7

The carpet muffled their dragging footsteps as they left. Low moans and heavy breathing intertwined, adding a touch of forbidden desire to the silent night.

After they were gone, I lay in the hospital bed clutching the recording crystal, torturing myself by watching the images it captured. Since discovering Kieran's betrayal, I'd planted these crystals in every corner where he spent time.

Kieran would never know that Scarlett's claim about sedatives was just casual talk—or maybe she actually hoped I'd be awake to witness it all.

After what felt like hours, Scarlett returned to my room. She injected me with something, whispering softly, "Don't blame me. Blame yourself for getting pregnant with Alpha's child at such an inconvenient time."

---

The next day, I woke from searing pain. Kieran still sat beside my bed, his eyes bloodshot from staying awake all night.

Scarlett's face was full of smiles. "Alpha Blackwood, Luna's fever has broken. You should get some rest—after all, you worked so hard all night."

She emphasized the word "worked," making it sound incredibly suggestive.

Kieran glared at her, then turned to me with concern. "Are you feeling better? How did you suddenly get so sick? I shouldn't have let you go home alone."

I weakly pulled my hand away from his grip, frowning. "Dirty."

Kieran's heart seemed to skip a beat. Inexplicable panic rose within him, his bandaged hand hovering awkwardly in the air.

I smiled faintly. "I sweated so much all night. I feel sticky all over. I want to shower and change clothes first."

Kieran visibly relaxed.

When I came out of the shower, Scarlett was nowhere to be seen.

Kieran approached to take my hand, noticing how I stared at his bandaged fingers with evasive eyes.

"I got caught in the crossfire while breaking up that fight last night. The doctor says it's nothing serious, though my fingers won't regain full dexterity. But it won't affect daily life, so you don't need to worry about me too much."

I kept a straight face. "Really? Who did it? I should thank them for showing mercy and not completely crippling your hand."

Kieran smiled evasively. "It was too chaotic—I couldn't see clearly. Let's go get something to eat first."

As soon as I sat at the breakfast table, Kieran produced two fashion show tickets like a magician, his eyes full of adoration. "Are you happy? I'll go with you tomorrow night. You can buy anything you like."

I remembered casually complimenting some new designs in a fashion magazine a few days ago. That must have been when Kieran took note.

I didn't refuse. No woman could resist seeing this designer's new collection in person. Beautiful things always lift the spirit.

---

At the fashion show, models paraded down the runway in a stunning visual feast. At the end, the designer announced they would randomly select one lucky audience member to receive the finale piece as a gift.

Amid thunderous applause, the spotlight landed directly on me.

I jumped up in excitement at being chosen. Kieran watched me with complete adoration, smiling broadly.

His Aria was still like a little sun.

As the closing music played, the camera found me again. On the big screen, I appeared makeup-free but radiant with joy.

Kieran's heart lurched, his mind going blank for a moment. He moved to embrace me in panic, but I turned to hug another audience member beside me instead. Seeing the other excited spectators, Kieran exhaled in relief.

Only I knew I was using smiles to mask my inner turmoil and dying love.

The next day, news of Kieran spending millions on designer clothes for me hit the trending topics.

Kieran smiled slightly. "I saw you liked Dr. White's social media post that day. I knew your birthday left you unhappy, so I specially prepared this surprise."

"My Aria should always be the one others envy."

Yes, I didn't need to envy anyone else. The surprises were mine, and so was the man.

Online comments poured in: "That's a top luxury new collection! Our Alpha Kieran wins this round!"

"I heard it cost over ten million dollars."

"The pack's number one wife-spoiling fanatic has to be Alpha Kieran."

An furious Scarlett sent me a photo—an ultrasound image.

"Aria, I'm pregnant. Kieran's baby. You're the first person I wanted to share this news with, besides myself."

"Alpha doesn't love you at all. Why won't you just let go? The pack's next generation is already growing in my belly. If you're smart, you'll leave on your own. Waiting for Alpha to ask you himself would be too humiliating, don't you think?"

I screenshotted her message and replied, "Isn't being a homewrecker humiliating enough?" Then I blocked her.

I began packing my belongings, erasing my traces from this house bit by bit, while also clearing away Kieran's traces from my life.

That day, I received a call from a broker. "Miss Rivers, the green healing stones have been placed in the bank safety deposit box you specified. The buyer doesn't want payment—just said to remember you owe him a favor."

I never liked owing favors, especially when I was about to leave. "Please pay him anyway. I'm leaving soon and won't be able to return the favor."

Kieran burst through the door, his expression dark. "Aria, who are you talking to? What do you mean you're leaving?"