Chapter 7

I watched the brilliant fireworks outside the window, the ones Derek had prepared to celebrate Sheila's good news. Nausea rose in waves.

I murmured, "They're beautiful."

"You like them?" Derek wrapped his arm around my waist. "Next time I'll prepare something even bigger for you."

"Derek," I said softly. "I don't like using things other people have already used."

He froze. "What do you mean?"

I didn't answer. I just watched the fireworks outside slowly fade and die. Just then, his phone buzzed. It was probably another text from Sheila.

Derek took a quick glance at it, his face flushing slightly. "There's something at the company I need to handle. I'll prepare an even bigger surprise for you later."

"Go ahead."

He kissed my forehead. "Wait for me to come back. I'll spend proper time with you then."

The door closed softly, but to me it sounded like something breaking completely.

The next morning, I was packing my luggage when I heard urgent footsteps from downstairs. Derek burst through the door, panic all over his face.

His clothes were wrinkled, his hair messy. Sheila's rose scent still clung to him. He pointed at his chest, where a silver crescent-shaped mark glowed faintly. It was the symbol of our mate bond.

"Katherine, what's happening?" His voice shook. "Why is our mark fading?"

"Maybe you've been working too hard lately." My voice held no emotion. "Get some rest, and it'll be fine."

Derek stared at me for a long time, unease filling his eyes. "Katherine, you're acting strange today."

"I'm fine," I said dismissively.

He opened his mouth to say something, but the sound of a car engine came from the manor gates. The doorbell rang.

Derek glanced toward the entrance and hurried downstairs. I watched him through the security monitor as he headed for the gate. A red sports car sat parked out front, and Sheila stood at the front door.

The moment Sheila saw him, she threw herself at him. "Derek! I've missed you so much."

Derek pushed her away, his voice low and furious. "Are you insane? What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you not to come?"

"But Derek, I'm carrying your pup." Sheila stroked her stomach. "He misses you, too."

Derek fell silent for several seconds. Then he grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the far end of the garden, away from the security cameras.

I pulled up the backup garden camera feed and watched them argue heatedly.

At first, Derek tried to push her away. He pointed at her angrily, saying something harsh. But Sheila kept pressing closer, using her body to seduce him, whining something in that cloying voice.

Then, in the middle of their argument, she suddenly stood on her toes and kissed him.

Derek struggled for a moment. Reason and desire warred inside him. In the end, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back deeply.

I turned off the monitor and waited calmly.

An hour later, Derek came back inside, guilt written all over his face. "Katherine, something urgent came up at the company. I need to go on a business trip for a few days."

"Alright." I nodded. "Drive safe."

He looked at me in surprise. "You're not going to ask where I'm going?"

"It's company business. I wouldn't understand."

Derek hesitated, then walked over and kissed my forehead. "When I get back, we need to talk. I feel like there's been something off between us lately."

"Okay."

He picked up his briefcase and glanced back at me. "Katherine, no matter what happens, I love you."

The door closed again. I stood and walked toward the backyard.

I stood in front of the moonflower garden. White blossoms swayed in the night wind, releasing a faint fragrance.

Every flower held a beautiful memory. Now they were nothing but reminders of his lies.

I remembered what he said when he planted the first seedling. "Katherine, these flowers will be with you for life, just like me."

I struck the lighter. The flame cast a red glow on my face.

"I'm sorry, Derek," I said softly. "Some promises, once broken, can never be repaired."

The flames leapt up and devoured the entire garden. Orange light illuminated the night sky. I turned and went back inside. From a hidden spot, I retrieved the suitcase I'd already packed.

I walked to the vanity and picked up all our photos together. I tore them up one by one and threw them in the trash. Each tear felt like a knife cutting my heart, but I didn't stop.

Finally, I took out my phone and typed a message. "Two weeks are up. You can open the anniversary gift I gave you now."

After hitting send, I threw both the phone and the SIM card into the trash without hesitation. The gemstone pendant at my chest glowed with cold light, completely severing the mate bond between Derek and me.

I took one last look at this home that had once been filled with love. Then I grabbed my suitcase and walked toward the door.

On the way to the airport, I didn't look back, nor shed a tear. I merely felt relief.

Goodbye, Derek. This time, it truly was goodbye. From now on, no one would know where I'd gone.