Chapter 2

Nat's POV

I slump into my chair after finishing my last check and take a long deep breath. My phone buzzes on the table right at this moment.

Sighing, I lean forward to glance at the reminder on the screen.

Erina Popov's birthday.

A high-class lady. She was my patient, now recovered, and is throwing a pool party to celebrate both.

Closing my eyes, I press my fingers against my throbbing temple. Last night, it’s safe to say I didn’t catch a wink, and now the consequences are clear.

I shake my head as if to chase away the exhaustion that fills my bones, my gaze still fixed on the screen. Attending wasn’t part of my plan. Leaving my old life behind means also letting go of parties and anything high class in general. Sending a gift to Erina would have been perfect and polite.

My hand tightens into a fist.

No.

I change my mind.

If I am going back, I won’t crawl home. I’ll make an entrance, and this party is the first step.

I check the time, my eyes shining. There is still plenty of it. I give my supervisor a call immediately.

She pauses after hearing my request. "Did something happen? This is unlike you."

I truthfully explain that I’m heading to a friend's birthday party, and her relief is obvious. "This is the first time you've ever asked. Thought you were in trouble. Go. Have fun, and make friends."

After the call ends, my position doesn’t change.

The word friend flashes in my mind, alongside his face. I have no idea why I’m remembering him again now—the only person I could ever call my friend—the only one who bawled their eyes out when I was coming here, the only person to ever understand me so perfectly, as if we share the same mind.

It’s difficult to adapt without his care when I first got here. Later, I get used to being treated like a ghost. My entire world shrinks to just Ivan. My Omega status is like an invisible wall, keeping everyone else out. I’m alone.

Soon… we will meet again.

After packing my things, I head to the pack shopping center.

The afternoon sun casts streaks across the pavement. My eyes linger on the beautiful summer gowns, the heels, and the luxurious bags. While listening to the sales assistant's cheerful description behind me, one outfit catches my eye. The soft pink tweed two-piece has a corset-shaped top with a bold sweetheart neckline and a ribbon tied in a crisscross at the back. The matching mini skirt hugs the waist and ends in a lightly pleated hem that gives the whole look a fluttery appearance.

"This," I point immediately.

"You have a good eye, Miss." She beams, taking it down. "Just two pieces of this came from the headquarters."

After checking out, I ask, “You do makeovers here?”

“We do!”

By the time I leave the store, I feel like a different person altogether—or like the person I used to be before I came here. The light yet polished makeup makes my pale face appear rosier, and my under-eye bags disappear. My lips gleam with nude lipstick, and my brown hair cascades in gentle waves over my shoulders, framing my face just the way I like it.

[You look like yourself now.] Noelle whispers, her voice filled with appreciation.

Smiling, I walk to the next shop. The boutique has Erina’s gift packed already. I had planned to have it delivered, but since I’ve decided to go, I’m now picking it up.

The clerk hands me the neatly packaged box with familiarity and leans closer, smiling. “Miss Natasha, there’s also a piece of jewelry reserved for you.”

I blink, surprised. “For me?”

She nods. “Yes. Reserved under your name. It arrived this morning. Must be a special gift.”

Who could possibly send it?

I rack my brain.

Ivan?

The thought feels foolish as soon as it forms.

Impossible. He’s never the type to send a gift unless there’s an occasion.

Then… it’s probably my father.

With that thought, I open the box. Inside is a necklace nestled against black velvet.

The chain is delicate rose gold. The pendant is stunning: a smooth, pink teardrop stone that looks like a frozen tear. Tiny diamonds surround it, sparkling as if holding their own light.

"It looks perfect," I whisper, my voice cracking. This is more than a gift. It feels like a message: You are still precious.

"Should I put it on for you?" the clerk asks.

I nod, unable to speak. The cool stone feels especially soothing against my skin. In the mirror, the pink teardrop glows against my neck, matching my dress perfectly.

How can he be so good to me?

After leaving the boutique, I head to the venue.

My heels click on the marble floor of the Popov Estate. Music thumps through the air, the festive vibration vividly felt even before reaching the door. The guards glance at the invitation, then at me, before nodding. "Welcome, Miss Natasha."

The laughter and cheers grow closer, and expensive perfume hits me all at once. Guests are everywhere, lounging by the pool, sipping champagne, chatting in small clusters.

My eyes sweep around for Erina, until they snag on someone else.

[Why is he here?] Noelle groans, sounding annoyed.

My whole body freezes, turning as stiff as stone. Across the crowded room, Ivan’s icy blue eyes are already locked on mine. My gaze drops, and my breath catches. His arm drapes possessively around a woman’s waist.