Chapter 4

"Vivian, is that you? What a coincidence!"

I turned my head and saw Catherine Lavine, a doctor from the werewolf hospital. Her face was full of concern. "You've been—"

Before she could finish, I cut her off. I didn't want anyone to know I was dying, especially not David.

If he found out, he'd just think I was faking an illness to get his attention, and it would only make him hate me more.

I was leaving soon anyway, and I didn't want to argue with him again.

"I… I'm just here to watch Joseph at his sports day."

I looked at Catherine a little awkwardly, took Joseph's hand, and tried to leave quickly.

"Vivian, is your mate not here again?" she asked with sympathy.

Every time I came to the hospital, I was alone, which made me look pitiful.

Hearing this, David instinctively turned away.

I gave a polite smile, forcing a light tone. "My mate's been away from the pack for years. He's too busy to take care of me and Joseph."

David's head snapped toward me, clearly surprised by my answer.

He hadn't expected me to cover for him like that. As such, his eyes softened and were tinged with guilt.

He thought about all the years he'd been cold toward me and ignored Joseph. The guilt ate at him.

The scheming, manipulative she-wolf he once thought I was seemed to be gone now, worn down over the years of his deliberate distance.

He decided he'd make time to talk to me soon, thinking that if I could admit my mistakes and be kind and sincere instead of being so petty, he might even consider introducing me publicly as his Luna.

While I was lost in my own sorrow, Joseph squeezed my hand. "Even if Dad's not around, your love is enough for me, Mom. I won't bother him."

My eyes went wide at his words. He kept his head down, looking so sad.

David watched him with a smile of approval crossing his face. He only saw Joseph's thoughtfulness but didn't see the endless despair in his eyes.

He looked at me the same way, as if pleased I'd raised the pup to be so mature and sensible.

Guilt gnawed at him. He thought he shouldn't have treated Joseph like that earlier.

He was still just a pup, but what had he done? He had pushed away his son and pretended it didn't matter.

As we were about to leave, a wave of unease washed over him. He suddenly realized Joseph's eyes no longer held the heat and admiration they once did. It was only disappointment that remained.

A sharp pain struck David's chest, like he had lost something important.

It was as if his own pup didn't even know him anymore.

"Vivian, what's wrong with Joseph? Why would he suddenly say something like that?"

I didn't answer. I took Joseph back to the stands. He stayed quiet, and his spirits were low.

…

When it came time for the award ceremony, the teacher announced that Joseph had won first place in the hunting event and asked him to come onstage, but Joseph refused.

The kindergarten's rule was that the award had to be presented by the winner's father, and his father wasn't there. After the award, the father and the pup were supposed to take a picture together.

The whole thing was too cruel for Joseph to endure.

After all, David had never acknowledged him as his pup, and everyone at school knew his father lived up north and hadn't returned to the pack in years.

The truth was, his father had been sitting right there in the stands, watching another pup participating in sports activities.

…

When the event ended, I took Joseph and left. However, just as we reached the gates, we ran into David waiting there. He was pacing with a cigarette in hand, lost in thought, and holding an ice cream that was starting to melt.

When Joseph saw him, he didn't run into him like usual. He stood quietly to the side, as if looking at a stranger.

"You'd better eat this before it melts." David walked quickly toward him, handing him the ice cream, giving his head a gentle pat like he was trying to make peace.

Joseph looked at the hand, hesitated, and took the ice cream. The frown he'd worn all day finally eased.

Seeing that, David came over to me, looking uneasy.

"Vivian, Lucas wants to join the kids' werewolf hunting competition, but to qualify, he needs to have won in the preschool division. He didn't place in the top three, but Joseph just got first.

"From what I hear, Joseph doesn't plan to compete in the kids' division anyway. Could we let Lucas have his spot?"

The ice cream slipped from Joseph's hand and hit the ground.

He never imagined David had been waiting outside just to take his competition spot instead of apologizing and making amends.

Looking at David straight in the eye, Joseph said firmly, "David, if Lucas wants it, he can have it. I won't need it… ever."

David stared at him, sensing something in his tone. However, before he could ask, his phone rang.

It was Sophia.

"David, Lucas suddenly has a fever. We're in the infirmary…"

"Don't worry. Stay there. I'll be right over."

Before she could finish, David left me and Joseph standing there and headed straight for the parking lot.

…

As he drove past us, Joseph called out loudly, "Goodbye, Dad!"

David stopped the car abruptly. He looked at Joseph, and for a moment, I actually thought he might stay for our pup.

However, a second later, he started the car again, saying, "Go home early. I've got something to tell you guys."

Then, he drove off.

This time, when David heard Joseph call him "Dad", he didn't get angry. Maybe he already sensed that it would be the last time.

…

That night, Joseph and I went to the airport with just a few clothes. We left everything else behind.

As the plane prepared for takeoff, I sent David one final message. "This is the end for us. From now on, we'll never see each other again."