Chapter 2

I wiped away my tears and retrieved my phone to send Ethan a message.

[I'm in the shower. I’ll reply in a bit.]

Inside the room, Ethan let out a heavy sigh of relief. A smile appeared on his face.

“Maddie, don’t forget to call me later. I get worried when I don’t hear from you for too long.”

After reading that message, I finally burst into tears.

He had always expressed his love for me so openly. I had never once doubted him.

If I had, I never would’ve given everything up to follow him alone to the Silver Moon Pack.

He had woven this tender love into a net of lies, and I was trapped right in the center of it.

Footsteps drew closer from inside the room. I panicked and ducked into the stairwell.

Ethan stepped out, walked across the hallway, and rang the doorbell to the room opposite his.

Lyla walked out in a beautiful wedding gown. The moment she saw Ethan, she threw herself into his arms.

“Ethan, do I look good in this? Should I wear it for the marking ceremony tomorrow?”

Ethan glanced down at her gown and nodded. “You look great.”

The two of them stood close like lovers in a honeymoon phase. I, feeling like the third wheel, was secretly watching them being happy together.

They walked out side by side.

Moments later, Ethan’s friends also stepped out of the room.

“Ethan had that gown custom made a year ago. It’s inlaid with 999 moon shards.”

One of them sounded deeply impressed while watching the two leave.

“It’s gorgeous. What woman wouldn’t dream of wearing a wedding gown like that? Ethan really spoils her.”

“He really does. He’s been on so-called business trips all year just to be with Lyla. Did you see the moonstone necklace around her neck? He got it at an auction for a ridiculous price. There’s only one like it in the world.”

Every word they said pierced me like a knife.

I collapsed to the ground and curled up in pain.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp cramp in my abdomen.

That’s when I recalled I was pregnant. Panicked, I rushed to the hospital.

After the doctor examined me, he looked at me solemnly.

“Your body is very weak. Carrying a pup will be difficult for you.”

“What?”

I stared at him in shock. I couldn't believe what I’d just heard.

The doctor looked at me with sympathy.

“The pup is very fragile. There’s a chance it might not make it.”

I left the hospital in a daze and somehow ended up near the Razor Fang Pack Council.

That was when I saw Ethan and Lyla walking out with their arms linked.

I wiped away my tears and ducked behind a nearby car.

Lyla looked upset as she spoke to Ethan.

“It’s my fault. I forgot to book the banquet hall early, and the only available slot is on your anniversary with Maddie.”

She sniffled and looked up at him while trying to sound strong.

“It’s okay if we just use a smaller banquet hall. We don’t have to book the grandest one.”

Ethan shook his head firmly.

“No. Our marking ceremony has to be held in the biggest, most luxurious hall. You deserve the best.”

Lyla smiled but quickly turned thoughtful.

“Maybe we should postpone the marking ceremony. That day’s special for you and Maddie. I’ve already taken so much of your time. You should be with her.”

Ethan paused before gently ruffling her hair.

“There's no need to delay it. The ceremony will go on as planned. I’ll explain things to Maddie," he said calmly.

A flash of joy crossed Lyla’s eyes, but she quickly masked it with concern.

“But what about Maddie? If you don’t spend your anniversary with her, she’ll be heartbroken.”

“I’ve taken care of it. Don’t worry,” Ethan replied.

He retrieved a velvet box from his coat pocket and placed it gently on Lyla’s palm.

“Put on this branding ring. From now on, you’re my legal mate. No one in your pack will dare lay a finger on you.”