Escaping the Crown of Lies

I gave up on going for the checkup and left the hospital to wander the streets aimlessly.

Then, I heard my father’s voice. When I looked up, I saw the huge LED screen in the bazaar showing a family interview we had three months ago.

My father held up the crystal he had bought from an auction and said, “Ocean’s Heart is my gift for my future grandchild. It doesn’t matter how much money I spent on it. My daughter’s pup deserves it.”

Scott held my hand tightly but gently.

“Claire is the one suffering the most from the pregnancy. I’ll spend the rest of my life protecting her and our pup.”

The video paused at the moment we looked at each other and smiled.

At the bottom of the video were the words “the happiest family.”

At some point, it started raining.

The rain, mixed with my tears, blurred my vision.

Suddenly, my phone rang. It was Scott.

In the past, I used to answer it immediately, but this time, I hesitated.

In the end, I answered the call.

I could hear Scott’s friend on the other side.

“Congratulations, Scott! When Katie disappeared, you searched almost every corner of the pack in order to find her! Then, you stayed beside Claire for three years and kept sucking up to her just so Katie could have a proper status and her own title as a werewolf. You’re so devoted to her!

“Claire has always looked down on illegitimate children, and guess what? In several months, her pup will be an illegitimate child as well.

“But you know what the most exciting thing about this is? It’s when Katie looked into your eyes today and said that she wouldn’t get married if her mother couldn’t get married, and you went straight to Claire’s father and convinced him to marry Jelena! My God!

“Both of them joined the Sunfang Pack at the same time! It’s been decades since the pack has seen such excitement!”

I stared at my phone, and my fingers trembled. Even so, I gripped the phone tightly, as if I was holding onto a driftwood that could save me from drowning.

Every single thing I heard was like a knife plunging into my heart, and I could not stop it at all.

They were laughing, celebrating, and chatting, as if this entire thing was just fuel for their entertainment.

They were talking about my body, my children, and my humiliation!

My vision blurred again, and tears streamed down my face uncontrollably, as if my body could no longer endure the pain.

I could not breathe, nor could I think.

At that moment, Scott’s cold voice came through the phone.

“Who touched my phone?”

The ruckus died down instantly.

A few seconds later, Scott said, “Why aren’t you saying anything, honey? Are you feeling sick?”

His gentle act was flawlessly done, as if his cheating nature was nothing more than an illusion.

I opened my mouth and wanted to ask for a rejection, only to realize that our mate certificate was also fake, so I had no right to even ask for one.

In an instant, strength drained from my body, and I collapsed on the street. Pain shot up my ankle.

It was also at this moment that a delicate voice sounded through the phone.

“Dear, my stomach hurts. I think the pup is kicking me…”

Scott fell silent. When he spoke next, he sounded panicked. “Honey, I have something to take care of here. I’ll keep you company later.”

Before I could answer, he hung up.

I returned home.

I did not know how long I sat in the living room before I heard the door open.

My father and Scott came in. Both of them looked happy.

My father handed me a dazzling ruby necklace. “Claire, this is the necklace you wanted. Scott bought it just for you.”

Meanwhile, Scott squatted down in front of me and rubbed my swollen ankle.

“Why is your ankle swollen? Are you mad that we didn’t go with you for the checkup? Shall I have the director examine you tomorrow at home?”

After their enthusiastic spiel, they noticed how pale my face was and how quiet I seemed. They were stunned. They wondered whether I had learned about the bonding ceremony.

My father turned to Scott, who shook his head.

I handed Scott a document. “Sign it. When I went out shopping today, my card was rejected because I didn’t have enough money in my bank account. I was so embarrassed.”

Scott and my father sighed in relief.

My father said enviously, “You ask your husband for money when you want to buy things? You don’t need me to buy anything for you anymore?”

Scott did not even look at the document before signing it.

“We’re a couple now. It’s only natural for Claire to spend my money.”

He then handed the document back to me with a smile.

As they spoke, their phones rang.

My father patted my shoulder. “Something popped up in the pack. I have to take care of it.”

Scott kissed the top of my head. “I have to earn money to provide for you and our pup too.”

They left and didn’t even notice that the brooches—worn only by grooms—had slipped out of their pockets and fallen to the floor.

The light reflecting off the brooches was blinding to the eyes.

They were busy spending a passionate night with their new mates, obviously.

That was why Scott did not even bother taking the time to read the document.

The document was titled: Pup Disownment Agreement.

I looked down and chuckled. Then, I wept.

With it, my pup would no longer have any connection with Scott.

I could love a person dearly, but I could also let go of them just as easily.

I wiped away my last tear and called my assistant. He always took care of everything perfectly for me.

“David, I’m ending his right as the entrusted shareholder to my shares right now.”

I was met with silence, but I did not give David the chance to ask for a reason.

“Also, pull back all the investments I made into Scott’s company. Cancel the contracts too. Cancel all business channels and special privileges while you’re at it. Thanks.”