Chapter 6

Zack had not set foot in the house for a week, yet his escapades with Nancy played out before my eyes daily. Their adventures to Golden Palm Springs, their ascent of snow-capped peaks, their shared moments under the Northwood auroras—all broadcasted for the world to see.

I watched, a silent spectator, then scrolled on. Those moments, once mine alone, were then shared with another Omega.

However, I had not wasted my days wallowing. The house was cluttered with the past, and it took days to sort and box up my life.

Once done, I sought refuge with my parents' pack, announcing my departure. They were shocked, to say the least.

"You're leaving? But you two are set to bond! And you're heading to the Northwood herbal research station? That's years of seclusion, years apart from him," my mother said, her hands gripping mine, eyes brimming with concern.

"Maggie, please reconsider. You've chased after him for years, and you've finally got him to commit to tying the knot... What if he backs out? What then? How will you handle the wedding?"

I got where they were coming from.

They had all witnessed my love for Zack. They had tried to talk me out of it before I convinced him to get engaged.

They said as long as Zack was in my life, I would never find my true self. I would be living in Zack's shadow.

They were upset that Zack had taken credit for my research.

Back then, I was so sure, promising that with time, I would win him over and let my own talents shine.

Now, I just said it quietly.

"This time, I'm the one calling off the wedding."

Silence fell over the room.

I did not bring up Nancy or the report confirming her pregnancy.

I simply said I wanted to head to Northwood to dive back into my herbal research and do something meaningful for our pack.

My parents exchanged a long look before Dad let out a sigh and gave my shoulder a reassuring pat.

"Just make sure it's what you want, no regrets."

Back at my place, I called my best friend Irene over to help pack up the mountains of boxes into the car my family had sent over.

After a few trips, the house was finally empty.

Leaning against the doorway, Irene was out of breath, her eyes distant.

"Remember how you cried tears of joy in my arms the night Zack said 'yes' to your proposal? You were ecstatic, thinking you'd finally be his Luna."

I just nodded, a quiet hum.

"And now? You're just going to throw away the engagement you worked so hard for?

"You've loved him for years. What in the world happened?"

Staring at the bare room, I suddenly felt the urge to spill everything.

I told her all about the past month.

Including Zack's decision to honor Nancy's request and father her child as a way to repay a favor.

Irene's reaction was immediate and fierce.

"Has Zack lost his mind? After everything you've done for him, he goes off to father a child with another Omega and expects you to be okay with it?!"

I shook my head, unable to hold back the tears.

"He claims Nancy saved his life, and he owes it to her to grant her dying wish."

Irene's eyes blazed with fury.

"However, you saved him too, in the silver mine! Remember how you risked your life to get that blood-stopping herb for him? Your hands were full of puncture wounds from those toxic thorns. How can he just forget that?"

I stayed silent.

Perhaps... he simply did not love me as much.

No big deal, though.

I was leaving this place, after all.