Chapter 4

A strikingly handsome man walked in; he was none other than the Golden Celestial Wolf himself.

Dad's jaw dropped in shock, while Chloe was equally stunned. She looked as though she had been utterly spellbound by his presence.

I suddenly felt an inexplicable unease stirring within me, so I stepped forward, placing myself squarely before the man.

Chloe finally snapped out of her daze and asked, "Where did this man come from, Grace?"

I watched as the man walked past Chloe and went straight to Dad, saying politely, "I hope you'll forgive me for coming to pay my respects only now, dear future father-in-law. I, Luca Golding, am here to offer my respects as your future son-in-law."

I quickly pulled Luca aside before he could kneel in front of Dad. He was the Golden Celestial Wolf, a being of a far higher echelon than Dad; such a misplaced show of reverence would surely have called down the wrath of the heavens.

I looked at Luca and asked, "Didn't you vanish back then? What do you think you're doing right now?"

Luca chuckled and leaned closer, whispering, "Do you really think you can just make off with my pups in your belly and leave me behind?"

I hadn't planned on Luca being part of the picture, and marriage was the last thing on my mind. Still, I couldn't help but feel a sudden, unmistakable flutter in my belly at the mere mention of me carrying his pups.

Chloe threatened me again. "You'd better not think that—"

She hadn't even finished speaking when Luca's magic struck, frightening her into silence. She quickly scrambled toward the exit after slightly regaining her composure, fleeing in a panic.

"You'll pay for this!" she shouted as she fled. "Louis won't stand for this kind of treatment, Grace!"

Dad was beyond pleased with Luca, looking him over repeatedly with growing satisfaction. He even dragged Luca into a deep, all-night discussion that didn't end until the sun rose.

Later, I ran into Luca, who still reeked of liquor.

Noticing me pinching my nose, Luca waved the smell away with a spell. He then explained that he hadn't intended to run off during our first encounter. He had simply been too shocked by the whole situation. He confessed that during his rut, he was completely unaware of his actions.

He had sought me out once his senses returned, only to find that I was gone. He admitted that he would have lost me forever if it hadn't been for the fact that I was carrying his pups, which allowed him to track my location.

I was only half-convinced by his story, so I made my way to the courtyard that night to seek out Ella. She had been studying traditional medicine since she was a young pup, and I had her check my pulse.

"You're really pregnant, Grace!" Ella exclaimed gleefully.

I didn't hold back when she asked if I was truly carrying the Golden Celestial Wolf's pups. I even added, "He even came over to propose to me today, Ella."

The following day, I introduced Luca to Ella. She showered him with compliments, singing his praises to the high heavens.

From that point on, our marriage was effectively decided.

…

I was returning home with Luca after picking out our wedding attire when we unexpectedly ran into Louis.

"I heard you've taken up with some stray man, Grace."

"Luca's standing is much more exalted than yours, Louis!" I shot back without hesitation.

Louis, without another word, lunged at us, launching a direct attack.

It became clear to me then that he was just bitter. He hated seeing me with another man after he was the one who had rejected me.

I was seething with rage, so I quickly unleashed my magic, fighting side-by-side with Luca to take him down. In a matter of moments, Louis was defeated and subdued beneath my foot. I stomped on him a few more times as I recalled the events of my past life.

"How dare you treat me this way, Grace! I'm the heir to the Wolf King!" Louis bellowed.

I merely sneered in response. "What's the matter? Do you want me to call everyone over to see how the great heir to the Wolf King was beaten to the ground?"

Louis was livid, but he didn't dare raise his voice again.