I moved back alone to the small apartment I had bought before I mated with Owen and settled myself in.
I did not own much. This apartment was the only thing of real value in my name.
I had actually planned to transfer the apartment to Leo. In my mind, that was the truest form of love I could give my son.
But I held back because of something Emma said.
"That shabby little place isn't worthy of Leo. He's going to be the future Gamma of the pack!"
Raised in luxury under Owen's wing, Leo immediately started whining too. "I don't want that shabby little place. I want to live in Dad's villa!"
My heart went cold as I watched him throw a tantrum.
Owen quickly rushed to soothe him. "Don't cry, sweetheart. I won't let you live in that dump."
Then, he glared at me coldly. "What's your deal, Seraphina? You want our son to live in a place like that?" he asked sharply. "Do you want him to end up being a failure like you?"
Though I was hurt, I didn't argue back. All I did was smile bitterly and shake my head.
At the time, I told myself not to take it to heart because Leo was still a young pup.
But would somebody who truly loved me say such things?
The signs were all there, I was just too blind to see them.
Suddenly freed from chores and obligations, I had time for myself for the very first time.
I cooked myself a spread and went to a concert in the evening.
These were the things I'd never let myself enjoy before.
Owen loved spicy food, while Leo was allergic to seafood. I hated spice and adored seafood.
I'd spent years compromising for them, never once asking myself what I truly liked.
Just then, my phone rang. It was Owen.
"Yes?" I said.
"Where did you put the shirt I ordered last month?" he demanded.
"The second last drawer in the wardrobe," I replied.
After he found it, his tone turned mocking. "If you weren't the only one who knew where everything is in the house, I wouldn't have bothered calling you."
I was just about to hang up when he added, "Look, enough drama. Come home already. My patience has its limits. Leo can barely eat without you around. Don't you feel sorry for him?"
I scoffed. "Owen, get your butler to keep track of where everything is. Don't call me again. Deal with Leo yourself. I don't care.
"When I said I wanted to dissolve the mate bond, it wasn't just talk. Our relationship is over."
