Chapter 5

I didn't say yes or no, knowing they just wanted to watch the drama unfold.

Catherine wanted to decline on my behalf, but I stopped her.

"It’s just a party. It’ll be nice to see some old faces."

Worried about me, Catherine stayed glued to my side the moment we entered the venue.

People I barely recognized kept glancing between me and James.

We used to be inseparable.

Now, we stood on opposite sides of the room, worlds apart.

James held Grace like she was a priceless treasure, basking in everyone’s envious stares.

Ignoring them, I focused on eating the fresh fruit platter. Seeing that they couldn't get a reaction out of me, the onlookers slowly dispersed.

As everyone started reminiscing about the old days, they began counting who was missing.

Someone suddenly remembered.

"Wait, isn't there one more person coming? I think he's on his way. What was his name again?"

"Oh, Ethan! The Alpha heir of the Ridgefield Pack. I remember that guy actually confessed to Emily back at the Academy! She rejected him, and he supposedly went home and cried his eyes out!"

Someone laughed and turned to me. "He was pretty brave to shoot his shot with you, Emily. But he went back to his own pack after graduation, and we haven't seen him since."

The room erupted into laughter. I kept quiet.

James, however, frowned.

"Is it really funny to tease someone who's about to get married?"

He glared at the speaker. "Besides, Emily has nothing to do with him. She’s currently..."

He trailed off, but the look he sent me was filled with a strange, sudden guilt.

I shrugged, completely unbothered.

"Since you’re all so curious about my fiancé, he should be here any minute."

Before anyone could process my words, the double doors of the lounge swung open.

An incredibly handsome, elegant man walked in, his eyes locked onto mine with pure warmth.

"Sorry I'm late, sweetheart."

The glass in James's hand shattered, falling straight to the floor.

Ethan carried himself with the natural authority of a powerful Alpha as he politely greeted everyone.

I pulled out the chair next to me. "Sit down."

Before anyone could say a word, I turned to Catherine. "As promised, you're the first to meet him. Catherine, this is my fiancé, Ethan."

Catherine’s eyes went wide, and she stammered, "Wait... the chubby kid from the Academy? How did you get so hot?!"

"And when did you two even start dating? How did this happen so fast?"

I smiled and explained. "He's the Alpha of the Ridgefield Pack. We reconnected after graduation and realized we are fated mates. Our Alpha has already approved my transfer. I'll be moving to Ridgefield right after the wedding."

"As for how he got so fit, he claims running an entire pack kept him too busy to eat."

Ethan gazed at me with pure adoration, nodding along to my every word.

"Emily’s right. She didn't even recognize me at first. I had to introduce myself."

He rubbed the back of his neck, looking a bit shy.

"I knew we were meant to be the moment we met again. Later, the bond clicked, and we realized the Moon Goddess had blessed us."

Hearing our story, the room fell into a stunned silence. Only Catherine cheered happily.

"Fated mates! No wonder you two are so perfect for each other! When is the ceremony? I need to get my maid of honor dress ready!"

Before I could answer, James slammed his hands on the table and stood up, his face pale with rage.

"Emily, have you had enough of this childish tantrum?!"