Chapter 5

Finally, everything was packed by midnight.

I didn't have many belongings, so I managed to fit them all into a small suitcase.

As for the rest, I left them in a corner, planning to ask a servant to throw them away the next day.

I quietly dragged my suitcase to the door. Just as I was about to reach the gate, I heard voices—Dad and the others had returned with Sophia.

They were too busy chatting and laughing to notice me hiding in the shadows.

"Luckily, Sophia didn't eat too much," someone said. "An allergy like that is no joke—her wolf could've been seriously harmed."

"But Zoe went too far. She should apologize to Sophia."

Then came Sophia's soft, innocent voice,

"No, I trust Zoe. I'm sure she didn't do it on purpose. Please, don't be too harsh on her."

Alex sneered. "Sophia, you're always too kind. She must be punished for what she did. Oh, and haven't you always wanted her big room? Make her give it to you as an apology."

Dad frowned slightly, as if he was going to say something. But before he could, Sophia jumped up in excitement.

"Really? I've dreamed about that big balcony in Zoe's room for so long!" she said, her voice bubbling with joy.

Hearing that, Dad's brows relaxed. He didn't say a word.

My wolf froze for a moment—she had still hoped Dad might speak up for me.

But I gently comforted her.

Because I already knew... no one in this den cared about me anymore.

I stepped out from the shadows and looked directly at Sophia.

"I'll give my room to Sophia if she wants it."

Sophia nearly burst into laughter the moment she saw the suitcase behind me. She forced her smile down, biting her lip and lowering her head, but the smugness in her eyes gave her away completely.

But Alex—who was the one that had suggested giving my room to her in the first place—suddenly frowned.

"Nonsense. I didn't mean for you to do it in the middle of the night," he snapped.

"Besides, do you really think we'd trust you not to hurt her again if you stayed in the same house?"

"What if you tried to frame her again?"

I replied calmly but firmly, "Then I'll move into my school dorm."

Alex's expression briefly relaxed—but it immediately darkened again when he heard what I said.

He stared at me coldly, his tone frosty.

"As you wish."

Sophia then stepped forward with a trembling voice, pretending to be frightened as she hid behind Dad.

"Don't be angry, Zoe. I was just joking…"

I looked at her blankly, my voice quiet but unwavering.

"Don't worry. I'll give you the room, just like I said."

"And I won't be coming back anytime soon."

A sudden gleam of joy flickered in her eyes, no longer hidden.

But Dad's face turned grim.

"You're not coming back?" Dad's voice dripped with disbelief—and disgust. "I really thought you were kinder than this. But now, I know I was wrong. You've only just graduated, and already you're running wild with bad company and staying out all night?"

"I didn't believe Sophia when she told me about your behavior. But clearly, I was wrong."

His next words struck me like a blade through the heart.

"I never thought you'd turn out like this... just like your mother."

My breath caught. My heart felt as if it had been torn open and left bleeding.

How could he say that—about Mom, and about me?

I whispered, my voice shaking, "No, I'm leaving because I was going to—"

"I don't care!"

His wolf surged beneath the surface, his aura crackling with fury.

His roar cut off whatever I was about to say.

"Who cares where you're going? Just go! Or are you waiting for me to beg you to leave? Dream on."

"You've already severed our bond. It doesn't matter—I have Sophia now. She's ten times the daughter you ever were."

I didn't say a word. I simply picked up my suitcase and walked away.

I hadn't noticed it was raining until I stepped outside. The cold drops hit me like tiny knives, making me shiver uncontrollably.

I reached back for an umbrella—but the only thing I heard was the door slamming shut behind me.

From inside, Alex's mocking voice rang out, harsh and cruel.

"If you leave now, don't ever come back! And don't come crawling to us when you regret it later!"