Moira's POV

I hadn't responded to Dillan's offer yet. It wasn't easy to accept such high praise after being away from the field for so long. I had sacrificed a lot to win Jude's heart, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized how far I had strayed from myself.

If I rejected Dillan's offer, I would be ignoring the part of myself that loved design so much.

Didn't I want to shine again like I used to, and rise to become better, as Dillan said?

"How about it, Moira? I'm not offering you this because you were my junior. I thought about it, especially how well we worked together in college." He added, "As additional information that I hope will change your mind a little- Blitz AI's success is mostly thanks to you."

"Me?" I asked in disbelief. "I didn't do anything, Dillan. You don't need to exaggerate."

"It's true, Moira. Do you remember the last design we worked on? It was put on hold because you chose your fairy-tale life, where you'd be happy after marrying your dream prince. I used the remaining, abandoned design." Dillan activated the pad in his hand and showed me one of the images, which I recognized clearly. "This is the result of your genius, Moira. I named it Moi-Ra."

"Is this the AI device we developed before?" I asked. He nodded.

I looked at the screen with a surge of emotion and pride. That was right. I had learned some coding from Dillan and applied what I could to create a generating device to help professionals.

The tablet-shaped device, with its interface design and internal system, could generate simple commands and produce fictional or non-fictional images or text as needed. Everything was available at your fingertips.

"This product sells quite well, especially after I improvised by pairing it with robot mode," he added.

"Robot? Do you mean like a service robot?" I asked curiously. He looked around, then whispered something in my ear.

"Sex robot." He laughed loudly, prompting me to laugh along. "It's a pretty crazy idea, but I'm satisfied. That product is the best-selling one. It turns out that many lonely people need a friend to release their pent-up desires. And some customers buy it as an aid."

"No way... I don't think I need to ask any more questions." I laughed.

"No, you have to hear this, it's serious. One of our colleagues who works in sexology recommended it."

"You must be joking."

"I'm serious. And it's all because of you. Thanks to your wild idea." I just nodded faintly at his last statement, full of over-the-top praise for me. However, I wasn't sure everything would be the same from now on. "I need your help, Moira. You were the star of the class. You were the professor's favorite, remember? Shine again."

"Um... OK. I'm in."

"Seriously?"

"Yes. I don't want my seniors beg as if I deserve it. You can test me before deciding to put me in a certain field. I want fair treatment, considering my abilities may not be the same as they used to be," I said.

Dillan waved his hand in disagreement. "For me, your talent never fades, just like the designs you create. No matter how much we improvise, the initial framework is yours, and we still use it. My employees even admire your work, Moira. I want to know what else we can create in the future. A house- cleaning robot? You'll definitely need one later."

I just laughed at his enthusiastic words. Instantly, my heart surged with the same enthusiasm.

The ringing of a cell phone broke the silence between us. He checked the screen and, with a disappointed look, put the device back in his jacket pocket.

"I'm so glad to see you, Moira. But unfortunately, I can't stay much longer. I have something I need to do," he said, and I nodded, following him as he stood up from his chair. "Hmm, I think I have a good idea. How about you take on your first task today? I'd be thrilled to have your on board."

"What is it? If I can, I'll be happy to help."

He took out his phone and scrolled for a moment before speaking again. "Can you come with me to meet another design genius I'm interviewing today? You have a good sense, and your judgment is always spot-on."

"B,,,but I'm not officially an employee of your company yet, Dillan. And... I'm new there. How could I possibly-"

"Look at this. This is her work. What do you think?" Dillan asked, showing an image on the screen.

I was familiar with that image. It wasn't much different from what I had created during my college days. Unfortunately, I had lost the database without realizing it. That was how I first met Jude. It was a long story I would rather not recall.

A coincidence, but I agreed if Dillan called this job applicant a genius designer.

"I think it's OK. However, you should test her yourself, right?"

"Well, OK. I'll let you know how it goes. By the way, welcome to Blitz AI. See you Monday. Don't forget."

***

I walked listlessly toward the academy exit. Without realizing it, someone greeted me and approached with a few others. I just rolled my eyes. I never expected this day to come. Jane, Jude's sister, stood before me with her usual condescending gaze. She had never liked me since the first time they found out I was pregnant with Jude's child. So, it was no wonder she always tried to cause trouble whenever she met me.

"You're here? What are you doing? Are you looking for another prey to sleep with and then demand responsibility?" asked the woman in a scornful tone. Her gaze had never changed, always treating me as insignificant. However, I had no energy to deal with her, especially here.

"It's none of your business, Jane. One thing is for sure, I'm not here to cause trouble."

"Really? If that's the case, tell me your purpose."

I just sighed and was about to leave, but again, she made me stop in my tracks.

"Don't you care about Mirielle? Jude said you haven't come home for days. What else have you been doing? Mirielle keeps asking about you. What kind of mother are you?"

What was this now? I didn't want to live with guilt, but I also didn't want to keep giving in to their wishes and let them underestimate and humiliate me.

"Who is she, Jane?" asked one of the women who came with Jane. Jane just shrugged.

"Someone I know. But you don't need to know, because she's nobody," she replied coldly.

"What do you want exactly? If you're done, I'm leaving now. I have important things to do."

"Wait! I'll see you Monday. It will be Aaron's birthday, and I want you to cook a meal for the celebration. That way, you can also meet Mirielle instead of wandering around places where you shouldn't be."

What? Why did she always underestimate me as if I never deserved to be appreciated, even a little? For those who didn't know, Jude had always been the golden student at Night Hunter Academy. I'd never heard anything bad about him except for his extraordinary agility and high intelligence. As for me, no one knew I had been the star of the technology and design department because my work was always behind the scenes.

However, it didn't matter. All I needed was to make sure Jude signed our divorce papers and everything ended, so I could be free from all this chaos.

Moira's POV

I was ready to start my first day at Blitz AI, as Dillan had requested. Just as I was about to step out of the apartment, my phone rang. Beta Kevin's name was displayed on the screen, and I answered the call without hesitation. Even though I had decided to leave home, I was still on good terms with him.

He often assured me that Jude would surely realize his mistake in mistreating me, but I didn't need those words. Instead of comforting me, they only had made things worse.

"Yes, Beta Kevin. Is there something important that made you call me?" I asked, and he replied with a light laugh.

"Hi, Luna Moira. I just wanted to let you know that Alpha Jude wants you to come to the office," he said. "By the way, why are you being so formal with me? Just call me by my name, like Jude does. Besides, we're not in front of the other pack members."

"I just still respect you. As for my name, I think you should stop calling me Luna. It doesn't suit me anymore," I replied.

"So your decision is final?" he asked after being silent for a moment.

"Yes. Jude may have invited me to come and talk about the divorce papers I sent to his office, right? I'll come. Thanks for the information, Kev."

"Uh, wait, Moira."

"Yes? Is there anything else?"

"I forgot to mention that Jude asked you to come to the office because he didn't accept your resignation letter and hopes you'll stay. He might be considering fixing your marriage."

Could I say that was impossible? Jude wasn't the type to take back on his words. Once he made a decision, he never went back on it. So, was Kevin lying? If Kevin really was lying, what was his motive?

I didn't say much but immediately headed to the office, and when I arrived, I ran into Jude. I should have been happy. After being apart for days, seeing his handsome face should have made me happy. However, instead of happiness, I only felt numbness.

He also seemed indifferent, which was clearly not what Kevin had described. Jude had never cared about me. He passed by me as if I were a stranger.

It didn't matter. I had already decided I was only there to resolve our unfinished business. The divorce papers hadn't been returned to me signed by Jude. Once he did that, I would finally be able to breathe easily.

Kevin approached me when he saw I had arrived. He greeted me in the same friendly way as always, seemingly on my side. He smiled and glanced briefly at Jude, who was indifferent. I just shrugged, not caring.

"There must still be something you can fix," Kevin said, offering hope that could never materialize. "How about you talk things over with a cup of coffee? You still remember what he likes, right?"

I didn't answer. More accurately, I didn't want to. If I kept trying to win his heart and affection this way, he would only see and miss the memories, not me, and I would just feel even more pathetic because of that.

Still, I turned around and made Jude coffee the way he liked. I brought two cups to his room, thinking we would talk as we enjoyed coffee and snacks. But what I saw was a sight I never wanted to witness.

Jude wasn't alone in his room; he was with Bella, who was sitting on his lap. They were kissing passionately. His hands squeezed Bella's butt as she swayed her hips and busied herself down below, as if she was unbuckling Jude's belt.

If I hadn't walked in, they would have ended up taking off their clothes and having sex like two stray dogs.

I didn't say anything. I was about to turn around when Bella noticed my presence and quickly slid off Jude's lap.

"Shit! What are you doing here, huh?! If you ever walk into my office without knocking again, I'll fire you!" Jude snapped with a loud, authoritative alpha voice, making me tremble and the hot coffee spill, scalding my hands.

It was hot and burning. It was excruciating. But my feelings were burning worse. More throbbing pain. He didn't need to worry about anything because he might have forgotten that I'd seen much worse than this.

My gaze fell on Bella, whose lips curled into a faint smile, her red eyes glowing triumphantly. I'd seen that look before. It was just what her mother had done to my mother back then.

Looking at Bella brought back the same intense pain I felt when my father first brought her mother into our house. That flawless face had charmed everyone since she was born. She had been Dad's beloved daughter since birth, born to his fated mate-a rare, pure-blooded Alpha. The bond between Dad and Bella's mother was said to be blessed by the Moon Goddess. Unfortunately, their sacred bond was a fatal sentence for my mother.

At the time, rumors spread that my father, already married to my mother, had taken his fated mate, bringing shame and sorrow to the strongest pack, and it destroyed my mother, who came from noble lineage but with an ordinary family background. She rejected her wolf spirit then, and soon after, she died.

I still remember how my strong and beautiful mother suddenly withered and lost all interest in life, until her wolf soul disappeared completely.

My father didn't wait for the mourning period to end but immediately announced his new mate and brought Bella into the pack.

As the daughter of an Alpha and his fated mate, Bella was like a goddess. Everyone bowed to her and honored her, as if she were blessed by the Moon Goddess herself.

In contrast, I had to face the bitter reality of my own life. I married Jude, the future Alpha of the strongest pack, thinking I'd finally get the place I deserved as a mate and a Luna, but the opposite happened.

History repeated itself. Bella had taken everything that should have been mine-my father's love, my mate's loyalty, and even my daughter's heart. My title as Luna meant nothing in her shadow.

I threw both cups of coffee into the trash after leaving Jude's office. I checked and treated the burns on my hands from the hot coffee. There was no point in sacrificing everything-my heart, soul, and youth-for the love of my husband and child. The reality was clear. Whatever I did would never be enough. Someone with an ordinary background couldn't compete with a pure-blooded Alpha lineage.

I had to stop fighting. I had to let go of everything.

My phone rang. It was Dillan, calling again, and I immediately answered to explain why I hadn't come to his office. He understood, but his words remained the same.

"I hope you're okay, Moira. Don't hesitate to contact me whenever you need help," he said, and I agreed.

I hurried to the cafeteria for lunch. Now that I was just an ordinary employee with no status in the pack, household, or even for Jude-the owner of a giant company whose wealth could last for seven generations-I picked a meal that matched my frugal lifestyle.

I picked a seat near the window to enjoy my meal while looking at the city from above. Whispers drifted from where I sat. Some employees were gossiping about Jude's new lover.

I didn't want to listen, but a part of me still wanted to know how others viewed my marriage to Jude. Especially considering that, even physically, I couldn't compare to Bella.

"I think they're a perfect match. He's never been open about his life, but today... She's so lucky to have Mr. Hammer," said one of the employees, catching my attention. Then they started talking about something that left me speechless, unable to believe what I heard. And the more I listened, the more my chest ached, the pain squeezing tighter.

Moira's POV

Being alone in an apartment wasn't a good idea after everything that had severely broken my spirit over the past few days. That's how I felt today. The things I'd gone through at the office a few days ago left me lying motionless on my bed, staring up at the ceiling-so much that I unconsciously ignored Ziri, who had been talking to me for a while.

I had never been the type of woman who enjoyed spending nights with random men. I wasn't the kind of woman men coveted, so I spent every night alone.

Unlike Bella, who had always been idolized. Even back in college, everyone wanted to know what Bella looked like and what her place was in my family.

We were half-sisters, but we were clearly different in appearance.

My father had always favored her. Jude was no exception. The comments from the office staff reminded me of our college years. Everyone knew who Jude was, idolizing him for his striking looks, prowess, and intelligence. It was the same with Bella.

She was always the center of attention. Everyone talked about how well she matched Jude, just because of their meeting at the inauguration night-the same night I first slept with Jude, the night my father committed his crime and schemed to trap me in an unhappy marriage.

I had been happy with Jude, but with his constant coldness, I, ever naive, just ended up looking more foolish and realized it hurt so much.

Bella was my father's illegitimate child, yet she seemed more worthy of being the pack's heir than me. She was rich, captivating, loved by so many-even by all the pack members-without anyone considering her presence had brought pain to me and my mother, their Luna.

I hated remembering it, but the more I saw Jude and Bella, the more the pain I had endured for years grew, never fading.

If only I hadn't been drunk that night...

If only I had been more careful-had considered the realities of being my father's firstborn, who was unremarkable to most Alphas in the bigger packs-maybe my father would never have resorted to that dirty scheme.

If only... I wouldn't be in this situation now, and maybe the pack would have long forgotten me.

After my mother died, I'd been living with my uncle. You'd think that would have kept me from my father and made me cautious. But I admit, I was stupidly naive. Just as everyone admired Jude for all his virtues, so did I. The only difference was, I fell for him only after I realized I'd spent a night with him.

I admitted I regretted that mistake and would never be able to forget it.

On my wedding day with Jude, I was overjoyed. I thought that was the end of all my suffering, that I wouldn't face the same fate as my mother. I believed Jude would love me, that after our pup was born, we'd have a happy marriage, and I would be the cherished Luna. But no.

That wedding night, I was shattered when Jude said the word "mate." I thought he was speaking to me. Only after we were married did I understand.

He never touched me-until one night he came home drunk and had sex with me. Even at the climax, he whispered the word "mate" again. I was so foolish to think his indifference was just part of his nature.

When I realized his attitude was because he didn't want me, that Bella had always been on his mind from the start, that they'd probably been involved for a long time, I was paralyzed and lost myself. I never imagined things would end up like this.

It felt like even the Moon Goddess was on Bella's side. She never looked out for me and just let me suffer till it felt I would die from the pain.

My marriage was in ruins. There was nothing left to hope for, and I understood that Jude's love had never belonged to me.

I curled up, letting out the sobs and suffocating pain. It hurt. Jude must be with Bella right now, under the same blanket after sex. Even if I was not his mate, every time I imagined him with Bella, loving her the way every woman wishes for, it made me want to stab a knife in my chest. The pain was overwhelming-I didn't know what to do.

I'd lost everything. I had nothing. My mate belonged to another woman, and she'd even stolen our pup's heart. How was I supposed to heal this wound?

***

Finally, I went outside my apartment because Rhea, my best friend, had called me. She had asked if I could pick her up at the airport after her return from Greece. She was an artist. We shared similar tastes in art, and I admired her work. She also appreciated my designs.

We would exchange gifts on our birthdays-she would give me sketches or her paintings, and I would gift her handmade jewelry. She was the only person I had left since my mother died. Her long stay in Greece had left me feeling lonelier.

I waited at the arrival area, holding up a sign with her name. That's when I saw a familiar sight in the arrival gates.

Mirielle was there with Jude. I almost waved to her, but stopped when Bella appeared. Mirielle hugged her. Bella bent down so Mirielle could kiss her cheek.

My heart felt like it had been slammed hard. It hurt, but I just clenched my chest against the ache.

"Happy birthday, Aunt Bella!" Mirielle shouted, her voice faint but reaching me. Then she pulled out a moonstone necklace, and together, Jude and Mirielle fastened it around Bella's neck. Jude and Mirielle's eyes were fixed on Bella, admiring her beauty.

Bella was too beautiful, just as her name implied, and they looked just like one happy family.

No-it was wrong. I should be there. I should be the one Mirielle kissed, the one Jude huged and kisseed gently. But I had to let go of that, because this was my destiny, and that was Bella's. I would never be meant for the place among them. Again, imagining where they might go this time only made it harder to breathe.

Someone tapped my shoulder, jolting me back into the reality of the busy airport. I tore my gaze away from Jude to Rhea, who was looking at me with furrowed brows. She asked something, but I couldn't hear her over the noise and my chaotic thoughts.

Rhea turned and saw what I'd been watching. She rubbed my shoulder, and from her face, I was sure she understood exactly how I felt.

"You can get through this, Moira. I know you can. I'm back now. Let's go back to before Jude. We were happy kids who always supported each other," she said. I nodded and helped with her luggage. My gaze inadvertently fell back on Jude. They were still there-this time with one more person who seemed to be traveling with him.

Maybe it was a business trip to the Netherlands, as usual, but this time he brought them as Bella's birthday present.

Brukk!

I cried out softly as I landed on the floor, my butt stinging. I checked my elbow, which I'd hit pretty hard, but found no serious injury, just a bit of pain. Where had Rhea gone?

I was about to get up and fetch Rhea's things when a hand reached out to help. In the other hand, he was holding Rhea's luggage I had been carrying.

I accepted the helping hand and looked up after I stood. There he was-a man I knew-standing before me, opening his mouth as though to say something, but waiting for the right moment. I didn't want to let him have the chance, so I left before he could say words I might not ever want to hear.