Chapter 3

Beta Corwin had no idea that earlier that afternoon, I had installed a hidden surveillance camera in his study.

On the screen, he clutched a photo of Thalia, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Thalia, Alpha Leif didn’t leave the country just to avoid you today."

"Why do you only ever have eyes for him? Why do you want his pup?"

"Today, Selene told me she wanted to have my pup too..."

"For a moment, I was touched. She’s a good woman... but she’ll never be you."

"If she could give me a pup, maybe I’d love her a little more... but that’s impossible now."

I gripped my phone tighter, my nails digging into my palm as the truth settled in.

He wanted a pup.

He had some feelings for me.

And yet, for Thalia, he was willing to suppress all of it—even resist the temptation of fatherhood with me.

Fine, Beta Corwin. Since you love her so much, I’ll make sure you have her.

The next morning, Luna Thalia arrived with her entourage, bags of luggage in tow as she officially moved into my pack house.

I barely glanced her way. Instead, my eyes flickered toward the kitchen, and I instantly understood.

In two years of marriage, Beta Corwin had never once set foot in the kitchen to cook for me.

But now, he was there, carefully preparing a meal.

It wasn’t for me.

At the dining table, Thalia bit into a shrimp dumpling, then smiled sweetly as she turned to me.

"Sis, how does Corwin not know you’re allergic to shrimp?" She let out a soft chuckle before adding, "Ah, well... I suppose it makes sense. He probably just remembers that I love shrimp."

My fingers tightened around the spoon, but I said nothing.

"And here comes the final dish—shrimp and egg omelet!"

Beta Corwin entered, his hands covered in heat-resistant gloves as he carefully placed the dish before me.

"Selene, your health has always been fragile. Eat more of this—it’s good for you."

Thalia’s lips curled mischievously. "Corwin, don’t tell me you didn’t know Selene is allergic to shrimp? Then again, I suppose it’s not surprising. How well can a couple really know each other in a flash marriage?"

Beta Corwin stiffened, his gaze shifting to me.

"I... I’m sorry, Selene. This is my first time cooking, I didn’t—"

Before he could finish, nausea surged within me. I slapped a hand over my mouth and bolted to the bathroom.

Beta Corwin hurried after me, concern lacing his voice. Thalia, however, leaned lazily against the doorframe, her tone laced with amusement.

"Tsk, tsk, Sis, you look just like I did a few months ago when I was dealing with morning sickness."

She let the words linger before adding, "Too bad... that’s not even a possibility for you, is it?"

Beta Corwin cut in before she could continue. "Thalia, did you struggle with morning sickness too?"

His hands, warm against my back just moments ago, suddenly felt unsteady—as if at any moment, they might slip away toward Thalia instead.

"Of course! I’ve been through so much for your big brother, yet he doesn’t appreciate it at all. Instead, he picks fights with me!" Thalia pouted, resting a hand on her stomach. "Being pregnant is exhausting. Honestly, I don’t even want this pup anymore."

Beta Corwin instantly grabbed her hand. "Don’t say that. Once you give birth, this pup will be the future heir of Graves Pack. Alpha Leif will be grateful to you."

Hearing those words, Thalia’s eyes gleamed, and she leaned into Beta Corwin’s embrace.

"Selene, you’re lucky! Beta Corwin is way more caring than Alpha Leif !"

A faint flush crept up Beta Corwin’s ears as he quickly steadied her. "You’re far along now—you need to be careful."

Thalia suddenly clutched her belly and let out a small gasp. Beta Corwin panicked, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

"Selene, I’m taking Thalia to the pack doctor."

I said nothing. I simply watched as he carried her away, the weight in my chest growing heavier, more suffocating.

Hot tears dripped into the sink.

Beta Corwin, you’re not even trying to hide it anymore.

As soon as my parents heard Thalia wasn’t feeling well, they rushed over, their faces lined with worry.

Not for me.

They showered her with concern, their voices filled with warmth, reminding Beta Corwin and me to take good care of her

Even going as far as hiring the best nanny for her.

Of course. Because Thalia’s well-being would always come first.