Chapter 3

I had just stepped out of the cafeteria with an empty tray in my hands when suddenly a strong hand gripped my wrist.

"Ronny?!" I cried out in shock.

He didn't answer, only stared at me with bloodshot eyes full of anger and frustration. Without giving me a chance to resist, he dragged me out of the corridor, through the crowded hallway, until we ended up in the quieter hospital garden.

I tried to pull my hand free.

"Let go! You're embarrassing me in front of everyone."

Instead, his grip tightened. "Why didn't you answer my calls, huh? You ignored all my messages! Do you think I could stay calm after that?"

"Because I have nothing to do with you anymore, Ronny. Our relationship is over," I said firmly.

"Don't say that! You know I love you. Kayla was just a mistake—she was the one who tempted me first."

"Mistake?! You slept with my best friend!"

He fell silent for a moment, but his eyes still burned, refusing to accept the truth.

Before I could yank my hand away, another voice sounded from behind.

"Is there a problem here?"

I quickly turned, and my heart leapt—Dr. Liam.

Ronny instantly loosened his grip, forcing a stiff smile. "Oh, Dr. Liam! Long time no see."

I froze. So they knew each other?

Liam stopped in his tracks, his gaze flat on Ronny. "You?"

"I'm Ronny. My father often mentioned your name—we met once at a conference. He always spoke highly of you. He said you were his friend."

My shock deepened. So Ronny's father and Liam were close friends?

Liam only looked at him for a few seconds before giving a curt nod. "Yes, I remember."

I hoped he would stay longer, maybe ask what was happening, but Liam only cast me a brief glance—a look that made me want to scream for help—before he turned and walked away.

The moment he left, Ronny's grip returned, harder this time, digging into my wrist. He yanked me roughly, pulling me deeper into the deserted garden.

"Listen to me first!"

I struggled to break free, and he finally stopped under a large tree. His hold on my wrist tightened until my skin reddened.

"If you dare end this relationship, I'll make sure your scholarship gets revoked. I'll talk to the dean, to the foundation—anyone who can bring you down. You know I can do it," Ronny said.

His words stunned me. The scholarship was the only reason I could survive at Ashborne University. Without it, I couldn't afford tuition—and they might even demand repayment for what had already been covered.

Ronny leaned closer, his face only inches from mine.

"If that happens, every expense you've enjoyed will be billed back to you. Do you want to be a failure expelled because you couldn't pay? Do you want to go home empty-handed and humiliate your family?" he taunted.

I was scared—terrified, even. His threat was real. Ronny had connections; his father was influential in the medical and academic world. If he meant it, I truly could lose everything.

But the pain of his betrayal was far greater than my fear.

I looked straight into his eyes.

"Do whatever you want. Revoke my scholarship, I don't care. What matters is I will never go back to you. I'd rather lose everything than stay with a man like you."

His eyes widened, shocked at my answer. His hand clamped down on me again, but I yanked my wrist free and walked away without looking back.

By the time I turned into the busy hospital corridor, I realized how violently my heart was pounding. My breath came in ragged gasps as though I had just run a marathon.

I had been strong in front of him, but in truth, I was scared. My feet carried me back to the intern's office. The room was empty. I collapsed into a chair and buried my face in my hands.

At last, the tears spilled.

I quickly reached for the tissues on the desk, wiping my cheeks so no one would know I had been crying. At that very moment, the door opened. I jumped, and when I turned, Dr. Liam Darkmane was standing at the doorway.

He was still in his white coat, his expression cold and commanding. His eyes went straight to me, and somehow, I felt he already knew I'd been crying. I hurriedly dabbed at my face with the tissue, forcing an awkward smile.

"Dust got in my eye," I muttered.

But Liam said nothing. He closed the door and walked toward me.

Panic surged, and I turned my face away so he wouldn't see my red eyes. Then suddenly, his large, warm fingers brushed against my cheek.

He gently wiped away the lingering trace of tears, his eyes locking onto mine. I could barely breathe. The distance between us was so small that before I could think, he leaned in. His lips touched mine in a swift kiss—brief, yet enough to make my whole body tremble.

My eyes widened, my heart threatening to explode.

He didn't speak much after that. Instead, he placed a sleek black invitation card on the desk before me. Its gold-ink design shimmered with the emblem of a full moon and wolf wings.

I reached for it hesitantly. "What is this?"

"The anniversary gala of St. Crescent Hospital. A werewolf-specialized hospital where some of my old colleagues work."

I froze. The name alone made my heartbeat stutter. That hospital was not only renowned as a center for lycanthrope medical research and practice, but it was also where Ronny had just been assigned for his internship.

I swallowed hard. "You want me to go there?"

"Yes. As my partner."

"Why me? There are plenty of beautiful women here—why not choose them?" I asked.

He remained silent, his gaze lingering on me as if he wanted to say something. But instead of answering, Liam looked away.

"Prepare yourself. Don't be late."

Without waiting for my reply, he turned and left the room, leaving me with the invitation card in hand—and a storm of questions swirling in my head.

I stared at the card for a long time. Why me? Why did he have to choose me?