For the next few days, I stayed home, busy preparing to leave the country. I barely went out.

The day before my departure, my brother, Damine, got drunk at Liam's bachelor’s party.

When I received the call, I went out to pick him up.

I quickly made it to the Blackwood family estate and pressed the doorbell.

After a moment, the butler opened the door and led me to find my brother.

I used to follow my brother here whenever I could, just for a chance to see Liam, so I knew the place like the back of my hand.

But after a month away, stepping back into the villa felt strangely unfamiliar.

The entire estate was bustling with preparations for the grand mating ceremony, filled with a festive atmosphere.

The few ancient pine trees that once stood in the courtyard were gone, replaced by vast rose gardens.

The black and white decor had been completely replaced by fresh aqua and green tones.

Mating ceremony supplies and countless adorable plush toys and ornaments were displayed everywhere.

The butler knew me well. As he led me through the halls, he cheerfully explained, "Miss Sera, Alpha has been incredibly busy preparing for the mating ceremony. It's been a while since you've visited, are you having trouble finding your way around? You mentioned you loved how lush the pine trees were, didn't you? It's a shame, but our future Luna doesn't care for them. Alpha had them cut down. Such a pity, don't you think?"

He added, "All the furniture and room styles have been changed to the colors the new Luna prefers. Isn't it much more beautiful now? Alpha even said he'll let her make all the decisions for the household from now on. I never thought the Alpha would change like this after getting married. It seems he truly adores the Luna."

I listened quietly, my voice soft and indifferent.

"Yes, he loves her. It's obvious to everyone."

Walking through the long corridor, we reached the lounge, which was filled with noise.

I didn't want to go in, so I called my brother to let him know I had arrived.

After a moment, the door opened.

Liam supported my brother, who was completely drunk, as he stumbled out. His expression tightened slightly when he saw me.

Sera's expression remained as calm as water as she politely greeted him.

Damine rubbed his bleary eyes and waved a dismissive hand, his voice thick with drunkenness.

"Tomorrow... tomorrow your mating ceremony... I won't be able to attend... I have to see her off... send..."

His words trailed off as he slumped into unconsciousness.

Liam frowned, "What does your brother have to do tomorrow? Is he not even coming to my mating ceremony?"

I knew Damine was planning to see me off at the airport.

But I didn't want him to know I was leaving, so I shook my head, pretending not to know.

"He probably has something important to do, or maybe he's just talking nonsense in his drunken state."

After saying this, I went to support my brother to leave. We had only taken a few steps when he called out to us again.

"And you? Will you be coming to the mating ceremony tomorrow?"

I stopped in my tracks, my gaze turning distant. There was a sense of relief in my voice.

"Damine doesn't want me to go, and I'm sure you don't want to see me there either. So I won't be coming. I'll just wish you both a happy mating ceremony and a lifetime of happiness from here. I might not have another chance to offer my blessings."

When I finished speaking, Liam's heart gave a strange lurch.

What did I mean by "I might not have another chance"?

He couldn't understand. He instinctively wanted to call her back and ask, but Sylvia's phone call came through.

He hesitated for a few seconds but ultimately chose to answer the phone.

"Liam, you're not allowed to drink too much tonight, or you'll be late for the ceremony tomorrow, and I won't forgive you..."

"Alright, alright, whatever you say."

Listening to his gentle, coaxing tone, I smiled silently to myself and helped Damine home.

I slept without dreaming. When I woke again, it was already eight o'clock.

After eating breakfast, my brother drove me to the airport.

The plane would take off at eleven o'clock. Seeing I still had time, I specifically reminded Damine.

"You should go to the mating ceremony now. They're probably still waiting for you. I'll call you to let you know I've arrived safely."

Damine glanced at his watch, sighed, and nodded.

After watching him leave, I walked through the gate alone and boarded the plane.

As we were about to take off, I was about to turn off my phone when Liam's call suddenly came in.

I froze for a second, then pressed the end call button.

I proceeded to block all his contact information.

As the plane began its ascent, I took one last look at the city where I had spent the first twenty-two years of my life.

Then I closed my eyes, with no more regrets or longing in my heart.