I didn’t waste another second in Caden’s study. Without looking back, I walked out, only to bump right into Mira.

She wasn’t wearing her usual bright smile this time. Instead, her face was tight, her expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought she might say something, but she didn’t.

I didn’t linger either, brushing past her and continuing on my way.

But as I walked, a memory from last night crept back into my mind—the ceremony. When Caden gave me the Moonstone Pendant and declared his loyalty to me as his Luna, the room had been filled with smiles and cheers. Everyone seemed so genuinely happy for us.

Everyone except Mira.

She had stood there, motionless, her expression uneasy, like she wasn’t sure she should even be there. It had caught my eye then, but I hadn’t thought too much of it. It was my special night, and I didn’t want anything to ruin it.

Later, though, when I ran into her again, I asked if she was okay. She just gave me this weak smile and said she wasn’t feeling well before slipping out early.

It had raised a few questions in my mind, but I’d pushed them aside, determined to savor my happiness. Now, though, that happiness felt miles away.

With my mood thoroughly ruined, I decided I needed a break—a real one. I headed to my parents’ house near the pack’s border.

It was the one place where I could always find some peace. Something about my mom’s cooking and my dad’s jokes had a way of making everything feel a little less overwhelming.

As soon as I reached the door, Terry Jane, the maid who had practically raised me, greeted me with her warm, familiar smile. “Miss Everett, it’s so good to see you again!”

“Yeah, I missed the quiet life here,” I said, managing a small smile of my own.

My parents’ house was nestled on a large plot of land near the mountains. The air always smelled fresher there, with tall trees surrounding the property. It felt like another world compared to the bustle of pack life.

Terry led me inside, where I found my mom and dad sitting in the living room, deep in conversation. Their faces lit up when they saw me, and before I knew it, I was wrapped in their hugs.

“Sweetheart! What a surprise,” my dad said, holding me tight. “Not that I’m complaining, of course.”

I laughed softly. “I just missed Mom’s cooking.”

At that, my mom’s face brightened even more. “Say no more!” she said, standing up. “I’ll make your favorite pasta for dinner. You’re staying the night, right?”

I nodded, my heart warming just a little. “Of course.”

I followed her into the kitchen, eager to help out. Even though there were maids around, my mom had always insisted on cooking for me whenever I came home.

It was her way of showing love, and her food always tasted like comfort itself.

As we worked, my mom’s eyes flicked to the pendant around my neck, then back to my face. She smiled, her expression soft and knowing.

“I can’t believe my little princess is all grown up now,” she said, her voice gentle. “It’s just the two of us here—you can tell me what’s bothering you.”

For a moment, I was taken aback, but then again, my mom had always been good at reading me, even when I was little. It was like she could see straight through me.

So, I told her everything—about Caden, Mira, and the Moonstone Pendant. Every worry, every frustration, I laid it all out while she worked her magic in the kitchen.

She didn’t interrupt, just nodded occasionally, her hands busy chopping herbs or stirring something on the stove. After a pause, she let out a soft sigh and said, “Aria, it’s good to be kind to others, but the most important thing is to be kind to yourself.”

Her words hit me like a warm wave. It was exactly what I needed to hear, and for a moment, my throat tightened. My eyes began to sting, but I quickly blinked up at the ceiling, willing the tears to stay put.

Then, as if she knew I needed reassurance, she added, “I noticed Caden seemed a little distant lately. It worried me, honestly. But when he proposed to you with the Moonstone Pendant, I felt relieved. I could tell he was finally stepping up.”

My mom always had a knack for understanding people, and as much as I hated to admit it, she was usually right.

After spending two days at my parents’ house, I finally felt like myself again. Between my mom’s cooking, my dad’s banters, and the peaceful quiet of their home, it was the reset I desperately needed. But it was time to go back.

Caden and I had been living in the pack’s main house for years. It was a large, elegant place, and in the beginning, it felt like home because it was just the two of us and a few omega maids who kept to themselves.

Then Mira moved in.

At first, I didn’t mind. I even thought it was nice, having another woman around. But after everything that had happened, my trust was hanging by a thread. Leaving Caden and Mira alone under the same roof felt like handing over a loaded weapon.

By the time I reached the house, I was already on edge. As I walked past Caden’s study, faint voices caught my attention. I slowed down, straining to hear through the thick wooden door.

It was a man and a woman.

“Come on,” the woman said, her tone almost playful but laced with something sharper. “Isn’t this what we’ve always wanted? A space of our own… doing whatever we want. Without her.”

Mira.

I clenched my fists, my jaw tightening as I processed her words. What was she scheming now?

Then, a man replied, his voice lower and more cautious. “Yeah, but we can’t be reckless. I’ll think about it.”

My stomach churned as my mind raced through every worst-case scenario. Before I could piece anything together, the sound of footsteps snapped me back to the present. They were coming toward the door.

Heart pounding, I darted to the nearest corner, pressing myself into the shadows. From my hiding spot, I had a clear view of the entrance to the study.

The door opened, and just as I feared, Caden and Mira stepped out—hand in hand.

My breath hitched. They didn’t even look around, too wrapped up in each other to notice anything amiss.

They must’ve thought I was still at my parents’ house. That was why they were bold enough to pull something like this.

My heart felt like it was shattering into a thousand pieces, but anger quickly replaced the pain. Whatever game they were playing, I wasn’t about to stand by and let it happen.

Once I was sure they had left the house, I stepped out of my hiding spot and slipped into Caden’s study.

As expected, his desk was piled high with documents, but something else caught my attention—a business card sitting right on top of the stack. It was from a realtor.

Mira’s words from earlier echoed in my head. Could this be connected?

I quickly snapped a photo of the card with my phone and left the study before anyone could catch me snooping.

Later that evening, I decided to confront them during dinner.

Caden froze the moment he saw me at the table. His eyes widened in surprise. “Um, Aria, uh-when did you get back?”

“This afternoon,” I replied coolly, spearing a piece of food with my fork. “You weren’t here.”

He scratched the back of his head and forced a laugh as he sat down. “Yeah, well, I was out for work. Doing, uh, some surveys—”

“With her?” I cut him off, pointing at Mira as she entered the room.

“Yeah,” he mumbled, fumbling with his spoon. “I needed her help with something.”

Mira, ever the actress, gave me one of her sugary-sweet smiles. “Oh, Aria, he asked for my help, and I just happened to know someone who could assist. If I’d known you were coming back today, I would’ve picked you up myself!”

Her tone was dripping with fake innocence, the kind that made me wonder how I had been so blind for so long.

I sighed and took another bite, pretending to let it go. The table fell silent, the air thick with unspoken tension. But just when they thought I had dropped it, I looked at Mira and said casually, “So, Mira, this ‘friend’ of yours—would they happen to be a realtor?”

Both of them froze mid-bite, their anxious eyes darting to each other. Mira opened her mouth to speak, but Caden cut her off. “What are you trying to do here, Aria? Can’t we just have a peaceful dinner?”

“What?” I scoffed, keeping my tone light. “I was just asking a question. Why are you so defensive?”

“Did you follow us today?” His voice rose, frustration bubbling to the surface. “So what if we met a realtor? I told you, it’s business.”

“I didn’t follow anyone.” I leaned back in my chair, keeping my composure. “And besides, don’t you have a lot of realtor friends too?”

I wasn’t about to back down—not this time.

Caden put his spoon down with a loud clink, his jaw tightening as he glared at me.

Before he could say anything, Mira jumped in. “Aria, you must be misunderstanding. There’s really nothing going on. You don’t need to worry so much—or follow us around.” She even managed to look aggrieved, like she was the victim here.

I couldn’t help but laugh, a short, bitter sound. “Follow you? Please.” I leaned back and sighed. “But here’s a tip, if you’re going to sneak around, maybe don’t make it so obvious.”

Their stunned silence was almost satisfying, but my appetite had vanished. I placed my utensils down deliberately and stood up. “Enjoy the rest of your dinner,” I said, walking away without a backward glance.

In truth, I had already called the realtor whose card I’d found earlier. Turned out, Caden was making an appointment.

After some careful negotiation—and an offer of a generous sum—I had convinced the realtor to show me the property they were planning to visit. Tomorrow, I would see for myself what my fiancé was up to.

The thought made my chest ache, a bitter mix of anger and betrayal tightening my ribs. Caden wasn’t just buying a house for just another woman, he was doing it for the very person I’d bent over backward to help for years.

Stepping into the bathroom, I ran a hot bath, letting the steam and heat dull my frustration. But as I sank into the water, one thought solidified: Mira didn’t deserve another ounce of my kindness.

Once I felt a little more composed, I grabbed my phone and called Marven Duskbane, my assistant and one of the few people I trusted completely. “I need you to cut Mira off from the trust fund,” I said firmly.

Marven, efficient as always, didn’t ask why or pry into the details. “Understood,” she replied. “I’ll handle it discreetly.”

Mira had lived like royalty, flaunting designer bags, first-class trips, and luxury everything; all paid for with my money. But that was over. She was an adult. It was time she learned to fend for herself.

And honestly, I couldn’t wait to see her reaction when reality hit.

The next few days were a blur of work and sorting out the trust fund situation. I barely came home, which was a blessing, I didn’t have to deal with Caden or Mira’s faces.

One evening, as I walked through the door, Mira was perched on the sofa, clearly waiting for me. She jumped up with a smile as soon as she saw me. “Aria! Oh, I missed you! It’s been so long since we’ve talked.”

I stared at her, unimpressed. She took a step closer, undeterred. “Come on, sit with me. We haven’t cleared up that misunderstanding from the other day. Coffee? I’ll make you some.”

“No need. I’m exhausted.” My tone was clipped, and her fake sweetness grated on my nerves.

Her smile faltered for a second, but she quickly plastered it back on. “That’s okay. If not coffee, then let’s just talk for a minute.”

I had a feeling this was about the trust fund. And I was right. “Um, Marven didn’t send my monthly allowance. It’s usually on time, but nothing came yesterday. Is something wrong?”

I smirked. “She’s not sending it anymore. Figure out how to make your own money, Mira.”

Her eyes widened, and her voice pitched up in protest. “But... Aria! Why? You can’t just—”

“I can. And I did.” I stepped past her. “Goodnight. I’m going to bed.”

“Aria! Wait, Aria!” She stomped and called after me, but I shut my bedroom door, locking her out of my night.

Collapsing onto my bed, I let out a shaky breath. Betrayal wasn’t new to me, but it still cut deep.

I had loved and supported Mira like family, and this was the thanks I got. The tears came before I could stop them, hot and bitter as I replayed all the moments I thought we were close. Now? She was scheming with my fiancé behind my back.

The weight of it all pressed down on me, stealing the air from my lungs. But I wasn’t about to wallow.

Wiping my tears, I dragged myself into the bathroom and let the hot shower rinse away my pain. By the time I got out, I felt lighter, even if just a little. Sleep came quickly that night, for the first time in a while.

The next morning, I was heading out for work when Caden blocked my path in the hallway. His face was tight, and anger simmered just beneath the surface. “Aria, what’s going on?”

I blinked at him. “What do you mean?”

He exhaled sharply, visibly trying to keep his composure. “You cut Mira off. Why?”

I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow. “Do I owe you an explanation? It’s my money. My family’s money.”

“You’re being selfish!” he snapped, his voice rising. “She needs help. Her parents—”

“Oh, stop it.” I cut him off, my tone ice-cold. “Spare me the guilt trip. If you care so much, why don’t you give her money?”

I turned to leave, but his hand shot out, gripping my wrist hard enough to hurt.

“Let go,” I said through clenched teeth, yanking at my arm. But he didn’t budge. His strength as an Alpha was overwhelming, his towering frame blocking my escape.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I hissed, my pulse quickening as I struggled against his grip.

I shrieked, instinctively clawing at his hand with my nails to free myself. My sharp nails scratched him, and before I knew it, his hand flew out, slapping me hard enough to send me sprawling onto the floor.

The sting on my cheek burned as I looked up at him, clutching his scratched hand with a fierce, almost wild look in his eyes.

My heart pounded, this wasn’t the Caden I thought I knew. Fear clawed at my chest, but then the sound of approaching footsteps broke the moment.

One of the maids had heard the commotion and rushed toward us. I sighed in relief, scrambling to my feet. My cheek throbbed, and I pressed a hand to it as I quickly walked away, not sparing Caden another glance.

By the time I arrived at the office, my emotions had spilled over. Tears streaked down my face during the drive, leaving my eyes red and puffy.

Marven was waiting as I walked in, her sharp gaze immediately catching the redness on my cheek.

“Ms. Everett,” she said softly but firmly, stepping closer. “What happened? Who did this to you?”

I shook my head, avoiding her eyes. “Just... get me an ice pack, please.”

She didn’t push, but her concern was palpable. When she returned, she handed me the ice pack and gently helped press it against my cheek.

The cold was a shock but a welcome one. Afterward, she applied cream to the swelling with careful precision.

Marven didn’t say much, which oddly made it easier to speak. The words tumbled out before I could stop them.

“This morning, Caden and I got into an argument. Things escalated. I scratched him, and he...” I hesitated, my voice catching. “He hit me. I don’t think he meant to... it all happened so fast.”

Marven’s hand paused for a moment, then she resumed applying the cream.

Her tone was steady but laced with a quiet firmness. “I suspected it was him. Ms. Everett, I don’t mean to overstep, but... I’ve noticed things between you two. Something isn’t right, and honestly... I don’t think he’s the kind of man you deserve.”

Her words hung in the air. I glanced at her, surprised by her boldness, but there was no judgment in her expression—just concern.

I managed a small smile, not ready to respond but letting her know I heard her. As I sat there, her words echoed in my mind, stirring thoughts I wasn’t ready to face yet.

Once I snapped out of it, I wasted no time. I hired a moving company to pack up everything I owned from the old house and take it to the new place I had secretly bought a few weeks ago.

Tonight, I would finally sleep there. It was fully furnished, and I didn’t need anything from the past weighing me down anymore.

To tie up loose ends, I sent the pendant he had given me back to him.

Of course, Caden found out about the move. My phone started buzzing incessantly with calls and messages.

[Aria, are you really going to leave just like that?]

[I know you’re reading this. Pick up the phone. We need to talk.]

[Aria!!]