Chapter 2

The next morning, Serena came to my apartment.

Pale face. Red-rimmed eyes.

"Elara, please don't be angry with Dominic. This is all my fault."

Same performance as always.

I ignored her, focused on my medical textbook.

"I know you don't like me," her voice cracked, "but my brother died saving Dominic. It's only natural he'd want to help me..."

"So I have to help too?" I cut her off.

She froze.

"I... I didn't mean that. I just hope you can understand him."

"I understand perfectly." My tone was flat. "That's why I'm stepping aside."

Serena's face went white.

The door opened. Dominic walked in carrying takeout bags from an expensive restaurant.

He saw Serena's tears and immediately set the bags down, striding over.

"What happened?" He glared at me.

"Dominic," Serena grabbed his arm, "it's not Elara's fault. I just... thought about my brother."

His expression softened. He patted her hand.

"Don't think about it. I'm here for you now."

He held up the takeout. "I got your favorite. You need to eat."

"I can't," Serena glanced at me. "You got this for Elara, didn't you?"

"She can get her own food. You need this more." No room for discussion in his voice.

I watched them. Thirty years of this act in my previous life.

"I don't need it," I said.

Dominic frowned. "Elara, are you done with this attitude?"

"No."

I stood and walked over to him. "Dominic, let's break the engagement."

Silence filled the room.

Serena stared at me, shocked.

Dominic's face darkened. "What did you just say?"

"I said, let's break the engagement." I repeated clearly. "You care about her so much—why not make her your Luna instead?"

"Smack!"

The slap landed hard across my face.

Burning pain.

"Elara, say that again!" Fury blazed in his eyes.

I touched my stinging cheek and smiled. "Make her your Luna."

He raised his hand again.

"Stop!"

Grandma rushed from the kitchen, her cane tapping sharply as she stepped between us.

"Dominic Gray, how dare you hit her!"

"Mrs. Rose, stay out of this!" His eyes were wild. "She's lost her mind!"

"I'm perfectly clear." I stepped out from behind Grandma. "Dominic, this engagement is over."

I turned and walked to my bedroom, locking the door behind me.

Outside, Dominic's shouts mixed with Grandma's pleading.

I leaned against the door, my whole body shaking.

That slap woke me up completely.