Chapter 2

I ignored Jakob's open announcement of his love for me on social media and went home. Then, I asked a maid for a pair of scissors.

I pulled out the matching custom-designed shirt I had made and cut it into shreds.

The sound of the fabric being torn apart was soft, but they seemed to have left slices on my heart.

Then, I picked up the shredded fabric and placed our ring into a box labeled "Second Mate Bond Gift."

I meant to give this box to Jakob on the day I was going to leave.

Maybe he would be thrilled when he received it. Or maybe excited, happy…

But he didn't know that I was also returning all my shattered tenderness and love to him.

Once I had tucked the box away, I ran into Jakob who came back home.

He smiled at me fondly as he took my hand and led me outside.

"Honey! The surprise I planned for you is here! Come see it!"

Once outside, a massive pink gift box greeted me.

Jakob snapped his fingers, and the box automatically opened.

As a flurry of balloons and confetti burst into the sky, a pink Bugatti caught my eye.

Two domestic helpers quickly raised a banner that read, "For my beloved Luna, Cynthia."

Crowds gathered again as he presented his gift in such an extravagant manner, all of them sighing with envy.

Jakob then handed me the keys, his eyes brimming with love. "Cynthia, didn't you say the seat in your car is a little uncomfortable? I remembered it, so I chose a new car for you. As your Alpha, I'll give you everything you want."

Just when I was about to accept his gift as I drowned myself in his eyes filled with burning passion, I suddenly saw a bracelet that I had never seen before around his wrist. It was something any woman could recognize. A bracelet made of a lace bra strap.

My hand froze, and I felt my stomach churning.

Jakob noticed the change in my expression and asked worryingly, "What's wrong, Cynthia? You don't want this car? You didn't like the color?"

I shook my head and took the car keys, my voice trembling. "No… It's a wonderful car."

But I never wanted a car. I wanted Jakob.

He obviously sighed in relief, thinking that I was probably just too touched.

Back in our bedroom, Jakob noticed a gift box on my dressing table.

He wanted to see what it was, but I stepped in front of him.

Jakob held my hands and said, "You prepared a surprise for me too, didn't you?"

I pursed my lips then said with a fake smile, "Of course. You know how I'll always treat others with kindness when they treat me well. But you can't open it yet. I'll give it to you and another gift seven days later. I'm sure you'll love it."

Jakob's eyes sparkled. He hugged me tightly and asked happily, "A double surprise? Is there a special day seven days from now? Why can't I remember?"

He thought for a moment before walking out of the bedroom and calling the butler after a moment of realization. "I almost forgot! Cynthia's birthday is seven days from now! Sebastian, prepare a grand birthday celebration. That's right, bigger than last year. I won't be cheap with my Luna."

When Jakob was making the call, he didn't realize that I was staring at him from the bedroom doorway, my eyes colder than ever.

He had never forgotten about my birthday during the seven years we were together.

The moment Molly returned, he forgot it completely.

Everything in this world was fair. Since Jakob didn't come for the dinner I had painstakingly planned, I would be absent from the birthday party he was preparing for me.

I wonder what kind of expression he would have later on?

I lowered my eyes and texted Mia. "Which floor of which hotel is the birthday banquet that Jakob was planning? Have someone set up Molly's bonding ceremony directly above it."

"Understood, Luna."

Jakob was still calling the butler when I overheard the butler remind him, saying, "Alpha, remember that today is your mate bond anniversary with your Luna. You must take Luna to have dessert at the Dessert Oasis. The Luna will be sad if you don't.

"Ah, right. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me. Help me reserve Cynthia's favorite dessert. I'll take her there right now."

I heard all of it clearly.

Jakob helped me put my coat on.

"Cynthia, let's go have dessert. I've already made a reservation. We can eat as soon as we get there."

The Dessert Oasis had been my favorite since my school days. It was also where Jakob and I first met. That was why Jakob would take me there for dessert during every anniversary. To thank the Moon Goddess for bringing us together.

He had said that this was the day he treasured the most. It was the day when fate turned for him. It was a place he would never forget.

He would book this place one week in advance and even arrange the plating as he chose my favorite pieces of dessert.

But now, he only remembered this because the butler told him.

My heart turned ice-cold after that.

What I once treasured had just become another line on his schedule.

And what about me? What was I to him?

It only strengthened my resolve to leave.

After all, I prefer to walk away with some dignity left rather than becoming a Luna in name only.

Soon, Jakob helped me out of a luxury car like a gentleman.

As Alpha and Luna of the Blackflame Pack, many recognized us. All of them started to look at us excitedly.

"Oh, gods! That's the Alpha who spoils his Luna? I think I see them!"

"They look like a perfect match for each other! I heard that Alpha Jakob will take his Luna to where they first met for dessert every anniversary! It's true! This is so romantic!"

Jakob covered for me as we walked toward the Dessert Oasis. Then he noticed a small speck of dust on the tip of my high heels.

He then crouched down in front of everyone and wiped the dust off with his handkerchief.

The crowd cheered as they looked at what he did. Some of the bolder werewolves even came to offer us their blessings.

"Alpha Jakob, you have only ever knelt before your wife as a ruler of your empire. You two are the most loving mates I have ever seen. I wish you everlasting love!"

Their blessings felt like knives cutting across my heart.

I looked at the man kneeling before me with a blank expression before giving the crowd a distant, polite smile.

Jakob and I entered Dessert Oasis and sat where we would usually sit.

He then turned to the owner and asked, "Are the desserts ready? Blueberry layers, light cream. That is what Cynthia likes."

"It's already ready. It's your fifth mate bond anniversary, isn't it?" The shop owner has a deep impression of us. She told us she had been telling everyone that since today was our anniversary, we would come eventually despite being so late at night due to how well our relationship was.

Indeed, we came.

The owner then brought the dessert over and asked us, full of compassion, "You've been together for five years and yet your love is still so deep. When are you planning to have a child?"

Jakob looked at me affectionately and he couldn't even stop himself from smiling. "We'll let nature take its course. Maybe this year. Cynthia is so pretty, our baby will definitely be adorable. I can't wait to hold them already."

I lowered my eyes and looked at the dessert in front of me. I couldn't even fake my smile anymore.