Chapter 5

The next time I woke up was because of the searing pain in my arm.

My eyes instantly welled up when I saw the raw, blistered burn stretched across my skin.

“Do you feel wronged? You almost killed Ivy and her baby. A burn on your arm is nothing. If anything, you should be grateful that you got off easy.”

Aden’s cold voice cut through the room.

I looked up and saw his face twisted in anger.

“I told you to wait! Why couldn’t you stay patient? Don’t tell me you tried to hurt my and Ivy’s baby because you’re jealous?”

I bit my lip so hard that it turned white, staring at him like he was my enemy.

“She said I did it, and you just believed her?”

“Of course I did. She’s my mate now. Who the hell am I supposed to believe if not her?”

“Then what are you doing, standing by my hospital bed? Get out!”

I couldn’t hold my anger in any longer. I grabbed the pillow and hurled it at him.

Aden dodged easily, his irritation only deepening. He didn’t even notice my red, swollen eyes.

“Fine. Cool your head and think about what you’ve done. I’ll come back tonight.”

It wasn’t until the door slammed shut behind him that I let out a shaking breath, trying to calm down.

When someone did not love you, it did not matter how much hope, emotion, or tears you threw their way.

All you would get was a version of yourself you no longer recognized.

I swore I wouldn’t keep destroying myself like this.

Aden didn’t visit again until I was discharged.

Not that I cared, though.

Today was the day my brother and I had agreed on.

I went home alone, packed my things, and got ready to leave for the border, where we were supposed to meet.

However, as soon as I stepped out of the house, I ran into Aden, who was rushing back.

He grabbed my wrist and used the same reprimanding voice as before.

“You should be grateful Ivy’s okay enough to go home today. I stayed by her side for two full days. Our baby almost didn’t make it.”

He hadn’t even remembered that today was my discharge date.

When I stayed silent, he frowned again.

“Why are you still so jealous? Why can’t you just get along with Ivy? She’s my mate now.”

I quietly pulled my hand out of his grip.

Only then did he notice the suitcase beside me.

“You’re already packed? How’d you know I wanted to ask you to move out?”

“Move out?”

He rubbed his temples, his voice and face worn out.

“Yeah. Ivy said you were in a bad mental state and was afraid you might affect the baby. You should stay in the forest cabin near the border for a while. Just until she’s settled back in.”

Seeing I didn’t object, he assumed we were in agreement. Then he softened.

“Be good and stay there for now. After Ivy gives birth to my pup, I’ll come get you and tell everyone the truth. We’ll both apologize to Ivy together.”

Apologize?

What did I do wrong? Why should I be the one to apologize?

I pressed my lips together and turned my head to avoid his hand when he reached out to touch my hair.

He grabbed my suitcase.

“I’ll take you to the forest cabin.”

“No need.” I took my suitcase back with a blank look on my face.

“I can leave on my own.”

However, Aden still followed me until we reached the border. It was as if he were afraid I’d change my mind.

As we parted ways, he sighed.

“You’re recovering well, so I’ll leave you here. I need to go pick Ivy up from the hospital. She’s fragile right now and needs me with her all the time.”

He threw out a few more instructions, then turned and hurried away.

I stared after him, feeling empty.

Fine, go ahead. Be James forever and take care of Ivy.

“Goodbye.”

Aden, see you never!