Chapter 2 If that's what you want...

EVELARA

“Are you sure about it, Eve?” Selene's soft tone broke the engraved silence that had landed upon us once I uttered my decision.

“Never been so sure,” I muttered, sipping my black coffee.

Selene Duskbane, my childhood best friend, is also one of the most esteemed divorce attorneys in the city. People from various packs seek her expertise for complex cases, and before those, my situation is quite straightforward.

Keeping the coffee mug on the table, I looked her in the eyes, “and as soon as possible.” I added.

She watched me carefully; there was still disbelief in those eyes, which only made me even more bitter. It wasn't her fault, though; it was me who had given Callum priority over my own wishes and career.

“I see,” she finally leaned on the chair, seemingly relaxed. “And—What about Alex? Won't he be caught in the middle of everything?”

As soon as the name was mentioned, my heart trembled violently. They say every choice has consequences, and in my choice, it's Alexander Brooksbane, my 5-year-old son.

Selene sighed at my silence, "Look, one thing you must prepare for yourself: if you walk out, you'll lose Alex as well, because very obviously the Alpha or his family wouldn't give up on him.”

“So, I am asking you again, will you be able to accept it? Once you walk out of his life, it would be—Lauren.”

Those words hit me like a sharp dagger, scraping my soul. But the truth was, this decision didn't come just in a day…

Six months ago, Lauren Veyra returned from overseas, and since then everything had changed. My husband, who was still settling around me, stopped caring for me even at the bare minimum. My son followed his father's footsteps and became too intimate with her, so that at times, he would only stay with her. And my in-laws?—Well, to them, I never mattered even before Lauren's arrival, yet somehow her arrival made it worse. She's dearer to them than their own daughter.

And a month ago, in the event of the winter solstice, it broke me completely when I was admitted to the hospital due to restless work, and neither my husband nor my son cared. Instead, they were too busy with their sweetheart to even see my calls...

‘Best time ever with my loved ones!’—the status with photos Lauren had uploaded had featured on my feeds the entire night. They looked like the happiest family while I was just an outward trash.

“What is wrong with you, Eve? How can you be so careless?” Callum had shouted upon knowing the day after my absence. “You even disturbed me with your calls!”

“Or is it all just your excuse!?” He had looked at me suspiciously, as if I was trying to ruin his fun.

“Mom, you're too nauseating!” My son also followed his father. “You just don't want me to have fun! Auntie Lauren is more fun! I want her more!”...

I didn’t say a word, only swallowed the ache quietly. And it wasn't new. Each time the issue had turned worse, freezing my heart bit by bit…

“I'm certain of my decision, Selene,” I said calmly. After everything, nothing was really left in my heart but ice, and today had sealed the deal completely.

“Okay, if that's what you want.” She touched my hand. “No matter what your decision is, you'll always have me beside you. And low key, I always felt you deserved way better than that spineless species!”

“I know,” I softly smiled. Selene is the only person I trust with my life. She had been with me through thick and thin.

“Let's have dinner then!” She rose to her feet. “I'll order all the junk tonight and spoil ourselves!”

“Sure!” Chucking lightly, I shook my head…

The night with my best friend was very relaxed; I couldn't remember the last time I relaxed. More than work in the hospital, I had to do chores for my husband and son. I never complained, though; I always did everything for them by heart, yet they never cared. Now, I have finally realised how to spend time on myself.

I only called home once, and from the servant I learned Alex had chosen to stay with his father in the hospital.

I didn't say anything and slowly hung up.

Later at night, a new story popped up in my feed— ‘The medicine heals the body, but family heals the heart.’ Below was the selfie of Lauren, Callum and Alex, all beaming with smiles as though the complete family.

The people in the comments were blasting…

‘Wow! Congratulations!’

‘What a perfect match!’

‘Such a sweet family!’

‘A match made in heaven!’—This particular comment only twitched the corner of my lips. So true, what a match.

I didn't feel anger or pain anymore; it was only sourness that felt more bitter than any medicine…

The next morning, Selene put the papers before me. I glanced at them—'Severing Contract' was enough to burn down my soul, yet the contempt was cold enough to mend the burning.

“Here, your way to freedom. Once you sign it, all you need to do is, utter the words of severance and it'll be done.”

“I will…” I nodded.

She hugged me, tighter than usual. “Never hesitate to reach out, Eve, I am always with you.”

I hugged her back, her words were the antiseptic in my severely wounded soul…

Once I reached the hospital, the couple was the talk of the town. Everyone was gossiping about how beautiful they looked.

I only smirked as I unhesitatingly walked into the private hall of the Alpha and his sugary love.

Right before the door, Kael was standing along with a few warriors.

“Luna!” He was startled at my presence and they all bowed.

‘Bowing, huh? Even a child could tell how fake it looks.’ Dravara spoke, for the first time since last night. She had blocked herself after witnessing the infidelity of her mate.

I didn’t call them out, though; I only walked past them and just as I was about to enter, I froze as the muffled words rang out in my ears, perfect and clear…

“Auntie Lauren, you're so good! Unlike my mom! Mom is annoying!” Alex's childish whine spread across the air, bleeding my wounds once again.

Dravara, staying in the dark corner, was weeping silently.

“Alex, don't say that, your mother will be hurt if she knew.” It seemed that Lauren's gentle words were a playful attempt at a scolding, though she was far from it.

“No!” Alex cried out. “I want you as my mother! Can I call you mom?”

Those words of my son were nothing but strikes of lashes to all the sacrifices I had made for the past five years.

My fingers clutched against the envelope in my hand, ‘fine sweetheart, if that's what you want…’ I murmured in my head.

“Callum, look what he's saying.” Her voice is a sweet complaint, clearly not meant. “You should stop him, otherwise—otherwise Eve will again misunderstand me. I-I didn't mean any of it.” Her tone dropped as though she's sad.

“Hey pretty, don't waste your tears over such stupid matters. He's just a kid, he states what he feels, unlike us adults—sometimes, we're forced by fate...”

And for the first time, I felt what it feels like to be blown away. The storm within me heightened, and Dravara growled in deep anguish. The bond between mates was already hanging by a thread; just one stumbling step, and it would completely break.

‘Do it!’ Dravara snarled, fuming. ‘End this, Evelara. If you hesitate, I will!’...

That was the last thread of patience for me as well. Without wasting a single second, I pushed open the door and entered without any early sign.

Three of them were startled; their gazes shot up. Alex was so meek in my presence that he quickly hid behind Lauren, "Mom, no, no, I won't go with you!”

A cold chuckle slipped my lips, “Don't worry, pup, I'm not here to take you away.”

He blinked, surprised, “re-really?”

“Of course!” I agreed.

“Then why are you here?” Callum’s voice darkened with doubt. “A new healer has already taken your place, so what?” His eyes narrowed, “Don't tell me you're here to spy on us, do you?”

His words suddenly didn't affect me anymore, they felt like mumbling nonsense only.

With a calm smile, I shook my head, "No, Alpha Callum, I am here to give you this." I said, throwing the envelope toward him, which he caught immediately.

His brows frowned deeply, “What's this?”

My lips curved deeper, “Well, something that'll make you so happy, something that won't force you anymore...”