Chapter 3

When Mark arrived with the healer, the emergency room light had just gone out. A healer pushed the stretcher out, shaking his head with a heavy sigh.

"My condolences. Elder Robert passed away just a minute ago."

The words hit me like a blow. Everything around me went black, and I lost consciousness.

When I came to, Ethan was standing by the bed, his expression indifferent. "The hospital called me—said your phone still has my number saved as 'Mate.'"

His tone was cold. "Do me a favor and delete it. Chloe wouldn't be happy if she found out."

I clenched my jaw and deleted his contact in front of him. My fingers trembled from the effort.

Perhaps because I had obeyed without resistance, he asked, "How's Elder Robert?"

I was about to speak when Chloe pushed open the hospital room door. She ignored my pale complexion and linked her arm through Ethan's with a bright smile. "My prenatal checkup is done. The pup is healthy!"

I looked at Ethan in disbelief, my voice trembling. "Didn't you say you didn't want pups? You said you hated them, that you couldn't handle being a father."

He cast me a cold, sidelong glance. "That was then."

Chloe beamed. "Ethan even told me he wants enough pups to make a football team. He already has all their names picked out."

I fixed my gaze on him and said hoarsely, "So, you never hated having pups. You just didn't want them with me. No wonder you never felt a thing when I lost mine."

Ethan's expression stiffened. A bitter laugh escaped me. "I should've known."

I clenched my fists, refusing to show another shred of weakness before them. "Please leave. I don't want to see either of you again."

He parted his lips, as if to say something, but ultimately held back. He left with Chloe. After they were gone, I pulled out the IV and went to see Dad one last time.

…

On the day of the funeral, people came in a steady stream—Dad's students, the clan, and even Ethan's relatives—everyone but Ethan himself.

Suddenly, a sleek black box was handed to me. I opened it, and inside were photos of Ethan and Chloe on a private beach, entwined and kissing. There was also a video.

In the footage, Chloe wore a bikini, laughing playfully as she asked Ethan, "Ethan, did you ever love that old, ugly she-wolf? Or have you only ever loved me?"

His reply was tender. "Of course. It wasn't until I met you that I understood what true love really is."

Even worse, she had included a note in the box. "Dear Luna, I'm writing to you as your successor. Let's hope you move on soon and stop making a fool of yourself."

Whispers ran through the crowd. Their eyes were filled with pity and scorn. Chloe's stunt had turned the funeral into my public humiliation. Some shook their heads, while others covered their faces and left.

Then, Chloe sent a follow-up message. "Dear Luna, this is the tragedy you brought upon yourself. If you'd just been sensible and stepped aside earlier, your dad wouldn't have died like this."

I tore the photos into pieces. Looking at Dad, who would never wake again, I said silently, "Dad, I'm sorry. It's my fault. I should've listened to you… I promise they won't go unpunished."

At that moment, Ethan texted, "Don't forget to show up in the pack court in three days."