The Quiet Betrayal

When Harry Tarrington brought Chloe Finley home, he only said one thing to me.

“Chloe just came back and doesn’t have a place to stay. I told her she could stay here for a few days.”

I froze for a moment. Although it was supposed to be temporary, this was the first time Harry had ever brought a friend home, and it was a woman.

Just as I was about to speak, I suddenly heard the confused voice of his wolf in my head.

“Harry, why are you lying to Lianne? You clearly plan for Chloe to live here long-term. And earlier outside, those wolves called Chloe your Luna. Why didn’t you deny it?”

I didn’t know what Harry said back to him, but the wolf suddenly let out a sharp cry.

“What about the bonding ceremony in three days? Weren’t you planning to propose to Lianne? Why is it Chloe now?”

As if lightning had struck me, my body went stiff, my mind blank.

Even though I was just an Omega without a wolf, I had a secret—I could hear the voice of Harry’s wolf and had never told anyone about it before. With that ability, I had always gotten along well with Harry, who was usually so silent and reserved.

His wolf was lively and talkative. Through its conversations with Harry, I learned what he liked, what he wanted, and how he truly felt. It was from his wolf that I learned Harry loved me. He had even secretly prepared a grand bonding ceremony.

I had overheard every detail of the proposal, the date, and the surprise. However, I pretended to know nothing, keeping the joy inside me, waiting patiently for that day to come.

Now, his wolf was saying that the ceremony in three days wasn’t meant for me anymore?

I steadied myself, forcing my voice not to tremble, and carefully asked, “If it’s just a few days, should I prepare a guest room for her?”

Harry went silent for two long seconds before speaking. “Chloe is pregnant. She can’t stay in a poor room. Your room has the best light and ventilation in this estate. You should move out and let Chloe stay there for now.”

Chloe clutched her belly, her eyes red as she peeked out from behind him, looking pitiful as if she had just been crying.

“Lianne, my mate just passed away. Harry only brought me here out of pity. Please don’t misunderstand.”

I said nothing because Harry’s wolf was howling furiously.

“Since when did Chloe have a mate? Hasn’t she always been single? Harry, what exactly did you do while I was sealed away for a month? That child in her belly isn’t yours, is it?”

My knees buckled, and I barely managed to steady myself by clutching a chair. Almost instinctively, my hand went to my own stomach.

This morning, when I’d felt unwell and gone to the hospital, the doctor had smiled and told me I was pregnant with twins—a boy and a girl.

I had planned to keep it a secret until the bonding ceremony, when Harry officially claimed me as his mate, but now, it seemed there was no need anymore.

I lowered my head as tears blurred my vision.

“It’s fine. I’ll pack my things now. From today on, you can stay in my room.”

Chloe followed me into the bedroom. She touched one thing and glanced at another, her face full of envy.

“These decorations are so beautiful. I just love them.”

I forced a small smile. Every one of those items had been gifts from Harry. I had treasured them all, never letting anyone else touch them.

I was about to collect them when Harry’s voice came from behind me.

“Lianne, don’t bother packing those away. Leave them here for Chloe to enjoy for a while.”

My hand froze in midair, and in my ears came the mocking laughter of his wolf.

“So soon? You’re already giving gifts meant for your old lover to please your new one? Aren’t you afraid Lianne will be angry?”

I shut my eyes tight as tears slid down my cheeks.

“Alright. If Chloe likes them, she can have them. They’re hers now.”

If he wanted to give them away, I didn’t want them anymore.