Cecilia's pov

I said nothing as Xavier's phone continued to light up with that shameless nickname. The vibration seemed to echo through our bedroom like an accusation.

Xavier's handsome face maintained a facade of composure, but I could see the subtle tension in his jaw, the slight twitch near his eye.

The phone wouldn't stop-calls turned to video chat requests, then transformed into an avalanche of text messages, each notification more demanding than the last. Bold. Shameless. Like she knew exactly where he was and didn't care that he was with me.

The tension between us was so thick you could cut it with a knife in the darkness of our bedroom.

"Aren't you going to answer it?" I asked, my voice cool as winter frost.

Only then did Xavier reach for his phone. Without even glancing at the screen, he powered it off and placed it back on the nightstand-a performance meant to reassure me.

He reached over, placing his palm against my forehead. "You're still running a slight fever," he said softly. "It's nothing to worry about. Go to sleep. I'll watch over you."

I lay back down and closed my eyes, my body rigid despite my apparent surrender.

An hour later, I made my breathing steady to mimic sleep, listening intently as Xavier retrieved his phone. His footsteps were soft as he moved toward the balcony, his phone quietly beeping as it powered on.

"Are you okay? Don't worry, don't be scared. I'm coming right over..." His voice was a hushed whisper, yet to my ears, it might as well have been shouting.

He returned to the bedroom, grabbed his jacket, and left.

The moment the door closed, my eyes snapped open. I had never been asleep.

What was I still hoping for? A cheater is like a bad apple - once they start rotting, it only gets worse.

At half past four in the morning, Xavier returned.

Seeing me seemingly asleep, he let out a sigh of relief. He approached, touched my forehead gently, satisfied that my fever had broken.

He headed to the bathroom. I listened to the shower running, the sound of water hitting tile mingling with my own bitter thoughts. When he emerged wearing his robe, he slid into bed beside me, his arm wrapping possessively around my waist as though nothing had changed between us.

After his breathing deepened into sleep, I carefully removed his arm and sat up. I studied his sleeping form with cold detachment-the handsome features I once adored, his thin lips, the sensual curve of his Adam's apple, and then...

My gaze locked onto the row of small, distinctive bite marks along his collarbone.

At that moment, the most violent thought crossed my mind: to stab him through the heart with a sterling silver dagger, so that this arrogant Alpha would know firsthand what true pain means.

...

When Xavier awoke, I was already downstairs. I had donned an apron and prepared breakfast for both of us, calling him to come eat as if it were any ordinary morning.

"Your fever just broke. Why didn't you sleep in?" Xavier approached, reaching to check my temperature.

I subtly shifted away from his touch. "It was just a minor cold. Nothing serious."

I removed my apron and sat down at the table. Xavier looked at his empty hand, momentarily awkward, but seemed reassured by my calm demeanor. He joined me at the table.

"I want to run something by you," I began, my tone deliberately light.

"What is it?" he asked, taking a sip of his juice.

"I want to quit my job at the company."

My words clearly caught him off guard. Before he could ask why, I continued: "I've been focused on nothing but work for years. I'm burnt out. I want to experience what it's like to live the pampered life of a wealthy alpha's mate for once."

Xavier studied me, trying to figure out if I was serious.

"Are you pulling my leg?" he questioned.

"I'm dead serious," I replied with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "What, do you think I'm some kind of masochist who doesn't know how to enjoy life?"

After consideration, he agreed. "Taking a break from work might be good for you. You can stay home. We could use this opportunity to try for a pup."

I smiled noncommittally. Inside, I was seething. *Right, that's your master plan, isn't it? Make me your breeding machine while you continue your nightly escapades with your "Sugar Baby." Keep dreaming, Xavier.*

"I'll put in my two weeks' notice in the next few days. I'm thinking of traveling to Europe-I've made plans with Harper. It's been ages since I've traveled."

"Her law firm isn't keeping her swamped? She has time to travel with you?" His tone was slightly suspicious.

"Oh, she's crazy busy," I said, my smile bright and false. "She's clearing her schedule for me."

Xavier fell silent, his wheels clearly turning.

After a moment, he spoke again. "A trip would be good for you. I'll take care of all the arrangements. You won't need to worry about a thing. Just enjoy yourself."

I maintained my smile, neither accepting nor declining his offer. By then, I'll be long gone.

The wound on my forehead was too conspicuous, and I didn't want to show up at the office looking like a victim during my resignation. I took a few additional days off.

With time to kill, I methodically packed my clothes, shoes, and personal items, moving them bit by bit to my new home.

Little by little, the closets were visibly emptying-anyone paying the slightest attention would notice.

But Xavier remained completely clueless.

I even took our wedding photo out to the yard to burn it while he was home. He was glued to his phone, alternating between quiet laughter and typing responses to whoever held his attention.

If only he'd bothered to glance through the floor-to-ceiling windows at his mate...

I stood in the fading sunset, watching him smile at his phone, observing him for a long time.

When the lighter finally burned my fingertips, I let go as if finally releasing hope.

The flames consumed the gasoline, illuminating the wedding photo in the metal barrel. In the picture, I looked so sweet, so happy, and his eyes were full of nothing but me... Then slowly, our faces distorted, melted, and finally turned into a pile of black ashes...

A sudden sense of suffocation constricted my chest. I stared at those ashes, my vision blurring with unshed tears.

"What are you burning?"

Xavier finally noticed the activity outside and came out.

I tilted my head back, pushing down the emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "Nothing important, just some..." I turned to look at him, my slightly reddened eyes contradicting the gentle smile on my lips. "Trash."

Xavier glanced at the barrel sending up thick black smoke, regarding me as if I'd lost my mind. "If it's trash, why not just throw it away?"

"Burning gets rid of it for good," I replied simply.

His brow furrowed in confusion.

We stood there in the yard without speaking, as the last trace of light on the horizon was swallowed by darkness-much like the last of my hope being consumed by truth.

Cecilia's pov

Friday morning, the auto shop called to tell me my car was ready.

After picking up my car, I was about to call the gentleman, Liam, when I remembered that suit. I'd promised to clean it and return it to him...

After a moment, I dialed the number. I told him my car was fixed, sent the repair details and costs, and added, "Would it be weird if I asked your boss's size?"

My reasoning was simple-since the suit was a set, I wanted to buy a replacement that matched. He'd done me a favor lending me his clothes; the least I could do was keep it easy for him.

Liam: "..."

I waited a while with no reply.

Maybe he didn't know and had to ask his boss.

I let it go.

At the next intersection, the finance manager called to check some data.

The wound on my forehead was almost healed, so I turned the car around and headed to the office.

After being gone so long, my team swarmed over the moment they saw me, all worried faces and questions flying.

I hadn't told them about my resignation yet. The thought made me feel bad for them-they'd have to break in another supervisor again.

After meeting with finance, I went back to my office and spent the afternoon getting through the mountain of work.

By late afternoon, I'd finished drafting my resignation letter, ready to hand it to Xavier before leaving.

Before the day ended, though, I overheard something that almost made me choke on my coffee while getting water.

"Word from the secretary's department is that the Shadow Pack Alpha's fourth daughter, Cici White, started working here today. The Alpha put her in his own office."

"Are the Shadow Pack and Blood Moon Pack setting up some kind of mating alliance?"

"Don't forget Manager Cecilia's his mate. If they bond, what happens to her?"

Everyone went quiet, trading looks before sighing. They went right back to sipping their coffee, gossiping about Cici's nerve, my bad luck, and Xavier being an asshole.

I stood outside, listening.

Then I went back to my office with my empty cup, sat there for a beat, just staring, then grabbed my resignation letter and went straight upstairs.

Might as well rip the Band-Aid off.

When I reached the executive floor, Beta Henry rushed over, looking jittery.

"Luna Cecilia, the Alpha's in a meeting. It's not a good time."

I nodded like I understood and turned to leave. As soon as he relaxed, I spun on my heel and strode straight for the door.

I grabbed the handle, turned it, and pushed hard.

"Ah-!" a shrill scream burst from inside.

Cici, wearing nothing but a towel, was pressed against Xavier's back. The door crashing open made her jump out of her skin.

Xavier's smile froze.

Beta Henry went pale, covering his eyes. "She was just moving some files, got sweaty, so she uh. took a shower. I didn't want you to get the wrong idea, that's why I said he was busy."

I shot him a look somewhere between pity and disgust.

"Beta Henry, top of your class and now playing pimp-what a fall."

With that, I turned away from him and walked in.

"Cecilia, what are you implying? You're just a department manager and you dare barge into the Alpha's office! You're fired-don't bother showing up tomorrow!"

I walked to the desk, set down my letter, and said calmly, "I told you I was quitting. I'll start getting things wrapped up tomorrow-make sure the handover's done."

Xavier didn't meet my eyes. "Whatever you want," he muttered.

"Good." I answered shortly, then looked from Cici back to him, a crooked smile tugging at my lips.

"Please continue with your. meeting." I spit the last word like poison.

I'd barely taken two steps when Cici's shrill voice cut through the room.

"Whether we continue or not is none of your business! Cecilia, who do you think you are? Xavier doesn't love you anymore. He loves me. The one who should leave is-"

"SILENCE!" Xavier barked, cutting her off.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to hold it together.

I straightened and turned.

"Let her talk. I'd love to hear just how thick-skinned the Shadow Pack's daughter can be." I lifted my gaze to Cici. "Love him or not, you're still the side piece-and me walking through that door just now? It's proof I can drag your sorry ass into the spotlight any time I want. Got it?"

"Don't you dare call me cheap!"

Cici, furious, lunged at me.

I slapped her hard. When she came again, I snatched the towel off her and shoved her down, hand on her head.

Before I could strike again, a strong arm yanked me back.

I stumbled, my lower back slamming into the desk corner, white-hot pain shooting up my spine. For a second I couldn't even breathe.

Cecilia's pov

Xavier ripped off his suit jacket and threw it over Cici's naked body as she collapsed to the floor in a storm of crocodile tears and hysterics.

Watching them, I almost laughed.

Eight years of loyalty wiped out by five minutes of pleasure-what a freaking joke.

He didn't even glance my way. Every muscle in him was bent on shielding a woman who'd already thrown him under the bus.

My lower back felt like it was breaking in half, but the pain in my body was nothing compared to the humiliation eating me alive.

"Cecilia, get lost!" Xavier barked, oblivious to how pale I'd turned.

Beta Henry finally moved, grabbing my arm to steady me. "Are you alright, Luna Cecilia?"

I gritted my teeth, fighting off the tears as pain shot up my spine. The betrayal burned, but the physical pain made it almost impossible to keep it together.

"Xavier, you make me sick," I managed, barely more than a whisper.

I pulled away from Henry's hand. Even if I could barely stand, I'd rather eat dirt than let any of them see me lean on someone.

Xavier's eyes widened, panic flickering for the first time.

"Cecilia, you're going to the hospital with Henry-now. And later, we're going to talk about what you did to Cici."

With his command hanging in the air, I pulled myself together just long enough to face him, flipped him off, and walked out. The look on his face almost made the pain worth it.

...

"Harper, I'm calling it quits early," I whispered into my phone, leaning against the elevator wall. "I can't- I can't look at him again."

My voice cracked, barely holding back the sobs. My back was killing me, but my heart hurt worse. I couldn't face my department looking this broken, so I forced myself out of the building and into my car.

Harper picked up on everything in my tone. I caught the sound of her grabbing her purse and keys. "Where are you?" she demanded, all business.

I gave her my address.

"I'm coming," she said.

Harper wasn't just my divorce lawyer-she'd been my best friend since we were kids. She knew me better than anyone: under the soft voice was steel.

Since learning about Xavier's affair, I'd been calm, cold, methodical. Not once did I cry in front of her.

So for me to sound like this, she knew something major had happened.

"That piece of shit," I heard her mutter.

"I'll wait for you," I managed before hanging up.

I closed my eyes and stayed against the elevator wall, hair falling forward to hide my face, thoughts spiraling into dark static.

I don't know how long I stood there.

"All done?"

The low, smooth voice cut through the silence so suddenly it made me jump.

My eyes flew open.

Tall. Broad shoulders in black. Pale throat, sharp jaw. Then those ice-cold eyes locked on mine.

"It's you," I breathed. "The guy I rear-ended."

He looked faintly amused. "Call me Sebastian."

He must've followed me in from the garage. I'd trapped myself in his way.

He leaned closer, a literal wall at six-foot-four.

I held up a hand. "What are you d-"

Before I could finish, his perfectly manicured hand caught my arm, moved me aside, then pressed the fingerprint scanner behind me.

Right.

I'd been blocking the damn scanner. No wonder the elevator hadn't moved.

Perfect. Just perfect. Someone shoot me now.

The elevator finally started climbing. When the display hit 5, I spotted his floor-46. The penthouse.

I shifted aside, wishing I could disappear.

Then his phone buzzed. That cool voice again. "What is it? .My measurements? Cecilia asked for them?"

I turned my head slowly, every movement painful. My face had to be bright red.

"Is this. awkward timing?" I croaked.

He looked at me, completely unreadable.

"Ding!"

The doors opened.

I practically ran, one hand on my aching back.

When Harper arrived, I was facedown on the bed, mostly back to normal.

"What happened?" she asked softly, crouching next to me.

I pulled myself together. The weird elevator encounter had actually snapped me out of my pity party.

I told her everything that had gone down at work, my voice steady.

Harper, though, was seeing red.

"He drags that home-wrecker into his company while you're still on payroll? Gets it on with her in broad daylight, then manhandles you like that? Has he completely lost it?"

"Cecilia Moore." When she used my full name, I knew she meant business. "They're openly disrespecting you now. You sure divorce is all you want?"

I tried to roll over, winced, and gave up.

"You know why I'm doing it this way," I said. "It's not fear. I just want him to know I bailed first. I'm not wasting another second on such a lowlife. I'll dump him like the trash he is."

Harper's eyes softened.

She brushed hair off my face. "You sound tough, but look at you right now."

I laughed dryly. "Give me two weeks. They could go at it right in front of me and I wouldn't even blink."

"Because you'd go blind?" she teased.

"Watching animals mate would just make me puke."

"That's still hurt talking," she shot back.

Harper stayed until I looked stable, then went out to grab medicated patches for my back.

Xavier

Remembering how hard I'd yanked Cecilia away-and the look in her eyes when I did-hit me like a punch to the gut.

I shot up from the couch, ignoring Cici's fake waterworks.

"Xavier?" she gasped, clutching my sleeve. "Don't leave me like this-"

I broke free, already dialing.

"Henry," I snapped. "Find Cecilia. ASAP. I might've hurt her back. Get her to the hospital."

The pause went on too long.

"Alpha," Henry said carefully. "Luna Cecilia's gone. Left over an hour ago. Alone."

My chest clenched. "You lost track of her?"

"We're looking. I'll keep you posted."

Click.

Behind me, Cici whimpered. "You're leaving me? After everything?"

I didn't bother turning. "You'll survive."

I stormed out, guilt tearing at my insides.

Night had fallen.

I hit every place she might've gone, called everyone she knew, even checked her parents' place. Nothing.

Harper was the first person I called. She said she didn't know.

By the tenth call, I was going crazy. When she finally picked up, her voice was like a slap in the face.

"Xavier, how nice for you? No one's bothering you now-just you and your side piece. Perfect world, huh?"

Her words told me everything. They were together.

My voice came out rough: "Let me talk to her."

"Not happening. I don't know where she is," Harper said, her tone arctic. "Maybe she's gone for good. You really outdid yourself this time."

Then she hung up.

I stood there, jaw clenched. I hit call again.

"Stop blowing up Harper," came Cecilia's calm voice. "I'll come back when I'm damn well ready."

I froze, my own breathing loud in my ears. When I finally spoke, my voice sounded foreign.

"Where are you? I'll pick you up. Does your back still hurt?"

She let out a short laugh. "Cut the act, Alpha Xavier-you're making my skin crawl."