Chapter 1

"Are you sure you don't want the Alpha to know?"

Dr. Daniel, a physician at the public hospital, handed me my follow-up report. There was a hint of hesitation on his face.

"He's the father of the child, after all. Elena, you don't have to go through this alone."

I took the report and answered calmly.

"This is my problem. I can handle it myself."

The doctor glanced at the report before looking back at me.

"There's one more thing. The application you submitted to dissolve your mate bond has already been approved. If you change your mind now, there might still be time to reconsider..."

"I haven't changed my mind. Please give me the potion to sever the mate bond."

I interrupted him.

"And please keep my miscarriage confidential."

Dr. Daniel fell silent for a moment before finally nodding.

As soon as I stepped out of his office, I saw a group of guards approaching from the other end of the hallway.

Caleb was leading them.

He looked as though he hadn't slept all night. There were even traces of blood on his shirt cuffs.

Vivian was in his arms, a bandage wrapped around her shoulder.

Four days earlier, she'd been attacked by rogues while patrolling the border.

Caleb had personally rushed to the scene to protect her.

Even though she'd only suffered a few minor injuries, he was still worried and had brought her back for a thorough medical examination.

Vivian was Caleb's childhood friend and a well-known fragile beauty in the Pack.

Ever since she'd returned from studying abroad, Caleb had always been the first to rush to her side whenever she ran into trouble.

"Elena?"

When he spotted me, he paused.

He carefully set Vivian down and draped his jacket over her shoulders.

Only after that did he finally turn his attention to my pale face.

"What are you doing at the hospital? Are you feeling unwell?"

He frowned and reached for the folder in my arms, but I instinctively stepped back.

"I just came to pick up a medical report."

"What kind of report?"

"Nothing important."

Caleb clearly didn't believe me.

He glanced at his watch, his voice carrying a hint of apology.

"I have to deal with the rogue attack at the border tomorrow. If it's just a routine prenatal checkup, let's reschedule it for next week."

"I can come with you then."

I nodded and slipped the folder into my bag.

"No need. Thank you. I can manage on my own."

Caleb's hand stopped in midair.

He seemed surprised by my politeness and distance.

In the past, I would call him if he came home even half an hour late.

Whenever he left for a mission, I'd keep checking his location until I saw him return safely with my own eyes.

From planning the nursery to choosing which hospital our child would be born in, I wanted him involved in every decision.

He used to laugh and call me clingy.

But now, I'd already lost our baby.

As I turned to leave, my elbow accidentally knocked the medication bag out of Caleb's hand.

Painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and a detailed examination schedule scattered across the floor.

Every prescription label had Vivian's name on it.

Caleb bent down to pick everything up and casually explained,

"She was attacked by rogues a few days ago. Her injuries aren't serious, but I still want her to have a thorough examination just to be safe."

Vivian gently tugged at his sleeve.

"Caleb, I'm really fine now. You don't have to worry so much."

As she spoke, she tried to take off his jacket to return it.

But Caleb pressed a hand against her shoulder and adjusted the jacket around her again.

"Don't move. Your wound hasn't healed yet."

Then he turned to the Beta standing behind him.

"Marcus, take Elena back to the estate."

"No need. I can get home myself."

His brows furrowed.

Four days earlier, I'd been lying alone in this very hospital.

I'd suddenly developed severe abdominal pain. By the time I was brought in, I was already showing signs of a miscarriage.

The doctor said I needed emergency surgery.

I picked up my phone and called Caleb.

Fifteen calls. Not a single one was answered.

Eventually, I saw Vivian's latest social media post.

【So grateful to my knight. Even this tiny little injury of mine became a big deal because of how much he dotes on me.】

In the photo, Caleb was holding her hand.

I stared at the screen for a long time before finally canceling my sixteenth call.

At that moment, something inside me simply gave up.

Later, I lost the baby.

I signed the surgical consent form alone and handled my discharge paperwork alone.

I didn't even ask the Pack guards to inform Caleb of my whereabouts.

After all, just a few days earlier, I'd managed to coax him into signing an agreement to dissolve our mate bond without telling him what it really meant.

He thought I was finally willing to give us both some freedom.

But in truth, I simply didn't want to be his mate anymore.

"Elena?"

Caleb's voice pulled me back to the present.

He studied my face, as though he'd noticed something.

"Are you still angry with me? Because I've been spending all my time with Vivian?"

I glanced at the bandage on her shoulder and gently shook my head.

"She was injured protecting the Pack. Of course you should look after her."

The crease between Caleb's brows finally relaxed.

He probably thought I'd finally accepted Vivian's special place in his life.

"I'm glad you understand."

His voice softened. He reached out and gently touched my lower abdomen.

"Once I've dealt with the situation at the border, I'll go with you to your next prenatal appointment."

I lowered my eyes to his hand.

There had once been a baby there.

But now, there was nothing.

I didn't pull away or tell him what the doctor had just said.

I simply answered calmly,

"Okay."

This time, I wouldn't wait for him anymore.