Chapter 8
On the way home, Alpha Lucas’s phone wouldn’t stop ringing.
I glanced at the screen. The caller ID read just two letters: Claire.
Feigning curiosity, I asked, “Who keeps calling? Aren’t you going to answer? What if it’s urgent?”
At the red light Alpha Lucas seized the
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
At the red light, Alpha Lucas seized the moment to power off his phone. He pinched my cheek and said with a teasing smile,
“What could be more urgent than driving my luna home?”
I stared at the black screen in his hand and muttered playfully,
“Lucas, you didn’t even come with me to try on my wedding dress. What if you stand me up on the wedding day too?”
Suddenly, the car braked sharply. I lurched forward and hit Alpha Lucas’s arm. He immediately shielded me and asked if I was okay, then held my hand tightly, sighing.
“Honey, last time I didn’t come because of work. I just didn’t want you to worry. Tomorrow, I’ll go with you to pick the dress, okay?”
I forced myself to nod and smile.
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
But Alpha Lucas, tomorrow isn’t for me–it’s for Claire. That’ll be your big day with her.
As for the “return” of Eclipse pack’s real daughter, my father had already arranged an official statement. It would say he felt guilty for neglecting his firstborn and, upon learning of her love for Alpha Lucas, his younger daughter had voluntarily stepped aside.
Eclipse Packhouse would also transfer 2% of its shares into Claire’s name–effective immediately.
Tomorrow, the financial news channels would break the story. The public would rejoice that the Silver Claw Pack and Eclipse pack were finally becoming one. The wedding would be held within a week.
That’s why Claire kept calling Alpha Lucas- she could barely contain her excitement.
Once Alpha Lucas’s car disappeared down
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
the street, I grabbed my suitcase and hurried downstairs.
In the living room, I saw my father–his hair completely white overnight–and my mother, teary–eyed and pale. I opened my arms and embraced them both.
Mom clutched my hand tightly, her voice trembling with worry.
“Josephine… I saw the report in your room.”
I gently patted her back, comforting her.
“I’ll handle it, Mom. You and Dad take care of yourselves. If anything happens, just call me. I’ll come back with a degree and something to show for it.”
My nose burned. A wave of grief rose in my chest.
Afraid my tears would make her feel even worse, I quickly grabbed my things and got in the car
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
At the end of the street, I changed the route.
Their little love nest was in the same direction as what used to be my wedding house. I had the driver stop by the roadside.
From the car window, I saw Claire rush toward Alpha Lucas the moment he stepped out. She was smiling ear to ear, no doubt sharing today’s “great news.”
Under the warm yellow glow of the streetlights, I couldn’t make out Alpha Lucas’s expression.
I only saw the two of them locked in a tight embrace.
The dull ache in my chest twisted into a stabbing pain, sharp and relentless. My hands began to tremble uncontrollably.
Lowering my head, I swallowed the bitterness threatening to spill from my eyes. I took a deep breath and said quietly,
Chapter 8
“Driver, turn around.”
+ 5 Points
One last visit–to the home that held two years of my memories.
I packed up everything that belonged to me. Wiped away every trace I had left behind.
Before leaving, I placed two handwritten pages of my love diary on the living room table.
Alpha Lucas–this is the final countdown.
I watched with my own eyes as you shattered the dream you built for me, piece by piece.
You showed me exactly how deeply you could hurt me.
And I uncovered something painfully ironic.
The boy who saved me when I was five…
was you.
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
But fate twisted everything: you mistook Claire for that girl.
She stole my necklace, my photo.
Also, you said that the one who didn’t deserve happiness was Claire, not me, the real eldest daughter of Eclipse pack.
My phone was filled with messages from professors and seniors.
> Josephine, thank goodness you didn’t let me down. I hope your studies go well–may everything be smooth from here.
> You finally came to your senses. I was so heartbroken when I heard you’d withdrawn your PhD application.
> OMG, I’m so excited! When will you arrive? I want to come pick you up!
After finishing the final page of my diary, I replied:
Chapter 8
“Flight departs in two hours.”
+ 5 Points
Flipping through the thick book filled with our sweet, loving memories, I couldn’t help but sigh.
Five whole years of youth–just like that, wasted.
No future.
I left the love diary on the main table.
Tucked between its pages: the crumpled medical report and an old childhood photo.
Then I powered off my phone and went straight to the airport.
-Everything unfolded exactly as I expected.
Just as the news report aired, my flight landed–and I headed straight to the
hospital.
Chapter 8
+ 5 Points
Lying on the operating table, a sharp, drilling pain shot up from my uterus, bringing tears to my eyes.
I had refused anesthesia.
I needed to feel it.
I needed to carve away the last of my weakness with my own hands.
I accept that I loved the wrong person.
And I’ll never walk that road again.
Alpha Lucas,
I wonder what kind of expression you made…
when you finally learned the truth.
I bet it was a sight to see.
At last-
You and I are truly, completely over.
