Chapter 4

The night before I left happened to be my birthday. Mom had spent the whole day busy in the kitchen, while Dad came home early from his work at the council, his expression gentler than usual. Even Jasper took leave from the academy, carrying a neatly wrapped gift box in his arms.

To be honest, it was the most lively birthday I had had since returning to the Smith family.

Luther walked in from the yard, pushing a three-tiered cake that smelled of sweet cream. Then, he pulled out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a vintage-style bracelet, elegant and surprisingly to my taste.

It stirred something inside me.

As I looked at the steaming dishes spread across the table, a bittersweet sense of attachment rose in my chest. Being able to have one complete family dinner before leaving felt like the most peaceful goodbye to this relationship.

However, just as I was about to sit down, my gaze froze on two new sets of tableware placed at the table's edge.

My heart clenched tightly.

Sure enough, the doorbell rang, and Zoey walked in with William. She said, "Thank you, Mom and Dad, for thinking of celebrating William's birthday too."

I watched her smile as she stood in the doorway, and I could not help but laugh bitterly at myself. I had been too naive to think tonight would be a ceremony just for me.

Dad came down from upstairs and scooped William up in his arms, doting on him.

Jasper also stood up and handed over his gift box with a grin. "William, may you grow strong. Can't wait for your first shift!"

The room was filled with laughter and warmth.

Mom wore a loving smile as she guided everyone to the table. No one mentioned that today was my birthday, too.

I stood frozen, my fingers cold, while something inside me slowly collapsed. My wolf mirrored my sadness. Just then, Luther came to my side and discreetly clasped my reddened hand, his eyes full of concern.

He led me to a seat and suddenly spoke louder, as if to remind everyone in the room. "Avery, happy birthday."

The cheerful chatter stopped abruptly, the air thick with silence.

Zoey quickly laughed and chimed in, "Oh my, what a coincidence! Avery, you and William share the same birthday."

She smiled and added, "I was shopping with Luther yesterday when he said he was picking out a gift for you. I actually helped choose the bracelet."

After saying this, she slowly raised her hand and waved it, showing off an identical bracelet to mine. "I have good taste, don't I?"

I could feel Luther's breathing hitch beside me.

He quickly said, "It was just a coincidence! I didn't ask her to come."

Everyone at dinner seemed distracted except William.

After the meal, I received a bank notification text. It was a transfer from Dad.

Mom went back to her room. When she came downstairs again, she was carrying a silver-gray handbag to give me. It was one of her longest-kept limited-edition pieces.

Jasper grabbed his backpack and hesitantly spoke up. "What do you want? Just say it. I don't want to waste time."

"I don't want anything."

"Great, that saves me money then." He huffed and walked away angrily.

Luther picked up the bracelet I had deliberately thrown away from the corner and stood in front of me. "Avery… I didn't mean for it to happen like that. If you don't like the bracelet, I'll get you a new one."

He looked somewhat anxious and pleading as he continued, "Let's plan another trip, just the two of us. Didn't you say you wanted to go to the beach?"

I nodded quietly. With my permission, he hurried off to make arrangements.

Later, I caught the servant, Emily Powell, pushing the three-layer cake toward the garbage disposal.

I called out, "Don't throw it away. Cut me a small piece."

Then, I took the cake and gently blew out the candles, whispering, "Avery, may the rest of your life be peaceful and fulfilled."

At dawn, I rolled my luggage down the stairs. The military transport was already waiting outside the mansion. I closed the door behind me and left this place that had never truly accepted me.