Chapter 3

In the villa, my parents were fussing over Tatiana's luggage. "It's your first time traveling so far. Take good care of yourself. Don't hesitate to spend money. If you run out, just call us."

"Your favorite snacks are in your backpack, and warm clothes too. Don't skip them just because you want to look pretty!"

Their voices were full of worry. My steps faltered, and a sharp, familiar ache tightened in my chest.

I was only 12 when I went missing. Back then, I had no money or shelter. I ate tree bark, fought stray dogs for scraps, and slept through winter nights in a frozen forest.

No one cared whether I was cold or hungry. Each day was filled with nothing but fear and the constant uncertainty of whether I would even survive.

Maybe I stood there too long, because Mom finally noticed me. She rubbed her nose guiltily and tried to explain. "Tatiana grew up in the pack and has never gone far. We're just worried she won't be able to adapt. Don't overthink it."

"I understand. She's younger. It's natural for you to worry about her," I cut her off gently with a smile.

Mom froze, then brightened with relief. "Shee, it's good you think this way. You've really grown up. Tatiana was spoiled her whole life. She's given us plenty to worry about."

Dad nodded. "Shee, you've indeed made progress over the past two days. This is how a true firstborn of the Truss family should act."

Tatiana shot me a jealous, taunting look. "Sheila, I'm not like you. I didn't grow up rolling in mud. Mom and Dad worry about me because they love me. You don't mind, right?"

I met her provocation calmly. "I don't mind. You're the younger one. It's normal for them to worry about you more."

She froze, unable to figure out why I wasn't reacting the way she expected.

But she didn't have time to dwell on it. Matthew soon arrived to pick her up, and the two happily left for the Northern Plains.

I didn't react at all. I simply went back to my room and continued packing. I didn't own much. In this house, almost nothing truly belonged to me.

Most of my clothes and belongings were things Mom had the housekeeper purchase at the highest prices after I came home.

Tatiana's things weren't as expensive, but every piece was chosen by Mom herself. They were perfectly fitted, comfortable, and filled with care.

On my nightstand sat the only family photo from ten years ago. I had found it buried in a corner of the basement. The edges were yellowed from poor storage. I had cleaned it every day, framing it carefully as if it were a treasure.

In the photo, my parents stood behind Tatiana and me. All of us were smiling brightly.

I stared at it for a long time. In the end, I didn't pack it.

The photo I once cherished for a lifetime became something I left behind like discarded clutter.

In less than two days, I finished packing everything. At dawn on the third day, I took my acceptance letter and walked out of the house.

...

Fresh back from the Northern Plains, Matthew hurried toward the ceremonial platform.

Tatiana tugged at his sleeve, pouting. "Matthew, can you cancel the engagement with Sheila? You love me, not her. Why force yourself to marry someone you don't care about?"

A flicker of conflict passed through his eyes, but he gently pulled her hand away. "I made a promise. That position belongs to Shee. No matter how she's changed, I won't break my word."

He firmly rejected Tatiana and headed straight for the ceremonial platform without hesitation, but no matter how long he waited, I never appeared.

Finally, one of his men rushed over with an update. "Beta Matthew, Sheila has already told the Alpha that she dissolved the engagement. She boarded a plane out of the Blue Moon Pack first thing this morning."