Chapter 3

My hand froze as I opened the door.

"Owen, don't make the same mistake as your useless father and fall for that woman. I went so far as to lock her in the cellar for half a month in the dead of winter, then had you go rescue her."

Eliana coughed violently, as her excitement grew. "When she was 12, I accused her of stealing a necklace and slapped her, only for you to secretly care for her injuries. I'll never forget the look of gratitude she gave you."

Owen's low laugh sent a chill down my spine. "She'll soon learn that all those years of feelings meant nothing to anyone else."

I gazed at my reflection in the potion. The last flicker of light in my eyes and any remaining feelings for Owen vanished.

Eliana wielded cruelty like a weapon, while Owen masked his malice behind a facade of care, twisting both my body and heart to his will.

For years, I had been kept in the dark. But now, with the Moon Goddess unveiling the truth, I knew I could no longer remain passive.

I took a steadying breath and called softly, "Mrs. Winslow, I've brought your medicine."

Eliana and Owen's wicked laughter died away suddenly.

By the time I had set the breakfast table the next morning, Julia appeared on the stairs. She was draped in a silky, alluring nightgown and had linked arms with Owen.

I maintained a calm expression, serving breakfast carefully while avoiding their gaze.

"My dear," Julia said, placing her knife aside and smiling at me. "I hear you enjoy sculpting. I would love for you to make a double statue for our bonding ceremony."

I returned a composed smile. "Of course. It would be my honor."

"Oh, and we can go with Aurora to pick out your gown later," Owen said casually.

Julia only glared at me but didn't argue.

Two hours later, we arrived at a lavish bridal boutique. Julia, flanked by attendants, headed straight into the VIP fitting room, while Owen settled on the sofa, staring at me.

"Aurora, try that one," he said, pointing to a silk gown with a daringly open back.

I obediently carried the dress into the fitting room. The moment I changed, Owen's scent enveloped me. I turned to meet his hungry, possessive gaze and instinctively stepped back. "Owen! Are you insane? Julia's right next door!"

"Who cares?"

He locked the door, pulled me into his arms, and let his hands roam freely.

Tears welled in my eyes. "Owen, I'm so hurt. How can you do this while still asking me to sculpt a statue of you and Julia?"

I lowered my head, sobbing quietly, while subtly slipping my hand into my handbag to press the recording button.

"You fool. Do you think I'd ever care about that empty-headed woman?"

He nibbled my earlobe and whispered, "Julia doesn't even come close to you."

I looked up at him. "Owen, will you really reject her publicly? I don't want to be your hidden love any longer."

"Of course," he whispered. "When I was with Julia last night, I had to picture it was you, or I couldn't even…"

He nibbled at my earlobe, tracing his hands boldly over me. "Be patient. On the day of our bonding ceremony, you'll take the Luna place that's always meant for you."

"I trust you," I whispered.

He let out a satisfied groan and took his pleasure, with no care for Julia just beyond the wall. I couldn't help but feel a little pleased inside.

I thought to myself, "Owen, I've been waiting too. And when the day comes, I'll give you both a gift you'll never forget."