Alpha Jakob gave me the grandest bonding ceremony five years ago. I became the world's most envied woman.

Five years later, I received a provocative voice message from Jakob's first love, Molly.

"I just got back to the pack, and all I needed to do was to play coy with Jakob, and he came right over. Tonight, he originally prepared blue fireworks for me. I don't like blue, but I decided to give it to you since I never liked to waste. You can use it during your anniversary."

The day during our fifth mate bond anniversary, I looked at the blue fireworks blooming in the night sky, quietly waiting in my seat as I faced the empty seat opposite me.

Molly's provocation came again. A photo of her having a candlelight dinner with Jakob.

I didn't cry, and simply submit the application to terminate my mate bond with Jakob to the pack's Elder Council.

At this time, my personal assistant told me she saw someone had applied for a grand bonding ceremony.

"Luna Cynthia, the bonding ceremony is prepared by Molly for herself and Alpha Jakob. It will take place seven days later. Do you wish to stop it?"

"There's no need to. If this is what Jakob wants, I'll make their wish come true."

Jakob was still promoting how deep his love for me was, saying that I was the woman he loved the most in his life.

But he didn't know that seven days later, I would leave the pack and never return again.

That night, he collapsed.

"Luna Cynthia, here's the mate bond termination request form from the safe."

I took the form and thanked my personal assistant, Mia.

On the day the Blackflame Pack's alpha Jakob, and I bonded as mates five years ago, he had already prepared this form.

The form had already been signed with Jakob's name. That was because he had sworn to love only me. If he ever betrayed me, then I could file for a mate bond termination at any time.

This form was once the proof of his loyalty.

I never imagined I had to take it out again. Especially not on our fifth mate bond anniversary.

I quickly signed my name, eyes looking at his empty seat across me with sorrow and exhaustion.

My wolf sobbed within me. "No… I saw the Jakob from five years ago. He wants to stop your hand from signing!"

I shook my head and whispered back. "You said it yourself. That was him from five years ago. He was an illusion from your past."

I looked at Mia and said in a quick tone, as if I was worried I would have second thoughts. "Take this mate bond termination form and submit it to the pack's Elder Council as soon as possible."

Once Mia finished her task, she quickly called me back and said cautiously, "Luna, the submission went smoothly. But I saw a she-wolf called Molly quietly reserving a large bonding ceremony hall. She said it was for her and Alpha Jakob. Do you wish to stop the bonding ceremony?"

"No, there's no need to."

Mia held her breath and didn't dare to say another word.

I knew why she asked.

Molly was Jakob's first love. There weren't many women who would allow her mate's first love to quietly prepare a bonding ceremony for them.

Mia asked with a trembling voice, filled with pity. "Luna, why are you doing this?"

I turned slowly to the window. The long and dazzling blue fireworks had finally faded in the air, leaving nothing but a line of words in the night sky.

"Happy Fifth Mate Bond Anniversary! Jakob & Cynthia!"

I looked away and sighed.

"Book my trip back to the Palemoon Pack seven days from now. On the same day as their bonding ceremony."

"You're going back to the Palemoon Pack?" Mia was shocked and quickly asked, "Please reconsider, Luna! This is not a minor decision!"

Five years ago, on the day Jakob and I became mates, not only did he sign the mate bond termination form, but he also reached a pact with my parents.

The pact was clear. If Jakob ever betrayed my love and I returned to the Palemoon Pack alone, then Jakob could never step into the Palemoon Pack ever again.

He would lose any chance of asking for forgiveness, and he would never see me again.

"There's nothing left to consider," I said.

Five years of loving memories were indeed hard to let go of. My eyes welled up with tears, but that wasn't enough to make me change my decision.

Seven days from now would be my birthday. I would leave Jakob and return to the Palemoon Pack.

At the same time, I would send Jakob to the bonding ceremony Molly had prepared for themselves. I would grant them their wish.

Once Mia ended the call to work on my commands, I heard a notification on my phone.

I glanced at the screen. Jakob had posted something openly on social media.

[Image]: Blue fireworks exploding across the night sky.

[Text]: Luna Cynthia, happy 5th mate bond anniversary! Your Alpha Jakob will always love you!

After the post was made, it exploded with comments.

"I'm so envious! No wonder there was an hour's worth of fireworks in the sky tonight! Alpha Jakob was doing it for his mate bond anniversary with Cynthia!"

"No surprises there. Alpha Jakob and Luna Cynthia have been mates for five years and celebrated big for all these five years. I look forward to seeing what they do next year."

"I heard Alpha Jakob suffered grievous injury in the battlefield last year and has just woken up from treatment. He's not fully conscious yet. The first thing he said after seeing his Luna was to ask her to go to rest and not watch over him all night. Their deep love touched even the healers!"

There was only one reply from Jakob for all the comments. "Cynthia is my Luna. I love her. I spoil her. I will protect her for the rest of her life. That's my duty as her Alpha."

The replies exploded once more within seconds. All filled with admiration and envy.

And I, the subject of their envy, simply stared at the empty seat because of Jakob's absence.

…

Jakob and I used to have love, of course.

We were in love for seven years and bonded for five. We never had a single fight.

In those seven years, Jakob gave me everything. Love, wealth, and the title of Luna.

But one month ago, when he was supposedly away on a business trip, I discovered another woman was with him.

Then I received a voice message from Jakob's account.

I pressed play, and I heard an unfamiliar woman's voice.

"I just got back to the pack and all I needed to do was to play coy with Jakob, and he came right over. Tonight, he originally prepared blue fireworks for me. I don't like blue, but I decided to give it to you since I never liked to waste. You can use it during your mate bond anniversary."

I didn't know who that woman was back then.

Not until two weeks ago, when Jakob brought her into the living room at his side.

Jakob introduced her as his distant cousin, Molly.

Molly was all smiles and greeted me with a face full of makeup, "Hello, Cynthia. I've always heard that you're the most envied woman in the world. We finally met in person."

Her voice was exactly the same as the one in the voice message, and my mind went completely blank.

It was getting difficult for me to handle the emotions inside of me, so I left early to stop myself from breaking down.

However, Molly wasn't done. That night, she sent me another provocative message.

"You missed an exciting session on the terrace tonight. I'm sorry, I couldn't help it and left claw marks on my ex's chest."

I gripped my phone tightly and stared at Jakob as he came home.

He reeked of alcohol and was completely drunk. He immediately passed out on the bed the moment he walked in.

Through his shirt that had two buttons loose, I saw his chest with all the claw marks.

How ironic. The shirt he wore was a matching custom-designed shirt we had booked for last year's anniversary.

On the collar, I had personally embroidered the words "Cynthia's Mate."

When Jakob first received the shirt, he was so touched that he held my hand and tenderly said, "Cynthia, when I wear this shirt, it's like having you by my side. I don't think I'll ever let another woman come close to me while I'm wearing it. I won't let another scent contaminate this symbol of your love for me."

Yet, a bold lipstick mark was smeared across the embroidery, making the words almost unreadable.

I could almost see Molly smugly smirking at me from behind the lipstick stain.

…

And then, today. On our fifth mate bond anniversary, I got a call from Jakob while I was at the restaurant.

"Honey, I'm setting up a surprise for you, so I can't make it to our candlelight dinner. As an apology, how about some fireworks?"

And with that, he hung up.

Two minutes later, my screen lit up. It was another message from his account.

My heart skipped, and I tapped open the photo with my last shred of faith.

In the photo, candlelight lit up Jakob's face. Flowers and a bottle of red wine were placed on the table. It was like a perfect romantic date.

But the woman sitting across from him wasn't me. It was Molly.

Then, another provocative message.

I closed my eyes to hide my tears. I didn't want anyone to see how fragile I was, as if I was still that dignified and strong Luna.

I couldn't understand how Jakob could declare his love for me publicly while still being with Molly at the same time.

Was this really the kind of love the world envied?

I ignored Jakob's open announcement of his love for me on social media and went home. Then, I asked a maid for a pair of scissors.

Then, I pulled out the matching custom-designed shirt I had made and cut it into shreds.

The sound of the fabric being torn apart was soft, but they seemed to have left slices on my heart.

Then, I picked up the shredded fabric and placed our ring into a box labeled "Second Mate Bond Gift."

I meant to give this box to Jakob on the day I was going to leave.

Maybe he would be thrilled when he received it. Or maybe excited, happy…

But he didn't know that I was also returning all my shattered tenderness and love to him.

Once I had tucked the box away, I ran into Jakob who came back home.

He smiled at me fondly as he took my hand and led me outside.

"Honey! The surprise I planned for you is here! Come see it!"

Once outside, a massive pink gift box greeted me.

Jakob snapped his fingers, and the box automatically opened.

As a flurry of balloons and confetti burst into the sky, a pink Bugatti caught my eye.

Two domestic helpers quickly raised a banner that read, "For my beloved Luna, Cynthia."

Crowds gathered again as he presented his gift in such an extravagant manner, all of them sighing with envy.

Jakob then handed me the keys, his eyes brimming with love. "Cynthia, didn't you say the seat in your car is a little uncomfortable? I remembered it, so I chose a new car for you. As your Alpha, I'll give you everything you want."

Just when I was about to accept his gift as I drowned myself in his eyes filled with burning passion, I suddenly saw a bracelet that I had never seen before around his wrist. It was something any woman could recognize. A bracelet made of a lace bra strap.

My hand froze, and I felt my stomach churning.

Jakob noticed the change in my expression and asked worryingly, "What's wrong, Cynthia? You don't want this car? You didn't like the color?"

I shook my head and took the car keys, my voice trembling. "No… It's a wonderful car."

But I never wanted a car. I wanted Jakob.

He obviously sighed in relief, thinking that I was probably just too touched.

Back in our bedroom, Jakob noticed a gift box on my dressing table.

He wanted to see what it was, but I stepped in front of him.

Jakob held my hands and said, "You prepared a surprise for me too, didn't you?"

I pursed my lips then said with a fake smile, "Of course. You know how I'll always treat others with kindness when they treat me well. But you can't open it yet. I'll give it to you and another gift seven days later. I'm sure you'll love it."

Jakob's eyes sparkled. He hugged me tightly and asked happily, "A double surprise? Is there a special day seven days from now? Why can't I remember?"

He thought for a moment before walking out of the bedroom and calling the butler after a moment of realization. "I almost forgot! Cynthia's birthday is seven days from now! Sebastian, prepare a grand birthday celebration. That's right, bigger than last year. I won't be cheap with my Luna."

When Jakob was making the call, he didn't realize that I was staring at him from the bedroom doorway, my eyes colder than ever.

He had never forgotten about my birthday during the seven years we were together.

The moment Molly returned, he forgot it completely.

Everything in this world was fair. Since Jakob didn't come for the dinner I had painstakingly planned, I would be absent from the birthday party he was preparing for me.

I wonder what kind of expression he would have later on?

I lowered my eyes and texted Mia. "Which floor of which hotel is the birthday banquet that Jakob was planning? Have someone set up Molly's bonding ceremony directly above it."

"Understood, Luna."

Jakob was still calling the butler when I overheard the butler remind him, saying, "Alpha, remember that today is your mate bond anniversary with your Luna. You must take Luna to have dessert at the Dessert Oasis. The Luna will be sad if you don't.

"Ah, right. I almost forgot. Thanks for reminding me. Help me reserve Cynthia's favorite dessert. I'll take her there right now."

I heard all of it clearly.

Jakob helped me put my coat on.

"Cynthia, let's go have dessert. I've already made a reservation. We can eat as soon as we get there."

The Dessert Oasis had been my favorite since my school days. It was also where Jakob and I first met. That was why Jakob would take me there for dessert during every anniversary. To thank the Moon Goddess for bringing us together.

He had said that this was the day he treasured the most. It was the day when fate turned for him. It was a place he would never forget.

He would book this place one week in advance and even arrange the plating as he chose my favorite pieces of dessert.

But now, he only remembered this because the butler told him.

My heart turned ice-cold after that.

What I once treasured had just become another line on his schedule.

And what about me? What was I to him?

It only strengthened my resolve to leave.

After all, I prefer to walk away with some dignity left rather than becoming a Luna in name only.

Soon, Jakob helped me out of a luxury car like a gentleman.

As Alpha and Luna of the Blackflame Pack, many recognized us. All of them started to look at us excitedly.

"Oh, gods! That's the Alpha who spoils his Luna? I think I see them!"

"They look like a perfect match for each other! I heard that Alpha Jakob will take his Luna to where they first met for dessert every anniversary! It's true! This is so romantic!"

Jakob covered for me as we walked toward the Dessert Oasis. Then he noticed a small speck of dust on the tip of my high heels.

He then crouched down in front of everyone and wiped the dust off with his handkerchief.

The crowd cheered as they looked at what he did. Some of the bolder werewolves even came to offer us their blessings.

"Alpha Jakob, you have only ever knelt before your wife as a ruler of your empire. You two are the most loving mates I have ever seen. I wish you everlasting love!"

Their blessings felt like knives cutting across my heart.

I looked at the man kneeling before me with a blank expression before giving the crowd a distant, polite smile.

Jakob and I entered Dessert Oasis and sat where we would usually sit.

He then turned to the owner and asked, "Are the desserts ready? Blueberry layers, light cream. That is what Cynthia likes."

"It's already ready. It's your fifth mate bond anniversary, isn't it?" The shop owner has a deep impression of us. She told us she had been telling everyone that since today was our anniversary, we would come eventually despite being so late at night due to how well our relationship was.

Indeed, we came.

The owner then brought the dessert over and asked us, full of compassion, "You've been together for five years and yet your love is still so deep. When are you planning to have a child?"

Jakob looked at me affectionately and he couldn't even stop himself from smiling. "We'll let nature take its course. Maybe this year. Cynthia is so pretty, our baby will definitely be adorable. I can't wait to hold them already."

I lowered my eyes and looked at the dessert in front of me. I couldn't even fake my smile anymore.

Jakob had only cut the dessert halfway through when he suddenly received a call.

He whispered something to the other side before telling me that his car that was parked outside had been scratched. He wanted to take a look.

Jakob frowned, looking genuinely troubled.

"Go ahead and eat, Cynthia. I'll look at the car. I'll be quick. You can order a drink too, but don't drink anything cold or alcoholic though. Your cycle is coming in three days and I don't want to see you suffer, alright?"

His words made the nearby customers in the dessert shop envious.

"Alpha Jakob is so considerate! He even remembers his Luna's cycle!"

"I can't imagine it. If I were Cynthia, how happy would I be?"

The shop owner gave me a warm smile and said, "You're so lucky to be with a man who cherishes and is loyal to you, Luna Cynthia. That is something very rare."

I smiled bitterly. "True. It's very rare."

So rare, in fact, that this so-called legendary love that everyone envied was just a performance. So rare that in fact, I had never actually found it.

I didn't want to continue this topic, so I turned my head and looked out the window.

Jakob quickly walked out of the dessert shop and passed by the luxury car we'd come in and climbed into another pink Ferrari parked next to it.

The car looked familiar. If I wasn't mistaken, Molly arrived at the last gathering in that car.

I heard it was a welcome-home gift from Jakob that was worth several million dollars. It was around the same price as my Bugatti.

Jakob was such a master of balancing acts.

Molly and I. First love and mate. He didn't want to offend either. He kept everything between us delicately balanced.

I couldn't see what was happening inside the car, but that familiar number sent another provoking text to me again.

I didn't even need to unlock my phone. I already know that Jakob and Molly had yet again slipped into another private and intimate moment.

With my hands trembling, I shoved my phone into the bottom of my bag. I looked at the dessert in front of me that was losing its freshness, and I could feel my stomach twist in dull pain.

A heart wouldn't break with a loud bang. Instead, it would quietly splinter into countless pieces.

The wolf within me growled. Angry, confused, disbelief, all mixed. But I forced it back inside.

When I came to, I realized I had already destroyed the words written using chocolate on my cake with my fork. "Happy 5th Mate Bond Anniversary", all messed up.

Half an hour later, Jakob finally returned.

He looked at the cake that had barely been touched and my pale face before quickly asking in concern. "What is it, honey? You don't look well. Are you feeling sick? Should I take you to the healer?"

His voice was full of concern, but I looked away. I couldn't bear to look at the face I once loved.

"I ran into something disgusting. I lost my appetite," I answered.

"What happened? Do you need me to deal with it?" Jakob asked, becoming even more anxious.

I looked at him with tears welling up in my eyes. "You wouldn't want to know."

Because the one who needed to be dealt with was him.

Jakob couldn't understand why I was so upset. He wanted to give me a hug, but I moved away.

I wiped my tears and walked straight out of the Dessert Oasis, hailing for a cab to go home.

Jakob was still showing behind me. "Where are you going, Cynthia? Wait for me!"

He then chased after me in his luxury car. Right behind him was the pink Ferrari.

How laughable. We were like characters playing in a tragic comedy.

As soon as I got out of the cab once I was home, I fell right into Jakob's arms.

I struggled to break free, but he clung to me and refused to let go.

He anxiously asked, "Why are you angry, Cynthia? Is it because I didn't stay and eat dessert with you when I went to check on my scratched car?

I stopped struggling and looked him dead in the eyes. I saw the worry, the guilt, but there was no shame at all.

He still didn't think he did anything wrong.

I gave him a bitter smile. "That's right. Only because you didn't eat the cake with me."

Jakob let out a sigh of relief. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have left you alone because of a car. Next time, I'll stay with you even if my car is totaled next time."

Then, he carefully took my hand and asked, "I just received news that something happened to a business partner of mine and I need to check up on him. Is it alright if I leave you for a while?"

He was willing to make such an elaborate lie just for Molly?

I pushed his hand and calmly said, "Go, then. If your business partner is really that important."

He kissed me with joy. "It's a blessing to have a she-wolf like you to be my Luna, Cynthia."

I endured the pain in my heart. 'But Jakob, you're not my blessing.'