is," Annabelle declared. "Tonight, I'm getting us the best male models in town. You deserve some real attention." They ascended into the pulsating heart of the club, pushing through the glittering crowd toward the exclusive booth Annabelle had booked. As they moved past the entrance to a private booth, a burst of laughter and chatter spilled into the hallway. Amid the noise, Sophia's own name caught her sharp ear. "Got to hand it to Lucas. The minute Emily was back, he moved her right in. Word is, he showed Sophia the door." "Well, she had it coming. Play the simp, and you lose it all. Seriously though, that night in the booth with all the blood? I truly thought a tragedy had occurred, but it was probably just her period." "You're thinking about that? Man, have you had a thing for Sophia all along?" "Who'd pine after some nobody from a backwater? Only Lucas, with his unique preferences, would stick around for three years." "Guess the novelty wore off. Time for a change." Standing in the hallway, Sophia felt a cold stillness settle behind her eyes. The voices clicked into place—Lucas's oldest friends. They had been there that night, spectators to her most shameful moment. Annabelle's eyes flashed with anger. "I'm going to give them a piece of my mind." But as she moved toward the door, Sophia stopped her with a gentle hand. "This is my battle to fight," Sophia said firmly. With that, Sophia pushed the door open and swept into the room. She settled gracefully onto the sofa, joining their conversation with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "If you're talking about unique preferences, I top him," she began, her voice deceptively light, "I recycled what Emily threw away. But it looks like I did everyone a favor by returning the trash to the dumpster where it belongs." A stunned silence fell over the room. Every face on the circular sofa stared at her in horrified fascination. Unbeknownst to Sophia, two figures had entered the room behind her during her speech. The guests' eyes darted nervously between Sophia and the newcomers, the air thickening with tension. There stood Lucas and Emily, their expressions dark as storm clouds. Their presence made Sophia turn. Her eyes instantly met the cold, dark stare of Lucas. But she didn't back down. A defiant shrug lifted her shoulders. "Look what the cat dragged in. My trash husband." Emily's eyes instantly glistened with tears. "Sophia, ignore them," she pleaded, her voice trembling. "It's all lies. Lucas and I are just friends." As if to prove her point, she clutched Lucas's arm. "Tell her, Lucas. Make her understand there's nothing going on between us." Sophia's gaze dropped to the hand clinging to Lucas's arm, and a faint, derisive smile touched her mouth. 'Just friends? Did she really expect anyone to believe that?' she thought bitterly. Lucas detached himself from Emily's grip and closed the distance between him and Sophia. The motion broke the tension, stirring his friends into action. "Hey, Lucas, take it easy," one of them said, stepping forward. "She's just reacting to our stupid jokes." "Come on, Sophia, just say you're sorry to Lucas," another one urged. "You know he'll forgive you." The suggestion made Sophia want to laugh bitterly. 'Is this really how they see me? As some lovesick fool who'd come crawling back at the first sign of forgiveness?' she thought. It explained everything—why, for three years, they had shown her phony respect as Lucas's wife while mocking her devotion in private. She had no one to blame but herself. If she hadn't met Lucas seven years ago, if that fateful incident hadn't tied her to him, she would have moved on with her life long ago. "Are you quite done?" Lucas's voice cut through her thoughts as he reached for her arm. She shifted her weight gracefully, letting his hand close on empty air. The rejected gesture hung between them for a beat too long before he withdrew, his features tightening with displeasure. Turning to Emily, who was now dabbing at her eyes, Sophia arched a brow. "There's no need for the waterworks. You're making it look like I'm the one being cruel here." "Sophia, I've treated you like my elder sister. I—" Emily began, trying to defend herself. "Don't," Sophia interrupted, her voice cool. "We arrived minutes apart, and you were first. Let's skip the emotional act." Emily's face turned from pale to deep red as she clenched her jaw in fury. 'Since when has Sophia found this kind of nerve? She used to shrink into silence whenever Lucas was near,' she thought. Despite her three-year absence from the city, Emily had ensured she received every scrap of information about Sophia's life. She knew all about Sophia's pathetic attempts to please Lucas, and she knew exactly how little he cared for his wife. She even knew they kept separate bedrooms, and that on the occasional night Lucas spent with Sophia, he always sent her back to her own room afterward. She knew that to Lucas, Sophia was just a body—convenient, disposable, and utterly unimportant. With a dark expression, Lucas grabbed Sophia's wrist and began pulling her toward the exit. Sophia's answer was a sharp, stinging slap across his cheek. The sound cracked through the air, and a dead silence fell over the room. All eyes were fixed on Sophia in pure shock. Everyone was wondering if she had lost her mind to dare something like that. Lucas slowly worked his jaw, the look in his eyes so dark that it promised retribution. When Sophia resisted, Lucas didn't hesitate. He swept her up onto his shoulder and carried her out of the room. The sight made Emily's heart clench. She'd never seen Lucas be so patient with anyone. Before she knew it, her hand was on his arm. "Lucas..." He didn't turn his head, but some of the tension left his expression. "I'm taking her home," he said firmly. "The driver will return for you when you're ready." Emily could only watch as Lucas walked away with Sophia. She had no right to stop him, but it stung—this was the first time he'd ever left her for another woman, especially one who meant nothing. Her hands tightened at her sides. 'I gave you a chance to walk away quietly, Sophia. You brought this on yourself,' she thought. Sophia's protests echoed down the hallway as she struggled against Lucas's hold. Unsure what was happening between the couple, Annabelle turned away, pretending she hadn't noticed them. Lucas carried Sophia into the elevator and stepped out briskly when it reached the basement level. As the car door opened, Lucas tossed Sophia into the back seat. Struggling upright, she felt a wave of dizziness and nausea from the prolonged time she'd spent upside down. She opened her mouth to curse, but the words died on her lips as the tinted window of a nearby Maybach began to descend. In the shadowy interior, the man's profile was sharp and forbidding. His lips were set in a firm line, and he sat with the imposing stillness of an iceberg, his presence pushing others away. Sensing her gaze, he glanced over, and their eyes locked. Without a word, Sophia averted her gaze and hid her face behind a veil of tangled hair. Chapter 7 Not Her Home Anymore Lucas's black Bentley pulled out of the underground parking garage, but Sophia was still lost in thought about those intense eyes. There was something familiar about them, though she couldn't quite place where she'd seen them before. Lucas's voice broke the silence. "Did you follow me here? What are you so concerned about?" "What?" Sophia asked, snapping back to reality. Keeping his eyes on the road, Lucas tried to explain. "You know how my friends are—they never think before they speak. Don't take their words seriously. There's nothing going on between Emily and me." 'If there's really nothing between them, why was he being so protective? He only rushed me out because he was worried I might cause a scene and embarrass Emily,' Sophia thought. "Sure," Sophia said, her voice laced with sarcasm. "You and Emily are completely innocent." "I'm trying to explain myself here," Lucas said, his patience wearing thin. "Do you have to be so sarcastic?" Her ungrateful attitude was beginning to irritate him. He remembered how she used to soften at the slightest reassurance. Now, it seemed her patience had worn thin. "Understood," Sophia said, her tone flat. "Is that all?" "I've been clear from the beginning—you are my wife, and that won't change. But if you want this marriage to work, you need to drop your little tricks. I won't play these games." Sophia stayed quiet, struck by his assumption that her mention of divorce was merely a plea for attention. Her silence tightened the air between them. "Don't become someone I resent, Sophia," he said with a frown, his voice low. A faint, bitter smile touched her lips as she turned toward the window, shutting him out completely. Sensing he had pushed too far, Lucas eased his tone. "I had your things moved back to our room. If you want to stay with me, just say so. There's no need for all this." Sophia was left speechless. ***** As the car came to a stop in the courtyard of Nightfall Estate, Sophia stepped out. Her eyes were immediately drawn to the cherry blossom grove in the garden. The sight sent a sharp pang through her chest. She forced her gaze away and continued into the villa. Inside, the decor had been completely redone. The new style, with its unmistakable resemblance to the Evans residence, clearly revealed who had overseen the renovations. She moved through rooms that felt entirely alien to her now, but she kept her thoughts to herself since this was no longer her home. Wendy looked surprised when she saw Sophia. "Mrs. Westwood, you've returned. Have you had your supper?" Sinking into the plush pink sofa, Sophia answered quietly, "Yes, thank you." Wendy offered a tight smile before retreating to her quarters to make a hurried phone call to Helen, reporting the unexpected arrival. Helen had never approved of Sophia, whom she saw as a plain nobody not good enough for her son. The infertility diagnosis hardened Helen's resolve to rush the divorce so Lucas could marry someone worthy of giving her grandchildren. The news of Sophia's sudden return after her dramatic departure kept Helen tossing and turning all night. Lucas had been certain Sophia would confront him about the complete makeover of their home.