Chapter 4

CORALINA'S POV 

“No.”

I say, looking defiantly at him. 

“For Hell’s sake Coralina, Brie is dying! Letting her have this win won’t kill you!”

Maximus huffs, running a hand through his hair– his usual gesture to tame his frustration. He softens his tone slightly, as if he's being way more generous than I deserve. 

“Look… you know how sensitive she is. Why can’t you be more understanding?”

I glare at him silently. What kind of world is it, where I'm supposed to be understanding and let others take advantage of me endlessly?

“The last two days are enough to prove that you're not thinking straight. Just take a few weeks off, let Brie handle the Western merger. It’ll give you time to get your head right. And in any case, once this period passes, everything will go back to normal.”

I feel a shard of ice pierce through my chest. He still thinks I am throwing a tantrum.

For years, I have woken up before dawn to review financial reports. I attended pack council meetings in the morning, negotiated contracts and supply lines, returned home to prepare lunch for his darling while supervising the kitchen and household staff by myself. 

If I did not myself to the bone while managing his household and his public image, would he be so relaxed now? Would he have the time to indulge her every wish?

No, he wouldn't be standing here in a three-thousand-dollar suit… he would be running a failing pack.

But I turn my face away, suddenly feeling too tired to argue. There is no point in explaining the value of my work to a man who thinks it’s his birthright.

“Fine, you want me to leave? I will.”

Maximus smiles approvingly, but I continue, watching the glow on his face turn to ash. 

“But I'm filing for labor arbitration. I have logged every hour, every negotiation, and every contract I’ve closed for Silver Azure Holdings over the last five years.”

“What nonsense are you talking about?”

He stiffens, his hand going slack on my arm. 

“I worked for the pack and the associated company for years, without any salary or appraisal. Once you compensate me for my wages and my severance, be rest assured! I won't stand in the way of impressing your first love!”

He barks out a laugh, looking at me like I'm going crazy. “You’re my Luna! There’s no such thing as wages when you are just doing your duty.”

“No, Alpha Maximus.” I push against his chest with all my strength, taking advantage of his momentary disbelief. 

“I was doing the job YOU were supposed to do. And now, I'm done.”

I walk towards the conference room doors, sliding them open. The partners are still seated at the table, papers are spread out. 

Brielle looks irritated that I have returned, but she doesn't say anything yet– probably thinking that I must be here to apologise and set things back in her favour. 

Instead of sitting down, I turn to the lead partner. 

“Mr. Xander, I apologize for the delay. But since my Alpha has decided I am no longer fit to lead this project, I can’t fulfill my end of our side agreement."

His expression changes instantly. “What do you mean, Mrs. Philip? We were going to discuss the integration formula today. That’s the only reason we’re here.”

I give him a polite smile. 

“I think you must have understood the situation by now, I am about to be removed from my position. As I am no longer an employee or a representative, I'm no longer authorised to share my formula and plans regarding this project. I'm afraid, you'll have to turn to your new General Manager for updates.”

Brielle’s smile falters. “That’s ridiculous! I have just assumed the position–”

The partner looks between us, then at Maximus, who has just stepped back into the conference room. 

He says coldly, “If that’s the case, Mr. Philip! Then we can't sign this merger.”

“But Mr. Xander, we have an agreement–”

“And we have been sorely misled!”

He slams his palm against the table, but I don’t stay to hear more. The chaos in the room is like music to my ears, but I have more important things to deal with. 

I walk out of the hotel, and on the way back to the manor, I call the butler.

“My afternoon plans have changed suddenly. I can try on the wedding dresses when I return.”

There is a slight pause. “Very good, Miss Coralina. We will prepare everything for your arrival.”

I hang up and lean back in the car seat. This marriage to Clyde Everst is a contractual agreement, and I will treat it with the same professional commitment I gave to Silver Azure Holdings.

I need the protection of his name, and he needs a Luna to solidify his standing in the council. It's a cooperation, and I'll make sure neither of us stays on the losing end. 

When I return to the manor, the master bedroom has been transformed into a wedding designer's atelier. 

Rolling racks fill the space, draped in shades of white, ivory, and champagne silk.

"The Alpha requested these specifically," the butler says, gesturing to the gowns. 

"He contacted seven houses in Paris and Milan. They were flown in by private jet four hours ago."

Silk, satin, lace, hand-sewn crystals catch the light. On the racks are different silhouettes: mermaid, princess cut, ball gown, minimalist sheath, structured couture pieces… each one more elegant and eye-catching than the last. 

For a moment, I am genuinely surprised. How did he gather so many in such a short time?

The butler seems to have read the amazement in my gaze, and beams proudly. 

“When the Alpha commits to something, he spares no effort.”

I hum softly, clamping my jaw shut out of embarrassment. I shouldn't act like I have never seen luxury, even though each piece is far more exquisite than anything I've seen in my life.

The first gown slides over my shoulders like water. The tailor adjusts the waist, and steps back. The second one is heavier, layered with embroidery that looks like frost creeping across fabric. The third is simple and sharp, with subtle tailoring details that emphasize my figure.

I spend the next forty minutes slipping and out of layers of tulle, organza, and silk… looking at myself in the mirror over and over.

I lift my hand as the assistants reach for a heavy, beaded ballgown. I don't have the energy to try it on. 

I’m exhausted… not just physically, but there is something deep inside that hasn't stopped aching. 

In any case, I don't care about the sentiment behind the wedding dress. And as far as the aesthetics are concerned, I can carry off every look I've tried so far. 

I have the perfect silhouette to compliment every look: my waist curves smoothly, my collarbones sharp and defined, skin pale and shining. 

The ideal bride… nobody knows, I'm completely hollow from inside. 

I snap out of my thoughts due to a flash lightning up my face. The butler is busy with his phone, snapping photos of every angle.

"Are those for the records?" I ask, stepping out of the silk gown.

"For Alpha, Miss Coralina.”

The butler says, his eyes shining with a rare bit of excitement. "He asked for immediate updates, he wants to see how the designs suit you."

I give him a small, tired smile. "Thank you for your hard work.”

I glance at the dress I have just taken off, still draped on the bed. 

“This one,” I say casually. “I'll take this one.” 

The butler looks regretful as he glances at the remaining dresses, but he bows obediently. 

“Of course, Miss. Coralina. It truly suits you.”

Just then, I notice a missed call on my phone, and the caller ID makes my heart skip a beat. 

“I need to take this call.”

I mumble before stepping into the balcony and pressing redial. 

“Mom?”

“Coralina! My darling!" My mother’s voice is bright, competing with the sound of wind and waves. 

"We’re in Santorini! We just finished a cruise. How are you, my dear?”

She squints against the sunlight, scanning my face as if she doesn't trust my words alone. 

“I'm good, mom.”

“There she is, my favourite doll! I wish you could hop over to see the sunset.”

My father steps into the frame behind her, smiling so brightly that his eyes have narrowed to slits. 

“Hi, dad! I wish I could come there too…”

I paste a big smile on my face. 

“It's okay, darling. Your comfort is the most important right now. How is the baby?”

I feel a lump in my throat. 

I never saw my birth parents. For as long as I remember, being an orphan had been my only identity. 

Until they found me, and decided to raise me as their own. 

Graham and Victoria Jasper always believed that I was their blessing from the Moon Goddess, working hard to give me a safe home and the best education. 

They’re finally enjoying their retirement since the last one year, traveling the world like they always dreamed. I can't tell them about the baby… they can't know that I am separating from Maximus.

"I’m fine, Mom," I lie with a smile. "The baby is.. good too, we just miss you a lot. Just enjoy the trip, and don't worry about me."

"Are you sure? You sound tired."

"Yeah, just busy with work. You know the merger is coming up, and I have my hands full with it.”

“Make sure to take breaks, baby. Don't overwork yourself, although I'm sure Alpha Maximus must be doting on you.”

I nod, faking an excitement I don't feel. 

If I tell them Maximus let our baby die, they’ll be on the first flight back, and my father will try to challenge an Alpha he can't beat. 

I have to handle this myself first.

And as for the wedding to Clyde, there is no point in mentioning it, either. It will be a hell to explain, and apart from that, it's just a formal alliance. 

There’s no need to involve their hearts in a contract.

I'll explain everything after they return. 

We chat a little longer, most of which is me reassuring them that I am well and they don't need to feel guilty for enjoying their well-earned vacation. 

After hanging up, I return to my room, which has been cleared up quite efficiently. I reach up and twist the diamond ring Maximus forced onto my finger. 

There is no need to keep up the act now.

I toss it onto the bedside table, where it lands with a dull clink.

Brielle and Maximus stole my project and snatched the bonus that could have been my bridge to a new life. But nevermind, I'll just sell off the ring he is so hell-bent on imposing on me. 

It’s the least he owes me for the five years I wasted building his throne.