LILIAN'S POV

I had barely slammed the door behind me when Mabel’s voice cracked through my phone. She had that overly dramatic tone, as if the world were moments from falling apart.

“Liliana, just come back! Pop a pill, drink some orange juice, I don’t care, get your butt over here. This night is tragic without you.”

I could imagine the helpless expression she had on and I forced a hollow smile. Letting out a tired sigh, I dropped my multiple bags to the floor, tugging my hair out of the messy bun.

"Bel, we both know I can’t be there. You want me to be the mysterious guest who infects everyone?” Before she could protest, I let out a loud strained cough. Maybe it was deliberate but who cares?

“Oh no,” she groaned. “Don’t you dare cough at me through the phone. That’s evil. You’re spreading it digitally now?”

I laughed, resisting the urge to roll my eyes at how dramatic she could be. “Tell the girls I love them. I’m staying home. Feeling sorry for myself.”

Their cheers faded, and I ended the call suddenly noticing how quiet the house was. Taryn wasn't supposed to be home for another four hours. I had barely taken a step when I got hit with another wave of nausea.

My hands found my tummy, and I paused as a thought slid through. "'Could it be?" I whispered, lowering my gaze to stare at my flat tummy. Maybe I was pregnant.

I tried not to think too much of it, but still excitement flooded in, and I pressed a hand to my stomach, imagining what it would mean if my instincts were right.

Just then my eyes landed on Taryn’s shoes at the bottom of the stairs. He was not supposed to be home this early.

I looked around trying to find any hint that he was actually home. Something creaked from upstairs and I looked up expecting him to come down any minute.

“Babe?” I called softly. “Honey?” And almost immediately the shower upstairs turned on. My pulse jumped, and I increased my pace, a playful thought coming to mind.

Biting my lips to prevent them from spreading into a wide grin, I crept upstairs.

Too blind by excitement as I wondered what his reaction would be like when I told him the news, my ears picked up on a voice way too foreign to be mistaken.

I froze, every instinct screaming. Nayla, my wolf whimpered inside my head. “You didn’t hear that, right?” she asked, obviously tense.

I gripped the railing, my knuckles turning white, and edged toward the bedroom. Just then another moan tore through my senses, and I silently prayed for a reasonable excuse.

The door was wide open and a breath left my lips as I stared at what used to be our room. Clothes were scattered across the floor. Her clothes. Corset top, leather pants, tossed carelessly.

My brows drew close and I turned to the side, my heart stopping as I stared at the bathroom. A lady, whose identity I couldn't place, was bent over, hand braced against the wall, all while he hammered into her.

Everything inside me shattered and a sob ripped through my throat so hard it physically hurt. My knees threatened to buckle, so I grabbed the doorknob, in an attempt to steady myself. This could not be happening.

My chest ached as every second passed, as I watched them moan out their wet body pressed against each other. My heart ached and I found myself pressing my hand hard against it.

A sob crawled out of my lips again, this time louder than I had expected and they both paused. Slowly, the lady turned, and I immediately recognized her as Emily, his assistant.

Her eyes widened as they locked on mine and Noah finally paused. He turned to me, and I watched his face pale like he had just seen a ghost.

My fingers tightened around the knob like a lifeline as I watched my husband rush towards me while he draped a towel around his waist.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked in an irritated manner that left me shocked. Why the hell was he acting like I was the one who had just done something bad?

Rage filled every inch of me, and before I could stop myself, I slapped him across the face.

The sound echoed across the room and before I could think, his hand was wrapped around mine, dragging me away.

"We are going to talk about this later and no one is to know anything about what you just saw," He barked at me, his grip tightening so hard I knew it was going to leave a bruise.

He pushed me away from him, and I felt my body boil with rage. "How dare you act like any of this is my fault. Fuck you." I yelled, throwing my diamond ring at him.

Taryn stepped closer, brushing my hand in a move meant to intimidate. I flinched, stomach twisting violently. “Don—" I didn't even have time to talk when he wrapped his hand tight around my neck.

My breathing seized, and I froze, thinking of what could happen if I annoyed him any more. "You're mine and you'll act accordingly." He ordered, adding more pressure to my neck.

"My brother would be expecting us. So I expect you to dress your best." His hands left my neck and I pulled myself away to prepare, my face stinging from his slap.

Upstairs, my hands shook violently as I curled my hair. Strands slipped from the iron in my unsteady grip. The silver gown he had bought lay folded on the bed, cruelly perfect.

Trying my best not to shed a tear, I pulled out my phone, ringing Justin, an old friend from my college.

"Get the papers ready," I muttered, ending the call before he had the opportunity to ask any more questions.

I’d sign them tonight. Drop them on Taryn’s desk tomorrow. I didn’t want a scene. I just wanted out. Nayla whimpered in my head probably mourning our marriage and I ignored her, getting dressed.

The gown brushed my skin making my stomach twist as I imagined walking alongside him—like nothing happened.

When I stepped out, Taryn’s face lit with smug satisfaction, his mistress nowhere to be seen. "You look so beautiful. Absolutely perfect," he said, trying to kiss me but I pulled away. There was no way in hell I was going to let him do that.

I smiled tightly, fury boiling beneath my skin as he took my hand, leading me towards the overly expensive car.

The car ride to the ball was suffocating and the party even worse. Taryn never spared the opportunity to flaunt money and his power in the pack.

My skin pricked everything he touched me and,d just when it felt like I couldn't take it anymore, my phone buzzed stealing my attention.

Jumping at the excuse, I slipped away hiding in the study. My body finally exhaled the tension I had been holding all night.

“Justin?” I whispered again. “Are the papers ready?”

“They’re ready. You can sign them tonight,” he said firmly. My shoulders dropped with relief but that barely lasted as the door creaked open.

“Who are you talking to?” Taryn’s voice was calm but dangerous. My wolf whimpered in fear.