Chapter 3

Trista's POV

I was afraid I would lose control. I was afraid I'd cause a scene.

I worried my parents would see.

I also worried I'd go crazy before fixing anything.

So, I stayed put. I fought hard to suppress the pain and the rising anger of my wolf.

My wolf had never been this wounded.

Every time Cassian came close, I should have felt that familiar tug, the yearning from our mating bond. But now, I felt nothing.

Our connection, thin as a thread, had frayed the moment Samantha returned.

Every encounter with Cassian felt like ants chewing at our bond. The pain got smaller, the connection weaker, more futile.

I waited for Cassian to speak, or to just walk away in silence.

I was done trying to excuse this broken mating.

Cassian finally reached me. He extended his hand, reaching for the billing forms I held.

Just then, his comm-stone buzzed a few times. He quickly pulled his hand back, checked the screen, and glanced at the message.

"Someone needs me. You go on with your business," Cassian said shortly. He turned and walked toward the elevator.

He was rushing. As he spoke into his comm-stone, his voice was low and gentle, "Be good. Stop fussing."

That gentle murmur pierced my heart. His patience, his indulgence toward her—I had desperately wanted that. Now, all I felt was emptiness.

I couldn't take it anymore. I turned and rushed into the restroom.

I couldn't control myself. Tears streamed out like a flood.

So he COULD use that tone to comfort someone.

Twenty-five years I'd known him, yet he had never shown me that kind of patience.

Now, all his tenderness went to her. I was just the neglected bystander.

After calming down a little, I came out of the restroom.

I quickly fixed my makeup, trying not to look so ragged, and returned to the room.

Mom immediately sensed something was wrong. She sent Dad out and held out her hand to me. "Trista, did you argue with Cassian?"

I lowered my eyes. I shook my head, feeling guilty. "No, Mom. We're fine."

Just then, Dad and Cassian walked into the room together.

Mom smiled when she saw Cassian. "Cassian, you're so busy with the Ironthorn Pack. You don't need to keep coming over."

Cassian put down the supplements he carried. "I've arranged for an expert doctor. You'll get a full checkup when you leave the Healing Center."

Dad looked at Cassian, his eyes full of pride. "You're so thoughtful. We owe you so much for all these years."

Cassian walked to the bedside. He paused, looked at me, then told Dad, "We're family."

I moved to give him space. He lightly pressed me back down onto the bed. "I can stand."

Watching the comfortable interaction between him and my parents, I felt a sharp pang of pain.

Three years ago, my father's company failed. We couldn't afford the huge expenses of running a pack and were deep in debt.

Cassian solved our problems. He helped us disband the pack members but kept the pack territory intact.

The Silverlight Pack was no longer worthy of an alliance with the Ironthorn Pack, but Cassian still mated with me.

Back then, I naively thought he had feelings for me.

It wasn't until after our mating, when I overheard a conversation between him and my father, that I finally understood. Cassian chose me purely out of calculation.

To him, I was a tool to solve a problem. And Samantha—she was the only one in his heart.

The emptiness and pain surged, almost overwhelming me.

Mom asked Cassian to take me home to rest.

We walked to the elevator in silence. Cassian suddenly stopped and pulled my arm. "You look terrible. Didn't you sleep well last night?"

I managed a bitter smile. "No."

He thought I was just tired. He had no idea what my real pain was.

I pulled my hand away. I spoke coldly. "You go do your business. I'll walk around myself."

The elevator doors opened. I started toward the other side of the hall.

Cassian grabbed my arm again and pulled me into the elevator with him. "I made a reservation at your favorite restaurant."

I had zero interest. I felt nothing but resistance, maybe even numbness. I just whispered, "Okay."

I followed him to the restaurant. Cassian ordered for me. I watched his every move, a detached observer.

Then, he handed me a jewelry box. "Anniversary gift."

I gripped my water glass and nodded, barely glancing at the box.

I had loved Cassian for twenty-two years. We'd been mated for three. I knew better than anyone how cold his heart was beneath his polite, gentle exterior.

I used to beg him for gifts.

He'd give in when he was annoyed enough. I'd show them off to my friends for weeks.

After the Silverlight Pack collapsed, I never dared to ask for anything again.

Seeing my lack of reaction, Cassian opened the box himself. He pulled out a diamond bracelet.

I could tell instantly it was worth at least $200,000.

He reached out to put it on me. I didn't resist.

The bracelet was cold on my wrist. I murmured, "Thank you."

Cassian frowned but didn't ask anything more. He began serving me food. "Your favorite matcha truffles."

Seeing Cassian patiently prepare all this gave me a faint flicker of hope.

I finally spoke, holding onto one last weak expectation. "If I wanted to eat something you made yourself, would you learn to bake it for me once?"