Chapter 3

With the Full Moon Festival looming, Nom had taken charge of all the preparations for the Silver Wolf Pack.

I trailed behind him on the street, my mind replaying the whispers I had overheard that morning.

Distracted, I did not see him stop and crashed right into his back.

Rubbing my sore head, I looked up to see a woman in a flashy dress standing smack in the middle of the road.

"Morning, Nom!" she chirped.

"I must be seeing things, but I could've sworn I saw Aeliana getting cozy with the pack's doorman earlier today. I only caught a glimpse from behind, but she was wearing the same outfit Aeliana has on right now. Then again, maybe my eyes were playing tricks on me."

I used to ignore Sarah's chatter, but that day, I could not help but smirk at the absurdity of it all.

Her attempts to stir up trouble were so amateurish, but she kept at it because Nom always took the bait.

Whenever I spoke to another guy, Nom would clamp down on my freedom, keeping me like his personal pet bird, meant for his eyes only.

Sure enough, when I got home, Nom laid down the law—no more going out for me.

That was, until the Full Moon Festival rolled around.

The Silver Wolf Pack tradition demanded that both Alpha heir couples show up, so Nom had no choice but to get me all dolled up and bring me to the ceremony.

On the outskirts of the event, I caught sight of my old Pack members, their faces lit up with joy, showering me with well-wishes and envious glances.

I did not get the chance to spill the beans about Sarah being my father's killer before my mother-in-law was on me, hissing a warning in my ear.

"Aeliana, this ceremony is a big deal. It's all about whether our Packs can play nice in the future. Mess this up, and you'll regret it."

Seeing that I was not reacting, she lost her patience. She yanked my hair and pulled me forward as she barked, "Over here!"

That little show did not go unnoticed by my old pack. Some looked away out of some unspoken agreement, while others could not resist gossiping.

"With her attitude, Aeliana should be grateful for this marriage. How can she not get that?"

"Seriously, she's courting disaster..."

I took in their every word, my gaze numbly drifting to the fancy stage and Nom, who was making his way toward me.

I just stood there as my mother-in-law gripped my arm, dragging me to my spot. After a few more stern warnings, she finally backed off.

As Nom got closer, I could not help but feel a glimmer of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, my partner would be there to comfort me in my time of need, like he used to.

However, as Sarah stepped onto the stage, catching my hopeful gaze, she flashed a mysterious smile, her high heels suddenly skidding on the smooth floor without any sign.

In mere seconds, Nom swept in to catch Sarah from her fall, their bodies pressing together in a pose that was more than a little suggestive.

From where I stood, they could have been mistaken for a couple stealing a kiss.

Sarah, her cheek against Nom's solid shoulder, looked like she had just had the scare of her life.

Out of everyone's sight, she shot me a smug grin, as if she was claiming victory.

Right then, my long-held guard crumbled like a house of cards.

The bouquet, once a symbol of joy and perfection, crashed to the ground.

I watched them, a bitter laugh escaping me, as the man knelt to gather the scattered flowers.

As I accepted the wilted blooms, I could not help but think, 'What a joke, him playing the devoted lover.'