Chapter 5

LIANA

"Liana."

Vivian's voice finally pulled me out of my spiraling thoughts

I slowly turned towards her.

She was still standing in the same spot, her white dress fluttering gently in the morning breeze.

The sight of her made something inside of me twist.

"Why?"

Vivian tilted her head. "You really don't know?" She walked closer, voice lowered.

"I thought you would have learned your lesson after the six failed attempts."

My entire body froze.

For a moment, the only sound I could hear was the crackling of the fire.

"What?"

Vivian smiled. "Six attempts, Liana. Six times you went through IVF and failed, just like the pathetic failure you are."

The wound on my palm split open again as my fingers clenched together into fists.

Blood slowly trickled down my fingers.

"How do you know that?"

Vivian's smile widened, then she leaned closer and whispered in my ear. "Lucien told me."

My heart stopped. "What?"

"He told me everything."

No, Lucien wouldn't.

I had never told anyone about the IVF treatments.

Not even the members of the pack.

When people asked why I hadn't given the Alpha an heir, I smiled.

When they called me a barren omega behind my back, I pretended not to hear.

But Lucien knew, he had been there through every failed attempt.

And now, Vivian knew too.

"That isn't all," she continued. "Lucien also told me about your mother... And your pathetic Daddy issues."

My face turned pale. "Stop."

But she smiled maliciously and continued. "I heard Daddy always had his way with you. So disgusting." She rubbed the imaginary goosebumps on her arms.

"I can't believe Lucien could stomach all those nights he mates with you."

"Stop." I whimpered, my hands flying to my face to cover my ears.

"He also told me you went through abortions for your Daddy. That's why your womb is damaged and you can't have a baby easily."

I couldn't breathe, I felt like the world was caving in on me.

This was a secret I had guarded so closely to my heart. It took me time before I was finally able to tell Lucien about it.

Yet... He had leaked all this to Vivian.

Tears rolled down my cheeks as my gaze focused on the black SUV that was driving into the compound.

My heart gave a painful thud against my chest as Lucien stepped down from the car.

It raced as he walked towards us, a large pink box in his hands.

Vivian's face immediately brightened. "Luc!"

I watched as the expression on Lucien's face softened, he opened his arms and Vivian rushed into them.

"I thought you were still sleeping," Lucien said.

"I woke up and you were gone." Vivian had a pout on her lips.

"I went to get something for you." He lifted the box slightly. "I remembered you said you wanted this cake."

Vivian squealed softly. "Thank you!"

Lucien chuckled.

I couldn't remember the last time I had heard him laugh like this around me.

Then his eyes landed on me and the smile on his face disappeared. "Liana."

His gaze swept over the workers, the fire and then the destroyed apothecary.

I was expecting him to say something but he didn't, he just rubbed Vivian's hair softly.

"Now you can have that greenhouse that you've always wanted."

...

I didn't remember how I got back to my room.

But the moment I closed the door behind me, my legs gave out.

My phone lay on the bedside table and for a very long time, I stared at it.

Then I reached for it, my fingers hovering over a familiar number.

Karl Blackwood.

Without a second thought, my thumb pressed against the screen.

Immediately, the line connected.

I could hear his amused voice from the other side of the phone.

"Miss me already?"

I took a deep breath, fingers digging into the flesh of my knees. "Has everything been prepared? When can we meet."

I heard him hum softly. "Are you so impatient to see me? Trouble in paradise already?"

"Karl. This is not time for jokes."

He chuckled softly, then exhaled. "I will send you the location and date. Don't chicken out."

My fingers tightened around the phone. "I won't." Then I hung up.

A few minutes later, I heard a knock on the door.

"Liana." It was Lucien. "Open the door."

I didn't and a moment later, the door opened.

Lucien walked inside and my gaze immediately fell to the small velvet box in his hands.

"What is that?"

"Open it."

I didn't move, I just stared at him.

He sighed, then slowly, he opened the box.

There was a beautiful diamond ring inside.

My lips curled into a bitter smile. "What is this?"

"A new ring."

"And why would you think that I need a new ring?"

His expression darkened. "You threw away the other one."

My smile disappeared immediately. "Ohh you knew..." I looked at the ring. "I don't need a new ring from you "

"You're my mate, the ring signifies your status as mine." Lucien had a frown on his face.

I laughed softly. "I don't need it, give it to Vivian instead. She has a thing for rings and whatever that belongs to me."

"Don't start this again—"

At that moment, his phone rang, interrupting the extra words he was about to say.

Lucien glanced at the screen and from the way his expression softened, I knew who it was.

Vivian.

"You can go."

Lucien hesitated, putting the velvet box into his pocket. "I have to help her with her art exhibition."

"Then go."

Lucien stared at me for a few more seconds, then he turned around and left.

I waited until I heard his footsteps disappear before I locked the door.

Then I walked to the wardrobe, pulled it open and began packing my belongings.

Every single thing I had brought into this packhouse.

Since he wanted me gone so badly, I will satisfy his wish and disappear from his life.

Quietly and without a fuss.