Chapter 1

I staggered out of Garrett Blackwood's office, feeling my stomach churning. Bile was rising in my throat, but I couldn't bring myself to vomit.

37 times. This was already the 37th time Willow Ashford had filed my and Garrett's marking ceremony application as a mate bond dissolution instead.

I still clearly remember the expression she made the first time she made the mistake. When I brought that incorrect document to Garrett, Willow's eyes were red-rimmed as she apologized to him.

"I'm sorry, Alpha, it's all my fault for being so stupid. I got too nervous when I saw the word 'mates,' and I was so focused on not making a mistake that I ended up checking the wrong option.

"Raven, please don't be angry with Alpha Garrett because of me."

Garrett's slightly furrowed brow smoothed out the instant he saw Willow's tears, and he even comforted her gently, "It's fine, all new employees make mistakes."

Then he turned to me, pulling my hand into his warm embrace, speaking in a tone that was intimate yet brooked no argument. "Alright, Raven, don't be upset. You're the future Luna, and you need to be more forgiving.

"Willow is just a newcomer, so we should be more understanding, hmm?"

I watched him lecture me on how to be a good Luna, and something twisted in my chest. However, I still nodded, telling myself that it was only the first time after all. Maybe I really was overthinking it.

But from then on, making mistakes became routine. Willow's apologies became more and more practiced. Her excuses ranged from "my hand slipped" to "the system glitched", and she looked so pitiful each time she apologized.

Garrett's defense of her became automatic. My concerns were dismissed as overreacting and merely picking on the newcomer. A full 37 times was enough to extinguish any hope.

Upon returning to the penthouse we shared, I collapsed onto the couch, drained of strength. The little life in my womb seemed to sense my emotions and moved gently, as if silently comforting me.

I placed my hand on my still-flat belly. This was all the strength and courage I had to leave.

Garrett didn't come home until late at night. He carried a scent that didn't belong to me, a sickeningly sweet smell. That was Willow's scent.

That cloying sweetness invaded my nostrils, instantly stealing all the air from my lungs. He didn't seem to notice my reaction and walked straight to the bar to pour a glass of water, then placed that glass in front of me.

"Are you still angry about what happened today?" he asked.

I didn't speak and just looked at him quietly. Under my gaze, he shifted uncomfortably and said what he thought was considerate.

"I already talked to Willow about it. Tomorrow, she'll resubmit the application. She just graduated from school after all, and lacks practical experience. She also hasn't dealt with much paperwork. You should be more understanding."

He paused, pulled an exquisite wooden box from his jacket, and placed it in front of me.

"Stop being upset. Look what I brought you. This is Dewgrass that I specially found at the black market. They say it has miraculous effects on strengthening werewolves' constitution. It's extremely rare."

He opened the box, and an overwhelmingly putrid sweet fragrance hit me, instantly making my stomach churn even worse. I dug my nails into my palms to keep myself from dry heaving again.

Three days ago, the doctor had warned me that during early pregnancy, I couldn't be exposed to this type of potent herb. It could cause irreversible harm to the pup.

Garrett didn't know I was with pup. Or rather, he simply hadn't cared about why I'd been having no appetite and looking so listless lately.

As I looked into his expectant eyes, seemingly waiting for my gratitude, I suddenly felt incredibly tired. There was no point in fighting or crying anymore.

I reached out and took the wooden box, my voice so calm it surprised even me. "Garrett, thank you."

He blinked, surprised by my composure, then smiled with satisfaction. "I'm glad you're being reasonable about this. Get some rest early, don't overthink things."

He thought he had easily soothed my emotions. He thought I would endure it all without complaint because I loved him, just like countless times before.

I softly hummed in agreement, watching him walk into his study. The study door closed gently, and that relieved, satisfied smile on his face pierced straight through my heart.

But strangely, after that sharp pain, I didn't cry. Instead, there was an unprecedented, hollow calm.

I took the box of Dewgrass he treasured so much and walked into the bathroom. I lifted the toilet seat and, without a moment's hesitation, dumped all the herbs into it and pressed the flush button.

The swirling water carried everything away, including the last of my love for him.