Chapter 3

The email confirming my résumé had been accepted arrived quickly, and the hiring manager invited me for an interview at a restaurant in the Moonhowl pack.

My fingers lingered on the restaurant's name for a moment. It was the place Lucas and I used to frequent.

Back when we had just become mates, it was our tradition to take Finn there every weekend.

My wolf cleared her throat, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Once I passed the interview, I would begin a new life in the Stormcrest pack. It was time to let go of the past.

When I arrived at the restaurant's entrance, a luxury car pulled up in front of me.

I recognized the license plate instantly, and my heart skipped a beat. I quickly stepped aside to hide myself.

Finn jumped out of the car, followed by Lucas holding a bouquet of roses. They were both dressed formally as they walked into the restaurant lobby.

Only then did I see Isabella was already there waiting.

Finn rushed over and threw himself into her arms, hugging her as if he couldn't get enough.

"Happy birthday, Isabella! I couldn't wait to celebrate your birthday, so Dad and I came back early! Look, I made this bracelet for you!"

Finn carefully held out the bracelet for Isabella.

She kissed his cheek affectionately. "It's absolutely beautiful, darling! I don't think I'll get a more thoughtful gift than this."

Then, she gave Lucas a look, and he immediately handed her the roses and a gift box.

"Oh my gosh, is this the necklace by that famous designer? I heard it's worth 30 million dollars!"

Isabella's eyes widened as she looked into the box. She then threw her arms around Lucas, and they kissed without any hesitation.

Finn looked up at them, eyes sparkling, as if this scene was perfectly natural.

My wolf let out a pained moan, trembling all over.

My mate and son had rushed back early just for her birthday, yet neither of them had ever wished me a happy birthday.

It wasn't until the three of them lovingly walked upstairs that I came back to my senses.

I realized then that I truly had no lingering attachment to this family.

Thankfully, the sorrow didn't affect my performance during the interview. The conversation with the hiring manager ended on a pleasant note.

"I'll send you the results tomorrow. I really enjoyed our talk today, Ms. Hawthorn."

I smiled and shook his hand, eager to leave this heartbreaking place, but I was still a step too late.

"Mom!"

Finn's voice came from the private room across the hall. His eyes were wide as he looked at me.

Behind him, Lucas was cutting a cake with Isabella, their hands intertwined.

I ignored Finn and turned to go downstairs.

Lucas came out quickly and grabbed me. "What are you doing here?"

He had a dark expression, and he sounded disgusted. He probably thought I'd ruined the perfect birthday celebration he had planned for Isabella.

I tried to shake off his hand, but then, Isabella gasped.

"Oh, my. Are you here with another man? Lucas said you didn't come home last night. Don't tell me it's because…"

She was still the same, always stirring up trouble just like when she first came to our home. Every time, she would accuse me without any proof, and my father would believe her without question.

Lucas was doing the same now.

His grip suddenly tightened, and I felt as if my wrist was about to break.

"You're actually out here on a date with another man? Who is he?" he snapped.

A red haze flared in his eyes—that was his telltale sign of rage.

So, he did know that cheating wasn't something to be proud of.

"Don't assume everyone's as filthy as you and Isabella!"

For the first time in seven years, I talked back to him.

He was momentarily stunned. After all, he'd never heard me speak to him like that.

"What nonsense are you spouting? I'm just celebrating her birthday!" he argued.

I didn't want to argue anymore, so I pulled my hand free and tried to leave.

But Isabella didn't think the scene was chaotic enough, as she suddenly rushed in front of me.

"Claire, how could you do something like this in front of your pup?"

Her voice was innocent and righteous, but her actions were the complete opposite.

At first, she was just holding me. But then, she suddenly shoved me hard.

My wolf was still weak from the pregnancy and had no strength to protect me. She could only watch helplessly as I fell down the stairs.

The world spun wildly, and then I landed on the first floor.

A sharp pain shot through my belly, followed by a rush of warm fluid running down my legs.

"Oh, no! Mom's bleeding!" Finn exclaimed.