Shattered Illusion

The spark in her eyes that once shone brightly with adoration now seemed dimmed, and the radiant smile that lit up her face whenever he was near was nowhere to be found.

Michael couldn't help but notice the change in her demeanor, how she carried herself with a newfound sense of resolve, as if she'd finally awakened to a harsh reality.

Her eyes which used to hold warmth and deep affection for him had suddenly changed to cold ones that were filled with pain, anger, resentment, and deep regret.

"But you love me.." He muttered.

"I did but not anymore. All that I feel for you at the moment is sheer disappointment. I can't even bear to keep staring at you. I hope you just disappear out of my life from now on." She spat out venomously.

Michael stood at his spot, his heart felt like it had been hit with a dull heavy blow. Staring at her, he knew she meant every word she said but he just didn't want to believe it.

Michael's mind recoiled at the thought of losing Fiona, his possessiveness and pride flaring up like a wildfire. He couldn't fathom a life without her by his side, and the mere idea of her walking away from him was unbearable. No, he wouldn't let her go – he wouldn't allow her to reject him, to divorce him. He'd do whatever it took to keep her bound to him, to keep her love locked in place.

"Don't make any decision you would end up regretting later!!" He warned her, hoping she would withdraw her statement.

"This is the best decision I've ever managed to make since the day I found out you're my fated mate so there's no way I would ever regret it. I just hope you will respect my choice." She muttered, maintaining her stance.

Michael saw that she was dead serious about leaving him and that made his pain switch to fury. He didn't know what else to say to make her take back her words so he stormed out angrily from the ward.

Prisca watched as Michael left the hospital angrily and couldn't help but smile evilly. Her plan had worked!! The bitch believed her and decided to leave Michael without having to force her.

It's a good thing that she finally knows her place! Now that Fiona’s out of the way, Michael wouldn't be distracted anymore and she would finally take her rightful position as his Luna!!

Fiona remained at the hospital for a few more hours before she left. She didn't want Michael to come back and still find her there as he might stop her from leaving.

When she got to the mansion that she shared with Michael, she walked straight to her room, ignoring the servants who were trying so hard to irritate her.

She was leaving so she didn't want to have anything to do with them anymore. She got to her room and started packing immediately. She never for once thought there would be a day like this.

This place once harbored hope for her. After losing her family and pack to rogues, this place became a haven for her even though she was constantly bullied.

She recalled a time, years ago when Jota and her friends mocked her during a shopping trip because she couldn't afford the luxury Jota could and Michael immediately came to her defense.

He then gave her his credit card so she could buy anything of her choice. Those were the good days. Back then, she was confident that through her efforts, she could change their relationship and how he felt towards her but reality had given her a harsh lesson.

If only she knew it would end like this, she wouldn't have put up with the pain and constant bullying. She would have fought back and made sure they never walked over her again.

After she finished packing, she realized that she had no friends who would take her in. That thought made her feel extremely sad. For Michael, she had given up all of her social connections.

Not like she had many friends but they were enough for her but ever since she married Michael, he made sure she cut off ties with them as he claimed they were bad influences. Only Tacha managed to stay behind.

She recalled when he made her give up her hobby of cooking after she baked him a birthday cake for his birthday. She could never forget his insulting words.

The cake's texture and flavor were a far cry from perfection, and Michael's face twisted in disgust as he spat out the words, "What kind of incompetence is this? Who made this disaster?" His anger was palpable, and the room seemed to shrink under the weight of his displeasure.

"Someone like you should never be allowed in the kitchen!!" He added before throwing the rest of the cake on the floor. Fiona held back her tears as she cleaned up the splattered cake she had poured all of her heart and effort into.

Since that day, she has never baked him any cakes or snacks again. She realized how much she had sacrificed for him only to be treated like trash. If only.. She took one last glance at the mansion that she once termed her home.

She took in a deep breath before turning on her heels and she walked away. She walked down the cold streets, pulling her luggage with her, unsure of where to go when a motorcycle screeched to a stop in front of her.

Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw Tacha. She was still unconscious at the hospital when she left; how come she's here now?

As soon as Tacha's eyes fluttered open, she instinctively scanned her surroundings, her gaze searching for a familiar face. Her eyes locked onto Fiona, relief washing over her, knowing her friend was by her side.

She tried calling but she wasn't picking up nor was she answering her texts and that only made her anxious. She decided to go search for her at her home for fear that Michael might have done something to her.

What she didn't expect was to see her on the road with her luggage, looking like the world had ended. She immediately realized what had happened so she got down from her bike and gave Fiona a warm hug.

Being in her arms, Fiona couldn't hold back herself so she burst into tears while Tacha patted her softly on her back, to comfort her.

As Fiona's words poured out in a raspy tone, Tacha's eyes widened in shock, her mouth hanging open in stunned silence. The unfolding drama left her speechless, her gaze locked intently on Fiona's face.

"You can speak??" She asked in shock while Fiona nodded with a small smile. She screamed happily and pulled Fiona into another hug.

"This is really great!! You've regained your voice and finally left that scumbag of a husband. I'm so happy for you!!" She muttered happily.

"So what do you plan to do now?" She asked as she pulled away from the hug.

"Leave this place and start over somewhere far away," Fiona muttered.

"You're right. We can do it together." Tacha said.

"Really??"

"Yes! The café has been closed down so you don't expect me to still stay here when there's nothing left for me anymore. We can leave the city together and start a new life somewhere else where no one would be there to constantly disturb us." Tacha invited.

After a moment of contemplation, Fiona made her decision and agreed. She knew she had to release the weight of her past and the only way to truly move forward was to leave behind the place that held painful memories and scars.

"Hop on then." Tacha ushered and Fiona got on the back of her motorcycle before she zoomed off, the cold wind of the chilly night blowing, giving her a sense of hope for the new life ahead.

TBC