Chapter 3

I didn't reply to him.

Instead, I booked flight tickets for my parents and me, heading abroad in three days.

It had been way too long since our last family trip. And with some free time on my hands, I figured we deserved a proper getaway.

My parents were totally on board; they were ready to go wherever I wanted.

But I never expected that Lila would call me that night.

"Serena," she said. "Where does Alpha keep his Moongrass Ointment? I'm heading to the pack party with him and really need it to settle my pheromones, but I've torn the place apart and can't find it anywhere."

My heart turned to ice.

Lucas was a total neat freak. He didn't let anyone into his house, not even his best friends.

Yet, Lila was always the exception. He'd lower himself to comfort her, let her into his place. And now he was taking her to the party.

The text Lucas had sent earlier that afternoon felt like a total joke.

"If you're looking for something, ask him," I said, my voice ice-cold. "He knows where everything is."

"Alpha is busy recording a new lullaby for me, so I shouldn't bother him," she replied. "Look, if you don't know, it's fine. I'll ask him later. Sorry for the trouble." Her "apology" sounded more like a victory lap.

Then, she added, "Oh, and Alpha put me in charge of the wedding planning. If you have any ideas, let me know. But don't call at night, okay? I'm a light sleeper and I don't want to disturb Alpha."

Clearly, she hinted there was something going on between them. I gripped my phone, forcing a stiff smile. "Whatever you want is fine with me."

With that, I hung up. The screen flickered back to my lock screen.

My phone, my laptop, my tablet and every single device had the same wallpaper: a shot of Lucas at his coming-of-age ceremony, mingling effortlessly.

It was the only time I'd ever toasted him and he didn't turn me down. He'd smiled, "You look beautiful today."

I finally let go, wiped every trace of him from my devices and replaced the wallpapers with photos of myself. No more pining for Lucas. From now on, I only loved myself.

*****

The night before the wedding, Lucas messaged me again: [Be on time for the wedding tomorrow. Don't be late.]

He hated people who were late. And he hated being stood up even more.

I remembered the time I got sick and missed our country trip. He'd unfriended me without a word and shut me out for an entire month.

I'd spent that whole time begging for his attention and making him add me back as a friend.

He'd told me, "I don't like people who stand me up, Serena. You're no exception."

Thinking back to how I shamelessly chased after him, begging for his attention, I couldn't help but let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh.

Once again, I left him on read.

*****

Not long after, a grand fireworks display started blowing up everyone's social media feeds. The words "Happy Birthday, Lila!" lit up the night sky.

Looking at the name, I felt a sharp pang in my chest and scrolled through the comments.

[Is this some Alpha throwing a birthday party for his little sweetheart?]

[Don't let the fireworks fool you. This is actually a heartbreak story.]

[The guy is getting married to his childhood friend tomorrow in an arranged marriage.]

[He's marrying the girl he's forced to be with, and saving all the romance for the one he actually loves?]

My eyes stung. This netizen was dead right. All Lucas ever gave me was a marriage, but for Lila, he reserved the kind of love I'd chased my whole life.

There was one thing the netizens got wrong. Our marriage wasn't arranged by our parents. Every step, from the dates to the proposal and to the wedding, was always his choice.

*****

The next day, it was the wedding day.

Lucas had been glued to his phone ever since he woke up.

Every message he sent hit a wall of silence and he felt somehow uneasy.

As he was about to call me, a friend patted him on the shoulder.

"Really? You look stressed, man," the guy. "Relax. Serena's obsessed with you. This is her big day. If anyone's losing it, it's her, rather than you."

Lucas finally calmed down again.

Time ticked by, and the ceremony started.

Lucas stood there with his usual icy expression, showing zero nerves or happiness.

But then, the pack elder announced the bride and Lila stepped into view in a white gown.

Lucas's expression slowly shifted from calm to utter shock. "Lila? What are you doing here? Where's Serena?"