Chapter 2

Making my way to his office, I hesitated outside the door, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. 

When I finally entered, I found Xavier seated behind his desk, engrossed in his work. His presence still had the power to render me speechless.

For a moment, I stood there, admiring his broad shoulders and handsome features. 

However, his gaze met mine, and any warmth I had hoped to see was replaced with

disinterest.

“I brought the files,” I said, my voice steady, placing the documents on his desk.

He nodded, acknowledging my gesture but saying nothing.

“Have you had lunch? We could eat together,” I suggested, my heart hoping for a chance to talk, to connect with him again.

“There’s no need for that; I promised Bella we’d cat together,” he replied, and a pang of jealousy struck my heart at the mention of his mate’s name.

“Bella?” I questioned, unable to hide my curiosity.

“My mate,” came the curt reply, and I felt a mixture of sorrow and bitterness rise within me. “You remember the conditions that led to our marriage, right? It was all a big mistake. 

“As for Bella, she’s been through a lot.

 She was being trafficked, practically hidden and in captivity when we rescued her. 

That was why it took me this long to find her. I have a mate now, Eva,” he said, his eyes holding the truth of his love for Bella.

My heart clenched as I listened to his words, understanding that our relationship meant nothing.

“You want to announce her as your mate?” I asked, my voice quivering slightly.

“I can’t. At least not now. She’s too weak to be Luna. Apart from her injuries, she’s a gamma. 

So she’s weak. I can’t cast you aside; the pack will not approve of it. I still need you to stand in as Luna. It’s not a request but an order, I am ordering you as your Alpha,” Xavier stated authoritatively, his eyes burning with passion for Bella.

“Yes,” I nodded demurely, my heart aching with the realization that I would be living in the shadow of his true mate.

“What about me?” I whispered, unable to suppress the pain in my voice.

“I only married you because of the mistake. You were never my mate, Eva. I’ve found her now. Know your place,” he said coldly, and I understood that there was no room for me in his heart.

“You’ll be well compensated. Don’t worry.”

As I sank into a nearby chair, I felt my dreams shatter into a thousand pieces. 

It had only been days since we had grown closer, shared moments of intimacy, and I had foolishly believed it meant something more. 

But now, it was clear that he belonged to her, and I was merely a temporary placeholder.

Turning to leave, my heart heavy with sorrow, a lady rushed past me, heading straight for Xavier’s office. 

Our eyes met briefly, a sense of déjà vu washed over me, as if I had seen her before.

Hurrying into the office, Bella threw herself into Xavier’s arms, and my heart ached as I witnessed the depth of their connection. Xavier held her tenderly, his voice soft and caring as he spoke to her. 

There was a love between them that could never be replicated with me. 

That was the mate bond, it’s the real thing I’ve been with Xavier but he never looked at me that way, but he just met Bella but there was clear and burning love in his eyes.

I’ll wait outside, I murmured, my voice choked with emotion, unable to bear their intimacy any longer.

“Wait,” Xavier called, his tone still cold but firm.

Turning to face him, I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.

Eva, this is Bella, my mate. Bella, meet Eva, we are married. She’ll be performing the Luna function for now until you’re safe,” he introduced us, his gaze softening as he looked at Bella, and becoming detached as he glanced at me. 

One's body language couldn’t lie.

Bella regarded me with a smug smile, and I could feel her disdain for me, understanding that I was an obstacle in her path.

“I’m sure we’ll get along”  I managed to say politely, though my heart felt heavy with pain. 

“Thank you,” Bella replied, her words laced with underlying tension.

I turned to leave, deciding to take the stairs instead of the elevator. 

The empty stairwell provided a quiet sanctuary where I could finally let my tears flow freely. 

Xavier and Bella were a perfect fit, destined for each other, while I was merely a replacement, a fake. 

The real mate was back now

My heart ached for the dreams I had foolishly held onto the hope of a loving and

functional relationship with Xavier. 

It was now clear that he would devote himself to his true mate, Bella,

Heart hammering in my chest and holding back tears I walked away.

Just as I got to the stairs I heard someone call out my name. 

Turning, to the caller, it’s her Bella walking towards me with a menacing and mean look on her face.

********

The moment Bella was informed of Xavier’s wife’s visit to his office, she hurriedly left the hospital heading there. 

Curiosity and a desire to assert her position as his true mate fueled her actions. 

Bella wanted to see what Eva looked like and make it clear that she was the one destined to be with Xavier.

 As she approached, she couldn’t help but feel a strong wave of anger, sensing Eva’s presence as a strong and capable werewolf. 

It was intimidating, compared to her, she was a nobody. 

It was clear, she didn’t need anyone to tell her. 

Looking at Eva she felt a bitter surge of anger, she would have to compete with that.