INICIAR SESIÓNSeveral days passed. Over at the Lycan clan base where Elaine was imprisoned, Cyrus paid her another visit to break the news about Xian and Ivy's release. "An agreement was reached between Xian and Ivy. They were given a chance to go free and escape death on the condition that they marry each other," Cyrus said. Elaine was struck speechless, frozen in place. She couldn't believe Xian and Ivy were actually going to get married just to secure their freedom. After everything they had sacrificed and endured, Xian was giving in at the last moment just to survive. Elaine lowered her head and forced a bitter smile. "Well, to be fair, being locked up isn't easy, and we have to accept that we lost this battle." Cyrus could sense the heavy wave of sadness and disappointment radiating from her. He knew Elaine had chosen to stay imprisoned precisely because she refused to let go of her promise to Xian. "I don't know the whole story, but I don't think they're doing this just because he gave
Currently, Ivy, Maxine, and Xian were sitting on the couch, discussing everything that had happened. Ivy couldn't meet their eyes. She kept her head bowed, consumed by intense shame over what she had done that night. "I didn't think it would lead to this, so I tried to brush it off. I'm so angry at myself for letting that happen," Ivy muttered. Xian let out a heavy sigh. He understood Ivy's situation, especially since she had been heavily intoxicated and overwhelmed with problems. He couldn't blame her; her mind had been a total mess. "Even so, there is a child growing inside me, and I realized this little one has nothing to do with my anger toward the world. I just want to give birth to this baby and raise it," Ivy said softly. "That's right. The child shouldn't suffer because of its parents' problems. Don't worry, I'm ready to help you," Xian reassured her. Maxine smirked at Xian's words, acting as though he was ready to take responsibility for a child that wasn't even his.
Ivy's POV As I sat in the bar, drowning myself in alcohol to forget the misery of today, a heavy ache settled in my chest. It hurt so much hearing the truth straight from Xian's lips—that there was someone else he loved. I was furious, consumed by bitterness toward everything and everyone. I had been drinking for almost three hours, yet I still couldn't find any comfort in the liquor. It hurt—it hurt so damn much. I set the empty bottle down on the table, realizing I had already finished six of them, and a heavy drowsiness was beginning to creep in. "Hey, why are you falling asleep there? Are you drunk?" I muttered. Across from me was Cyrus, who looked ready to pass out right on the table. He was fighting hard to keep his eyes open, still managing a weak smile as he spoke to me. "What? Me? Drunk? Not yet." He fell silent for a moment, pressing a hand to his face. "I'm just a little dizzy... Ivy, can we go back to the resort now?" "What? Are you out of your mind? I already to
Because Ivy completely ignored his warnings, Cyrus grew even more reluctant to leave her alone. He let out a heavy sigh, knowing he couldn't physically force her to stop drinking in this bar, nor could he start a brawl to drag her outside. "There are way too many shady guys lurking around here. If you pass out drunk, who knows what kind of trouble you'll find." "Shut up! I can take care of myself!" Ivy snapped, tipping another bottle to her lips. Cyrus pinched the bridge of his nose in sheer frustration, running out of ways to reason with her. Knowing he couldn't just abandon a heavily intoxicated Ivy to the wolves, he reached into the ice bucket, popped open a bottle of his own, and pulled up a chair. "I don't know why my life is constantly surrounded by stubborn, chaotic women dealing with massive existential crises," he muttered to himself. Left with no other choice, Cyrus poured himself a drink, resigning himself to keeping pace with her so she wouldn't drain the entire buck
Three weeks prior, following the bitter confrontation between Ivy and Xian by the shore. Ivy ran frantically along the coastal road, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed uncontrollably. She couldn't wrap her head around the agonizing pain tearing through her chest upon learning that the man she loved had given his heart to someone else. Exhausted, her legs buckled beneath her, and she collapsed hard onto the sandy beach. She pulled her knees to her chest, bowing her head as overwhelming self-pity and despair crushed her spirit. "Why? Why can't he love me?" "Why, Xian? Why?!" she screamed out into the crashing waves. Minutes bled away as she wept into her hands. Finally, she dragged herself up and stumbled toward the water's edge. Her eyes were completely hollow, devoid of life, as she took slow, measured steps into the surf. "I gave up my music to attend military school. I pushed myself through hell and made every sacrifice imaginable... and now, it's all going to waste.
While preparations for the wedding were underway, Xian and Ivy stayed together inside the Blackrose mansion, waiting out the passing days. Over the past few days, Ivy had refused to speak to or even look at Xian, keeping herself locked away in her room. As Xian sat alone in the living room, a guard entered and announced a visitor. "Madam Maxine Roman is outside, sir. Shall I let her in?" "Yes, please let her in." Even though they were forbidden from leaving the estate, they were still allowed visits from family members. Because Maxine had grown close to the two of them, she was permitted to speak with Xian before the wedding. The moment Maxine stepped inside, Xian rushed over and pulled her into a tight hug. "Thank you for coming, Maxine! I'm so glad to see you again!" He practically lifted her off the ground, spinning her around in his embrace. "I honestly thought I'd never see you again." Blushing deeply with embarrassment, Maxine shoved Xian away from her. "Stop that alr







