#Chapter 4: Double Standards

Ellie's POV

The stunned silence in the classroom stretched on as everyone processed what I'd just said. I could practically hear their thoughts racing.

"Wait, did she really say it's not for Dominic?"

"But look at that heart on the box..."

"Has Ellie actually fallen for someone else?"

Some of Dominic's friends exchanged confused glances, whispering among themselves. Tyler looked like someone had just told him the sky was green.

"But who else would she..." he started, then trailed off when Dominic shot him a warning look.

The teacher had started writing on the board, but I could tell half the class was still focused on the drama unfolding in our corner. This was better entertainment than any lesson.

Just then, the classroom door opened and Vivian appeared, balancing a cardboard tray of coffee cups. Her entrance was perfectly timed, as always.

"Sorry to interrupt," she said sweetly to the teacher, then hurried over to where Dominic and his friends sat. "I got everyone's usual orders."

She began distributing the cups with practiced efficiency, that angelic smile never leaving her face. But as she handed them out, I noticed something that made me want to laugh.

Half the orders were wrong.

Marcus had ordered a black coffee but received something with whipped cream. Tyler's iced latte was clearly hot. The Gamma, Jake, stared down at what looked like some kind of flavored drink when he'd specifically asked for plain coffee.

In my past life, if I had made even one mistake like that, Dominic would have lectured me about paying attention to details. About how a future Luna needed to be precise and reliable.

But now, Jake started to open his mouth, probably to point out the mix-up, when Dominic cut him off.

"Thank you, Vivian," Dominic said with a warm smile I'd never seen him give me. "That was very thoughtful of you."

Vivian practically glowed under his praise. "Oh, it was nothing. I just wanted to help." She glanced over at me with what looked like concern. "I hope Ellie isn't still upset about this morning."

"Ellie spent a long time preparing that invitation," she continued, loud enough for several nearby students to hear. "She's been working on it for weeks. I think she's just nervous about giving it to you, Dominic. You know how she gets when she's stressed."

The manipulation was so smooth, so perfectly delivered. She was painting me as the lovesick girl who was simply having a moment of nerves, while positioning herself as the caring sister who understood the situation.

I stood up and said clearly, "Just to be absolutely clear—the invitation is not for Dominic. Anyone who's interested in giving him invitations is welcome to do so."

The classroom fell silent again. Some students exchanged shocked glances while others whispered excitedly.

Before anyone could respond, the teacher called out sharply from the front. "Everyone, quiet down and focus on the lesson. We have a lot to cover today."

Vivian's eyes flashed with something I couldn't quite read—surprise, calculation, maybe even excitement. She gave me one last meaningful look before hurrying toward the door.

As she hurried out, I watched Dominic's expression. There was a softness there, a gentleness that made my chest ache with old pain.

After the door closed behind her, Jake finally spoke up. "Uh, Dominic? This isn't what I ordered. I asked for—"

"Marcus," Dominic interrupted, turning to his Beta instead. "How did you mess up the orders when you went with her? You've been getting coffee with us for months."

Marcus looked confused. "I told her exactly what everyone wanted. She must have gotten confused by—"

"Just drink what you got," Dominic said curtly, his tone sharp with the impatience he usually reserved for people he was closest to. "Next time, double-check everything yourself."

I sat there, watching the entire exchange with a mixture of amazement and disgust.

Dominic's behavior was so typical—he had impossibly high standards for Marcus, Jake, and I. But for Vivian, he maintained the polite, controlled demeanor.

That should be some real love. I guess.

I couldn't focus on the lesson for the rest of class. My mind kept spinning with memories from my past life.

I had to make a plan. I had to break this cycle. I couldn't let myself become his unwanted mate again. I wouldn't spend another lifetime being the consolation prize while he pined for my stepsister.

The plan formed in my mind as the teacher droned on about pack hierarchies. I would skip the mating ceremony entirely. Find some excuse not to attend. Without the ceremony, without that midnight moment under the full moon, maybe the bond wouldn't form at all.

And I would make sure Vivian got her chance with Dominic. I'd encourage her to give him an invitation. He'd probably be thrilled to have the woman he actually wanted asking him to dance.

It was perfect. They could have their love story, and I could have my freedom.

The bell rang, startling me out of my thoughts. Students began packing up their books, chatting about lunch plans and weekend activities.

I gathered my things slowly, hoping to avoid any more confrontations with Dominic. But as I shouldered my bag and headed for the door, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks.

Vivian was waiting in the hallway just outside the classroom. And in her hands was a small gift box tied with pink ribbon.

Another invitation.

My heart skipped a beat as the pieces fell into place. Of course. I'd been overthinking everything. As soon as I—the "annoying clingy girl"—stepped aside, others would rush in to fill the void.

Maybe in our past life, Dominic had received multiple invitations but had chosen me simply because I was the most persistent—the one who waited until the last dance.

The most pathetic. The one who wouldn't give up even when he clearly didn't want me.

But this time, Vivian was making her move early.

Students began filing out of the classroom, and several of them noticed Vivian standing there with her invitation. Whispers started immediately.

"Oh my god, is that what I think it is?"

"Vivian's going to ask Dominic to the ceremony?"

"But what about Ellie?"

Dominic emerged from the classroom and stopped short when he saw Vivian. His eyes went to the gift box in her hands, and surprise flickered across his face.

"For me?" he asked, sounding genuinely taken aback.

Students walking by slowed down or stopped entirely, sensing drama. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for—not Ellie's expected invitation, but this unexpected twist.

Some of them looked back and forth between Vivian and me, clearly waiting to see how I'd react. In the past, this would have been the moment I lost my mind. The moment I pushed Vivian away and declared my claim on Dominic.

But I couldn't bear to watch this scene play out. Couldn't stand to see Dominic's face light up as he received an invitation from the woman he actually wanted.

I started walking briskly down the hallway, trying to escape before I had to witness their sweet moment together.

I'd barely made it three steps when a strong hand grabbed my arm.

I turned back in confusion.

It was Dominic.

"Where do you think you're going?" Dominic's voice was low and dangerous.