Chapter 1

I first learned about Emilia when she and Augustus had already been together for quite some time. Augustus kept her well-protected; even when he took her to gatherings and introduced her to his friends, I had neither seen a picture of her nor knew her name. If it weren’t for today, when he couldn’t resist her playful charm and appeared at the fashion show as an investor, I might have remained unaware forever.

At this moment, I stood at a distance, watching Augustus, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, as he gazed at the girl on the runway, a gentle smile in his eyes. Camera flashes popped as a reporter couldn’t help but ask, “Alpha Elliott, would you say you’re Emilia Tucker’s biggest fan?”

Augustus never looked away from her. “No, she’s my love.” It turns out, even someone as reserved as him would indulge a woman to this extent. I unconsciously fiddled with the plain wedding ring on my finger, suddenly feeling like everything was utterly meaningless.

***

Once the fashion show ended, the rain outside was pouring down. Augustus emerged from the venue, his broad frame commanding attention even in the dim light. When he saw me, he hesitated for a moment before asking, “Luna, why are you here?”

In fact, I had never mentioned to him that the fashion show he had invested in was based on my own designs. Although I had been a housewife during our nine-year mate bond, I was also a somewhat recognized fashion designer in the werewolf community. The organizers had specifically sent me an invitation for this event.

Emilia, a Delta from our pack, also exited the venue just then, dressed in a glamorous runway gown, her cheeks flushed, apparently from drinking quite a bit. She softly called, “Alpha.”

At the sound of her voice, Augustus immediately turned around and instinctively supported her arm, concern evident in his eyes. “How much have you had to drink?”

Emilia rested her head on Augustus’s shoulder, whining, “I had a few extra toasts with the organizers. They said they’d consider me for next season’s main show.”

Augustus quickly removed his jacket and gently draped it over Emilia, tenderly saying, “You don’t have to push yourself so hard. I have enough money to ensure you live comfortably for several lifetimes.”

A wave of coldness hit me, and I chuckled to myself. Back when Augustus’s pack was struggling financially, and the company desperately needed half a million dollars to survive, I sold my original fashion design sketches, which were eagerly sought after by numerous fashion brands. Without hesitation, I demanded that Augustus become a sponsor. The organizer, who had their own designer to promote, agreed to the deal with the condition that I couldn’t reveal myself as the true author of the design.

That season’s fashion show was a massive success. Augustus, as a sponsor, revived his struggling company and officially stepped into the fashion industry. With my help, he climbed to become a leading figure in the werewolf fashion world. Today, his reputation is well-established, but his success has never illuminated my life.

Emilia playfully tapped Augustus’s chest, teasing, “You know I’m not one to be babied.”

Augustus looked at her, his lips curling into a soft smile. Just then, the driver pulled the car up to the entrance and, seeing me, called out, “Luna...”

Emilia didn’t notice the driver was addressing me and thought Augustus was speaking to her. She smiled playfully, “Why are you being so mischievous? When did I agree to that?”

Augustus’s face turned red as he glanced at me, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. But ultimately, he led Emilia, reeking of alcohol, into the car.

In the rainy night, the black limousine gradually disappeared from my sight.

After the limousine drove off, a familiar voice sounded in my ear, “Was it worth it?”

I smiled and replied, “There’s no point in dwelling on what’s worth it or not. Life goes on. If something isn’t good for you, just let it go.”

“I heard... you have a new original design in your hands?”

I turned my head and met those bright, sparkling eyes, teasing, “Have you been spying on me, Prince?”