Chapter 2

After spacing out for a while, it suddenly hit me that I should go to the healer's den.

Lately, I had been getting tired easily. Today, I even passed out for over two hours.

I'd always wanted to get a full check-up, but something always came up around the house.

For Augustus and Ethan, I stayed so busy I didn't even have time to go to the healer's den. I collapsed from exhaustion for over two hours, but nobody even noticed it.

They were out having the time of their lives with another woman.

The thought alone was laughable.

For the first time, I felt that none of it was worth it.

From today on, I decided I would treat myself better.

I'd stop being that fool who gave everything to others while neglecting herself.

I went to the best healer's den, paid extra for VIP service, and got a full-body check-up.

The healer said all results would be ready within two hours.

While I was waiting in the VIP lounge, I received a friend request.

The profile picture showed Christine's cheerful smile.

I accepted the request.

A few minutes later, she sent me an audio clip.

I tapped on it, and what I heard made my heart go cold.

"Ethan, you came to celebrate my birthday today. If your mom gets upset, I'll talk to her about it."

"Don't worry, Christine. She doesn't know."

"Isn't today a day off? Didn't your mom want to take you out?"

"I asked her to help me build a castle model. She won't have time to go out."

"Did you do that on purpose? Was it just so you could shake off your mom and come out with your dad to celebrate my birthday?"

"Yeah. I told her it was homework from my teacher. That model is really hard. It'll keep her busy all day."

"Wow, Ethan, you're so smart! You're so thoughtful too. I'm really touched!"

I heard a sloppy sound after that. It was probably another kiss on the cheek.

Although I was used to being disappointed, hearing what they said still hurt.

How could someone with a childish voice say something so cold?

I thought back to this morning. I had gone to the old house and was excited to bring Ethan home for the weekend.

But he shoved a big box into my arms.

"This is homework from my teacher. It's really hard. Can you help me build it, Mom?"

Ethan rarely showed any vulnerability in front of me. When he said 'it's really hard,' I took it as him acting spoiled and wanting my attention.

Although I felt a little disappointed that we wouldn't be going out together, I still felt oddly flattered by his dependence on me.

Augustus had stood nearby without any expression on his face. "You stay home and help Ethan with the model today. I'll take him to the company."

I wanted to say I could stay home and build it while taking care of Ethan too, but after years of getting used to obeying him, I didn't say a word.

I just watched silently as the two left.

Now I knew it was all a lie.

My son used my love for him and that model to keep me trapped at home.

My Alpha took our pup to see the old lover he had never been able to forget.

In this family, I had always been an outsider.

The moment I realized my place in the family, I finally came to my senses.

Fortunately, when the test results came out, the healer told me there was nothing seriously wrong. I just hadn't been resting enough, and my body was in a state of exhaustion.

"You fainted today because you skipped lunch and had a hypoglycemic episode."

The healer reminded me, "Make sure you rest well, eat properly, and maintain good nutrition."

I nodded repeatedly.

Forgetting to eat because of something like building a model was such a dumb mistake. I would never let it happen again.

From now on, nothing would be more important than my own health.

On the way home from the healer's den, Christine sent me a message.

[You know who Augustus really loves. I've regained my freedom. If you know what's good for you, get lost.]

I chuckled.

Did Augustus even know his unforgettable lover would say something like that?

Christine seemed determined to win him over this time.

Who knew if she only realized Augustus' worth after severing her mate bond with that Omega or if she had truly fallen for him?

After all, back then, when Augustus had begged her desperately, she had walked away without a second thought. She went abroad and willingly let her Omega mate mark her.

Even when Augustus flew in overnight to stop her, she rejected him without hesitation.

To her, Augustus had never been her first choice.

That was unless circumstances forced her hand, and he became the best option available.

It was Augustus' love that gave her such confidence.

Indeed, over the past month since she returned, Augustus had been coming home later and less often.

His heart was no longer with me.

Or perhaps it had always been with Christine.

I didn't reply.

I was tired.

I didn't want to waste even an ounce of energy on them anymore.

All I wanted now was to leave and to end this mistaken mate bond as soon as possible.

Before getting home, I stopped at a restaurant, ordered a few dishes, and ate slowly.

I would remember the healer's advice to eat well and live well.

By the time I got home, it was past seven. I lay on the couch watching something on the television.

The sky gradually turned dark. I was about to get up and take a shower when I heard movement at the door.

Augustus was holding Ethan's hand when they walked in.