Chapter 6

That night, Leo tried to approach me as usual, as if nothing had changed.

But the moment he reached out, I instinctively pulled away.

Ever since learning the truth, his scent mixed with Grace's only made me nauseous.

I closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

Just then, I noticed Leo's body suddenly tense. Grace was contacting him through the mind-link.

I didn't know what Grace said through the mind-link, but Leo bolted upright in bed.

"I'm coming right now. Don't move, don't panic."

He whispered reassurances, and seeing I was asleep, hastily dressed and left the room.

Some force compelled me to follow.

I silently trailed behind him, finally stopping at the nursery door. The room I'd once decorated with such anticipation for my child.

Grace was half-reclined against the crib, her nightgown clinging to her swollen belly.

Leo rushed over and pulled her into his arms.

"The pup's kicking so hard," she said softly. "It's like he really misses you."

"I'm here now,"

Leo murmured, his voice tender.

"It's okay, I'm with you."

Grace looked up, false tears brimming in her eyes. "I know I shouldn't be selfish... you haven't been with Amelia in so long. But..."

Leo stroked her hair.

"Don't worry about Amelia. She's already asleep."

"But if Amelia wakes up and finds you in the nursery with me..."

"You're carrying the pup. You're what matters most."

He said firmly.

I stood there, listening to him coax Grace in that gentle tone.

Grace wrapped her arms around Leo's neck, kissing him with urgent desire, pulling him closer.

"We can be careful. It won't hurt the pup." He murmured against her lips.

In an instant, they were lost in each other's passion in that room I'd so carefully prepared.

This was what he looked like when he truly loved someone.

I stood outside the door, feeling my wolf roaring with fury at this ultimate betrayal, desperate to burst in and tear them apart.

"Quiet," I soothed my wolf softly. "They're not worth it."

I numbly turned and walked back to the guest room.

The mate severance agreement lay quietly on the bed, Leo's scrawled signature at the bottom.

He thought he was so clever, thinking this was me surrendering to him.

He never imagined that by signing his name, he'd set me free.

I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the photo on the table.

I picked up the frame and smashed it against the wall.

The glass shattered into countless pieces.

I didn't sleep that night.

Watching the time tick by, second by second.

When dawn came, I would leave completely.

He didn't know yet what price he would pay.