Chapter 2

When I finally got home, Lucien texted me back.

"I don’t have to read it. Whatever you want me to sign, I’ll sign it. I trust you wouldn’t hurt me."

So… he wasn’t even going to read it.

I lowered my eyes and pulled out my phone, ready to delete every single post on Facebook that mentioned our relationship. However, just then, I saw a new post from Summer.

It was a photo of her lying on a couch, looking cozy. In the corner of the frame, you could see a man’s wrist.

“I got drunk tonight. It feels so good to have someone take care of me.”

I knew that wrist and that watch. It was Lucien’s, and I knew exactly what Summer was doing.

That post was for me, letting me know that she was still irreplaceable in Lucien’s heart, telling me I should take the hint and leave.

I quietly set my phone down and began packing my bags. Lucien didn’t come home until the next evening.

I was tossing together a simple salad for dinner when I saw him walk in, carrying a cake. I froze.

He frowned slightly when he noticed what I was making.

“You forgot what today is?” he asked. “Why are you eating something so plain? It’s your birthday.”

I was stunned.

I’m an Omega orphan with no inner wolf or roots. Before I mated with Lucien, I had never celebrated a birthday. However, ever since we became mates, he had never missed a year. No matter how busy he was, he always came home to celebrate with me.

When I was afraid of thunderstorms, he’d hold me close and whisper to me. When I had to travel far, he insisted on dropping me off and picking me up himself.

I thought that was love until a month ago, on our anniversary, when he skipped dinner with me to pick up Summer from the airport. That night, I knew. In his heart, Summer mattered more.

And me? I was just the one who happened to step in when Summer ran away from the Marking Ceremony. I wasn’t the one he truly cared about; she was.

Tears welled up in my eyes before I could stop them.

I had once been foolish enough to believe Lucien loved me. After all, he’d been so gentle, caring, and affectionate. I thought maybe he was falling for me, too, or maybe my love wasn’t one-sided anymore. Now, I knew he never let go of Summer.

I stared at the beautiful birthday cake in his hands, and my chest ached. After I left, no one would ever remember my birthday again.

I forced a polite smile and said, “Thank you.”

“Mia, we’re mates. You don’t have to be so polite,” Lucien said with a smile, lighting the candles. “You’re one year older now. Make a wish.”

I clasped my hands together and silently made a wish.

“I’m twenty-four now. This year, I hope that after I leave, Lucien and Summer will be happy together. I hope Summer can love Lucien as deeply as I did. Goodbye, Lucien. I hope I never see you again.”

The moment the candlelight extinguished, Lucien pulled me into his arms and tried to kiss me. I lowered my gaze, hiding my sadness, and gently pushed him away.

Maybe he sensed my hesitation, because he immediately began explaining, “Mia, Summer’s just an old friend. She’s still adjusting to being back in the pack. I was just helping her get settled, that’s all.”

I gave him a quiet acknowledgement and walked into the bathroom.

When I came out, freshly showered, I saw Lucien standing shirtless in front of the open wardrobe, brows furrowed. He turned to me, confused.

“Where are your clothes? Are you going somewhere?”

I froze, heart pounding, then quickly shut the closet door. “It’s the change of seasons. I was just sorting out old clothes.”

Lucien relaxed immediately. After all, I'd never lied to him before.

“Right, those were out of style anyway.”

He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, inhaling the scent of my shampoo. “We’ll buy you new ones. Use my card.”

Then, he leaned in again, trying to kiss me.

I wanted to say no, but when his lips met the side of my neck, all my strength disappeared. So, I gave in. I told myself if I was leaving, let this be the last time—let me end this on my terms, with no regrets.

I kissed him back with everything I had, and Lucien responded with an intensity I hadn’t seen in a long time. With every movement and every breath, we clung to each other like it was the first and last time. I left marks on his skin as small reminders, hoping maybe he’d remember me that way.

When it was over, he let out a low groan of satisfaction and gently carried me into the bathroom to clean up. We ended up going another round in the shower.

There were so many moments I wanted to ask if he ever loved me, or if he was going to end our mate bond because Summer was back. However, the words caught in my throat every time. I was too afraid to hear him say “no.” So, instead, I chose to walk away quietly and with dignity.

When we returned to the bedroom, my legs were too weak to walk, so Lucien massaged them.

“Tomorrow’s the ten-year reunion at Lycan University. Summer is going, too. I know you don’t like her, so maybe you should sit this one out. I have to go because I’m still the alumni president, but I’ll be back soon, I promise,” he said.

He knew how I felt about Summer, yet he was still going. That alone told me where his heart really was.

I had plans, too. Tomorrow would mark exactly one month since I filed to break our mate bond. I’d be picking up the finalized certificate—basically our divorce papers—from City Hall. After that, I could leave, officially.

“Okay,” I replied softly.

“I’ll be home in time for dinner. I’d like to have that roasted herb venison you make, the one with the wild greens,” he said, eyes sparkling.

However, my flight was at 7 p.m. There was no time to make him dinner.

Still, I nodded. I could change my flight to 10 p.m. and let that meal be my last goodbye.