Chapter 6

(Olivia's POV)

Victoria smiled sweetly as she reached into the bag again. She pulled out more of Ethan's clothes, deliberately placing his underwear on top of the pile.

"He was in such a rush this morning," she said with a theatrical sigh. "Poor Emma didn't want him to leave."

I stared at the clothes, my face carefully blank despite the knife twisting in my heart. Victoria tilted her head, exposing her neck where fresh marks were clearly visible against her pale skin.

"He can be quite... passionate, can't he?" She touched the marks delicately. "Though I'm sure you remember."

I thought of Lily, of her small face looking up at me as she asked why her daddy never came to see her. The memory hardened something inside me.

"Take these back to Ethan yourself," I said, my voice cold and steady. "My place isn't a garbage dump for unwanted items."

Victoria's smile faltered slightly. "Don't be difficult, Olivia. You're still his mate, technically. At least until the divorce."

"There won't be a divorce," I replied, pushing the clothes back toward her. "Because we were never properly married in the first place."

Her eyes widened with genuine surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"Ethan and I had a mating ceremony, not a legal wedding. The pack recognized our bond, but legally? We have no ties."

Victoria's perfectly manicured nails drummed against the table. "That can't be true. You're the Luna."

"I was never officially recognized as Luna. Check the pack records if you don't believe me."

Before Victoria could respond, a familiar scent filled the café – sandalwood and pine. My heart stuttered traitorously in my chest.

Ethan approached our table, his powerful presence commanding attention from everyone in the café. His amber eyes were fixed on me, radiating anger.

Victoria's demeanor changed instantly. Her shoulders hunched slightly, making her appear smaller and more vulnerable.

"Ethan," she said, her voice soft and trembling. "Please don't be angry. Olivia hasn't threatened me."

I nearly laughed at the absurdity. How many times had I watched this exact scenario play out? Victoria provoking me, then playing victim when Ethan appeared.

"I'm leaving," I announced, standing up. "Since they belong to Mr. Stone, Miss Frost, you should keep them yourself. After all, the best place for trash is with those who collect it."

I turned to go, but Ethan's hand shot out. His fingers wrapped around my wrist with unmistakable strength.

"We need to talk," he growled, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

"Let go of me," I said, trying to pull free.

His grip only tightened. "Not until you explain what you're doing here with Victoria."

"She invited me," I replied through gritted teeth. "Ask her yourself."

Ethan's eyes flickered to Victoria, who dabbed at imaginary tears with a napkin.

"I just wanted to return your things," she whispered. "I thought it was the right thing to do."

I pulled against his grip again. "Let. Go. Of. Me."

Instead of releasing me, Ethan began pulling me toward the exit. His fingers pressed into my flesh with bruising force.

"Stop it!" I hissed, struggling against his hold. "You're hurting me!"

He ignored my protests, continuing to drag me across the café. The pressure on my wrist increased, threatening to damage the delicate bones.

I was about to use my free hand to defend myself when Victoria suddenly gasped loudly. She clutched her chest and collapsed into a nearby chair, her face contorting in apparent distress.

"Victoria?" Ethan's attention immediately shifted. He released my wrist and rushed to her side.

"I'm fine," she whispered weakly, leaning into his touch. "Just... a little dizzy."

Ethan crouched beside her, his face twisted with concern. "Should I call Dr. Bennett?"

I looked down at my wrist, where angry red marks were already blooming. The physical evidence of his priorities was etched into my skin.

Without another word, I turned and walked out of the café.

The bright sunlight outside felt like a mockery of my dark mood. I climbed into my car, my hands shaking as I gripped the steering wheel.

I drove to Crescent Moon Mall, desperate to focus on something other than the scene I'd just left. The Crystal Design Sketchbook & Moonwood Pencils I needed for the upcoming Healer's Crystal Competition would be available there.

This competition was my only hope now. I needed the prize money to buy a proper burial ground for Lily's ashes.

I'd visited over thirty suitable sites in the past week. Each one had left me more discouraged than the last. A proper resting place – one worthy of my daughter's spirit – cost at least one million dollars.

I had no such funds at my disposal.

Walking through the mall, I reflected bitterly on my financial situation. Ethan had provided a monthly allowance of $100,000, which had seemed generous at first.

I'd even managed to save some of it. But when Lily fell ill, those savings vanished quickly.

Ethan had refused to acknowledge how serious her condition was. "She's just a little sick," he'd say dismissively. "Stop exaggerating."

To secure funds for her treatments, I'd been forced to lie. I invented consultations with specialists, experimental treatments, and therapies.

Each lie had torn at me, adding to both my guilt and Lily's suffering.

"I'm sorry, baby," I'd whisper to her as she lay in her hospital bed. "Daddy's very busy. He'll come see you soon."

Now, I was determined to provide Lily with a proper final resting place without involving Ethan. I would earn the money through my own talents.

"Olivia? Is that you, dear?"

I turned at the familiar voice. Elder Willow stood near a crystal shop, her wise eyes lighting up at the sight of me.

Elder Willow had been my mentor during my healer training. She had recognized my talent with healing crystals when no one else had.

"Elder Willow," I greeted, feeling a genuine smile form for the first time in weeks.

She embraced me warmly, her scent of sage and moonflowers comforting. "I've been thinking about you, child. How are you holding up?"

The simple question, asked with genuine concern, nearly broke me. I blinked back tears.

"I'm... managing," I replied carefully.

Elder Willow studied my face. "Are you entering the Healer's Crystal Competition this year?"

I nodded. "I was just about to buy supplies."

"Wonderful!" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "Your understanding of crystal properties was always exceptional, Liv."

The familiar nickname, used by so few, warmed something inside me.

"Do you remember that healing pendant you created in your final year? The one that could reduce fever in wolf pups?" Elder Willow squeezed my hand. "You have a gift, my dear. You should use it."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. "The first-place prize this year is one million dollars."

For the first time in weeks, I felt a surge of hope.

After purchasing my supplies, I headed to the Underground Parking Garage. My mind was already buzzing with design ideas for the competition.

As I walked past a sleek black SUV, a hand suddenly reached out from the back seat. Strong fingers grabbed my wrist, pulling me inside with surprising strength.

Before I could scream, the door slammed shut. I found myself pinned to the leather seat, a man's body pressing against mine.

I fought back instinctively, striking him repeatedly with my shopping bag containing the pencils.