A Life Traded for a Lie

When Caleb saw that I wasn't crying or throwing a fit, he quietly let out a breath of relief.

After all, I used to get upset and jealous whenever I saw him alone with Ruby Sandoval. We had argued about it countless times. I even left home once just to get him to keep his distance from her. But now, I was oddly calm.

He pulled out the mate termination contract and handed it to me. He said, "Zoe, just sign it. I can't go through with the bonding ceremony unless we officially end our relationship."

I took the papers and read them carefully. Right at the top, it said, "Due to emotional incompatibility, Zoe Johnston voluntarily terminates her bond with Alpha Caleb Lowe."

That line hit me hard. So, we were ending things because we were "emotionally incompatible"? But there was nothing wrong with our relationship.

Normally, the courthouse's official mate termination contract template didn't include a reason. This one had clearly been edited.

I knew this was Ruby's doing. She had made sure that line was there so that when she and Caleb bonded, no one could accuse her of being the third party. After all, everyone in the pack saw us as the perfect couple. Our love story was something others envied.

If there was no mention of "emotional incompatibility", people would have seen her for what she really was—a homewrecker.

I wiped my tears, swallowed the pain, and signed the agreement.

Caleb took it from me, visibly relieved. He said, "Zoe, I knew you'd understand. You're the kindest, most selfless Luna our pack could ask for. Everyone's proud to have someone like you. Please believe me that I'm only doing this to make sure Ruby has no regrets in her final days. You're still the only one I love."

He kissed my forehead and walked out without looking back.

As the door closed, I couldn't hold it in anymore. A mouthful of blood spilled from my lips. I wiped it away and forced an ugly smile.

I murmured, "Caleb, I only have three days left to live. Haven't you noticed how weak our mate bond has become? Maybe you're too busy to see it. I wonder… If you knew it was me who was dying and not Ruby, would you still have made the same choice?"

That night, Caleb didn't return until past midnight.

The dinner I made had long gone cold. I had fallen asleep at the table, waiting for him.

When he walked in and saw me there, a flicker of guilt crossed his face. He asked, "Zoe, why are you still out here? Why didn't you go to bed?"

I rubbed my eyes, sat up, and replied, "I was waiting to eat with you."

His gaze faltered. Since we bonded, this was the first time he had come home so late. He used to be home early every night, no matter how busy work got. Even if he had things to take care of, he would bring them home and wait until I fell asleep before diving into them.

"Zoe, I…" He scratched his nose awkwardly. "Ruby had a relapse. I stayed with her at the hospital. You know she's an orphan. She doesn't really have anyone else to turn to. I'm sorry I kept you waiting."

He stepped toward me and reached out, trying to pull me into his arms. But I stood up and took a step back, just in time to slip out of his reach.

"I'll go heat up your dinner," I said softly.

Caleb nodded, a little ashamed. "Thanks, Zoe. I promise I'll make it up to you in a week."

I lowered my head and said nothing.

"Make it up to me? There's no 'future' for us anymore. I've only got 48 hours left to live," I thought.

The next morning, I got up early and made breakfast.

When Caleb came downstairs and saw me, his expression briefly showed guilt. "Zoe, you're up already?"

"I made breakfast. You should eat before you go," I said, pointing to the table.

He sat across from me and had just picked up his cutlery when his phone rang. It was Ruby.

As soon as the call connected, her sweet, whiny voice came through the speaker. "Caleb, didn't you promise to come with me for my check-up today? Where are you? Is Zoe clinging to you again?"

Caleb glanced at me. "No. I'll come find you after I finish breakfast."

"Alright then," she said playfully. "If Zoe really insists, just bring her along. That way, it won't seem like we're sneaking around behind her back. I'd feel terrible if it looks like we're having an affair. With her around, no one would dare call me a third wheel."

He gave me a hesitant look. "Ruby is hoping you'll come too."

My heart sank, but I looked up and smiled. "Sure. I'll go with you."