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.

Moira's POV

I put Rhea's things in the room and sat comfortably without waiting for an invitation. I was used to spending time at her house, talking about the men who caught our interest and became our crushes, and Jude was one of them.

Rhea used to admire Jude so much back then. Of course, it was because of his intelligence and agility, especially since he was the youngest Alpha in the northern region, and his pack was the strongest under his leadership.

Rhea and I lay on the sofa. Before long, she drifted off and fell asleep, while I stayed awake, thinking again about Jude and Mirielle at the airport. Where were they going? Why did I still want to know? I shouldn't care anymore, considering they had hurt me so deeply.

Mirielle didn't look sad after I left; she even seemed excited. She had completely forgotten about me.

I sat up and looked at Rhea, who was still asleep, still in her clothes. I got up, took a blanket from her room, and spread it over her.

I wasn't used to sleeping in someone else's bed, so I had trouble closing my eyes. I decided to check Rhea's refrigerator and make something for her. It was already five in the morning, and I didn't think I could sleep. I would sleep all day once I got home, but at that moment, I decided to prepare breakfast for us because I hadn't eaten properly since yesterday.

I took all the leftover ingredients from the refrigerator and cooked something I thought Rhea might like. As far as I remembered, she was a bit picky about food.

A serving of steak and a glass of milk were ready for Rhea. She liked to have protein for breakfast and avoided eating at night. Meanwhile, I was the opposite. However, my eating habits had become messy in the last few days.

While waiting for her to wake, I checked what I could do. Since I hadn't started my new job at Blitz AI yet-because of Jude's careless interference that kept delaying my resignation-I had dared to take on freelance design work.

I was working on several requests when I realized Rhea was already sitting beside me at the dining table, enjoying the meal I had prepared.

"Hmm... this is so delicious, Moira. I really need this kind of protein. You know, in Greece I couldn't eat properly. They eat more vegetables and fruits than to meat. I'm not used to that." Rhea commented, then put another piece in her mouth. "Thank you for breakfast, Moira. You're the best. I'm sure Jude will realize you're the best wife he's ever had and come back to you."

Rhea kissed my cheek and then focused on the food on the table. After finishing everything, she grabbed her phone and started scrolling, looking at what people were posting on social media.

One post made Rhea gasp. And she showed me what she was looking at.

"Isn't that Jacob? He was with Jude last night, right? Where were they?" Rhea pointed her screen at me, but I was reluctant to look at it. "Oh... they're on vacation in Miami to celebrate Bella's birthday. Not interested."

"I already suspected that," I replied, and she seemed sympathetic toward me.

"Are you okay, Moira?"

I shook my head and didn't say anything. Fortunately, Rhea ignored my reaction, but she became even more curious about Jude and Bella. She scrolled further and found another post where Jude and Bella were cutting a cake together. Their fingers were intertwined, showing they were the perfect match, in love, and happy.

"That bastard! If anyone says they're a perfect match, I agree. Bastards like him deserve cheap women, sluts like her!" Rhea grumbled as she slammed her phone on the table and looked closely at me. "I didn't expect this to be your life. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, Moira. I promise from now on, I'll stay by your side. If necessary, I'll teach that bastard a lesson."

I didn't know how to respond to Rhea's words except with a nod. The more insults Rhea and I threw at Bella, the more perfect she and Jude seemed, and the more compatible they looked.

I became even sadder and could only look away from the screen and pretend everything was fine.

"Come on, Rhea. Let them do whatever they want. I've decided to leave Jude. I've sent my resignation letter and divorce papers."

"Then why are you still coming to work?"

"He disagrees. It seems he's deliberately showing off his affection for Bella so I can see it. I don't know what his purpose is."

"Disgusting! I don't know what I saw in him back then that made me so infatuated," Rhea said, remembering the past.

In my opinion, there were so many reasons to like Jude, and it would be hard to find his flaws. No one could compare to him. Jude even graduated from the academy three years earlier than others, making him not only attractive but also intelligent.

No one believed Jude was married. No one knew. Even though he was so proud of Mirielle's birth and even showed her off, I remained the dark secret he kept locked away.

"By the way, are you sure you want to divorce Jude? You should fight to win his heart, Moira. You can't survive without him, I'm sure of it. Remember how you did silly things to win him before, and now you're giving up like a loser!"

I was startled by Rhea's words, which hit my ego quite a bit. She was right. I did look like a pathetic loser. But I didn't care. Rather, it didn't matter because seven years wasn't a short time to sacrifice for him, to give him everything, even my dignity. But what I got in return were only insults and wounds. Rhea's words might have been harsh, but I believed she was always on my side.

The next day, I returned to the office, as Jude had ordered, and he began treating me like just a regular employee, scolding me, being cold, setting ultimatums, and even threatening to fire me whenever I didn't meet his expectations. However, his attitude toward me was more like that of a stranger. It was painful, but I didn't want to waste time thinking about his behavior.

After the break, I went to my cubicle to work on the task Jude had given me, but my phone rang, and I answered it when I saw who was calling.

My grandmother's name appeared on the screen, and she sounded excited when she heard my voice.

"How are you, dear?" my grandmother asked from the other end. What else could I say? News about Jude finding his mate and about me, his wife, sending him divorce papers, must have spread through almost the whole pack. However, the words "I'm fine" came out of my mouth.

"We're having a family dinner tonight. I hope you can come," she said, making me hesitate. Before, I would have been excited to attend every family event because Jude was my pride and joy. But now...

"Alright. I'll see if I can make it."

"Moira, please..." Grandma's voice started to shake, and I didn't want her to cry just because I hadn't tried to come, so I softly answered,

"Okay, okay. I'll try to come," which made Grandma sigh in relief. Our conversation ended, and I was again occupied with the work that had taken up so much of my time.

The clock showed five o'clock, and I packed my things to head to Grandma's house. However, a pack's gamma arrived with a stack of files and handed them to me. I glanced at them briefly. The files were sales data that needed to be entered immediately, no doubt at Jude's request.

"You have to do it ASAP because I don't like waiting," he ordered, I just shot him a lazy glance. "Why? Didn't you hear me?"

I sighed heavily. In the past, I would have done anything for Jude to win his heart and love. I thought that if I did everything to make him happy, he might give me his heart without hesitation. However, I was wrong.

It had never happened. Even after seven years of marriage, he still chose Bella. Now, I refused to do anything he commanded.

I pushed the files aside without saying much, put on my coat and grabbed my bag, leaving the gamma who kept calling my name. But I would never turn back and become the person I once was. I was so hurt, and I promised myself this pain would make me a different Moira someday.