Chapter 3

In our three years of marriage, he never allowed me to call him during work hours.

Once, when I had severe abdominal pain during my early pregnancy, I called him in a panic.

He blew up at me, calling me immature and accusing me of ruining a major business merger.

I felt incredibly hurt, but I forced myself to be understanding because of his heavy responsibilities.

Now I realized it wasn't about the business.

It was just me. I was never the one who mattered.

I let out a bitter laugh and closed the phone.

I dialed the private number of Chloe, my best friend and the chief physician of the Goldvein Pack.

"Chloe, arrange a procedure for me. I want to terminate the pregnancy in three days."

Three days. That was enough time to say goodbye to this lie.

I set a countdown timer on my phone as a silent reminder.

Returning to the bedroom, I stared at Kian's handsome face as he slept peacefully.

The cruel truth replayed in my mind like a horror movie.

Tears soaked my pillow. I didn't sleep a wink.

The next morning, I sat at the dining table, waiting for him.

He came downstairs with his usual warm smile. "Why are you up so early, babe? Pregnant women need their sleep."

I smiled and said nothing.

Just then, my phone buzzed.

He caught a glimpse of the word "Doctor" on the lock screen and frowned.

"A message from the clinic? Is something wrong with the baby?"

I turned off the screen and acted natural.

"Nothing. Just spam. Data leaks are getting out of hand these days."

"Didn't you say the mining investors are coming today? Hurry up and eat so you won't be late."

He wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. "I must have saved a kingdom in my past life to end up with a wife as perfect as you."

I forced a smile that didn't reach my eyes.

"Wait until our anniversary, babe. I have a huge surprise for you."

"Great. I can't wait."

He really went all out just to make sure I delivered his and Serena's baby.

But this marriage of lies was about to end.

As soon as Kian left, I drove straight to the Pack Elders' Council.

The Elder in charge of marital contracts stood up immediately to greet me.

When I told him I wanted to dissolve the marriage, his jaw dropped. He kept asking for the reason, asking how much territory and assets I wanted to claim in the divorce.

"I don't want a single dime," I said calmly. "Just sign the papers. Effective immediately."

Under the Elder's shocked gaze, I took the printed divorce agreement and left.

On my way back, I stopped by Kian's office building.

Before I even reached the entrance, I heard the receptionists gossiping in the lobby.

"Is that girl really the Alpha's first love? She's stunning. Better looking than most influencers."

"You have no idea. All the limited-edition jewelry and furs our pack imports are named after her. Last month, she casually mentioned she liked that million-dollar moonstone necklace, and the Alpha bought it at the auction without blinking."

"No wonder we keep renewing our unprofitable partnership with the Bramblefall Pack. It's just so the Alpha can see his dream girl more often."

I didn't stop. I walked straight up to the penthouse suite.

The office door wasn't fully closed. The muffled, heavy breathing coming from inside made me freeze.

Peering through the gap, what I saw made my stomach heave.

Clothes were scattered all over the floor. Serena was sitting on Kian's mahogany desk, her pale legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

"Kian, you're the only one who truly cares about me. You knew carrying a baby would ruin my body, so you made Lyra do it for me. If I had to rely on Caleb, I don't know how I'd survive."

Her voice was dripping with sweet triumph.

Kian kissed her neck, gasping, "Does Caleb treat you well? Has he been hurting you?"

"Oh, he's obsessed with me. He gives me whatever I want. He just bought me that private island estate last week."

Kian's voice carried a hint of bitterness. "As long as he treats you well, I can bear it."

Serena snuggled closer into his chest, her voice softening. "Kian, you're so good to me. Since I can't marry you, this is the only way I can repay you..."