*Amelia*

"Adrian, you have to believe me, I..." My words faltered as Adrian stormed towards me, slapping me hard across the face. I stumbled, crashing to the ground, the sting of the blow still ringing in my ears.

"How could you be this heartless and vicious?" His voice thundered with rage, dripping with anger and hatred as I sat there, tears streaming down my cheeks.

This was the first time Adrian had raised his hand to me in our two years of marriage. And it was all because of Mara-his ex-mate. What hurt most was that he hadn't even given me a chance to explain. Without hesitation, he slapped me and accused me.

"You better pray nothing happens to her," he spat, his words like a cold knife to my heart. "If anything happens, you won't like what I'll do to you."

He then turned his back on me, scooping Mara off the ground and leaving the room.

As I sat there, the realization hit me like a punch to the gut. Adrian was still in love with Mara. No matter how much time had passed, no matter what we'd built over the past two years, he was ready to destroy it all for her. He didn't trust me. If he did, he would have listened before making his judgment.

Hot tears burned my eyes, and the truth hit me-my marriage was crumbling before me, and I had no control over it. I could only cry.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Sarah. I quickly wiped my face, trying to regain composure before answering.

"Hello, Sarah, how are you?" I asked, forcing cheer into my voice.

"I'm fine, Lia, but there's a rumor going around the pack. What's this about you trying to murder Adrian's guest this morning?"

"What?!" I gasped, shocked and confused. How had this story spread so fast?

"Is it true?" Sarah pressed. "Is the guest the same woman you saw Adrian with last night?"

"Yes, it's her," I said, explaining everything that had happened.

Sarah sighed. "Lia, listen, if after everything Adrian still doesn't trust you, if he's so quick to believe Mara and bring her into your life without even talking to you first, maybe it's time for you to start thinking about your own future. You need to find your fated mate."

Her words stung. Adrian was my mate, even if he wasn't my fated one. I loved him with all my heart. The thought of leaving him made my stomach twist.

"Lia, I'm not saying you should leave him. But if you stay, know that this could get worse. He hit you today. Who knows what might happen next?"

I sighed deeply. "I don't know what to do, Sarah."

"Think about it. Do what feels right," she said softly, then hung up.

I was left standing there, feeling torn and lost.

"Ivy, what do you think?" I asked my wolf.

"I think Sarah has a point," Ivy replied. "Adrian hit you, Lia. What if he does worse next time? I'm scared for you."

"I know," I said, trying to keep my resolve. "But right now, I'm not leaving him. I'm his mate and Luna. I'm not letting Mara tear everything apart. I'll fight for us."

I heard Ivy sigh through our mind-link, disappointed, but she fell silent.

After a long bath, I decided to go and have my breakfast. I hadn't eaten since the night before, and my stomach growled with hunger.

As I made my way to the dining table, I heard whispers from the maids. They must have heard the rumors too, but they quickly scattered when they saw me.

I was about to start eating when Jake, Adrian's Beta, burst into the room.

"Good morning, Your Highness," Jake greeted me, his expression serious.

"Good morning, Jake. What's going on?" I asked, sensing something was off.

"The Alpha sent me to get you. He says you need to come to the hospital right away."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

Jake hesitated. "I'm not sure, Your Highness. I wasn't with him when he went to the hospital."

I nodded, the sinking feeling in my chest growing stronger. "Let's go."

On the way to the hospital, whispers followed me. Some of the Pack members were already turning on me, accusing me of trying to murder Mara. The murmurs cut through me like daggers.

When we arrived at the hospital, the glares from the nurses and Pack members were palpable. I ignored them and headed straight for Mara's room.

Outside, I found Adrian pacing, his face a mask of fury.

"What took you so long?" he demanded coldly as I approached.

I didn't respond. His anger was suffocating, and I couldn't bring myself to speak.

"The doctor said Mara was stabbed with a knife coated in wolfbane. They had to drain her blood to prevent it from spreading," Adrian explained, his voice hard. "She needs a transfusion, and since you have the same blood type, you're the only one who can help."

I clenched my fists. "Sorry to disappoint you, Adrian, but I'm not giving her my blood. If I had really stabbed her, maybe I'd consider it. But I didn't, and I'm not helping her."

His eyes flashed with anger. "What do you take me for, Amelia? A fool? If you didn't stab her, then who did?"

"She stabbed herself to frame me!" I shouted, unable to contain my frustration. "Why won't you believe me, Adrian? After everything we've been through, how can you still doubt me?"

He scoffed. "Mara would never do that. She wouldn't stab herself, especially with wolfbane. She has no reason to frame you."

"Because she's trying to take everything from me! She's trying to take you!" I yelled, my voice cracking with emotion.

Adrian's face twisted with fury. "Enough!"

He stepped closer, his anger radiating. "When I tell you to give her your blood, it's not a request. It's an order."

I stood my ground. "If you force me to do this, Adrian, I will file for divorce. I won't stay in a marriage where we don't trust each other."

His eyes widened, disbelief and shock flashing across his face. "What?"

To be continued...

*Amelia*

"You are joking, right?" Adrian asked me, his tone filled with disbelief, as I threatened to divorce him if he forced me to give my blood to Mara, his ex-mate, who had accused me of stabbing her.

"As much as I'd like to say I'm joking, unfortunately, I am not. It's either her or me. The choice is yours," I said firmly. Adrian stared at me for what felt like an eternity, his eyes narrowing before his lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

"You think I don't know what you're doing? You're trying to blackmail me with a divorce. Well, let me make it clear-it won't work on me," he snapped, his tone cold and unyielding.

"You stabbed someone. And no matter your position in this pack, you're supposed to face the consequences. But here I am, sparing you from punishment by asking you to give her your blood so she can survive. Yet, you're still being stubborn. Do you think I can't punish you?" Adrian's voice grew angrier.

A sad smile tugged at my lips as I looked at him. "Adrian, I'd rather be punished than give her a single drop of my blood. As I've said, I didn't stab her. But if you're convinced that I did and you're going to force me to give her my blood, then I will file for a divorce." My voice was unwavering.

Adrian scoffed. "Well, sorry to disappoint you, Amelia. But neither am I letting you file for a divorce, nor am I letting this slide. You're going to give her your blood, and that's final."

Before I could respond, guards and the doctor entered the room.

"Take her inside and take whatever blood she has to give. Make sure it's enough for Mara to survive," Adrian ordered coldly. The guards moved toward me, their hands grasping me tightly.

"Let go of me, you fools!" I screamed, struggling to break free. Before I could react, I felt the cold sting of a syringe in my neck. I turned to face the doctor, who was standing there, holding an empty syringe. My vision blurred instantly, and I fell unconscious, losing all sense of time and place.

When I woke up, hours later, I felt weak and disoriented, the exhaustion weighing heavily on my body. A sharp pain shot through my wrist, and I realized with horror that they had taken my blood without my consent-sedating me to do so, all to save Mara, the woman who had accused me of trying to harm her.

Fury burned inside me. Adrian must have thought I was bluffing when I threatened him with divorce, but now it was clear that he had made his choice. He had chosen Mara, and I was nothing more than a pawn in his game. I was just his chosen mate, not his fated one.

I couldn't stand the thought of being in the same pack with him any longer, especially not after everything that had happened. I had to leave, start fresh, and maybe-just maybe-find my fated mate.

Despite the fatigue and the blood loss, I gathered enough strength to stand up from the bed. I ignored the stares of the nurses and the whispers of the pack members as I staggered my way out of the hospital.

Back at the palace, I headed straight for the kitchen, where I ate to my heart's content, trying to regain some energy. Then, I made my way to Adrian's office, where I knew the divorce papers would be kept.

It didn't take long to find them. With shaking hands, I signed my name on the dotted line, sealing the end of my marriage to Adrian. After signing, I quickly changed into the maid's uniform I had kept hidden, knowing that I would need to leave the palace unnoticed.

With my card, the small savings I had, and my phone in hand, I started making my way to the exit. I needed to get out without the guards noticing me. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked past the gate, and for once, luck was on my side-the guards were too distracted with their conversation to notice me slipping away.

Once outside the pack's borders, I ran, my heart racing as I pushed myself harder despite my exhaustion. The cold of the forest chilled me to the bone, but I couldn't stop. Not when freedom was so close.

Then, I heard the unmistakable sound of voices-Adrian's voice, to be exact.

"I can smell her. She's nearby. Keep searching," he commanded, his voice laced with urgency.

Panic surged through me. I couldn't afford to go back now. Not when I was so close to freedom.

I pushed myself harder, ignoring the pain in my legs as I ran, faster than I ever had before. My thoughts raced. If Adrian caught up with me, it would be over. He would drag me back to the pack, lock me away, and make sure I couldn't escape again.

"Amelia, I know you can hear me! Stop running and come back! If I catch you, you won't like what happens next!" Adrian's voice echoed behind me.

But I kept running. I had no choice.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I heard the sound of cars approaching. My heart lifted, and I pushed my legs to go even faster. Then, there it was-the main road.

With the last of my strength, I ran to the road, stepping in front of an oncoming car. The driver slammed on the brakes, tires screeching as he came to a stop.

The man, probably in his late fifties, stared at me with wide eyes. "What the hell is wrong with you, young lady? Do you want to get yourself killed?" he yelled.

"Please, help me! They're chasing me," I pleaded, my voice breaking with desperation.

The driver eyed me skeptically. "Really?" he asked, scrutinizing me carefully.

"Yes, please. I don't know what to do!" I begged.

He hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Fine. Hurry up and get in."

I didn't need to be told twice. I scrambled into the car, and without another word, the man hit the gas, speeding away.

Looking out the rearview mirror, I saw Adrian and his guards on the road, searching for me. But they didn't know I was in the car. They had no idea that my life was about to change.

As the car sped away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. I was free.

To be continued...

*Five Years Later*

**Amelia**

The hum of New York City traffic filled the air as I drove along the bustling streets, heading to the university where I had spent the past five years pouring my heart into my studies. Today marked a monumental milestone-I was graduating as a medical doctor.

It had taken relentless effort and commitment, but I had finally made it. After escaping the Moonstone Pack five years ago, I'd used my savings-hard-earned from my time as Luna-to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.

This was a dream I'd once abandoned when Adrian chose me as his Luna, demanding my focus and sacrifice for the Pack. But none of it had mattered to him in the end. He cheated on me, discarded me for his ex-mate, and left me broken. Still, in that heartbreak, I found my freedom and reclaimed my dream.

My hands gripped the steering wheel tightly as I navigated through the congested traffic, the weight of the day sinking in. This wasn't just any graduation-it was a turning point, a declaration that I had taken back control of my life. The thought brought a bittersweet smile to my lips as I glanced at the time on the dashboard. I was running late, thanks to an endless traffic jam.

'Great. Just great.'

The cars inched forward, and I tapped my fingers impatiently against the wheel. My thoughts wandered to the moment I decided to leave the Moonstone Pack. It was one of the hardest decisions I'd ever made, but looking back now, I knew it was the right one.

Adrian may have broken my heart, but he also set me free.

The traffic finally began to clear, and I pressed the accelerator, my determination renewed. Today wasn't just about the diploma-it was about proving to myself that I could rebuild, that I was more than the title of Luna or the mate who wasn't enough.

---

Twenty minutes later, I arrived at the university, hastily grabbing the graduation gown from my passenger seat and slipping it on. The ceremony had already begun, and I could hear faint applause echoing from the auditorium. Hoping not to attract too much attention, I slipped in through the back entrance.

Scanning the hall, I spotted my best friend, Becky, sitting near the back. I quickly made my way to her and settled into the empty seat beside her.

"What took you so long, Lia?" Becky whispered, her brow furrowed.

"Traffic jam," I replied with an apologetic shrug.

She sighed. "You just missed Dr. Edward's speech. But don't worry-you're just in time for Dr. Alex Darlington."

My eyes widened. "Wait-Alex Darlington is here? The Alex Darlington?"

Becky grinned and nodded.

My heart skipped a beat. Alex Darlington was a renowned doctor, a legend in the medical field, and my role model. I'd admired him from afar for years and had always hoped to meet him someday. The idea of seeing him in person sent a thrill through me.

"Please give a warm welcome to Dr. Alex Darlington, one of the most celebrated and successful doctors in New York City," the announcer declared.

The audience erupted into applause as a tall, strikingly handsome man stepped onto the stage. His presence commanded attention, his dark suit perfectly tailored, and his confident smile radiating charm.

I joined in the applause, but as I did, a familiar scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a wave, making my breath hitch.

'No...'

My wolf, Ivy, leaped excitedly in my mind. "Mate!"

Panic surged through me as the realization hit-Alex Darlington, the man I idolized, was my fated mate.

"No, no, this can't be happening," I muttered under my breath, my heart racing.

Becky glanced at me, her brows furrowing in concern. "Lia? Are you okay?"

I forced a shaky smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... need some air. I'll be right back."

Without waiting for her response, I slipped out of my seat and hurried toward the nearest bathroom.

---

Inside the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

"What is wrong with you, Amelia? Isn't this what you've always wanted?" Ivy's voice echoed in my mind, tinged with frustration.

"No, Ivy. This is the last thing I want," I shot back. "After what I went through with Adrian, you expect me to trust another mate?"

Ivy fell silent for a moment before asking quietly, "So... what are you going to do?"

"I'll reject him," I said firmly. "If he refuses to acknowledge it, I'll leave. As long as he can't find me, he'll never claim me."

Without hesitating, I grabbed my bag and exited the bathroom, determined to slip away before Alex could discover the bond.

---

I texted Becky, telling her I felt sick and had to leave, then made my way to the elevator. My plan was simple: leave now, collect my certificate later, and avoid the fanfare entirely.

The elevator dinged softly as the doors slid open, and I stepped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. I took a steadying breath, hoping I could escape without incident.

Just as the doors were about to close, a foot blocked them. The doors slid open again, and the scent of lavender and strawberries hit me like a tidal wave.

My stomach churned.

Dr. Alex Darlington stepped into the elevator, the same confident smile playing on his lips. Only now, his eyes-intense and captivating-were fixed on me.

"Little mate," he said, his voice smooth and teasing, "running away already?"

My breath hitched, and I instinctively backed up against the wall of the elevator, my heart pounding wildly.

"Dr. A-Alex Darlington," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

He stepped closer, his smirk widening. "No need to be formal. We're fated, after all."

His words sent a jolt through me, and I clenched my fists. "I know you don't want this Dr. Alex so just go on and reject me," I said to him and immediately he furrowed his brows at me.

"Reject you, is that what you want?"

His smirk faltered slightly, but his expression remained calm.

" Yes." My voice shook, but I stood my ground.

"Okay," he replied calmly.

To be continued...