Chapter 2: DEAL SEALED

CELESTE MAGNUS POV

I already knew I’d lost his heart. But I never expected him to act so soon—not even willing to wait for our child to be born.  

What will happen to my child? I’ve always known he might not love me, but now…it felt like all hope was gone even before trying. 

My head was in a jumbled mess, as I stared into space, my eyes not blinking. 

“I have divided the property, please sign it as soon as possible.”

His voice broke through my thought, as my eyes blinked rapidly non-stop. Without hesitation, I stormed towards him and grabbed hold of his wrist and pulled up. 

He tried to protest, however, I stubbornly gave him no room for that, as I continued to drag him with me, until we got to the living area.

He quickly withdrew his wrist from my hold, “what are you doing? He barked, trying to walk out of me to go back to Hazel.

“Are you really divorcing me, Adrien?” I asked, staring at his face, hoping that he would rebuke those words.

Never in my wildest dream had I thought he would  give up on me when I needed him the most. Was divorcing me only the option left?

“Hazel needs me more. You’ve already stolen three years from her.”  His fingers ran into his hair in frustration.

“Are you really going to let Hazel get in-between us?” We are real mates!” I screamed desperately.

“You are not my mate!” He yelled back at my face.

I don't know. I don't understand why he still denies that I'm his mate. Even after everything we had, that strong bond we shared—isn’t that bond enough to prove it?

After marriage, he claimed I cheated him.  He insisted that he and Hazel were real mates and that I was never his destiny mate.

I knew it’s all a lie. 

I remembered the pain of those words. Bellamy, my wolf, was so certain that Adrien was her mate. Now, he wants to sever the bond completely. It would completely break me. 

“If I don’t mark Hazel, she will die! I’ll have the divorce papers ready.” He yelled at my face, as if I was the only problem in his whole world.

“But you just gave me a temporary mark, Adrien. I—-”

“Thank Goddess I didn't make a mistake and completely left my mark on you…Otherwise I will regret it for the rest of my life.” His voice was full of pain and rage.

I slowly shook my head and staggered backward, his words breaking my heart. Tears kept spilling freely down my chin, but I refused to believe anything he said. Not now, never again.

“All your father’s property will belong to you. You don't have to worry.”  He said as if that would console me.

I approached him to break the news of his child. “I’m pregnant, for you, Adrien, I'm pregnant with our baby. If you reject me now, our baby will not survive.”  

He snorted, and laughed dryly. “Do you think you can lie to me with these cheap lies?” His eyes turned cold, and the hatred  in his eyes was unwavering.

I shook my head. “I’m not lying to you, Adrien. I'm pregnant with your—” 

“Enough, Celeste. I don't want you talking nonsense.” He shouted and began pacing inside. “You are trying to delay me right?” He turned his head to look at me and almost bumped into me. “I will never believe any of your lies.” 

I slowly shook my head, fresh tears running down my chin, “No, Adrien.” I whispered. “I—”

“Adrien…..!” Hazel moaned weakly.

We both turned our attention to the direction of the bedroom at the same time, when we heard Hazel's faint moan.

Adrien’s eyes widened in panic, and I could see fear flashing in his eyes. He rushed into the house without even looking at me, and of course I followed. 

He wanted to lock the door, but I reacted quickly and pushed it open. 

He didn't say a word, and hurried behind Hazel, who moaned in pain, pursed her lips and tried to suppress the moans of pain In her throat, covering her chest.  

I looked at her carefully, my gaze sweeping  from the round dark circles around her eyes, to the green veins visible on her arms—I immediately recognized the symptoms, which were “mate withdrawal.”

I’ve experienced it before, that tingling pull in my chest, when I lose Adrien, his mark, his smell. 

Now the only one that can  save Hazel is Adrien, leave her his mark, and claim her. 

Damn! 

That's impossible. Wolves have only one companion in their life. She could never be Adrien’s mate. She is the real liar.

“Adrien, please listen to me!” I grabbed Adrien's sleeve, hoping he would listen to my words.

“Let go of me!” He broke free from my hand and pushed me away roughly, and I staggered back.

“If you refuse, I will  reject you publicly. Don’t test me, Celeste.”  He warned, casting a murderous gaze. 

He was threatening me. The man who looked at me lovingly at the ball—now he’s going to openly reject me. What will happen between us? Why didn't he acknowledge his own child? I could only feel my heart bleeding.

I looked at him, both hurt and angry. But I won’t back down. I must protect my child at all costs. My child needs to be saved.

“Even if you want to end it all, the divorce needs the approval of my uncle and the Council!” I retorted, taking a slight step closer.

Adrien stood up and looked at me with bloodshot eyes. He began to approach me, and I shuffled back. 

I recognized that look, I guess I pushed my limits. Like a flash, he gripped my neck and pinned me to the wall of the room, fear flashing in my eyes.

“You’re threatening me?”  Adrien groaned dangerously, and held me tighter. 

I struggled to breathe, but I didn't flinch. Now weakness would only endanger my child. I looked up to him without fear. “If you want the council’s approval, you have agreed to my condition.” I tried to speak, my voice was soft, but it was enough for him to hear.

“How dare you!” 

“Stay by my side for the next month—like a real mate, after that, I won't bother you anymore" I retorted, my heart beating against my ribs.

His eyes darkened, “Who are you to negotiate with me?” He gritted his teeth and groaned.

“Just one month, Adrien. I will leave your life forever.” My breathing was heavy and hoarse.

Adrien slowly released me, and stepped away from me. My chest was heaving, my breathing was short, I let out a cough due to how hard he had held me.

Adrien turned to face me. “Just a month?” 

The tone in which he spoke—as if he couldn't wait to get rid of me, shattered something inside me. I blinked and held back the tears that burned my eyes.

“Yes.” I reluctantly said. “Just a month.”

“Okay.” 

The word came out crips, final, and then he turned and walked back to Hazel.

I watched his retreating back—that silhouette, and I knew, with absolute certainty, that there would never be another chance for us.