Chapter 3

I returned to my office and sat at my desk, carefully examining the damaged bag.

In truth, the scuff mark was small; you wouldn't notice it unless you were looking for it.

But once there's a flaw, it can never be perfect again.

Because it was so precious, even a trivial imperfection was almost impossible to repair.

Harder still to repair was the bond between Lucian and me.

The look in his eyes this morning was still a thorn in my heart.

Lucian and I always had lunch together in my office, prepared and delivered by his family's private chef.

Today at noon, I waited until one o'clock. I assumed he wasn't coming.

But just as I opened my lunch box, he arrived.

And trailing behind him was Kiara.

Her eyes were red and swollen. She kept her head down, her posture the very picture of frail deference.

I put down my utensils and just watched them.

Lucian sat down beside me and let out a sigh.

"Because of last night, Kiara is being targeted and ostracized everywhere in the pack."

I picked up my spoon and ladled some soup for myself, not even glancing up.

"What's wrong? She's the Alpha's assistant, isn't she? Can't she handle a small matter like this?"

"I was hoping you could tell your people to stop making things difficult for the girl!"

According to the unwritten rule between us, we had each placed our own people in the other's pack.

Lucian was implying my people were targeting Kiara to get back at her for me.

Almost every member was present at last night's gala. It was inevitable that Kiara's actions would be criticized.

I stirred my soup with the spoon and took a sip.

"First, I have not instructed anyone to target your assistant. You know that's not my style."

"Second, for what she's enduring, she has only her own lack of propriety to blame."

"Lucian, you still don't understand pack dynamics. Your exceptional indulgence of her will only create more enemies for her. The one harming her is you, not me."

Kiara, who had been silent, suddenly took two steps forward and spoke urgently.

"It has nothing to do with the Alpha."

"Luna, I truly was inconsiderate yesterday. It was the first time I'd ever received such a valuable gift, and I was overcome with excitement. I offended you, and I apologize."

I paused for a moment, then laughed.

"Lucian, your assistant is really something. She plays dumb, but she's fiercely protective of you."

I didn't accept Kiara's insincere apology, nor did I intervene to stop my people from targeting her.

Kiara's grievances and tears struck a nerve with Lucian.

For the first time, he lost control, unleashing his Alpha presence on me. The sheer force of it shattered the vase on the table, sending shards scattering at my feet.

He even demanded I apologize to Kiara.

I had done nothing wrong. Why should I apologize?!

Lucian and I parted on bad terms that day.

That very afternoon, he took Kiara on a business trip.

That evening, while drinking with my sister Nina, she spelled out exactly why Lucian would be attracted to an Omega like Kiara.

The women of our family never show weakness.

My mother passed away long ago, and my father never remarried.

From a young age, I was raised to be a warrior and a leader, shouldering my family's heavy responsibilities.

So-called feminine frailty would only get in my way.

I had upheld my principles for thirty years without wavering.

Why couldn't he?

In the end, it was simple. He no longer loved me.