Chapter 4

Corey completely didn't expect me to say such a thing. After being stunned for a few seconds, he asked me with a heartbroken expression, "Anya, how far do you want to take this? Are you really going to destroy our ten years together before you're satisfied?"

"Yes, since it's already rotten to the core. I might as well destroy it." I looked at him, my eyes numb, without a trace of warmth.

My response was like a bucket of ice water, extinguishing all his anger. My answer made him panic. The Alpha, who had been so domineering moments before, now softened his tone.

"Anya, don't say things out of anger. Willow and I really are just trying to fulfill Victor's dying wish. I don't have any other feelings for her."

He was anxious to explain, but I noticed that Willow, standing behind him, had a flash of delight in her eyes when she heard me mention dissolving the mate bond. And Victor Lester, who had been clutching his chest and coughing, had stopped coughing and straightened up.

"I understand. It's fine." My tone was so flat it was as if I were talking about someone else's business.

He looked at me skeptically. "Really?"

"Really."

If this had been a few days ago, hearing him say these things might have still caused me heartache or made me argue. But now, my heart had turned completely cold. I couldn't feel even the slightest ripple of emotion.

Looking at his nervous expression, I even found it somewhat ridiculous. But my response made him sigh in relief. He thought I was just throwing a tantrum and that coaxing me would make everything better.

Corey immediately put on a serious face and turned to scold me instead, "Anya, don't ever mention dissolving our mate bond again. It's very hurtful to our relationship, understand?"

He didn't even ask for my opinion before making his own arrangements. "I've decided. Tomorrow we'll make up for the marking ceremony at the Moon Goddess Hall."

"Tomorrow, Willow and I will go together to support you and see who dares to gossip," Victor quickly chimed in.

Willow linked her arm with Corey's, smiling sweetly. "That's right, Anya. Tomorrow we'll all be there to support you."

I watched their coordinated performance and found it incredibly ironic.

"That won't be necessary. My father already announced publicly to all the pack members at yesterday evening's marking ceremony that our ceremony was canceled." I interrupted their beautiful fantasy.

The color instantly drained from Corey's face. He stared at me in shock, and only after several seconds managed to speak, "What did you say? Who said he could make that decision on his own? Didn't I say it was just postponed?"

"Anya, the Alpha only said postponed. How could you cancel it? That's so inconsiderate of you!" Willow immediately jumped out to accuse me.

Victor also joined in twisting the facts. "That's right, Anya. You and your father went too far this time."

Just as the three of them were taking turns blaming me, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to find Elder Rodney from the elder council standing outside.

He held a document in his hands and handed it to me with a serious expression. "Anya, the elder council has reviewed the video evidence you sent. Fill out this paperwork, and we can forcibly dissolve your mate bond.

"We'll fight for the maximum benefits for you and your pup."