Lahat ng Kabanata ng No Fated To Follow, I Choose Myself: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 9

Julian got home close to midnight.I was in bed, pretending to be asleep. I heard him tiptoe onto the balcony."Elodie? Still awake?" His voice was so gentle it made me want to throw up.I had never, not once, heard him use that tone with me."I know you weren't feeling well today," he cooed into the phone. "I'll take you to the doctor tomorrow, okay?"I could hear Elodie's delicate sobs through the phone."Don't cry, baby. I'll be with you soon. My wolf aches for you..."I closed my eyes, a bitter smile on my face.I guess I've been sleeping too soundly. I've missed all his late-night confessions.At six the next morning, Julian was already up and rushing around.He was packing in a panic, avoiding my gaze."Vesper, I... I have to get to the lab early," he stammered.I sat up. "Okay."He froze, surprised by how calm I was.He pulled a file from the nightstand drawer and put it in front of me."These are the pack transfer forms," he said, clearing his throat. "You just need to drop the

"Yes," I nodded.A relieved breath escaped him, though a flicker of guilt still crossed his face. He reached for my hand."Vesper, you're always so understanding. I knew I could count on you."The second his fingers brushed my wrist, I pulled my hand back.Julian froze. "You...?"His phone buzzed with a string of new messages from Elodie."Julian, hurry! It really hurts!""I'm so scared by myself.""You promised you'd protect me."Julian glanced at his phone and started to panic."I have to go," he said, rushing to the bedroom. "Elodie can't handle this alone."Five minutes later, he came out with a suitcase."Vesper, I'll go to the new pack and get everything settled. You just come straight over when you're done packing.""Okay."Julian got to the door, then turned back. "Vesper, I love you. We'll be together again soon."I looked at him and said nothing.The door closed, and the apartment fell into a dead silence.I continued packing, my movements robotic and calm.The next morning,

Julian was speechless.All I could hear was his ragged breathing and Elodie sobbing in the background."Did you ever ask me what I wanted?" My voice was laced with ice. "Julian, did you ever ask if I wanted to give up my position as Head Healer at Silver Crest to be your cook?""I... I..." He stammered, unable to form a word."Did you ask if I wanted to leave my homeland and start over in a strange territory?" My tone grew colder. "Or am I just some possession to you? Something without a mind of its own?""Vesper, let me explain...""Don't bother explaining," I cut him off. "My mind is made up. I'm staying in Silver Crest. For good.""What?!""Check your email." I started toward the airport cafe. "I sent two files. The Bond-Severance Agreement. And the Asset Division. Sign them."I heard a heavy thud on his end."You... you want to sever our bond?" Julian's voice shook. "Vesper, we're fated mates! The Moon Goddess chose us! You can't just—""I can," I said coldly. "Our healers can seve

Julian's face fell instantly.His lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes darting away. He couldn't say a word."What's wrong? Can't answer?" I pressed. "Weren't you just swearing I was the only one in your heart?""I... I..." he stammered. "Vesper, you know... I've set everything up in Crimson Peak, and Elodie... she...""She can't live without you, right?" I sneered. "Julian, do you remember five years ago? When Elodie was trying to get that exchange spot at St. Rose Medical Academy? Did she give up that chance for you?"His face went even whiter."She knew it was my dream, but she didn't hesitate for a second," my voice was sharp as a blade. "And you? You lied to me, made me give up my chance to go abroad, all to make her dream come true.""That's... that's different..." he trembled."How is it different?" I stared him down. "Now I'm asking you to stay in Silver Crest. Why can't you do it?"He just gaped at me, speechless."She won't sacrifice her comfortable life for you. You won't