Chapter 2

In the single day since Nova moved in, she had replaced almost everything in the house that belonged to me with her own things—from small items like cups to large ones like the bed and wardrobe. Even the women's slippers by the door had been replaced with her exclusive pink pair.

As for things that couldn't be replaced, she would wheedle and coax until I gave them to her. And Dante always indulged her, making me choose to step back.

"Emby, just give in to her a little. Her emotions are unstable because she's carrying. Besides, she's only staying temporarily. She'll leave eventually."

I lowered my gaze, hiding the disappointment in it. "It's fine. Take whatever you want. I don't mind."

Nova smiled smugly. She didn't know that I no longer cared about these things. I didn't even care about Dante anymore. I'd just leave and let them have their bonding ceremony.

That evening, two nights before the bonding ceremony, I packed a simple bag and prepared to leave. I didn't want to feel attached to anything here anymore.

But Nova still wouldn't leave me alone. She had set her sights on the ring I wore on my hand.

"Ember, that ring is so beautiful. Isn't that the legendary moonstone that helps with sleep and calms the mind?

"Could you let me borrow it? You know how it is—she-wolves who are expecting always have trouble sleeping and feel mentally drained. With this, I could rest better."

But she simply snatched it away. That was the only memento my mother had left me. There was no way I could give it to her.

"No." Dante glanced at me, looking somewhat hesitant. After all, he used to know how much I treasured this ring.

He explained to Nova, "The moonstone ring is a memento from Emby's mother. I'll buy you a new one tomorrow. She treasures it and never takes it off. Give that back to Emby, and I'll buy you one exactly like it."

"Alright…" Nova clutched the ring and smiled at me. "Then I'll give it back to you."

I had an ominous feeling, and the next second she suddenly let go. I rushed forward unprepared, trying to catch it, but I was still a step too late. The moonstone ring hit the floor and shattered into two pieces.

Due to momentum, I pitched forward. Dante's expression changed as he moved to help me, but Nova screamed and fell to the side. He immediately turned around, abandoning me to reach out and catch her instead.

As I was worried about hurting my stomach, I fell on my knees, hitting the ground directly. The pain brought tears to my eyes. My face went pale, and cold sweat instantly broke out on my forehead.

Along with my fall, Nova also screamed and tumbled backward. Her eyes reddened as she looked at me pitifully, making herself appear innocent.

"Dante, Ember's ring broke. Will she be angry with me?" she cried.

Dante immediately pulled her into his arms protectively, glancing at me with exasperation.

"Emby, why were you so reckless? She already said she'd give it back to you. Why did you have to grab for it?

"Look, you made yourself fall too. Get up quickly."

He reached out to help me. I pretended to casually steady myself against the table as I stood up, keeping my head down to hide my disappointed expression. I didn't accept his outstretched arm, which meant that in my heart, I had completely given up on him.

Jack roared furiously, the sound almost piercing my eardrums. "Dante! Have you lost your mind? Ember's your mate! Why didn't you protect her first just now?"

After seeing me refuse his arm, Dante finally noticed my sadness. He showed a guilty expression and quickly crouched down to pick up the moonstone pieces.

"Emby, don't be sad. We'll find a designer and have one made exactly the same later on."

Jack let out an angry roar that made my eardrums ache. "Make a new one? You make it sound so easy!

"That was Emby's mother's memento! Even if you make one exactly the same, it can't replace the original!"

The guilt on Dante's face grew heavier. I took a deep breath, trying to keep my voice calm.

"It's fine. I'll find someone to repair it," I said while putting the two pieces of moonstone in my pocket.