Chapter 4

The pups were having so much fun that even when evening came, they didn't want to go home.

The moment Katrina and James thought of how I'd bombard them with questions, make them do homework, and insist on crafts, they dreaded going back.

Zoe suggested going to the beach the next day, and they were thrilled.

"Daddy, can we not go home tonight? We could rent a suite by the beach and watch the sunrise tomorrow?"

"If we don't go back, your mom will be sad," Zoe said gently. "Besides, your dad and I aren't mates. We can't stay in the same room together."

"Why not?" James tilted his head in confusion.

Grabbing Zoe's hand and placing it in Ethan's, he said, "Daddy, can't you be Zoe's mate? Then we could all stay in one room.

Ethan frowned and glanced at Zoe, who was blushing furiously. He didn't pull his hand away.

Yet, he lowered his head and looked at his son.

"Your mom is my only mate. Don't say things like that," he said solemnly. "And if we're going to the beach tomorrow, we should invite your mom too—unless she says no. That's the polite thing to do. Got it?"

Zoe froze, then plastered a smile on her face.

"Yeah, James. Your mom is still your dad's mate. I can't share a room with your dad."

Lowering his head, James thought for a moment and said seriously, "But Daddy, I don't want Mommy to come. She nags too much, and it'll ruin our fun. Can't you make her say no?"

After a brief pause, Ethan agreed. "Sure."

He'd always thought I was the accommodating one. As long as he asked me to do something, he believed I'd go along with it without question.

If he didn't want me to go, he was sure I wouldn't insist.

At 9:00 pm that night, the four of them finally came home.

When Katrina and James realized I wasn't waiting for them in the living room, they were slightly disappointed.

They thought even if I wasn't going to come with them tomorrow, it would've been nice if I'd at least stayed up to read them bedtime stories.

Ethan was a bit surprised, too. Usually, no matter how late he took the pups out, I'd always be waiting in the living room when they got back.

I'd check them for any scrapes or bruises and ask what they'd eaten and done that day. Then I'd personally help them bathe and read them stories.

But tonight, I wasn't around.

Still, Ethan didn't dwell on it too much. He simply instructed the nanny to help the pups with their baths.

Zoe had wanted to chat with him, but seeing how tired he looked, she hurried off to her room instead.

Ethan headed upstairs. He opened the bedroom door, then frowned at the sight before him.

The room seemed much emptier than usual, and I was nowhere to be seen.

Ever since giving birth, I'd rarely left the villa. Where could I possibly be at this hour?

He asked Bill about my whereabouts, then Bill handed him the envelope on the nightstand.

"Luna Aria left this afternoon with her suitcase. She asked me to remind you to sign this agreement."

Unease gripped Ethan. He quickly tore open the envelope, and as soon as he saw what was inside, his eyes widened.

Inside the envelope was a Bond-Breaking Agreement.

He couldn't believe I was going to break our bond.