Chapter 3
Early morning light was just starting to peek through when Alpha Lucien stood at my door with a thermos, his towering frame casting a shadow over the threshold. "Emilia, I'm heading overseas next week. This Saturday, I'll have dinner with your parents to talk about our wedding..."
Before he could finish, I interrupted, my tone firm but respectful, "There's no need."
He looked surprised, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?"
With a practiced smile, I lied easily, "They're traveling and won't be back for a while."
He looked at me like he wanted to say more, but just then his phone rang, and he quickly closed the door, leaving me in the quiet of the early morning.
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Friday, my last day at work.
As soon as I stepped outside the office, Alpha Lucien pulled me into his car, his grip firm but not unkind. The scent of his Alpha aura, a mix of pine and something distinctly commanding, filled the space around us. In a fancy restaurant, he sliced a steak for me, his movements precise and controlled. "What wine would you like?" he asked, his deep voice smooth but distant.
I absently scrolled through my phone, replying indifferently, "You choose."
My indifference cast a shadow over his sharp, handsome features. "Who are you texting?"
"No one," I replied.
Despite my answer, he snatched my phone. He looked through it before asking, "When did you change your screen wallpaper?"
It had been a photo of us for years, but now it was a picture of Buddy, my parents' dog.
I didn’t bother explaining and just got up to go to the restroom. When I came back, Alpha Lucien was gone.
Suddenly, the lights in the restaurant dimmed. A waiter pushed a cart with flowers and a cake to the next table, and my phone lit up with a birthday message from my mobile carrier.
Leaving the restaurant, I heard a familiar, sweet voice: "Oh, Alpha Lucien, you're so strong! Push me higher!"
It was Juniper, his Beta, sitting on a swing outside, giggling as Alpha Lucien pushed her. She fell into his arms, and they shared a look before noticing me.
Alpha Lucien’s face showed displeasure, as he gazed at me with a flat expression.
"Emilia, this swing is amazing! Come join us..." Juniper’s face flushed with embarrassment as she let her hands fall from around his shoulders.
"Emilia, don’t get it wrong. Alpha Lucien was just catching me from falling..."
Alpha Lucien affectionately tousled Juniper's hair, looking at her warmly. "No need to explain, I'm just glad you’re okay."
After reassuring Juniper, his eyes turned cold as he looked at me. "Have you finished eating?"
I ignored him and headed to the nearby Ferris wheel.
They say if you make a wish on a Ferris wheel on your birthday, it will come true. As I walked away, I noticed Juniper’s mocking glance as she quickly pulled Alpha Lucien to follow. "Wow, a Ferris wheel! Alpha Lucien, let’s go on it too..."
When the staff announced there were only two seats left, Alpha Lucien didn’t even glance at me, leading Juniper to take them.
Twenty minutes later, after they were off the ride, Alpha Lucien searched the mall but couldn’t find me.
It was eight in the evening.
I packed my bags, left the bedroom, and placed a note that simply said "Breakup" under the key. Without looking back, I left.