Chapter 3

Owen came back after a few days, but instead of heading to the mansion, he hurried to the pack doctor's place when he heard I was there.

His expression was anxious and concerned as he grasped my hands and inquired, "Darling, why are you bedridden? What's wrong? You mustn't fall ill as it could affect our child."

I pulled my hands away and sat up, averting my eyes. "It's nothing serious, just a bit worn out from my recent responsibilities," I answered. It was ironic how he was unaware that I was here due to his unfaithfulness, and still oblivious to my lost pregnancy.

For a brief period, an awkward silence enveloped us, creating a barrier between us and the truth I couldn't—or wouldn't—bring myself to disclose. I sensed his remorse through our matebond, but not entirely, as he appeared to be improving at blocking me out.

Eventually, he sat next to me and softly held my hand. This time, he maintained his grip, as if attempting to convey his regret and desire to make amends. "I know I haven't been present enough or caring for you properly. But I vow to compensate for the time lost and be the mate you merit," he murmured, kissing my hand. "Once you and the baby have fully recuperated, I want us to commemorate your birthday together. How does that sound?"

I looked at him. His enthusiasm didn't match my own feelings. Yet somehow, I replied, "That sounds wonderful. I'd like that."

"Great!" His smile broadened, as if he felt he had averted a potential crisis.

On my birthday, he took me to a restaurant in the city owned by a pack member from our community. He continuously shared stories about the packs he'd supposedly visited recently, as if trying to divert my attention from my own thoughts. However, I knew these tales were fabricated. He hadn't actually been to those packs. I had confirmed this by calling those packs and inquiring about him. They informed me that Owen hadn't visited in a long time.

Such a blatant liar!

"...and guess what?" he continued. "Alpha Rick mentioned he wants us to visit when our pup—"

The ringing of his phone interrupted him, and Owen glanced at the screen with reluctance. "Apologies, I need to take this," he said before excusing himself hastily, rushing to the restroom without another word. A few minutes later, he returned; his face appeared pale and troubled.

I inhaled deeply and closed my eyes, anticipating him to share the news—or rather, another excuse.

"Alpha Rick... he's been assaulted," Owen finally uttered, placing his cold hand on my bare shoulder. "He's requesting our assistance, Aleli. I must go and help him and—"

"Go," I interrupted, forking a piece of cake and putting it in my mouth.

He seemed surprised by my indifferent response. He said, "Honey, please don't be upset about me leaving you alone."

"I understand, Owen. We need to support them as they're our friends, and we can't abandon them when they're in need." I simply nodded.

He sighed with relief as he shoved the phone back into his pocket and stood up from the table. "Thank you for being understanding, honey. Don't worry, I'll arrange a grander celebration back at the pack when we return victorious."

I watched him sprint out the door, my eyes slightly moist with unshed tears. "Keep on deceiving, Owen," I whispered to myself. "You'll regret all of this, and even your apology won't suffice to make amends."

I recalled when we were seven, he was always the first to greet me, even climbing through my window before midnight to be the first to wish me a happy birthday and celebrate with me. He did this every year as if it were a sacred tradition. Because of that, my naive heart fell for him, believing his actions were genuine and sincere. But now, I realize that no one could love me unconditionally except myself.

That night, Owen unexpectedly returned with gifts, and no sign of a bloody battle could be seen on his pristine white shirt.

I examined those items when he was asleep, and my heart felt stabbed again as I saw the notes attached to each gift. [Happy birthday, Amber]

My initial impulse was to destroy those gifts, but I decided to keep them along with the photos and videos I had gathered over the past few weeks.

An idea occurred to me. What if I catch him in the act so he can't deny his infidelity any longer?

With that in mind, I followed him to his preferred bar one night later. It was an establishment frequented mostly by shifters.

As I entered the dimly lit venue, I first noticed his old high school friends seated in a large U-shaped booth in the corner. And on a loveseat, I saw him getting cozy with a woman who was clearly not me. Blonde, curvaceous, and laughing at something he said.

"Amber." My fists clenched at my sides as I observed them together, my heart sinking. Owen's hands explored her body as they kissed passionately, seemingly oblivious to anyone else around them.

I suddenly remembered the first time they announced they were mates when we were eighteen. The pain I had felt then came rushing back, fresh and raw. Only now it was even worse, witnessing it unfold before my eyes.

They only stopped when someone faked a cough, saying, "Come on, Alpha. Why don't you mark Amber again? After all, she's divorced and available."

"Yeah, that's right," one woman said with a smirk. "It's been a while since we've had a proper wedding. Plus, you need a Luna to manage your pack, Alpha."

Owen chuckled as if he found the whole situation amusing, while Amber wrapped her arms around his neck, gazing at his face adoringly. "You know I'm always here for you, Alpha."

"Then what are you two waiting for? Let's make it official!" A tipsy man chimed in, raising his glass in a toast. "To Alpha Owen and Luna Amber, may your bond be as enduring as the moonlight," he declared, prompting cheers and applause.

"Mark her, mark her, mark her!" they began chanting, drawing the attention of other patrons in the bar who joined in the celebration.

"Well, I—" Owen froze when he turned to my spot at the bar, where I had been watching the scene with revulsion. He stood up, slipping Amber's hand from his grasp. "A-Aleli? What are you doing here?"