Chapter 3

Derrick paused, looked at me for two seconds, and started laughing.

He loosened his tie while he spoke. "Are you still hung up on the bouquet? Don't be so petty."

There was a coaxing note in his voice, like he was soothing a sulking pup. “Alright, I’ll order you an even bigger bouquet of roses tomorrow, okay? Now go wash up and get some sleep. I’ve got a meeting early in the morning.”

With that, he turned around and walked toward the bathroom.

“Within a week,” I said softly to his back. “I’m holding my marking ceremony.”

His hand stopped right above the bathroom doorknob.

A few seconds later, he turned around.

The gentleness on his face finally disappeared completely.

“Celine, stop this.”

He rubbed his temples. “A marking ceremony is a serious matter. It’s not something you decide on a whim just because you’re upset. And besides, we both know mates are decided by the Moon Goddess–”

“28th of April,” I added. “The venue is already booked. The dress is chosen.”

He suddenly snorted. “Did Winona say something to you again today? Just because she had her marking ceremony, now she thinks everyone else should too?

“Celine, think straight. Don’t let her influence you. We’ve been together for so many years–”

“Derrick,” I interrupted. “The invitations go to print tomorrow.”

His cheeks twitched ever so slightly.

“Celine, do you really think doing this will help anything? It only makes you look childish and unreasonable!

“I’m at a critical stage in my career right now. Marking a mate and holding a marking ceremony will only distract me. It'll throw off all my plans and arrangements.

“Are you that desperate to be marked?”

His words felt like a blow.

Once, this kind of attitude from him would have made me panic. I would have quickly tried to explain and backed down.

But now, there was only calm inside me.

It had always been hard to get his attention.

It had to be given to important projects, and it was reserved for his capable secretary.

He had late-night check-ins, birthday surprises, and even extra half-day hot spring trips under the guise of business travel with her.

Naturally, there was very little left for me.

Meeting his gaze, I nodded.

“Yes. Everyone around me is getting marked. I want to be marked too. If you don’t want to arrange a marking ceremony, I’ll arrange it myself.”

After saying that, I turned around and walked into the bedroom.

On the nightstand lay a fashion magazine from six months ago. Its cover headline was bold and eye-catching.

[A Luna Must-Read! The Perfect Three-Month Marking Ceremony Planning Guide.]

Back then, I had bought it with excitement. I flipped through a few pages, only to set it aside after he casually said 'there's no rush.' I never opened it again.

In the darkness, I stared at the blurry outline of the ceiling and became lost in thought.

My phone buzzed a little.

The screen lit up automatically. It was a message from Winona.

[Are you asleep? I’m so frustrated. Every time I think of that shewolf, I get mad. What’s wrong with your Alpha?]

What’s wrong?

Actually, there wasn't much.

Not every couple in this world was meant to make it to the end.

Another string of messages came through.

[We agreed, didn’t we? Our marking ceremonies wouldn’t be more than a week apart. Do you remember?]

[Your Alpha isn't the brightest bulb, is he? The bouquet practically landed in your hands, and he still had no clue. You’ve been together for eight years, not eight months!]

[Forget it. This time, I’ll let you break the promise.]

My fingers paused slightly. I gently typed a few words.

[No, Winona. My marking ceremony is happening next week.]