No longer want him!

I stormed out of his office without waiting to see his reaction or hear what he had to say. He didn't try to run after me anyway so that says a lot already.

Staying another moment would have meant witnessing his irritation at my inconvenience, instead of any real remorse for my feelings that he had completely shattered. But I was done playing the good wife, done waiting for him and done putting myself last. Now I was going to think only of myself. But that didn't mean I didn't feel heartbroken over everything. I was completely shattered and holding the tears back was the hardest thing.

The big pack house which had been my home for five years, now felt like a suffocating cage, it was no longer my home now that I have considered leaving. The thought of staying here for one more second made my stomach clench.

Every room felt tainted by his lies, every hallway reminded me of my foolish hopes and dreams. I had thought he'd finally learn to love me and be happy with me, but he was already happy with someone else while I struggled on my own.

In this moment, there was only one place to go when the rest of the world dissolved into pain. There was a small house close to the beach my late mother had owned. It had always been my comfort space and my sanctuary from the impossible pressure of being a Luna so I went there.

When I arrived, I didn't bother turning on the lights. I simply curled up on the rug in front of the fireplace, hugging my knees to my chest as I laid there listlessly. The agony I felt was unbearable. I had poured my entire existence into Cade, into the hope that my devotion could somehow fill the empty space Zara had left. I had excelled as Luna, managing the charities, hosting the dinners, supporting his rule and being the backbone of the pack all to prove my worth, to earn the love I was supposed to have simply by being his mate.

It was just like pouring water in a basket. A useless, futile effort with no result.

As I thought back to all I had to go through, the first trail of tears finally found its way. I sniffled and tried to wipe it off but before I knew it, I was sobbing like a child who was beaten with sticks.

“Why me? Why…? After all I've done. Why didn't he choose me.” I wailed as I curled up tighter on the rug. It felt like someone was pulling at my heart and the pain was unlike anything I've felt before. I loved Cade. I loved him with everything, but he betrayed me like this and didn't even show remorse for my hurt feelings.

Seeing how he dismissed my feelings, made me realise how little I meant to him.

My phone began to buzz non stop in my pocket. Cade’s name flashed once but I ignored it. He called over and over again. I sat up and stared as the screen lit up when he called, till he stopped calling.

“What's the use of calling now?” I muttered under my breath as I drew a long hiss and wiped the remaining tears on my cheeks. My eyes were probably sore now from all the crying.

Then my phone came to life again, buzzing strings of text notifications. I peeked at it to see it was from the head servant wanting to know about my whereabouts since I was yet to return.

Cade was already living with Zara for over a month while I was playing house. If I hadn't walked into them in the office, I wonder what kind of shock I'd have been in having to hear about it later on. This was the ultimate public dishonor.

I turned the phone off completely and laid on my side on the floor. The sudden silence was heavy but necessary to process my thoughts.

Just then a gentle knock on the door startled me from my thoughts.

My eyes were swollen and burning, but focused on the entrance. There was only one person in the world who knew this house was my secret shelter. It just had to be him.

I struggled to unfold my stiff limbs and my muscles screamed in protest, but I pushed myself up and stumbled to the door, pulling it open.

“Axel.” I breathed out and he looked at me with those tender eyes of his.

He was the son of my father’s Beta and my best friend.

We had known each other since we were toddlers playing hide and seek in the halls of the mansion. We were so close but we had drifted apart after my marriage to Cade.

Axel had never supported the union, knowing too well where Cade's heart truly lay, but he had respected the destiny of the Mate bond and had kept his distance since I had told him I loved Cade with my life. Now see where my blind love had landed me.

The moment my eyes met his, the fragile dam holding back my composure burst open again and my tears began to fall freely. He was probably the only person who could witness my tears.

He didn't say a word, he just simply stepped in and wrapped his strong arms around me, pulling me tight against his chest. His scent was so overwhelming that it shattered me completely that I cried bitterly in his arms.

I clung to him, burying my face in the soft fabric of his jacket, and let every ounce of pain out of me. He held me through it all, and didn't say a word. He knew I needed that silence.

After a long time, when my sobs had subsided to shaky breaths, he gently pulled me toward the small sofa.

“Risa,” he said, his voice comforting. “Are you okay?” he asked carefully.

I managed a weak smile. “Honestly, Axel? I'm not. Not even close. But… I will be. Eventually.” the words were bitter in my tongue.

He sat beside me, and took my hand in his. His thumb rubbed slow circles over my knuckles. “I was at the Great Hall and I heard the announcement that Zara was returning to the pack.” His voice was full with disbelief, and barely restrained anger on my behalf. “I can’t believe he would degrade you like that. Not only bringing her back but publicly displacing your future and that of your future pup.”

My chin trembled. “I know. I thought… even with her back, he would maintain the pretense for the pack. But he didn’t.” I leaned my head back against the sofa cushion, staring up at the dark ceiling. “I should have listened to you from the start. You told me. You warned me not to try to build something on ruin, not to chase a shadow but I stubbornly didn't listen. Now the shadow I was chasing has been exposed in the light leaving me standing clueless on my own.”

I glanced at him, “You can say it,” I said. “Laugh. Tell me you told me so and I wouldn't even blame you.” I really deserve it anyway.

But Axel didn't say it, he didn't shove it in my face that I was a stupid romantic hoping for the impossible. He only squeezed my hand and smiled warmly. “So what is your plan now? You do not plan on hiding here forever right? Besides, I heard Cade is looking everywhere for you.”

I took a deep, shuddering breath, the cool air helping to clear the fog of tears. “I asked him for a divorce.”

Axel’s head snapped toward me, his eyes widening. “Risa! Do you think he’ll actually agree to that? You've been married for over five years now and I'm sure he doesn't want this divorce.”

I let out a sad laugh. “He may not agree to it now, but it doesn't matter. Whatever his decision is, I’m letting go. I can’t hold onto something that was never mine in the first place.”

I felt the emotional heavy restraint holding me, drop from my neck. “I’m done fighting for a husband who treats me like a liability and a life that was built on a lie.”

I looked him in the eye, my voice hard.

“Now, I'm the one who no longer wants him.”