Chapter 3

Lucas had just left, and I could still feel the emptiness he left in his wake. The weight of my mother's death pressed down on me, suffocating every breath I took. The numbness in my chest seemed permanent, like I was trapped in a haze of grief and betrayal. Without thinking, my feet carried me to the bridal shop, the familiar scent of lace and satin clinging to the air. I had been here so many times before, always alone, never once with him.

I had never imagined I'd be here today, especially not like this.

They were all gathered around Marceline, their voices filled with admiration. "Wow, Miss Williams, you look absolutely stunning. No wonder the Alpha is so captivated by you! I heard this dress was flown in on a private jet from Europe, specially ordered by him. I've never seen such devotion!"

"Of course, Miss Williams is the center of the Alpha's world! I heard they've been together since the academy, and he pursued her for six whole years!"

"Congratulations in advance to Miss Williams and the Alpha! We'll make sure you shine on your marking ceremony day!"

The words stung like acid, and my stomach churned. But it wasn't Marceline's beauty or the praise she received that hurt. No, it was the hollow truth I was now forced to face: Lucas had never once given me this kind of attention. Not when I needed him, not when my mother was dying.

Marceline said nothing, simply smiling blissfully at her reflection. Lucas stood beside her, his eyes filled with an adoration I had never seen directed at me. He took out a small, elegant box from his bag, opened it, and gently placed a sparkling necklace around Marceline's neck.

A chorus of awe filled the room.

Finally, someone noticed me. One of the attendants walked over, eyes glancing nervously between me and the newly-formed scene. "Ma'am, are you here to pick up a dress?"

It was only then that Lucas spotted me in the mirror. His face fell into a momentary flicker of anxiety before he quickly moved toward me, lowering his voice. "Evangeline? What are you doing here?"

I froze. The lie was so easy, it slipped out of my mouth without hesitation. "Don't misunderstand. I was just in the area and thought I'd take a look. I happened to see Marceline and offered to help her with the dress selection. She's preparing for her marking ceremony soon, that's all..."

Marceline walked over, still smiling, and greeted me warmly, "Evangeline, it's been a while." she greeted, and I forced myself to smile back.

"I heard about your mother's death. I'm sorry for your loss."

Her words hit me like a hammer, but I bit back the pain. There was no room for it anymore.

"It's nothing," I said, the words cold even to my own ears. "I was just passing by and decided to stop in."

Marceline smiled again, oblivious to the storm raging inside me. "You don't need to explain anything to me. Since you're busy, I'll be on my way."

With that, I turned and left the shop. Lucas followed me out, trying to explain himself.

"Please, don't read too much into it," he said, his voice low, defensive. "I just happened to run into her, really. There's nothing more to it."

Watching his nervous demeanor, I couldn't help but feel the irony. He had waited six years for this marking ceremony. To win Marceline over, he hadn't even hesitated to endanger my mother's life as leverage. Now that his wish was coming true, he was pretending everything was normal. Who was he trying to fool?

I didn't look at him as I spoke, my voice icy. "Don't worry, I'm not that unreasonable. We were packmates, after all—it's only right to help out."

"Go back to your work. I'll be waiting at the pack house."

Upon hearing this, Lucas visibly relaxed. He even called a car for me, personally ensuring I got back safely.

On the way, my phone buzzed—an offer letter from the overseas branch had come through.

Once home, I gathered all the gifts Lucas had given me over the years, packing them into a box. Then I carried it downstairs and set it ablaze, watching until everything burned to ashes. The flickering flames mirrored the fire in my chest, a mix of anger, betrayal, and resolve.

My wolf stirred within me, a low growl of agreement. It's time,* she said. *Let's leave this behind.

And for the first time in years, I felt a flicker of hope. I would leave the Mendoza Pack, leave Lucas, and start anew. He could have his perfect Luna in Marceline. I was done playing his pawn.