LPR 1

"Tell me, who is the father of the baby you are carrying?"

Estelle Montague barely had time to process the question before a brown envelope floated toward her. Her eyes reflexively closed as the brown envelope landed squarely on her face before falling to the floor. She froze, ignoring the brown envelope as her emotions spiraled into chaos.

Slowly, Estelle opened her eyes. She saw Lennon Pendleton standing in front of her, his face flushed, a clear sign that he was trying to control his anger.

Estelle took a deep breath, trying to remain calm as the pain slowly gripped her heart. She assured herself that Lennon couldn't possibly be capable of such cruelty, throwing something in her face and asking her painful questions.

"Lennon," Estelle said in a trembling voice. She clasped her hands together in an attempt to calm herself. "What's wrong? Why are you acting like this?"

Lennon stared at Estelle with his red eyes, his expression showing disbelief. "Why am I acting like this?" he repeated Estelle's question. Then he grimaced bitterly. "I should be asking you that, Estelle. Why are you being like this with me? Why, Estelle?!"

Lennon's answer left Estelle confused. "I don't understand, Lennon. What do you mean?"

"You don't understand? Oh, God. Me, Estelle. I should be saying this to you, because I swear! I was wondering, what did I do wrong for you to betray me?"

It was as if lightning had struck right in front of Estelle. She was shocked by Lennon's accusations. Her tongue was tied and she could only shake her head to refute his accusations, but all she got was Lennon's tears.

"I love you, Estelle. You know how much I love you. Anything, whatever it is, I would do for your happiness. But why did you do this to me? Why did you betray my love for you?!"

Lennon's tears and relentless accusations left Estelle in a pile of confusion and pain. She felt trapped in a whirlwind of unclear emotions. Her mind went blank and her heart was torn between question marks and disbelief at the fate that had befallen her.

Estelle couldn't answer Lennon's question. Instead, she could only remain silent, creating a painful silence. In that moment, she saw her past shadowing her mind. She and Lennon had been a happy couple, always together, regardless of the various problems and trials that had befallen their relationship.

Those memories were still so vivid in Estelle's mind. She would never forget that Lennon was her other half, always by her side in every situation. Most importantly, Lennon always held her hand when she was overwhelmed with endless sadness.

Estelle had never felt so hurt until three years ago when she was introduced to the true gray color of life. Her father, Roland Montague, had died of a heart attack. His death was so sudden that it left her and her family in deep mourning. What made it even more painful was that it happened just a few months after her engagement to Lennon, with their wedding day fast approaching.

Estelle never imagined that she would get married without Roland by her side. Still, she tried to stay strong and decided not to drown in grief. She was determined to make the most of every moment, for Roland's death taught her not to waste time with those she loved.

Estelle still had a mother and a sister, Gloria Demettra Morris and Kiara Montague. And Lennon, who promised to protect and love her until death did them part.

The days were not easy, but Estelle proved that she could endure. She could see the future again. She was ready to move forward, but tragedy struck again. Ironically, the unfortunate event occurred just as she found out she was pregnant.

Two days ago, Gloria had a serious accident and was critically injured. Her life was in danger, so Lennon, the Alpha of the Noctilux Pack, stepped in. Lennon ordered his Beta, Alaric Hill, to gather the best doctors in the city of Gandlerhode. They tried everything to save Gloria, but fate had other plans. Gloria died.

Gloria's funeral had just taken place that morning. They all mourned, dressed in black. Estelle was still deeply saddened, but Lennon only added to her grief with his heartless accusations.

"I love you, Estelle. I would do anything for your happiness, but why did you do this to me?" Lennon's words echoed in Estelle's mind.

Estelle shook her head. "N-No, Lennon. I never betrayed you. I love you," she said, trying to get closer to Lennon. But Lennon pushed her away. "I swear, Lennon. I love you."

"Love?" Lennon clenched his teeth. His jaw stiffened and his face turned dark red. "Do you really love me after giving yourself to another man?"

Lennon's accusations took Estelle's breath away. She struggled to defend herself. "Please, Lennon, believe me."

Estelle kept trying. She held out her hand to reach Lennon, but all she got was rejection.

Lennon was distancing himself from Estelle. He created a space as if he didn't want to be near her. Then his eyes fell on Estelle's stomach.

"Tell me, Estelle. Who is the father of the baby you are carrying?"

Estelle began to sob. "Please, Lennon. You can't do this to me. I just lost Mom and you're accusing me like this?"

"Just answer my question, Estelle. Who?" Lennon's tone rose. This time he couldn't control his emotions. "Me or him?"

"Please, Lennon. Don't doubt my loyalty." Estelle continued to plead as she cupped her stomach with one hand. "This is your baby, Lennon."

Lennon grimaced. He looked at Estelle with hurt eyes. "You're lying to me, Estelle. You know it. You know he's the father of the baby you're carrying, not me."

Lennon's outburst shook Estelle to her core. Lennon seemed genuinely hurt, and for the first time in her life, Estelle saw him in such pain.

Lennon was crying. His face was wet with tears and he shook his head. "I can't believe you did this to me, Estelle. You betrayed my love."

"Lennon, please."

"I can't, Estelle," Lennon said, shaking his head repeatedly. Then he wiped his face roughly. His tears and sweat mixed together. "I can't do this. So, forgive me."

Estelle's face grew pale. Her body shook and she looked away. "Lennon, please. Trust me."

Estelle's pleas meant nothing to Lennon. Disappointment and heartbreak had closed his eyes. The loving light that used to shine every time he looked at Estelle was gone. Instead, he looked at her with hatred.

Lennon growled. "I, Alpha Lennon Pendleton, reject you, Estelle Montague. As of this day, you are no longer my mate and Luna."

Estelle staggered from the indescribable pain. She moaned and tried to hold on to the IV pole, but her body was incredibly weak at that moment and she fell to the cold floor. Her chest felt like it was being crushed by thousands of tons, her heart like it was being sliced by a blunt knife, and the air she breathed caused a piercing pain in her lungs.

"Lennon."

Estelle's voice was barely audible. She was really suffering because Lennon had ended their relationship. Her wolf spirit howled with pain. The little strength she had left seemed to be sucked away by the empty air. There was no more power, and powerless, she felt her life would end right then and there.

Estelle held on with both hands that slowly clenched into fists, and although it was impossible, she tried to stay conscious. She fought the weak feeling that threatened to take over her consciousness again. Instead, she tried to stand.

Her shaking body slowly rose again. Both hands gripped the IV pole as tightly as they could. Ignoring her shaky knees that threatened to topple her over again, she took a breath and tried to hold on as she realized how much Lennon hated her look.

"You can't be serious, Lennon," Estelle whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks again. She met Lennon's gaze with a wounded look. "You can't do this to me."

Lennon growled deeply. He gripped his hair with all his might, his face showing a similar wound. "I can't believe you did this to me, Estelle. I can't believe it, but you did. There's nothing I can do now. I can't be with you after the betrayal you've done."

"No, Lennon. Please, believe me." Estelle tried her best to move forward. She reached out, but Lennon pushed her hand away. "I didn't betray you. Not at all."

"Really, Estelle? Are you still trying to fool me with such hard evidence?"

Estelle held back a grin. "Evidence?"

Lennon stood. He picked up the brown envelope he had thrown at Estelle earlier. He opened it vigorously and took out all the photos inside. Then he threw the photos in front of Estelle's face.

All the pictures landed on the floor. Estelle lowered her head and looked at the photos in disbelief. She shook her head, then dared to reach for one of the photos.

In the photo, Estelle was in a room, lying on a bed. There was not a single thread covering her slender body, and there was a man towering over her, kissing her, with both hands firmly clasping her hands.

Estelle froze. Her eyes didn't blink as she looked at the photo. Her soul was shaken. She couldn't believe it, but the photos explained everything.

"It was my birthday night, Estelle. I wondered where you went after the party ended. Turns out you were spending time with him. You were sleeping with Wade Pendleton, Estelle! You slept with my own uncle!"

Lennon's anger erupted uncontrollably. He growled, and a hot air came out of his body. In an instant, the air around them seemed to become searing. It felt as if it wanted to boil everything there.

Estelle shook her head. No matter how vividly the photos depicted the events of two months ago, she remained steadfast in her belief that things weren't as Lennon claimed.

"I-I don't know what happened that night, Lennon. I thought it was you and—"

"Enough, Estelle!" Lennon interrupted angrily. His breath was ragged, indicating growing disappointment and anger. "You not only betrayed our love, you humiliated me. You cheated with a rogue, and that tarnishes my reputation as Alpha of the Noctilux Pack twice over, Estelle!"

"Please, Lennon. Believe me."

His eyes closed briefly. Lennon took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before he spoke again. There was a soul-shattering desperation in his eyes. "No, Estelle. I'm the one begging you. Let's end this here. Please, don't torture me anymore. You've really hurt me."

Estelle couldn't hold on much longer. Her knees weakened and she fell to the floor again. But she refused to give up. She dragged her body to reach Lennon. She had decided that she would beg if she had to. She would do anything to get Lennon to forgive her.

"Please forgive me, Lennon. Don't cast me aside. Please. You know I have nobody else in this world. I only have you."

Lennon erupted in anger. "You should have thought of that before you betrayed me, Estelle. There's nothing you can do now. You're not my mate anymore. You're no longer the Luna of the Noctilux Pack. So as of today, never set foot in The Palace again."

"Lennon, please," Estelle pleaded as she reached for Lennon's legs. She hugged his legs and whimpered. "Forgive me, Lennon. I never meant to betray you. I swear, Lennon. I love you. Don't leave me."

"It's too late, Estelle. You must face the consequences of your actions. There's nothing I can do. I can't let the Noctilux Clan have a treacherous Luna like you."

Estelle bit her lower lip as she tightened her grip on Lennon's legs. She wouldn't let Lennon go that easily. "Please, Lennon. Have mercy on me. I love you. You're the only one I have. I can't live without you."

"Can't live without me?" Lennon snorted mockingly, but a moment later he winced in pain. "You've proven to me that you can live without me, Estelle. So how about this? Go beg Wade. I'm sure he'll take you in. After all, you're carrying his child."

Estelle couldn't believe what she was hearing from Lennon. She had never imagined that Lennon could say such things. Lennon not only didn't believe her defense, he belittled her.

But Estelle had no choice. Lennon was all she had now. She wasn't going to let Lennon leave her.

"Tell me, Lennon. What do I have to do for you to forgive me? Whatever it is, I'll do it."

Lennon remained silent, but the look in his eyes gave Estelle an unwanted answer. Lennon's attitude had answered that there was nothing she could do to make up for what had happened. Lennon wouldn't forgive her.

"Lennon."

"Estelle, it's too late. Let me be the one to beg you now," Lennon said, his voice full of hope. He begged desperately, "Please, accept my rejection."

Estelle's body was shaken by sobs that grew in intensity. She had no choice but to speak. "I, Estelle Montague, accept your rejection, Alpha Lennon Pendleton."

Lennon stood firm and forcibly removed Estelle's hands that were still clutching his legs. Then he walked away. He left Estelle alone with tears still streaming down her face.

It was all over. Estelle's heart was shattered. Her world had collapsed. She had lost everything.

*