Chapter 4

I said considerately, "If there's really something urgent, you don't have to keep watching over me. I'm feeling much better now."

Vincent hung up the phone and gritted his teeth. "It's nothing. I promised to stay with you for a week and it's only been three days. Nothing is more important than my mate and pup!"

Yet as soon as he finished speaking, the phone rang again like a death knell.

I smiled. "Answer it. Maybe it's something very important."

Vincent sighed and quickly picked up the phone. "I'll be quick. Just give me five minutes."

The moment the call connected, I faintly heard a woman crying on the other end.

Vincent spoke softly to comfort the caller, his tone gentle and indulgent. "Alright, I understand. I'll be right there. Wait for me."

After hanging up, Vincent said to me apologetically, "Nina, the patrol team has something very important for me to handle. I have to go right away. It’ll be at most one hour, and I'll come back as soon as I'm done."

I looked into his eyes and nodded gently. "Go ahead. I'll wait for you."

Vincent practically ran out of the villa. After he left, I leisurely opened Serena's Instagram page. Sure enough, there was already an update.

In the new photo, the girl was holding a small suitcase, making a victory V sign with her little hand in front of the camera. The caption read: "After four days of waiting, he finally came back to me. My love said he's taking me on vacation to the northern grasslands!"

That was how I knew Vincent would not be coming back for the next few days. So when Vincent called to apologetically say he would be busy for several days, I was not surprised at all.

"Sorry, Nina. When I come back, I'll make it up to you double, I swear! And for our pup too. I'll prepare an even more lavish birth gift."

Although I was prepared, my heart still felt heavy.

Vincent, you would never have the chance to make it up anymore. I had wanted to spend one last week with you before leaving, to part on good terms, but it seemed unnecessary now.

In four days, I would permanently leave the pack and never come back. I wondered if he would regret today's choice when I was gone.

During the days Vincent was away, I packed up everything in the villa that I did not want to keep. There were eight large boxes in total.

The auction house I had scheduled also came by car on the last day.

"These and that pile over there, sell them all. Give me an estimate."

I sold everything, keeping nothing. Standing once more in this home where I had lived for five years, I felt completely disconnected from it.

I had cleaned the house thoroughly, leaving no trace of myself behind. Carrying my suitcase, I took a cab directly to the airport.

As soon as I got out of the car, I received Vincent's call. "Nina, I'm back! I'm coming home to pick you up and take you out for a nice dinner!"

I said nothing, just quietly watched the airport exit. He was indeed back, with Serena by his side. The two of them walked out of the airport intimately, pushing their luggage side by side.

Vincent pushed a luggage cart with two suitcases on it, one blue and one pink, obviously a couple's set.

I smiled and replied, "Sounds great! Are you done with work?"

"All done. From now on, I'll stay with you until the pup is born. I can't wait for the pup’s arrival! By the way, can I open the gift you gave me today? An anniversary gift must be something very meaningful, right?"

I pushed my luggage toward the boarding gate while answering, "Yes, it's very meaningful. You'll understand when you see it."

"Good, then wait for me. I'll be home in about two hours. I've missed you and the pup so much!"

In two hours, my plane should already be flying out of Shadow pack’s territory.

"Alright."

"See you soon. Love you, Nina."

It should be goodbye forever, Vincent.

I hung up, blocked Vincent from all forms of contact, and resolutely walked toward the boarding gate with my luggage.