Chapter 2

When I got home, I hid the pregnancy test results I'd just received that morning in the deepest part of my closet.

Originally, I'd wanted to give Lucas a surprise.

But just like me, he also gave me a big surprise.

How wonderful.

At the end of our marriage, we finally had our first moment of being in sync.

I'd just closed the closet when I heard the sound of the door opening downstairs.

Genevieve walked in holding Lucas's hand, following him step by step, looking more like the mistress of the house than I ever did.

Seeing me, Lucas raised his eyebrows and said casually:

"Genevieve doesn't have anywhere to stay since she came back to the country, so she'll be staying at our place for the next few days."

"Okay."

I nodded, not questioning why, with all the properties under his name, he couldn't find a place to settle Genevieve.

If I asked, I'd only look more like a joke.

With that thought, I spoke softly:

"Do you need me to move out? To save you the trouble."

Lucas frowned, as if dissatisfied with my reaction, a trace of displeasure coloring his eyes:

"No need. Just give up the master bedroom."

"Okay."

Without hesitation, I turned cleanly and went back to my room to pack my things and move to the guest room.

As we passed each other, Genevieve deliberately raised her voice:

"Lucas, I'm a germaphobe. Remember to have Agnes clean all the garbage out of the bedroom later."

My steps halted. I instinctively looked at Lucas.

I didn't believe he couldn't hear what Genevieve was implying.

Of course Lucas understood, but he didn't care:

"It's too late today. I'll take you to a hotel for tonight, and you can move back tomorrow after it's cleaned."

Genevieve laughed delightedly as she threw herself into the man's arms, her eyes sweeping over me seemingly carelessly, with a victor's smile:

"Okay, but you have to stay with me. Otherwise I'll be scared."

Lucas didn't hesitate and took her downstairs and left.

Leaving only me, holding a pile of hastily packed belongings, looking exactly like a clown.

By the time I finished reviewing the divorce agreement, it was already eleven at night. Outside the window, heavy rain began to fall.

Genevieve's social media had just updated.

A photo of her on the hotel's king-size bed.

She was lying in Lucas's arms.

Caption: [I'm scared to be alone, thank goodness you're here with me.]

I used to have that kind of "rescue" too.

Three years ago.

Back then, I still couldn't complete my shift and became the plaything of a few spoiled brats.

They surrounded me, pushed me into a champagne tower, imitated my clumsy movements, their laughter piercing.

"Can't even shift into your own wolf—is this even a werewolf?"

"Must be some kind of defective product, right?"

The humiliation was like cold needles, stabbing into every inch of my skin. I had nowhere to hide. I wished I could just disappear.

Then Lucas appeared.

The Alpha's oppressive presence made those who had been so arrogant just moments before instantly fall silent, their faces pale as they backed away.

He took off his suit jacket and wrapped it around my trembling shoulders.

Then he carried me away from that place that made me angry and embarrassed.

His beta brought me brand new clothes.

"Thank you, Alpha." I kept my head down, my voice still trembling.

He looked at me, and then he made the proposal that would change my life:

"I need a companion. You know, the pack always needs a Luna. But I won't mark you. In exchange, I'll give you money."

He spoke calmly and cruelly, like he was discussing a business deal.

But to the desperate me at that time, the proposal itself was like a light splitting through the darkness.

I agreed.

From then on, I carefully handled everything for him from behind.

On our first wedding anniversary, he got drunk and took me to bed.

Then when he sobered up, he personally put that necklace on me.

I thought he was finally starting to love me.

But we slept together many times, and he still wasn't willing to mark me.

I should have known—he wasn't willing to acknowledge my status.

Holding back the urge to cry, I liked that post.

Then I put my phone on the table and closed my eyes to sleep.

Ten minutes later, the phone screen lit up with a pinned message:

[Still awake?]