Alpha's Regret, His Rejected Luna is Hidden Heiress

After breaking the matebond, the Alpha husband finally realized his ex-wife was the heiress to the Alpha king. - I am the daughter of the Alpha family, raised in the utmost pampering. But I never imagined that falling for Richard would be the beginning of my tragedy. I devoted three years of my life to him, doing everything I could to make him love me back, but it was all in vain. On our mating anniversary, he abandoned me to spend the night with his first love. What he didn't know was that I was pregnant. Even on the day of the accident, I couldn't reach him no matter how many times I called. My child, my love for him—everything was slipping away. In my darkest, I was grateful for my timely awakening. I returned to my alpha family and reclaimed my identity. But now, why does Richard persistently reject my refusal, demanding I come back to him? How should I choose? Can I trust him again?" Chapter 1 Ceres's POV "You're pregnant, Luna." I looked up in disbelief at the pack doctor, his warm smile shining down at me. I could hardly believe it. He handed me the medical report, and as I scanned it, my eyes widened in shock. It was true! I was really pregnant! I was going to have a pup! A surge of pure joy rushed through me, and my wolf, Elsa, purred with excitement. I placed my hand gently on my abdomen, tears of happiness filling my eyes. Suddenly, my cellphone rang, startling me. I fumbled for it in my bag, and when I saw the caller ID, my heart skipped a beat. It was my mate, Richard Winston, the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. Today was a special day for both of us—our third mating anniversary. Of course, he must be calling because he remembered. My smile grew even brighter. I quickly swiped to answer and brought the phone to my ear. “There’s an event at the Transcorp Hotel. Go there now,” his voice commanded, as cold and distant as I remembered, but I didn't mind. “I’m in the hospital…” I began to explain, but he hung up before I could tell him why I was there or even share the good news. I sighed, my smile softening. He probably didn’t hear me. Yes, that had to be it. Besides, news like this deserves to be shared in person. Why didn’t he wish me a happy anniversary, though? I wondered. “Oh, don’t be silly, Rose. Our mate wants to surprise us in person,” Elsa purred happily. My cheeks flushed pink, and I felt myself melt a little at her words. It had been over a month since Richard last called, but he’d been away on pack business, so I understood. Now he was back, on the day of our third anniversary, and had even gone the extra mile to organize a surprise event for me. Heart racing with joy, I clutched my medical report tightly and left the hospital, eager to share the good news of my pregnancy with the love of my life. I arrived at the Transcorp Hotel and had barely stepped out of the vehicle when I was surrounded by countless reporters. I blinked in surprise, unable to suppress my excitement. This must be Richard’s doing. He must have informed the reporters that today was the anniversary of our mating ceremony, and they decided to stay behind to deliver heartwarming well-wishes to me. Their cameras flashed repeatedly, capturing every angle as they blocked my path. Wearing a smile, I raised my hand and waved at the reporters with poise and elegance, like the royalty that I am. But what greeted me was their malicious questions, slicing through the air, sharp and ruthless. “Luna Ceres, you have been married to Alpha Richard for three years. Are you aware that he has a two-year-old illegitimate son?” “Luna Ceres, is it true that the child will be joining our pack soon?” “Rumor has it that your marriage is simply one of convenience. Is this true?” “Does this child belong to you and Alpha Richard, or is he really an illegitimate child birthed by the Alpha's secret lover?” My heart pounded against my ribcage, my instincts prickling my skin like sharp needles. For a while now, there have been rumors circulating in the pack about my mate’s supposed illegitimate child. But they are only rumors, not true in any way, so I decided to debunk them and put them to rest once and for all. Smiling at the reporters, I addressed them. “The Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack, my beloved husband, is a very busy man. We do not have children yet, and he certainly doesn’t have an illegitimate child,” I said confidently. Drawing a deep breath, I added, “They are all rumors, please pay no attention to them. My husband and I love each other very much, and I completely trust him.” With that, I turned around and strutted into the Transcorp Hotel with the reporters trailing behind. After three years of being married to the Alpha of the pack, I have learned how to skillfully handle the press. As soon as I approached the large hall, my eyes fell on a powerful figure with a tall, muscular frame. It was my mate, Richard. My smile instantly grew wider. He was a very good-looking man with blond hair, a pair of ocean-blue eyes that draws one in, and perfectly sculpted facial features that seemed like they were carved by the gods, making him appear ethereal. His striking features gave him an air of nobility. I just couldn’t take my eyes off him; I was…spellbound. He seemed to be in conversation with someone standing opposite him. He suddenly turned and when his blue eyes met my green ones, his smile instantly faded, Indifference etching his stern face. My gaze shifted to the boy he held in his arms and my smile died a natural death. I was absolutely stunned. The child appeared to be about two years old and bore an undeniable resemblance to Richard. My heartbeat raced wildly, thudding in my ears, and my legs grew heavier with each step I took toward them. Richard lowered his gaze to the boy and planted a subtle kiss on his forehead. There was a woman beside him. She held out her hands and gently took the boy into her arms. I froze as I realized who it was. I blinked rapidly, trying to convince myself I was only hallucinating, but I wasn’t. It was her. Anita Benson, Richard’s ex-girlfriend who broke up with him three years ago after accepting a severance check from his mother. She had traveled abroad then, leaving Richard heartbroken. What was she doing here now, standing by his side? And why did the boy she held bear such a striking resemblance to her? That was when realization hit me like a ton of bricks—the boy was their child! The rumors were true! Richard has an illegitimate child! My heart shattered into a million pieces, and it became too hard to breathe. After everything I have done? After everything I have been through? Clenching my fists tightly, I tried to calm my raging nerves. I recalled the incident that happened on the night of the full moon many years ago, when Richard saved me from a rogue attack. That was the night I fell in love with him. That encounter left a lasting mark on my heart. When I returned home, I found out, that he was the Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack. Determined to be close to him, I decided to work at his company, Winston’s Corporation. Unfortunately for me, he didn’t recognize who I was, but I didn’t let that deter me. Instead, I made it my mission to advance my career and gain his attention. I worked tirelessly, and in less than a year, I became the chief secretary in his office. His younger sister Mirabel suddenly fell seriously ill, and the pack doctor said she needed a bone marrow transplant. Richard promised to give ten million dollars to anyone who was a match and was willing to donate thier bone marrow to his sister. Many of us got tested, and luckily, it turned out I was a match. I was thrilled that day, knowing that the cold and powerful Alpha of the Silver Moon Pack was finally going to need something I had. When he came to me and offered the money he had promised, I told him I didn’t need the money—that I wanted something else in return. With confusion etched on his face, he asked, “What is it you want?” I was nervous and scared, but I knew this was my chance, and I needed to take it. Heart pounding in my chest, I stared into his eyes and said, “I want you to make me your Luna.” He paused and glared at me as though I had grown two heads. I lowered my head in shame. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked, I thought. But suddenly, he said, “Okay.” I was beyond stunned when he accepted, My wolf squirmed with joy. It appeared as though he didn’t care who became his mate as long as his sister’s life was saved. The three years that followed were nothing like the fantasy I had once held. I found myself isolated, ridiculed, and regarded as nothing more than a pawn in pack politics—a trophy Luna for the powerful Alpha. I was the subject of gossip among the pack wolves, whispers of pity or disdain that stung my pride. But I stayed. I remained resilient, convinced that someday I would win his love, that my loyalty and devotion would soften his cold, indifferent heart. But here I was, standing under the ornate chandeliers in the grand hall, watching Richard, Anita, and the boy in her arms, standing close together as one big happy family. I felt a stabbing ache in my chest, relentlessly tearing me from the inside out. Richard glanced coldly at the members of the pack gathered in the hall. “Thank you all for coming tonight to celebrate my son, Lucky Winston’s, birthday,” he announced, his tone authoritative. “I’d like to make it clear to everyone—Lucky is my son. My wife gave birth to him two years ago, and he is heir to the Silver Fang Pack.” I felt my pulse roar in my ears. My face turned pale as I stared at him, feeling completely embarrassed. Just moments before, I had told a group of reporters that the rumors about Richard’s illegitimate child were baseless, but now, barely a few minutes later, he had admitted that the child was his. Heat scorched my entire being, threatening to tear me apart. I couldn’t believe he would make such a grave announcement on our anniversary. Does he even know that today is the anniversary of our mating ceremony? The pain I felt was intense. My eyes stung with unshed tears, blurring my vision. Elsa, my wolf, was restless, wanting to take charge, but I managed to keep her under control. There was pin-drop silence in the room, and all eyes turned to me, waiting for my response. Richard’s expression remained stony, his gaze daring me to contradict him. He needed me to cooperate as I always had, to uphold the illusion of our happy union. I had been too naive, trying my best to make things work, giving him the benefit of the doubt, believing that one day, his stony heart would soften and beat for me. But sadly, it had dawned on me that the fairytale happy ending I had always dreamed of was only a mirage that would never happen. The scales have finally fallen from my eyes. It was time to put an end to all these. I walked to the podium and took the microphone. With a forced smile, I said slowly and deliberately, “Alpha Richard, I believe you may have made a mistake. I have no connection to this child whatsoever. In fact, I am quite curious myself about who the mother is.” Members of the pack were utterly shocked and exchanged glances with one another. The press went into a frenzy, capturing the moment. Richard's face darkened, a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. He stepped closer to me and said in a low growl, “Ceres, are you trying to make a scene? This isn’t just about us—it’s about the pack. Remember your promise.” I had promised that once I became his Luna, I would never act out of order or do anything to bring shame to his family. I let out a bitter laugh and glared coldly at him. “No, Richard. I am not causing a scene. I’m simply making sure my dignity isn’t sacrificed for your games.” In an attempt not to embarrass him any further in public, I snarled in a voice barely above a whisper, “Let’s get a divorce, Richard.” Chapter 2 Ceres's POV The press saw some altercation between Richard and me.Then I turned around and started walking away. There was pin-drop silence in the hall. I could feel the weight of everyone’s judging gaze around my neck like a chain. My claws ached to emerge, and my heart twisted with fury. It has been three years since I married Richard, yet his son is already two years old. This means that all those times he claimed he was busy with pack business and didn't come home, he had only been with Anita and their son. I let out a bitter laugh as my soul crushed with pain. He had told me he didn't like children; he said they didn't quite fit into his life. But now the truth has come to light, he just didn't want them with me. These past few days, I have been keeping up the charade, thinking that if I tried hard enough, I could make him see me. What a fool I have been. I glancing back one last time, my heightened senses picking up on every judging gaze and whispers in the audience. Anita, standing beside Richard, cradled her child gently in her arms, cooing to him with a smile. Leaning close to Richard, she asked, “Richard, why did Ceres leave? Does she not like Lucky?” His monstrous gaze swept over me, and he said in a frosty tone, “Ignore her.” A growl rumbled low in my throat, and my wolf stirred within me, wanting to rise to the surface, but I controlled her. His words felt like a slap to my face. To him, I was just someone who took advantage of him to become his Luna. He probably felt caged in our marriage due to my relentless effort to make him see me. I have been betrayed, shattered, and humiliated, and I am not going to keep taking it lying down. It is over! Divorce is not a shameful thing, at least not for me. But staying, trying to protect Richard after learning the hard truth, yeah, that would be shameful. The thought alone made me sick to my stomach. I returned to the mansion Richard and I shared after our marriage, the same one he hardly comes back to. Every corner of this place had been filled with my touch, in my small attempts to turn the house into a home. But now, each familiar piece of furniture, each delicate decoration, only served as a painful reminder of my wasted effort. I went upstairs to my room and started packing my things, my hands trembling with rage and heartache. I was halfway through when a knock sounded at the door. “Luna Ceres, Beta Martins is here,” the housekeeper said when I opened the door. I paused and drew a deep breath before heading downstairs. Martins, Richard's Beta, stood by the door. There was a suitcase beside him, indicating that he had just arrived. My eyes strayed to his hands, he held a jewelry box and a bouquet of roses. “Luna Ceres,” he said with a warm smile as I approached, “Alpha Richard prepared these lovely gifts for you to celebrate the anniversary of your mating ceremony.” I came to a halt and met his gaze. Just then, as I watched him, the full reality of the situation sank in. I have had suspicions for years, but this felt like the final missing piece of the puzzle. Martins has always been the one bringing my anniversary gifts over the years, acting as though they were from Richard and today, Richard is busy celebrating his illegitimate child, so it is impossible for him to have prepared these gifts. It was all Martins’ doing!, it has always been his doing! Searching his eyes, I asked softly, “Martins, Richard doesn't even know today is our anniversary. You prepared these gifts yourself, didn't you?” Martins’ smile faltered, and he looked at me with pity, “Luna Ceres... It’s... It’s not like that...” His hesitation told me everything I needed to know. I released a slow breath; it felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I had let myself believe, let myself hope in the past that Richard actually cared because he never forgot our anniversary and always sent gifts through his beta. Now every shred of that hope is gone. Without uttering another word, I turned around and ascended upstairs. I took out my phone, tempted to call my family, but I stopped myself. Three years ago, I had married Richard against my family's wishes, leaving my pack to join his. Now look where that has gotten me. I smiled bitterly and tapped absentmindedly on my phone's screen. The headlines that swarmed my feeds immediately caught my attention. I saw rumors about me flooding the internet. Each of them stung like salt on an open wound. “Shocking! Luna Ceres used to be a mistress, had an abortion, and can’t bear children!” “Why can’t the Alpha and his Luna have pups?” “Alpha Richard is a victim; he is mated to a wolf who can’t bear him pups!” “Alpha Richard and Anita: Fated mates reunited!” “Luna Ceres's secrets exposed—the dark side of a she-wolf who married into wealth.” I clutched my phone, my fingers trembling. Tears prickled at my eyes, falling down my cheeks. It was as though the dam that held them had finally collapsed. With my heart twisting in pain, I snarled bitterly, “After everything I have done for you, Richard, this is how you repay me? Fine! Thank you for clearing out the lingering feelings I still had for you!” My wolf, Elsa, rose to the surface, whimpering in my head, “I hate our mate! I hate him so much!” “I know, I hate him too, and he is no longer our mate!” I wiped my tears and steeled myself. I resumed packing my bags, taking only my belongings, leaving behind everything that belonged to the Winstons' family. By tomorrow, I will sever the last of my ties with Richard. ***** The night dragged on, my exhaustion finally overtaking my anger. I fell into a drowsy, troubled sleep. When I heard heavy footsteps outside the door, my muscles tensed, and my eyes flew open. Suddenly, the door swung open, and that familiar scent of rain in the woods wafted in, hitting my senses. It was him. It was Richard. I clenched my fist in anger and remained on my side of the bed, not moving. What was he doing here? Isn't he supposed to be with his lover and supposed heir? Suddenly, the bed dipped beside me, and his cold hand brushed against my skin. Now that he was near, I could smell alcohol on him. He was drunk. I instinctively recoiled, shifting away from his touch. My wolf snarled from within, and I clutched my stomach protectively. Anger simmered in me like a storm, waiting to break out. In the next moment, Richard flicked on the lamp beside the bed, illuminating the room. His tall frame loomed over me, his expression stone-cold as his angry gaze pierced through me. “Haven't you caused enough trouble?” he growled. Caused trouble? Did he really think I had made that scene earlier just to stir drama? My chest tightened with pain and hurt at hus words, but I forced myself to stay calm. Glancing up at him, I said, “I am serious about getting a divorce.” His face hardened, and his jaw clenched. His eyes changed from ocean blue to flaming red, and his gaze remained fixed on me. It appeared as though he was trying to hold back his anger. “You've gone nuts, Ceres!” he snarled. “You are afraid of the child, afraid he would threaten your position in this pack. That’s why you’ve asked for a divorce in a pathetic attempt to get my attention, right?” Color drained from my face, and my eyes widened in shock at his words. Searching my face, he smirked, as though convinced he had seen through my ploy. He sneered dismissively, “Let me warn you—” But before he could finish, I swiftly rose from the bed, my movement fluid and fast as I strode to the closet. I grabbed my coat and my already-packed suitcase. Then, I turned to face him one last time before leaving. A look of shock etched on his face, and he narrowed his gaze as he watched me. I stared back at him with eyes that held nothing but calculated fury. “Richard, I will meet you at the courthouse tomorrow at 10 a.m. to finalize our divorce. If you do not show up, I will make sure every pack in this territory hears of the dirty secrets you and your family have been hiding!” As I expected, his face instantly turned cold, and his gaze remained as frosty and dangerous as ever. The air around us thickened with tension. Having known Richard for years, I have come to learn that there is nothing he hates more than his family's reputation being tarnished, which is why I resorted to this tactic. Even though my heart was still filled with sorrow, I knew everything would be all right eventually, as time goes on. I gave my all to this relationship, loved Richard with every fiber of my being, but right now, everything has changed. Ignoring the slight ache in my heart, I turned on my heel and pushed my suitcase toward the door. Just as I was about to leave, Richard’s hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. “Ceres!” His voice was cold, and his eyes were gloomy. “Don't regret this!” “Regret?” I scoffed, glaring at him furiously, my wolf stirring angrily within me. “The only regret I have is not leaving you long ago.” I saw an unreadable emotion flash across his eyes. With a final tug, I freed my hand from his grip, turned around, and left without looking back. The night outside was inky black, and the chill of early autumn sank into my skin. As I stepped out of the large wrought iron gate of the mansion, emotions I had buried deep within me began to rise to the surface. Tears welled up in my eyes and cascaded down my face. I took my cell phone from my bag and decided to reach out to someone I had let down years ago when I made the decision to become Richard's Luna. I dialed the person's number and it startef ringing. My heart pounded against my chest as I prayed they would answer. Chapter 3 Ceres's POV After a few seconds, the call connected, and that very familiar voice of my best friend, Jasmine, rang out. “Ceres, is that you?” she asked in disbelief. As soon as I heard her voice, I was choked up with emotions all over again. I couldn't blame her for asking that question. After all, it had been three years since we last spoke to each other. I had abandoned her, as I did every member of my family and pack, and now, look where that had gotten me. I wiped my free-flowing tears with the back of my hand and sniffled. “It’s me, Jasmine.” I tried to hide the emotion in my voice. “Please, can you come and get me?” I sobbed, my voice finally betraying me. “Are you crying, Ceres? Did something happen?” she asked in a panic-stricken voice. I couldn't bring myself to utter any more words as I was filled with emotions. At my silence, Jasmine said in a fierce and steady voice, “Wait right there for me, Ceres. I’m coming to pick you up right away!” The line went dead. Jasmine had been my best friend since our childhood days. She was the only daughter of Alpha Frederick, Alpha of the Crimson Pack. Their pack and ours shared the same border. Our fathers were childhood friends, just like us. Jasmine was a beauty to behold, with wavy blond hair, aquarium-blue eyes that turned gray whenever her wolf emerged, a perfectly carved face, and a beautiful slender body. She was the definition of perfect. She had strongly opposed my marriage to Richard, but I had stubbornly ignored her advice and followed my heart, completely cutting her off. I stopped taking her calls, refused to see her whenever she came looking for me, until eventually, she stopped trying to reach out. Thirty minutes later, headlights cut through the darkness as Jasmine's red luxury car pulled up. As soon as she got out of the car, she rushed toward me, her eyes filled with tears as she pulled me into a tight hug. “Goddess, I have missed you so much!” she said. Releasing me from her embrace, her eyes landed on my suitcase, and she looked at me, already understanding what had happened. “Let's go back to my apartment first, babe.” Her voice was filled with a cocktail of anger and sympathy. Half an hour later, we arrived at a luxurious downtown apartment in Crimson Pack. It looked even better than I remembered. The paintings on the walls was immaculate and new, indicating it had been done recently. I wasn't surprised; Jasmine never went more than a year without renovating her apartment. She had always lived a life of luxury. She was never in want of anything. Whatever Jasmine needed, all she had to do was ask, and her father and two older brothers would make sure it was delivered to her. She was what I would call a spoiled brat. As soon as we stepped into Jasmine's apartment, she cursed angrily, “I wanted to storm over to the Transcorp Hotel and curse him out when I saw the news today. That heartless piece of shit! How dare he try to force his illegitimate child on you?” Hearing her angry words, I thought I would feel hurt all over again, but I felt nothing. It was as though everything about Richard had become a distant memory. Shaking my head, I smiled bitterly. “We’re getting a divorce tomorrow.” “Way to go, girl!” she exclaimed proudly. “You have no business being with someone who treats you like trash. Imagine the only daughter of the Alpha King, ruler of all Alphas, being treated with no value or respect. You deserve better, babe!” As she spoke, she walked over to help me unpack my things. I heaved a long sigh upon hearing her mention my father, Alpha Triston of the Snowfall Pack. The truth is, a few years after I was born, my parents sent me abroad for my studies. As soon as I came home many years later, I decided to go Richard's pack and work in his company. I had always been that wolf who didn’t like the limelight, so I kept my identity as the Alpha King’s daughter hidden from everyone. Although my parents and brother had their reservations about it, they decided to support my decision. But when I told them that I wanted to become Richard’s Luna, they kicked against it. My father even threatened to disown me if I went through with it, yet i did. Just the thought of it made my heart grow heavy. I had turned my back on my family, and it had all been for nothing. I bet none of them would want to set eyes on me now. When we were done unpacking my things, Jasmine pulled me into her arms in a warm hug. “It’s good to finally have you back, babe. You are not allowed to fall in love with that jerk in the future, do you hear me?” My eyes welled up with tears again as I thought of everything I had been through, all the time I had wasted pursuing the wrong man. I replied Jasmine with resolution, “I won’t. It’s a promise.” The promise I made to Jasmine was more for myself than for her. It was a reminder not to allow myself to be vulnerable to Richard ever again. **** The next morning, the weather was gloomy, as though the clouds were conspiring to block out the sun's light. I adorned myself in a black off-shoulder, knee-length gown that I hadn’t worn in three years, abandoning my usual dignified style of dressing as the Luna of Silver Moon Pack. I was completely done with that life. I stood in front of the mirror, my green eyes catching my reflection. I could feel my wolf stir happily within me. The dark color of my gown complemented my very pale skin so well. Instead of tying my red hair in a knot like I would usually do, I let it loose, allowing it to cascade around my face. Jasmine and I left for the courthouse at 9 a.m., arriving thirty minutes early. We waited in the car at the entrance of the courthouse until 11 a.m., and still, there was no sign of Richard. “Maybe he’s just running late. Let's wait a bit more,” I said to Jasmine, sensing her impatience. An extra hour passed, and there was still no sign of him. Jasmine glanced outside the window. “What the hell is keeping him? How can an Alpha not know how to keep to time?” she yelled. “Let me call him,” I said, taking out my cellphone from my handbag. I called Richard several times, but he declined all my calls and ignored my text messages. I then scrolled through my contacts for the number of a reporter who I knew had a good relationship with the Winston Corporation and dialed it. As soon as it connected, I went straight to the point in a calm voice. “I have evidence of Alpha Richard's infidelity, and I’d love to give it to you for free. Are you interested?” He was completely taken aback but quickly agreed and hung up. Impressed with what I had done, Jasmine gave me a high-five. “I am so proud of you, girl! That’s how you do it!” I flipped my hair back and smiled. “Let's wait a little longer. He’ll be here soon now that he knows what’s at stake.” In less than ten minutes, my cellphone rang. I glanced at the screen and chuckled softly. My strategy had worked. It was Richard. I answered the call but before i could get any word in, he growled angrily, “What the hell do you think you are doing, Ceres?” “You’d better come to work at the Corporation right away, or I’ll fire all these incompetent members of staff in your department!” Chapter 4 Richard's POV “The only regret I have is not leaving you long ago.” Ceres left after saying this. I fell into disarray, unable to sleep a wink. I gulped down yet another glass of alcohol. The warmth slid down my throat, but the numbness I was waiting for eluded me. No matter how much I drank, I just couldn't shake that memory off—the memory of Ceres's cold face as she stood by the door with her luggage and told me she regretted not leaving me long ago. The nerve of her to say that! “It was all your fault, Richard! She left because of you,” my wolf snarled in my head. “She will come back,” I retorted and gulped down another glassful of alcohol. “What if she doesn't? Huh? What if she’s serious about divorcing you? Us?” Anger seared through my entire body. I heard a crack and looked down at my hand to see that it had crushed the glass cup. Blood dripped from my hand onto the plush gray rug on the floor, but I felt no pain. I just stared blankly at it, wondering if what my wolf had said was true. No! It can't be! She loves me too much! She wouldn't do something like that! I scoffed. She does know how to bluff though. I rose from the chair, went to the bathroom, and put my bleeding hand under the running water, removing the piece of glass stuck in my palm that was preventing my wound from healing. Once completely healed, I went back to the room and glanced around. It felt totally different now that Ceres was gone. She will come back. I just need to give her time to clear her head and realize she cannot live without me. My eyes darted to the window by the bedside draped with white long curtains. The soft rays of light sifting through them made me realize it was already dawn. An hour later, I was being driven to the office by my driver. Martins, my beta and personal assistant, was sitting in the front passenger seat. I noticed he had been stealing glances at me through the rearview mirror. “Is there something you would like to get off your chest?” I asked coldly. He shook his head slightly, an emotion I couldn’t read flickering in his eyes. “No, Alpha.” I dragged my eyes away from him and looked out the window, staring blankly at the pedestrians on the sidewalk. We soon arrived at my company. When the car was parked, I got out and made my way toward the large glass doors at the entrance of my corporation. They slid open automatically, revealing a well-lit reception area. The walls were adorned with minimalist artwork, and the company's logo was prominently displayed in bold, polished letters on a feature wall behind the reception desk. My ears picked up on the commotion inside even before I walked in. “Alpha Richard has arrived! Alpha Richard has arrived!” My staff were scampering to their positions. As soon as I stepped inside, everyone froze in place. With Martins by my side, I made my way toward the elevator. “Good morning, Alpha,” they greeted, but I was in no mood to acknowledge their greetings—not this morning. I was exhausted from the sleepless night I’d had. I got into the elevator and went straight to my office. I was going through some documents when the intercom on the desk rang. I answered it. It was my secretary. “Yes? What is it?” I asked in an impatient tone. “Alpha, Ms. Anita Benson is here to see you.” I rubbed my forehead, making up my mind on what to say. I was in no mood to see anybody, at least not right now. “Tell him it is about Lucky,” I heard Anita say to my secretary. “Send her in,” I instructed. If it was about my son, I could always make an exception. Anita strutted into my office, wearing a red gown that accentuated her slender body. Her blonde hair cascaded around her face. She was nothing short of perfection. A smile graced her lips as she approached, her blue eyes fixed on me. “Good morning, Richard,” she greeted. I nodded slightly in response. Just as she was about to round the desk and approach me, I gestured toward the seat across from my desk and said, “Please sit.” Her lips curved into a slight frown that quickly disappeared. “You mentioned having something to say about Lucky,” I said. She leaned forward in her seat. “Yes, Richard, Lucky barely slept last night. He was running a fever and was calling for you.” “He’s sick?” She nodded frantically. “I don’t know what the problem could be.” “Where is he now? Why isn’t he with you?” I asked eagerly. She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I left him with his nanny.” I immediately called Martins and asked him to send the pack doctor to my hotel, where I had lodged Lucky and Anita. “I’m sure it’s nothing really serious. He’ll be fine,” I assured Anita. Just then, my cell phone rang. I checked to see who it was. Upon seeing that it was one of the reporters representing my company, I answered. “Alpha Richard, Luna Ceres just called and promised to give me proof of your infidelity. I’m so confused. I don’t know what’s going on,” he said in a scared tone. “She did what?” I growled, rising from my swivel chair. “She promised to give me proof of your infidelity for free, Alpha. I don’t know if I’m the only one she’s called. You need to reach out to her before she does any further damage.” “Alright, thank you.” I ended the call and scrolled through my screen in anger, searching for Ceres’s number. This stupid game she’s playing needs to stop right now! She’s becoming quite petty in my eyes, going to such lengths to get my attention. As soon as I found her number, I dialed it. She answered after a few seconds, and I demanded to know what the hell she thought she was doing. “Alpha Richard, I’ve been waiting for you at the court for several hours. Since you didn’t show up, I had to resort to drastic measures,” she said. There it was again, that cold, indifferent tone she’d been using with me since yesterday. Anger swirled within me, and I growled, “What the hell do you think you are doing, Ceres?” You’d better come to work at the Corporation right away, or I’ll fire all these incompetent members of staff in your department!” Chapter 5 Ceres's POV Richard abruptly hung up after saying his piece. I stared blankly at the cellphone, completely gobsmacked by his words. Did he despise me so much that he would actually take it out on all the members of staff in my department? “What’s wrong, babe? What did he say?” Jasmine asked. I tilted my head in her direction and told her exactly what Richard had said. Anger flared in her eyes. “Has he gone nuts? What kind of a man is that, Ceres? How did you ever get yourself to fall in love with a narcissist like him?” I drew in a deep breath and exhaled. “You’ll have to head back to your apartment, babe. I need to go sort this out,” I said. “No way! I’m coming with you!” Jasmine's anger was palpable. I held her hand and pleaded, “Please, babe, let me do this by myself. I’ll see you in a few hours, alright?” She heaved a sigh and reluctantly agreed. “Alright, but if you need me, don’t hesitate to call.” I nodded with a smile and left her car, then hailed a taxi. I arrived at Winston’s Corporation in less than an hour. After paying the driver, I made my way into the towering skyscraper that loomed over the city. Earlier, I had called that particular reporter, knowing he would contact Richard and report me to him. I had done it in hopes of getting Richard to come to the court. Little did I know he would instead threaten to fire my subordinates if I didn't shoe up to work. I walked through the glass doors with my head held high. The members of staff froze when they saw me. None of them had expected me to show up so soon, especially with all the rumors swirling about my marital troubles with their Alpha. The gossip had spread like wildfire. My sharp ears picked up on their whispers. “Luna Ceres really has no shame coming to work after all her secrets have been brought to light,” one said. “She actually looks different in that sexy knee-length gown she’s wearing,” another added. “She’s probably trying to compete with the Alpha’s new mistress—you know, the mother of his illegitimate son.” Their hurtful words were like a sharp dagger piercing through my soul, but I chose to ignore them. Instead, I focused on the reason I was there. Without wasting time, I stormed up to Richard's office, clutching the divorce papers and my resignation letter tightly in my hands. I wasn’t here for pleasantries. I wanted out of this pack and this toxic bond as soon as possible. When I got to Richard's office, I didn’t bother knocking. I just pushed the door open and let myself in with the force of a storm. What I saw made my blood boil. Anita was hugging Richard tightly, her blue eyes tearful. As soon as she saw me, she smiled and sniffled, hugging Richard even tighter. It appeared as though Richard was offering her some comfort and solace. “Pretentious fox!” Elsa, my wolf, snarled in my head. I clenched my fists in fury. I didn’t expect to see her here, but then again, it wasn’t all that surprising since they had a child together. Richard, who had his back to me, sensed my presence and tilted his head in my direction. His eyes were cold as he stared at me. Gradually releasing Anita from his embrace, he turned fully, facing me. I stepped forward, my lips curling in disdain as I spoke in a sharp voice. “I had originally intended to conclude the divorce proceedings first before tendering my resignation letter, but it appears I’ll have to do the latter first.” Richard’s blue eyes turned icy cold as he glared at me, his hands sliding into his pant pockets. His perfectly pressed shirt and composed demeanor only added to the frigid aura surrounding him. “Aren’t you worried that your little stunt will cost your team their positions?” he asked, his tone dripping with indifference. Was he seriously still pulling that card—firing my team members, knowing I’d trained them myself and cared deeply about them? I scoffed and raised a brow, my defiance unshaken as I replied, “If you fire them, I’ll take every single one of them with me. They deserve far better than to serve under someone like you.” The room fell into a tense silence for a moment. My eyes shifted to Anita, who had averted her gaze and was smiling faintly. When her gaze met mine again, she grabbed her bag from the desk, pulled out a velvet box, and approached me. “Ceres,” she said softly, “I found out quite late yesterday that it was the third anniversary of your mating ceremony with Richard. I’m sorry he was busy taking care of Lucky and me to even remember.” A wicked smile flashed across her face. “But don’t worry. I went with him to a jewelry store yesterday evening to pick out this gift for you. I hope you like it.” Now standing just a few inches from me, she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear. “By the way, I have a necklace just like this one. Richard picked it out for me first.” Elsa, my wolf surged angrily within me, wanting to surface as rage coursed through my entire being. Anita stared at me intently, her sinister smile clearly a bid to provoke me further. Then, with a dramatic jerk, she extended her hand, presenting the gift. Richard had prepared a gift with her and even gotten her the same one? The absurdity of it made me feel sick, as though I’d stepped into the filthiest den imaginable. Without hesitation, I knocked the box out of Anita’s hands, the sharp sound of it hitting the floor echoing in the room. “Save it, Anita,” I said coldly. “I know exactly the kind of snake you are, and I don’t need any gift from either of you.” Anita’s eyes widened, tears springing to them as she sobbed. “I know you’re angry with me because of what happened yesterday, and I totally understand, but please don’t take it out on my innocent child, Lucky. Please take him into his father’s pack and raise him as your own child.” Her sobs grew louder, filling the room. Richard glared at me coldly. “What are you doing, Ceres?” His eyes shifted to the gift box on the floor, then back to Anita, who was still sobbing. His gaze turned on me, fierce and angry. “How dare you try to bully her right in front of me?” Anita immediately went to him, clinging to his arm, her eyes filled with tears as she whimpered, “Ceres has every right to be mad at me, Richard. It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t like the gift I chose for her. All I beg is for her to treat our child, Lucky, like her own. I never intended to ruin your marriage.” Richard’s blue eyes glinted with cold fury as he turned his gaze on me, his expression unreadable but charged with authority. I folded my arms, watching Anita’s pitiful display with a mix of disgust and dark amusement. I couldn’t help but be impressed by how skilled she was at playing the victim card. A few seconds later, I said in an icy tone, glaring at Anita, “You became Richard’s mistress, bore an illegitimate child, and now you’re pretending to be the victim? It’s almost impressive how shameless you are.” Her pale face became even more ashen, and she leaned weakly against Richard’s chest, sobbing profusely. Richard’s jaw tightened, and his angry eyes glared at me as he warned in a low and menacing tone, “Watch it, Ceres! Don’t be harsh toward Anita. She is not the other woman. You’d better show her some respect!” His words struck me like a blow, but I refused to flinch. Instead, I let out a bitter laugh, my sharp gaze locking onto Richard’s. “Respect her? Does she even deserve it?” My words were laced with venom, but my heart ached seeing the man I once loved defending Anita as though she were his mate and priority. That made me feel like the villain who had intruded on their union. An unreadable emotion flashed across his eyes. Anita’s pathetic sobs, which had grown louder, drew his attention back to her, and I could tell in that moment that he felt sorry for her. His gaze shifted back to mine, and he ordered in a firm voice, “Apologize to Anita now!” I scoffed in disbelief. “Apologize?” I asked, utterly surprised. Had I perhaps heard him correctly? Did he really just ask me to apologize to his mistress? I was still trying to wrap my head around that when Anita, the opportunist, took a cup from the desk and approached me. I wondered what she was about to do. In a sweet, small voice, she said, “Ceres, I should be the one apologizing to you.” She extended the cup toward me. There was coffee inside. I saw through her ploy before she could carry it out. She wanted to douse me with the coffee. In an instant, my primal instincts kicked in, and I dodged backward with a fluidity that was almost unnatural, avoiding the spill. Anger coursed through me, and without thinking twice, I landed a resounding slap across Anita’s face. Clap! The slap echoed through the room, followed by the sharp sound of the cup shattering on the floor. Anita staggered, her head snapping to the side, as a red welt bloomed across her pale cheek. Tears streamed down her face as she covered the mark with trembling fingers, her wide eyes filling with terror… Chapter 6 Ceres's POV I shook my numb hand, feeling an indescribable level of satisfaction. Rage flashed through Richard’s eyes as he glared at me in disbelief. His eyes burned a flaming red as he shielded Anita behind him. “Have you lost your mind, Ceres?” Richard growled, his voice filled with fury and carrying a slightly inhuman edge. I stood my ground. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, clawing to emerge. Since yesterday, something had awakened inside me—a force I could no longer suppress. It prevented me from taking any form of bullshit from anyone. For three years, I had lived like a fool, doing only things that would please my mate, hoping he’d love me even half as much as I loved him. But now, the scales had fallen from my eyes. I could finally see the truth—he was never going to love me. With a scornful expression, I faced Richard’s angry gaze and threw the resignation letter and divorce papers at him. “Shame on you, Richard! You manipulated the pack, twisted public opinion, and even used your influence over the council to slander me. Did you really think I’d forget? That I’d let it slide? You disgust me!” I smirked coldly and stepped forward, covering the distance between us with a confidence that made Richard slightly uneasy. Grabbing his collar, I yanked him closer with force. My green eyes locked onto his blue ones, burning with a mix of rage and defiance. “Alpha Richard,” I said mockingly, my voice dripping with venom, “if you want to avoid a full-blown scandal, sign the agreement and grant me a peaceful divorce. Otherwise, I’ll bring every dark secret of the Winston family to light—especially yours.” I released him abruptly, the sharp tug of his collar causing a ripple in his perfectly pressed shirt. Disgusted at the sight of him, I turned on my heel and strode out of the office, my wolf howling in triumph within my mind. As soon as I left, my colleagues surrounded me. Their expressions were filled with concern and sympathy. “Luna Ceres,” one of them began hesitantly, “you’ve sacrificed so much for Alpha Richard. Are you really going to let the other woman take your place?” “That’s right,” another chimed in. “Martins mentioned they’re assigning Anita to the Chief Secretary’s office. Are they trying to push you out?” A tall, lanky girl huffed in frustration. “Alpha Richard must be blind. In terms of intelligence and beauty, that lady is nothing compared to you, Luna!” The title “Luna” felt hollow now—a reminder of the role I had tried to fill for a pack that no longer felt like mine. I shook my head at them and advised in a firm tone, “Don’t worry about me, guys. It would be insanity not to give up on this so-called marriage after everything that has come to light, don’t you think?” I flashed them a nonchalant smile. “Oh, and one more thing,” I added. “If Richard wants to take out his anger on you by sending you away, know that you can always come to me. I will make jobs available to you all. I promise.” They stared at me in surprise, as though wondering why I spoke so boldly. After all, they knew me—or so they thought. Truth is, they knew nothing about me but soon, they would all find out just who I am. After working with them for years, I had come to develop a strong bond with each one of them. If Richard decided to let them go, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to my father’s company. I quickly said my goodbyes and left the Corporation with my belongings without looking back. I was absolutely done with Richard and everything that concerned him. It was time to start living for myself. Richard's POV I remained rooted in place, staring at Ceres’s retreating figure with furrowed brows, as she left my office. A complicated mix of emotions swirled within me—anger, confusion, and something else I couldn't quite name. My heart pounded fast against my ribcage, and my wolf—usually calm and controlled—paced restlessly in my mind, unsettled by Ceres's fiery defiance. Our union had been one of convenience, a bond that brought stability to the pack and served my ambitions. She had been obedient, reliable, and resourceful—everything a leader could want in a mate. But now, watching her transform before my eyes, I realized I had grossly underestimated her. The obedient mate I thought I knew had shed her sheep's clothing, revealing her untamed wolf. She was now fearless, bold, and rational—qualities I found both infuriating and strangely alluring. Her icy cold gaze replayed in my mind, making me feel quite uneasy. Why would she assume I bribed the media to slander her? Where did that come from? Anita, standing close to me, cautiously reached out, touching my arm. Tears glistened in her eyes as she spoke softly, “Richard, should I find an opportunity to explain everything to Ceres?” I heaved a sigh and gradually removed her hand from my arm, my lips pressed together at the sight of her swollen face. “No need. Don’t blame her,” I said. Her face turned pale at my words, but she weakly smiled, nodding in understanding. “Of course, I won’t.” Later, after I had dismissed Anita, I went to my swivel chair and sat down. Still disturbed by what Ceres had said, I pulled out my iPad and searched the trending news. There it was—a list of unsettling rumors about her. I clenched my fists in anger and tossed my iPad onto the desk. The things circulating in the media about Ceres were untrue. She was never promiscuous before I met her. I would know because I’m the one who deflowered her. I immediately dialed Martins’ line. “Come to my office now!” I commanded. A few seconds later, Martins was standing before me. “Have you seen this?” I asked, gesturing to my iPad. He glanced at it, his hands behind his back. His gaze shifted back to me, and he stuttered, “I saw it not quite long ago, Alpha.” I leaned back in my chair, trying to control my temper. “Have you found out who is behind it?” He nodded in response. “Upon investigating the matter, I found out it was the PR manager who was behind it.” I ran a hand through my hair and took deep breaths. “Bring him to me now!” Martins scurried out of my office and came back moments later with the PR manager, who tried to explain the situation. “Alpha, you specifically ordered us not to involve your son, Lucky, in any rumors. To protect him, we had to divert attention to Luna Ceres’s past.” Upon hearing his words, rage coursed through me. My wolf surfaced, and within seconds, I had the PR Manager pinned to the wall, my hand around his neck. “How dare you publish such lies about your Luna?” I growled. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He looked absolutely petrified, his voice trembling as he spoke. “Alpha Richard, someone sent the news anonymously to us. Your child's mother, Ms. Anita, also urged us to protect Lucky at all costs.” “And you published it without running it through me or my beta first?” I snarled. “I... I thought you’d be okay with it, seeing that she publicly humiliated you yesterday,” he stammered, his fear evident. My fury deepened. Glaring at the man, I fought the urge—spurred by my angry wolf—to strangle him to death. After much struggle, I finally released my grip around his neck and spat coldly, “You are fired! Take your things and leave the premises immediately!” He immediately fell to his knees, begging profusely. “Alpha Richard, please don’t fire me! It was an honest mistake. Please, I didn’t know they were all lies. You have to believe me!” Hardening my heart to his pleas, I had my security men throw him out of my office. Turning to Martins, i commanded, “Make sure every rumor about Ceres is pulled down from the internet before the end of today!”. Chapter 7 Ceres's POV Two days later, before I could wait for Richard's phone call agreeing to the divorce, I received a call from the doctor at the pack's hospital. “Luna Ceres,” he said gently, “this is a reminder for your pregnancy check-up. We haven't seen you since the initial appointment.” I froze. The words sank in like a stone. It was in that moment I remembered—I was pregnant. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach. The old me would have seen this as a blessing from the Moon Goddess, one that would solidify my relationship with Richard forever, an unbreakable bond in a world that often felt unstable. But now? Richard had another pup with his ex-girlfriend, Anita. What would mine mean to him? Would they simply be another pawn in his game, another piece in his carefully constructed empire? Elsa whined softly in my mind as I contemplated the best course of action. Should I keep the child, or should I have it removed? I heaved a sigh as I stared into my mirror, my eyes hardening with resolve. I had a choice to make, and whatever it was, it would be mine and mine alone. Later on, I went to the hospital without telling Jasmine. In the ward, the pack doctor examined me. Picking up on my hesitation, he spoke gently, “The pup is developing very well, Luna. If you do not want to proceed with this pregnancy, the decision should be made soon.” I nodded and smiled weakly. “Alright. I will think about it.” Just before I left, I met the doctor again and pleaded, “Please, doctor, I would like the news of my pregnancy to stay between the both of us.” He looked at me with pitiful eyes and nodded. “You have my word, Luna. I won’t let the Alpha know about it. I understand the situation you are in right now.” “Thank you,” I muttered, blinking away the tears that stung my eyes at his kind words. I left the ward and walked toward the gate of the hospital, lost in thought, my head slightly lowered. I was so deep in thought I didn’t notice the small child running toward me until he collided with my leg and fell to the ground. He immediately clutched his forehead, letting out a whimper of distress. I instinctively bent down to help him up when I realized who it was. My eyes widened in shock. It was none other than Lucky, Richard's son. Before I could react, a familiar voice that grated on my nerves rang out. “Lucky!” Anita appeared, rushing over in feigned panic. She threw a glance at me before scooping the boy into her arms. Her tone turned shrill as she began to cry, attracting the attention of people around. The next moment, Richard stormed over. His sleeves were rolled up, and his expression was icy and severe. His presence filled the air, sending tension through the crowd that began to disperse upon seeing him. With fake tears in her eyes, Anita cried, “Ceres, please, I am sorry! Don’t hurt Lucky. He is only a two-year-old child. He did nothing wrong, please.” I could not believe my ears. It was so ridiculous hearing her say that. Was she really this much of an evil drama queen? The scene made Richard’s expression turn livid, and his cold eyes rested on me. I was tired of dealing with her unwarranted fake tantrums. Richard took Lucky from Anita's arms and comforted him tenderly with a loving gaze, which turned cold and sharp as it shifted to me. His lips upturned in a frown. “Why are you here? Are you following us?” he asked. My heart skipped a beat at his words, not in fear, but in sheer annoyance. I scoffed. “Don't flatter yourself, Richard. Why would I waste my time following you?” I replied sharply, my tone cold as steel. Lucky, who was now clinging to his father's shirt, buried his head in Richard’s neck, his cries fading. Watching the child find comfort in Richard's arms stirred irritation within me. Knowing the purpose of my visit made everything even worse. It felt almost as though my airways were blocked, making it difficult to breathe. Pain flared in my lower abdomen, and my wolf recoiled. The strain of suppressing my emotions, combined with my pregnancy, was taking its toll on me. Anita, ever the actress, softened her voice, but the accusation was evident in her words as she spoke, “Lucky had a fever. Richard and I decided to bring him to the hospital so the pack doctor could check him out. But when we turned around, he was gone. I didn’t expect to find you here, Ceres. What exactly were you doing to him?” The insinuation in her voice was crystal clear. She was accusing me of trying to harm or take her child. I flared up at her words and sneered angrily. “He bumped into me himself! I didn’t even touch him! Surveillance cameras are a great invention, Anita. Use your common sense! Look at the footage before accusing me of something I didn’t do!” Her face instantly stiffened, and her sobs halted. The look on her face showed she had clearly forgotten about the surveillance cameras, with which her accusations would be dismantled. Her lips parted, and before she could sputter out a reply, I turned away, clutching tightly to my bag. My heightened senses picked up on Richard’s words to Anita. “Take him and wait here for me,” he instructed. Next, I heard his measured footsteps coming in my direction. I increased my pace, not wanting to be anywhere near him. I had already booked a ride, so I glanced around to see if I could spot it, but it was nowhere in sight. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist angrily as I sensed Richard now behind me. His voice reached me, his tone cold. “Why did you come to the hospital? Are you sick?” Chapter 8 Ceres's POV I was surprised at his question. First, he had accused me of following them; now he seemed concerned about me? “I came to visit a friend,” I said indifferently. There was absolutely no way I was about to tell him the real reason for my visit. I just wanted the sucked marriage to end as soon as possible. He cannot also know about the pup growing in my belly. That secret was mine to keep, for now. His jaw tightened, and he asked, “Where have you been staying? Why haven't you come home yet?” For some reason, his questions triggered me. My eyes hardened as I glared at him. “Why do you care? Now that I have moved out, this is the perfect time for you to bring your lover and illegitimate pup to the mansion. They should live there.” Richard raised an angry eyebrow, a low growl rumbling in his throat, but he said nothing. Instead, he glared at me furiously. Seeing his expression, I chuckled bitterly and spat, “right, Alpha Richard. You have so many mansions, it isn't right for them to live in a hotel. After all, their existence is no secret.” I could see how hard he was fighting to control his anger as he said in a cold tone, “I thought at least your character had no flaws. Can you not even tolerate raising Lucky and treating him like your own? That is something any Luna with the interest of her pack at heart would do, Ceres.” My fingers dug into my palms, and Elsa snarled angrily in my head at his words. He thinks I should play the role of a mother to a child he had with another woman? Am I really to blame for finally choosing to do what I feel is best for me? I took a steadying breath to calm my nerves. “Richard, I don't want to hear about this again. You have already seen the divorce agreement. Once the formalities are done, do not bother me ever again.” Just then, the car I booked arrived in front of me. After checking the license plate and seeing it was the right car, I got into it and shut the door without sparing Richard another glance. It felt quite ridiculous to me. Did he really think I should naturally take care of his mistress and illegitimate child? Was I really supposed to degrade myself like that? Back at home, I sat on the cozy couch in Jasmine's apartment, scrolling through a series of text messages I had received from unknown numbers. They contained intimate photos of Richard and Anita alongside venomous insults regarding my supposed fertility issues. I didn't even need to guess who was behind it. It was definitely him. Elsa snarled in my head, completely irritated and angry, but I smirked. These text messages were perfect evidence to bolster my divorce case, handed to me on a platter of gold. Feeling hungry, I helped myself to some delicious food prepared by Jasmine and felt rejuvenated and in a better state of mind afterward. That night, Jasmine took me to a club. She was so excited about it. “I can't wait to introduce you to my friends, babe. A lot of people from different packs are going to be attending tonight. Who knows? You might even meet your new prince charming,” she winked. I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head slightly. That was just Jasmine being Jasmine. One thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't ready for any new relationship, at least not yet. But when we got to the club, it was surprisingly fun. The bass thumped as I mingled, laughed, and chatted with Jasmine's friends, a few of whom I remembered from years back. I felt totally free, like my old self again. Soon, I excused myself to use the bathroom. Upon making my way to the bathroom door, I bumped into someone. I stiffened as I realized who it was. It was Anita. “Be calm, Ceres. Just ignore her,” my wolf advised. I walked around her and went to the mirror and took out my lipstick to retouch my makeup, completely acting as though I didn’t know who she was. I threw a quick glance at her through the mirror and couldn't help but notice the look of jealousy etched on her face as she stared at me. I immediately averted my gaze, concentrating on retouching my makeup. “Ceres,” she began, her tone laced with fake sweetness. “I didn't expect to see you here at the club having fun. Richard and I are enjoying ourselves at the VIP lounge. Would you like to join us and at least say hello to your soon-to-be ex-husband?” she taunted. My eyes flicked to her reflection in the mirror. I could tell her speech was an attempt to show off. It was very obvious, so I smirked and replied in a frosty tone, “If you are so confident, why don't you convince Richard to divorce me? Don't bother me again, or I'll slap you.” After warning her fiercely, I turned around and left without waiting for a reply. Anita's POV As Ceres walked away from me in the bathroom, I noticed a piece of paper fall out from her bag. Unaware of it, she kept on moving. I waited until she was completely out of sight before I picked it up. My eyes widened as I read the document. It was a medical report confirming Ceres's pregnancy. She was pregnant! My grip on the paper tightened, my nails threatening to tear it. Panic surged through me, making it difficult to breathe. If Richard finds out Ceres was carrying his pup, all my schemes and hopes of solidifying my place in the pack would crumble. I remembered the little conversation with Richard outside the hospital earlier today. I had walked up to him with Lucky crying in my arms and saw him staring at a cab moving away in the distance, his fists clenched. I instantly knew that had to be Ceres leaving. “Lucky is still crying again. Is he still running a fever?” I asked in a timid voice. He turned to us and blinked. His face was cold but softened as he gazed upon Lucky. “Don't worry, the pack doctor will find a solution,” he said. I smiled weakly at him. “I saw your divorce agreement, Richard. Are you really going to get a divorce?” I asked, a flicker of hope gleaming in my eyes. His eyes turned cold and detached again. “No,” he said firmly. “She would always be the Luna of this pack.” My heart shattered at his words, but I feigned a fake smile. “That's good. Otherwise, I would be sad and blame myself.” Without uttering a word, he left. I lowered my gaze, a mix of anger and hurt searing through me. It was clear that Richard didn't want to divorce Ceres. I made it my mission to ensure that Ceres let go of him. Now, finding out that she is pregnant with his pup has made things even worse. I must act fast! I must act now! An hour later, I sat in my car, my wolf pacing restlessly within me as we watched Ceres standing in the intersection under the dim glow of the streetlights. Her hand rested on her lower abdomen, and her lips curved in a soft smile. In that instant, I was totally engulfed in fury. Gripping the steering wheel tightly with my claws, there was only one crazy thought in my mind. “Drive over them! Kill them both!” my wolf snarled. Yes! That is exactly what I should do! With Ceres and her pup out of the way, Richard would finally be all mine, as he should have always been! I immediately roared the engine of the car to life, gritting my teeth with determination. “Go to hell with your pup, Ceres!” I snarled as I stepped on the accelerator and sped toward an unsuspecting Ceres, knocking her down. Chapter 9 Ceres's POV After leaving the bathroom, I returned to the room where Jasmine and her friends were. The laughter I had left behind had turned into drunken chatter. Jasmine glanced up at me and smiled. “There you are, babe.” I returned her smile and sat beside her. After about an hour had passed, Jasmine decided the night had run its course and declared the gathering over. As the group dispersed, I stepped outside to wait for Jasmine and the designated driver. I was standing at the intersection, surrounded by dim streetlights. I put my hand on my lower abdomen and smiled. Glancing down at it, I said, my voice carried by the cool night breeze, “Mummy will always protect you, my little one. It’s me and you against the world.” I heaved a sigh of satisfaction. All of a sudden, I sensed a rapid approach to my right. I looked up just in time to be blinded by the glare of headlights. “Move, Ceres!” Elsa screamed in warning in my head, but my body froze and my mind went blank. As the car collided with me, I saw clearly the person behind the wheel. It was Anita! The impact came hard and fast, a deafening crash tearing through the still night. I felt my body hurl through the air before crumpling against the cold pavement. Agony exploded through me, sharp and unrelenting. My lower abdomen burned with searing pain, and warm blood began to pool around me. I gasped, Elsa howling in anguish as the life I carried flickered weakly within me. Tears mingled with the metallic taste of blood on my lips. Not my pup…please, not my pup… My heart constricted with immense pain. Harsh, ominous light filled my surroundings. The smell of blood filled my nostrils, and my vision grew increasingly blurred. My three years of sacrifice in marriage had left me with nothing. I had made up my mind to raise my pup alone, but right now, I was on the verge of losing it. My heart felt like it was being crushed in someone’s hands as pain spread through every nerve in my body. I could hear Jasmine’s scream pierce through the air as she rushed toward me. “Ceres! Ceres!” she screamed, her voice filled with panic. She carried my head in her trembling arms and cried, “Babe, please stay with me!” “Someone call an ambulance!” she yelled in fright as more people began to file out from the club. A few minutes later, the sound of sirens filled the air. I felt my strength gradually leaving me, making it more difficult to stay awake. Elsa stirred weakly within me. A few seconds later, I was being wheeled into an ambulance. Gradually, the ringing in my ears faded away, and I slipped into unconsciousness. ******** Richard's POV I heard the commotion going on outside the club and stepped out to see what it was all about. People were rushing to the scene; it was complete chaos. I saw a body being wheeled away into an ambulance that had just arrived. Upon getting closer, I noticed a car at the center of the scene. It was Anita's car! I rushed to the scene and upon seeing me, Anita rushed into my arms, “Richard, thank Goddess you are here!”she cried, her body trembling. I glanced down at her, she was as pale as the moon. Wanting to understand what was going on, I asked, “What happened, Anita?” She sobbed, her words tumbling out in broken cries as she glanced up at me. “I knocked down a lady… It was an accident! I swear, Christian, I didn’t see her in the darkness!” she explained bitterly. I furrowed my brows, surveying the scene keenly. My nostrils flared as I caught the scent of blood in the air, my wolf slightly agitated by the metallic smell. I followed the scent and saw a pool of blood on the floor a few feet from where we stood. My eyes darted towards the ambulance which was now leaving. I felt very uneasy as I watched it speed off into the darkness. “Help me, Richard, I didn't really mean to knock her down. You have to believe me!” Anita cried beside me. “I… I just returned from overseas and haven't really adapted to the driving rules here,” she stammered. “It was so dark, and I didn't see anyone standing there. Please, Richard, I didn’t mean it! I know this is an offense punishable by the law”, she shook her head frantically, “I can't go to prison Richard, Lucky can’t be without a mother,” she sobbed, clutching onto my shirt. My heart warmed up a bit as soon as she mentioned Lucky, and I tried to get back my composure. I was silent for a few seconds as I thought of what my next course of action would be. Patting Anita gently on the shoulder, I comforted her, “I understand. I will have my lawyer help you; everything will be alright.” She immediately looked up at me with puffy eyes, spent from crying. “You will?” I nodded my head in response. She wrapped her arms around me, embracing me tightly as she cried, “Thank you, Richard! I knew you would not abandon Lucky and me.” As my eyes wandered to the bloodstained ground, my jaw tightened, and my unease deepened. I released myself gently from Anita's grip and reached for my phone to call Martins. A few minutes later, the police arrived, and Martins and my lawyer arrived soon after. After gathering some evidence and inspecting the scene, the police approached us and asked Anita, “Do you know the person who was hit?” She leaned against my chest and shook her head in shock. Her voice trembled as she said, “I don’t know who it was, I couldn’t see anything. It was too dark.” When they were done questioning Anita, they turned to me. “Alpha Richard, I’m afraid we would have to take her into custody for further investigation,” one of the policemen said. I felt Anita stiffen as she clutched onto me tightly in fright. “Richard, please do not let them take me, please! Remember Lucky! He needs his mother. I can’t go to jail for this. It was only an accident!” Chapter 10 Richard's POV Anita's eyes were filled with fear. Thoughts of Lucky slightly ached my heart. “Give us a moment, please,” I said to the policemen. They nodded and moved to the side. I held Anita by the arms. “Listen to me, you have to go with them, but you will not be there for long.” Her eyes filled with shock as a snarl ripped out of her. “Richard! You want me to go with them? But you promised to take care of everything. You are an Alpha! They will do as you instruct!” she cried. “Listen to me, Anita! I might be an alpha, but I am also a law-abiding citizen!” I snapped angrily at her. Seeing how scared she was, I sighed and added softly, “I will take care of everything. You just need to spend the night there. By morning, everything will be sorted out, okay?” She searched my eyes for a few seconds and nodded in response, “Thank you, Richard.” After she had left with the policemen, I turned to Martins, who was now standing by my side, and instructed, “Negotiate with them for any amount of compensation. Minimize the impact of this incident.” Martins nodded in response and left with my lawyer to the police station. ********** A few hours ago, this morning, Martins and my lawyer were able to successfully secure Anita's release from the police station. They brought her to the suite in my hotel where I had lodged her and Lucky. I was relieved to see the mother and son duo finally reunite. Last night, after Anita was taken away by the police, I went to the hotel to stay with Lucky. It was one hell of a night, as I barely had any sleep due to his constant cries, calling for his mother. Upon her return, Anita was very down and cried intermittently. Due to this, I stayed with them until dawn the next day before I left. I checked my cellphone when I got home and realized that I had missed several calls from Martins. I had put my cellphone on silent mode since yesterday, not wanting to be disturbed. I called him back to know why he had called. As soon as the call connected, Martins’ voice rang out, “Alpha, we have a problem.” I furrowed my brows. “What problem is that?” He hesitated for a moment before he replied, “The victim has refused to negotiate any compensation from us.” “Do they want money? You can give them more, do everything you can to prevent them from pressing charges,” I ordered coldly. I could hear Martins take a deep breath, pausing momentarily before he said in a low tone, “Alpha... the victim is Luna Ceres, your wife... and...” There was absolute silence. I was still trying to process his words when he added, “She was carrying your pup. One month along. The pup died due to the accident.” His words hung in the air like a death knell. “What did you say? How can it be her?” I asked in utter confusion. “It is indeed her, Alpha. I confirmed it from her girlfriend who has been by her side since the incident.” My wolf roared in my head. I clenched my fist, my claws piercing my palm as realization crashed over me. I finally understood why I felt a bit restless last night. It was because something bad happened to my mate! She was one month pregnant? And now it was gone? A piercing sensation slashed through my heart like a sharp blade, leaving me in excruciating pain. “Go to the hospital at once. I will meet you there,” I ordered and ended the call. When I arrived at the hospital half an hour later, I saw Martins sitting in the lobby with my lawyer and two other people: a man and a woman. She must be Ceres's friend, the one Martins spoke about. Approaching them, I asked, my voice trembling with fury, “Where is she?” Martins hesitated briefly, his gaze flickering towards the calm lady who sat beside the man. Unlike him, she looked unfazed by my presence. She then turned her cold gaze at me, her sharp blue eyes brimming with defiance as she said in an icy tone, “She just had surgery and doesn't want to see you.” She rose to her feet and advanced toward me. “Alpha Richard, it is such a pity your pup is gone,” she taunted. I narrowed my eyes at her. A mix of rage, guilt, and grief coursed through my entire body as a low growl ripped out of my throat at her. But she wasn't finished. Her voice, dripping with venom, snarled. Each word was a dagger aimed at my heart. “Why would you even care? Your illegitimate child is alive and well, isn't he? That's all that matters to you! Congratulations, Richard, you are free from this marriage now, just the way you wanted!” I staggered a bit, her words striking me harder than a physical blow. My voice, when it finally came, was hoarse and fractured. “Where is Ceres?” I growled. For some reason, in the midst of the panic, I felt a strong sense of powerlessness. I didn't have high expectations for the pup with Ceres, but upon hearing she had lost it, I couldn't help but feel a pang of pain in my heart. My pup was gone! The ache in my heart deepened as I realized the cruel irony. While Ceres had bled and suffered last night, I had been comforting the woman responsible. I clenched my fist, my heart crushing under the weight of excruciating pain. The lady in front of me grabbed a document from the man still seated and hurled it at me. "This," she said, her voice as sharp as a blade, "is the divorce agreement. Sign it. If you don’t, we’ll press charges against Anita for intentional murder and make her rot in a cell for the rest of her miserable life.”