Chapter 2

I had bought many clothes and toys to welcome my unborn child. But now, it seemed like none of them were needed anymore.

One by one, I packed them out and threw them out the door.

"Ivy, what are you doing?" I turned around to see Owen walking toward me, dressed up immaculately.

He casually tossed me a gown. "Put this on. Didn't you always want to attend the Moon Goddess Festival? I'll take you this time."

I knew this was Owen's way of throwing me a bone. Whenever he felt guilty, he would grant one of my long-forgotten requests.

For example, when I had a high fever and he had gone to tend to Ashley's sprained ankle instead—he came back with a cake that I had once said I wanted to try.

Or the time I was attacked by Rogues and begged him for help, but he was dining with Ashley. When I woke up in the hospital, he brought me a pearl necklace I had once admired.

This time was no different—he felt guilty for killing his child with his own hands, and this was how he made it up to me.

I agreed, knowing this would be the first and last time I would attend a pack gathering with Owen.

When I walked into the banquet hall with my arm linked to Owen's, Ashley was at the center of the crowd, beaming with happiness.

The moment Ashley and Owen's eyes met, Owen immediately let go of my hand and walked toward her. "Congratulations on the pregnancy!" he said joyously.

Ashley let out a shy giggle before she glanced at me. "Ivy, are you still not pregnant yet?"

My body instinctively trembled. When I looked up at Owen, I could see a faint flicker of disgust in his eyes.

"Let's not talk about that. What's important now is making sure the little one in your belly arrives safely," Owen said as he lovingly touched Ashley's stomach.

As I watched this scene, my heart felt like it was being ripped apart.

Owen would be a good father and a good husband, but not for me.

The other pack members began offering Ashley their heartfelt blessings.

Upon noticing that I was standing alone by the side, Ashley approached me with a wine glass in hand, barely keeping her mocking smile hidden. "Ivy, why are you wearing a freebie to such an important event?"

I looked at her in confusion, and Ashley toyed with her own dress. "Don't tell me you didn't know? All your clothes are add-ons that came with my outfits. I thought Owen would buy you a new dress, but it turns out you're just getting my leftovers."

As I thought back to the clothes in my closet, I realized they did resemble what Ashley wore. It was just that those clothes were never as refined or as comfortable as hers.

So, that was the reason why.

Still, none of that mattered to me anymore.

I smiled faintly. "Freebies can be nice too."

My answer caught Ashley off guard.

She grabbed my arm and shrieked, "What kind of a reaction is that? Ivy, your mate is out shopping with me and buying me gifts! Everything you ever had was just my hand-me-downs!"

I nodded. "I know."

The look on her face showed just how furious she was.

Just as I turned to leave, Ashley suddenly collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach as she screamed, "Ivy, why did you push me? Do you think no one else can have a pup if you can't have one?"

In an instant, I was surrounded by angry pack members.

Their eyes burned with rage. Owen rushed over and scooped Ashley into his arms, shouting at me, "Ivy, when did you become such a jealous person? My Luna must be kind and compassionate!"

After confirming Ashley was fine, Owen stood up and announced, "Ashley will be taking over as host. Ivy, you should stay here and reflect on your behavior!"

Ashley curled up sweetly in Owen's embrace, and I could clearly see her mouthing at me, "Owen will always be mine."

My eyes reddened as I looked at Owen and shot back, "You know only your Luna can host this festival, don't you?"

Owen shoved me aside in anger. "Of course I know! But you don't deserve it."

When I saw the challenging look in Ashley's eyes, I felt my heart turn to ash.