Chapter 4: Freed by Pain

Elena glanced upward, locking eyes with Dolphus's stare.

Eight years ago, Dolphus arrived in Glendale from Atlanta. He located her, pursued her and presented a proposal. If she were ready to part with Drake, he would set up for her to study overseas. Despite being her uncle, he felt it was his duty to look after her. However, Elena had declined his request.

At that time, she was profoundly caught in the fantasy of love with Drake.

Dolphus was the only member of the Farrington family ready to assist her. Others had turned her away, unable to accept the offspring of a traitorous wolf. The Hamilton family adopted her solely to gain the favor of the Farringtons, the family in power.

Her emotions for Drake became more intense as time passed. However, Drake was the only heir of the beta of Crescent Moon Pack. His parents would never accept their relationship. But after the accident, Drake moved on with his life. He started another relationship with Cassandra. And Elena on the other hand, had lost her significance in his sight.

Dolphus had come back, giving her another opportunity.

"Do you still wish to go with me?" he inquired.

Elena looked at the ground, her tone was gentle but firm. "I appreciate the help that both the Hamilton and Farrington families have rendered to me." I left my father's family in Atwater Village and was able to make it to the university. That's beyond anything I expected. Currently, I would prefer not to depend on them anymore. Whether by blood or not, their actions and care towards me have been enough for me.”

Dolphus observed her silently, remembering what Gamma Raphael Farrington had once mentioned: This pup is so soft. But Dolphus was always aware that Elena’s kind heart was overly generous.

To ease the Farringtons’ guilt, Elena pushed down her own wish for love and a family. She never asked for anything. Staying with the Hamiltons was her way of freeing the Farringtons from feeling responsible for her.

Elena showed the Farrington family’s values of self-control and grace better than any true-born heir ever could.

"However, you know the old man is a very reputable and respected man in this city," Dolphus remarked. "The old man will eventually learn about your connection with Drake."

Elena’s fingers grasped the edge of her garments. Her voice was soft. "When the truth is revealed and Drake makes a public apology, I will pursue the divorce further." After that, I will depart from Glendale City and I will sever all connections with Drake."

She didn't mention where she would head next, nor did she plan to inform Dolphus. The future of an omega was hers to protect.

Dolphus bent forward, placing his hands on his knees. His voice was low, "Years back, you faced me and claimed Drake was more important to you than anything else."

"And what about now?" he inquired, observing her intently. "Are you claiming that you won't have anything to do with him again?"

"Yes, Dolphus," Elena responded swiftly, with no delay.

Dolphus reclined, coolly pushing his sleeves up, with one leg crossed over the other. He slightly narrowed his eyes while observing Elena before him.

Drake had been eavesdropping outside the door. He walked away. He wished Elena were sincere in her words.

Later, in Drake’s hospital room, Drake reclined and shut his eyes. But as soon as he did, a memory emerged.

He spotted Elena once more, giggling as she playfully pressed him against a sunlit wall, and his heart started to race. He woke up immediately.

In reality, he had listened to tales regarding his history with Elena from both her and others. However, he was not interested in them. The previous events were insignificant. Not any longer.

At this point, he is already in love with Cassandra. She was the one he wished to shield and grow old with.

Following a cold shower and a glass of water, Drake gazed at the vacant cup. Elena's voice resonated in his ears. “Publicly apologize and restore my reputation, and I will divorce you right away.”

Drake was eager to bring Elena’s words to life.

The following morning, Drake hurried to the hospital, determined to talk about the divorce. As he neared Elena’s room, his acute hearing detected a recognizable voice within.

"Elena, could you dismiss the charges?" Ezra begged. You and Maya were raised together as if she were your sister. "Do you genuinely want to ruin her future because of this?"

"She merely sedated you to create an opportunity with Drake, to assist you both in getting back together." "Can't you see that she had good intentions?" Ezra stated.

"Did she have good intentions?" Does that permit anyone to ruin my life? "To cause me pain and label it as kindness?" Elena asked.

Ezra exhaled deeply, brushing a hand through his hair. "I know that she took it too far." Indeed, it was a mistake. But, Drake was about to ask Cassandra to marry him. Maya simply freaked out. No one anticipated Drake's reaction, particularly when he leaked your personal photos.”

After a moment of silence, Ezra said, tiredly, "What if Maya talks to Drake and explains everything herself?" "Would that be beneficial?"

Ezra and Maya had been friends with Drake since they were young. The trio had been raised together. Maya had even supported Elena after she came out of her coma, striving to keep her and Drake united.

Elena’s hand shook as she tightened her fists once more. "Why isn’t she present to share this with me directly to my face?"

"She feels embarrassed," Ezra responded. She realizes she crossed the line. "How could she confront you?"

Elena inhaled deeply, and her tone became soft. "Do you really think Drake will believe her?" "Do you think that he will believe she’s not simply lying to defend me?"

Ezra remained silent.

Elena's laugh was soft and harsh. “Drake's opinions no longer mean anything to me. "It did before, but it doesn't count anymore."

She faced Ezra with a determined look. "Never bring up such a discussion about me and Drake again. In my world, that chapter of my life has been closed."