Chapter 3

However, Simon never did.

Cynthia even sent me a video message on the day of Noah's first birthday, showing them entangled within each other's arms. Simon was possessively gripping the back of her head as he drove himself into her core. The crazed, desperate look on his face completely shattered my heart.

She immediately sent a follow-up text message.

"Simon didn't break up with me after your last outburst. We even tried so many positions that you'd probably never even think of… Oh my, Simon's such a wonderful beast in bed!

"You know what, Layla? You're such a failure of a mate for him."

Anger consumed me whole.

I immediately exposed the video and screenshot of Cynthia's text messages online to the pack's public forum, revealing Simon's infidelity to his mate.

The Elder's Council's support for him wavered, and many members of the pack also held grievances against him.

Simon was soon exhausted by all of this.

So, when he faced a challenger who was coveting the position of Alpha of the pack, Simon was decisively defeated and severely injured from the fight.

Even so, he still held me in his arms, weeping in remorse as he said, "This is all my fault, Layla. I deserve it! I don't have anything anymore. You and Noah are the only ones left!

"Please don't leave me. Please just give me another chance. I promise that I'll change my ways."

The guilt and heartache I felt for him overrode my anger toward him, and so, I succumbed to his pleas once more.

After that, we moved into a tiny hut at the border of the pack's territory.

I would take on every task available in the pack every day after that, including patrolling the territory, escorting important figures, running errands, and everything else.

Meanwhile, Simon was oppressed by the new Alpha and could only do hard labor during the day and deliver supplies to risky, dangerous areas at night.

Life was tough, but at the very least, the rift between us was healing.

He would often squeeze in time despite his exhaustion to prepare a heartfelt dinner for Noah and me. He even taught himself basic first-aid and helped treat my wounds and injuries after I completed my missions.

Every night before bed, he would hold me in his arms and solemnly promise me, saying, 'I promise that I'll give you and Noah a better life, Layla."

I believed him then.

As he worked hard, his efforts didn't go unseen, and his reputation gradually recovered. His past mistakes seemed to be easily forgiven after the pack witnessed his reformation.

Then, devastating news struck again.

Simon had taken Noah with him while out patrolling one day, and Noah was accidentally injured by a silver weapon, making him contract silver rot.

The exorbitant treatment costs instantly crushed us.

The healer had told us that long-term medication was necessary for Noah, along with regular checkups. Each visit to the healer was always more expensive than the last.

I relentlessly took on more and more dangerous missions to earn more money to pay for Noah's treatment. So, over the past few years, I'd completely turned into a money-making machine, totally unaware and oblivious to the intricate lies that Simon had woven for me.

My phone buzzed just then, reminding me that it was time for my shift at the bar.

I squeezed Dad's hand one more time before leaving the healing center.

Then, I changed into my uniform and walked toward my assigned area in the bar.

I'd only just reached the entrance when I vaguely heard Cynthia's voice.

"You're only going to listen to everything I say today, Simon. Then, I promise that I won't cause Layla any more trouble after that."

Simon's voice sounded unusually calm as he replied, "Layla has suffered enough over the past few years. Don't bother her anymore after today's Hunting Festival.

"I've already defeated the current Alpha, and the Elder's Council will be announcing it in a few days. You can return to your pack after that. Next, I'm going to make everything up to Layla.

"When that time comes, I will quickly fulfill my promise to your pack."

I stood outside the door, silently wiping my tears away.

It was impossible for Simon and I to get back together now.

I took a deep breath, forcing back the tears in my eyes as I picked up my tray, plastered a professional smile on my face, and pushed the door open.

"Good evening. The drinks that you ordered are here."

I then placed the bottles of beer and whisky on the table before turning to leave.

Cynthia seemed surprised to see me. It was more of a delighted surprise than a nasty shock.

She immediately came after me and got in my way, stopping me from leaving their private room.

"Since you're already here, Layla, there's no reason for you to leave after just delivering the drinks! Let's have some fun together today, shall we?"