Chapter 1

Once I confirmed the method to feign death, I hung up.

In three days, I would finally fulfill my fated mate’s expectations—to vanish from his sight forever.

Just then, a familiar scent drifted in from the doorway, it was Kael.

He wrapped his arms around me and asked affectionately, “Who were you on the phone with?”

“Nothing. Just about herbs. I found a new perfume recipe that can hide the scent .”

He kissed my ear lightly, sending a tingling sensation through me.

“You’ve been so busy lately. I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

My wolf let out a comfortable, low rumble, but I suppressed its restlessness.

Ever since Kael and I had formed our mating bond, he had always been gentle and indulgent toward me, he gave me everything I asked for.

A wolf bonds with only one person in a lifetime, and I had always believed Kael would be my lifelong mate.

That was, until half a year ago, when he inherited his brother’s Alpha position.

Because of a Witch’s prophecy, he was forced to take over his brother’s Luna, the Saintess Selena, and impregnate her.

Every night, listening to their passionate howls, my wolf and I wept without end.

Each time they reached their climax, the bond mark seared like fire into my wolf, keeping me from sleep.

It was the proof that the bond was being betrayed.

I had always believed that once Selena fell pregnant, everything would return to how it was.

But Kael’s words shattered my illusion—he had never planned to leave with me at all.

Kael stroked my shoulder gently and suddenly spoke up:

“By the way, tomorrow night we’re holding a Midsummer celebration. We’ll announce Selena’s pregnancy to the pack, and also congratulate her for?being?selected to participate?in?this year’s Best Fragrance Award with her elixir.”

The Best Fragrance Award is the most prestigious award in the world; if we win it, it will bring supreme glory to the pack.

“That Award…” I was also selected to participate.

I started, but he cut me off.

His tone was gentle yet brooked no refusal: “You don’t need to come. I’ll send a gift on your behalf, and I’ll be back soon to keep you company.”

He paused, and his hand slid down to rest on my lower belly.

“We should have a pup too, shouldn’t we? Haven’t you always looked forward to that? It’s better if you stay home and rest to prepare for pregnancy.”

I lowered my gaze, forcing my wolf down—it was whimpering in anguish.

We had been married for years without a pup, and he always said the timing wasn't right.

Now, fearing that I might hinder Selena from winning the Best Fragrance Award this year, he actually took the initiative to suggest it.

He kissed my forehead, completely oblivious to the fact that my heart had already plummeted into an abyss.

Kael was close, and I soon caught another pungent, a cloying rose scent on him—hers.

My nose wrinkled as I held back a sneeze, and my stomach churned involuntarily.

“Our anniversary is coming up soon,” he said. “I’ve prepared a surprise for you—to celebrate three years of our love.”

I suddenly felt his wolf pulse with desire—another wolf was linked to him.

“Darling, that’s also the anniversary of the day we first met. This year, we should celebrate together openly.”

It was Selena…

He had opened his heart to her, allowing her to sense his wolf.

“I’ll brush Evelyn off and come to you—don’t rush.”

I looked up at Kael, and he was still gazing at me tenderly.

So they didn’t know I could hear them.

Love. I repeated the word silently. Suddenly, it felt unbearably ironic.

Our wedding anniversary was also the day he and Selena had first met.

So every time he wanted to commemorate that day,?he wasn't?celebrating our love; he was celebrating his encounter with another woman.

I nodded, swallowed the bitterness, and forced a smile.

“Alright. I’ve prepared a surprise for that day too. You must come and be with me.”

He pulled me into his embrace again and answered indulgently,

“Of course, darling. Whatever you say, I’ll do.”

That night, I could not sleep. My wolf would not settle inside me.

I got out of bed and took out the gifts he had given me before.

A sapphire ring—I rubbed its inner band under the moonlight and faintly made out “S&K” engraved on it.

The limited-edition forest perfume—he had queued for days to get it, but it was a scent Selena had once blended.

A moonstone necklace with a totem at its base—he said the twin wolves represented our love, but the pattern in the middle was the Saintess’s exclusive emblem.

All these details I had never paid attention to before now unveiled themselves before my eyes one by one.

Someone else had long since taken residence in his heart.

I've completely given up.