5

At exactly 8:08 PM, I arrived at the rotating restaurant as planned.

Kieran said he wanted to have dinner with me to make it up to me. I agreed, after all, I had loved him for so many years, and I wanted to say goodbye to him properly.

Outside the window, a magnificent fireworks display began on the building across from us, painting the night sky in brilliant colors. The show lasted two full hours.

But the person who had asked me to dinner never came.

Kieran called. "Aria, I have an emergency at Winters Pack. I need to leave immediately—I can't make dinner. But I've already ordered all your favorite dishes. Take your time eating, and I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back."

The lights outside became blindingly harsh. I managed a single word in response: "Okay."

That "okay" came out with a slight sob, making Kieran's heart sink inexplicably. For a moment, he felt a strange panic.

But the woman lying seductively on the bed in front of him, her expression teasing and inviting, made it impossible for him to turn away.

I randomly opened my phone. Social media was flooded with posts about the spectacular light show.

"I heard some big shot wanted to make his girlfriend happy, so he booked the exterior screens of several buildings six months in advance and designed a custom light show just so his mate could see it on her birthday. So romantic!"

The most eye-catching post was from Scarlett's social media:

"Fireworks are fleeting, but love is eternal."

Scarlett's birthday was only one day after mine. My birthday had been celebrated with a lonely bowl of noodles, while hers got the entire city's grand celebration. Even the compensatory gestures meant for me were absent—all the supposed romance belonged to someone else.

I liked her post, using every muscle in my body to keep my tears from falling.

The restaurant was closing. A server asked if I needed anything else before the kitchen closed. I declined, paid the bill, and left, abandoning a table full of untouched delicacies.

The next day, I received a call from the Alpha Council. They confirmed once more whether I was certain about renouncing my Shadow Pack membership and severing my mate bond with the Alpha.

After I gave them a definitive yes, they fell silent for a long moment. "I've handled countless mate bond dissolutions, Miss Rivers. You're the most resolute I've ever encountered."

I smiled and hung up.

I had mated with Kieran because of love. Now that the love was gone, nothing else mattered.

I was determined to sever every connection between Kieran and myself completely.

---

That afternoon, he came home early to pick me up for his beta assistant's mating ceremony.

Seeing everything at home exactly as usual, with nothing missing and me behaving normally, he laughed at his own paranoia.

At the party, Kieran shielded me from unwanted drinks, worried I might be cold and thoughtfully brought me a shawl, and tirelessly fetched my favorite foods and beverages.

He introduced me to everyone like I was a priceless treasure.

Surrounded by guests, he spoke of love with such passion that he was certain I could feel his devotion.

Everyone joked that the beta's mating bond should follow the Alpha's example.

Kieran beamed. "Don't worry, Aria and I will definitely set a good example."

I laughed coldly inside. Between us, there was only separation ahead—how could we possibly be an example for anyone else's relationship?

When the party ended, Kieran's friends tried to drag him to continue the night elsewhere. Remembering how little time he'd spent with me lately, Kieran refused directly.

"I'd love to drink with you all, but I'd rather spend time with my mate."

Not wanting to spoil everyone's fun, I told Kieran, "Go ahead. You haven't hung out with your friends in ages. I can take a taxi home."

Kieran shook his head. "Nothing is more important than being with you."

He took my hand and led me out of the banquet hall, completely ignoring his friends' pleas behind us.

Halfway home, Kieran's phone rang. He connected his Bluetooth earpiece, so I couldn't hear the other side of the conversation.

I watched his expression turn dark in an instant. "Send me the address. Stall them—I'll be right there."

He made an emergency U-turn and pulled over sharply. "Adrian's been attacked by rogue wolves. The scene's too chaotic—I'm afraid you'll get hurt. Can you get home by yourself?"

He didn't even notice that my leg had been cut by silver fragments on the roadside. Before I could steady myself, Kieran gunned the engine and sped away. I had tried to lean against the car door for support, but when the car suddenly accelerated, I lost my balance and fell.