Chapter 4

The situation continued to spiral out of control. Harrison caught sight of my reddened eyes, turned away, visibly agitated, and fell silent.

Selena approached with an air of haughty superiority, her eyes brimming with contempt toward Cedric and me.

"I already said we'd hold a make-up ceremony for Chloe next month. What more do you want from us?"

She lifted her chin, her voice sharp and piercing as she continued, "If you keep causing a scene here, don't blame me for having the warriors throw you out immediately!"

At that moment, veins bulged on the back of Cedric's hands, and his chest heaved violently. Unable to contain his rage any longer, he stepped forward and gave her a hard shove.

The sheer force sent Selena screaming as she crashed to the ground.

Cedric growled, "You'd better wipe that disgusting look off your face. I will never let Chloe stay here a moment longer, even if you were to get down on your knees and beg us to stay!"

Selena lay on the floor, tears welling in her eyes as she let out a soft sob. "It hurts…"

Harrison helped her up, his tone laced with a warning as he growled at me and Cedric, "Enough! This was just a bet! It was nothing more than a joke between Selena and me. How could you resort to violence?"

The last shred of lingering attachment I held for Harrison vanished completely the moment I saw him shielding Selena.

Cedric said disappointedly, "You swore to the Moon Goddess that you would never let Chloe suffer or be mistreated when she decided to stay by your side five years ago, Harrison. Do you even remember that vow?"

Harrison's entire body stiffened as he averted his gaze in silence.

That was the answer.

He remembered, but he hadn't kept his word.

Cedric didn't bother asking anymore. He took off his suit jacket, draped it over my shoulders, and reached out his hand to me.

"Chloe, it's my fault for failing to protect you. We're not doing the ceremony anymore. Let's go home."

The tears I'd been holding back the entire time finally came flooding out.

I wasn't alone after all. Cedric stood firm, shielding me and taking my side even when everyone pressured me to compromise and give in.

I wiped away my tears and gripped his hand tightly. "Let's go home."

As I walked away with a clear resolve, Harrison's wolf let out an abrupt, mournful howl. He was suddenly struck by an unprecedented sense of agony and panic, as if he had lost the most vital thing in his life.

Turning deathly pale, Harrison started to go after me, but Selena grabbed his arm, holding him fast.

"Alpha, surely you're not going to chase after her, are you? Chloe is just putting on a show, trying to goad you into winning her back in front of everyone! She's such a sly and calculating she-wolf! I'll bet you anything—give it three days, and she'll come crawling back to apologize on her own."

Harrison stopped in his tracks, his tone regaining its arrogant, unbothered edge. "You're right. I spoiled her too much. Three days? I bet she'll be back begging for my forgiveness by sunset tomorrow."

Selena covered her mouth, giggling with malicious glee. "And what's the wager?"

Harrison raised his voice, as if making sure I would hear him. "If she doesn't return by tomorrow, then the Moon Crown will belong to you."

The moment the words left his lips, the crowd behind us erupted in cheers and jeers.

I simply smiled cynically, feeling an eerie, profound sense of calm.

Even now, Harrison was trying to provoke me with a bet, still convinced that I was as dependent on him as I had once been.

But this time, I was really never coming back.