I was slowly dying from Silverthorn Wolfsbane, and there was only one cure—the Miracle Elixir. But my mate, Leah Ashford, bought it and gave it to my adoptive brother,Jason Smith. She did it because she thought I was faking my illness.

I gave up on the treatment and swallowed a potent painkiller instead. It would kill me in three days by shutting down my organs.

In those three days, I gave up everything. I handed over the fur manufacturing business I built from the ground up to Jason, and my parents praised me for caring about my brother.

I offered to sever our mate bond, and Leah praised me for finally being sensible.

When I told my son he could call Jason "dad", he happily said that his new dad was the best!

I transferred all my savings to Jason, and no one seemed to notice anything out of the ordinary. They were just pleased with my "better behavior".

"Victor is finally not so bad."

I wondered—would they regret it after I was gone?

Victor Smith's POV

The doctor looked at me with pity as I swallowed a heavy dose of painkillers.

Three days left to live. That was what they had told me.

I took the elevator up to the VIP floor. My dad, Charles Smith, was slicing fruit for Jason. Meanwhile, my mom, Willa Carter, was curled up beside her, watching a movie.

The moment I opened the door, the happy chatter stopped.

"Didn't you say you were on your deathbed this morning? What now? No one believed your lie, so you came back to pick on Jason again?

"Victor, from this moment on, your father and I aren't leaving Jason's side. You won't get another chance to hurt he," Mom said coldly, stepping in front of the bed to block me.

"We're the Smith family—nobles of Moonfall Pack. We have standards, and we're respected. But you? You've always been hot-tempered and jealous. You even faked being sick just to steal the Miracle Elixir meant for Jason!"

Dad stood beside Mom, just as defensive, like a hen guarding their chick.

And behind them, Jason looked at me with a smug, provoking smile.

I smiled bitterly. I had heard this before. Every time, I would shout back. I would tell them I never touched Jason and try to prove how fake he really was.

But all I got in return was my parents' distrust and disgust.

More distance. Less love.

And now?

I was dying.

There was no point in explaining anything anymore.

"Anyway, it's good that you're here. Saves me the trouble of calling you. I have something to say," Dad said with a cold expression.

"I actually have something to say too," I said, trying to keep my tone light. "Jason's always wanted my fur business, right? Well, I've been thinking. Since we're family. I'll give it to her."

The cold expression on my parents' faces cracked momentarily. They exchanged glances then looked at me.

"You're serious?" Dad asked. "Is this some kind of trick? Are you asking for something in return?"

They couldn't believe it. Their first reaction was to think I was playing a trick on them, and I couldn't blame them.

Jason had been eyeing the fur company I had built from scratch for years. My parents had tried everything to convince me to hand it over.

Every talk ended in a fight, and every fight chipped away at whatever family love we had left.

But now?

I was dying.

What good was a business to a dead man?

"You should've done this a long time ago," Dad said softly. His voice relaxed, and his eyes finally looked kind.

Mom stepped forward and gently held my hand. "You've grown up. You're finally acting sensible."

She smiled warmly. "I know you created the company, but Jason's been top of his class in finance and business at university. If anyone can take your company and turn it into the top fur brand in the country, it’s him."

I nodded quietly and handed the signed transfer papers to Jason. As I stared at my signature on the bottom of the paper, I caught sight of Jason's expression.

Jason looked surprised at first, but when no one else was watching, he gave me a cool, triumphant look.

In this competition for family affection, I had lost.

"Here, drink some water. You must be thirsty."

Mom offered me a glass of water and gently brushed my hair back, her smile soft and sweet.

I nearly cried.

Why was it only when I gave something to Jason that Mom treated me like her son?

I couldn't help but wonder…

After I was gone, and when they finally saw who Jason really was—

Would they regret how cold they were to me?

When I returned home from the hospital, my son and mate were having dinner at the table.

"This cream of mushroom soup is amazing, Mom," Mark said with a grin.

"Your Uncle Jason loves it too. We'll bring her some after dinner."

They were laughing and chatting, looking like the perfect little family. But the second they saw me walk in, everything changed.

"Why are you home?"

Leah Ashford set down her spoon, staring at me in confusion. The spread of food on the table seemed to hurt my eyes.

Mark's gaze was distant, as if he were looking at a stranger.

That was when I realised that Leah knew how to cook, and she was good at it too.

I never knew that.

I used to be the one who cooked. The one who worked long hours to pay the bills. The one who held the house together.

But Leah always complained that my cooking was terrible.

Even Mark picked up on it. He started acting like I wasn't good enough to be his father.

I gave everything to this family—my time, my energy, my whole life.

And in the end, not one of them respected me.

Back then, if they gave me the cold shoulder like this, I would've snapped. I would've shouted, "Why can't I come home? Why do you look at me like I don't belong here?"

But not anymore.

I didn't answer. I just started packing my things quietly.

When I didn't answer, Leah hesitated for a moment, then walked over to me.

"Victor, I wanted to talk to you about something."

Her voice was softer this time, almost guilty.

"Your brother just started her treatment, and the Miracle Elixir is affecting his emotions. It’s making him feel down. To keep her spirits up and to help with her recovery, your parents suggested that Jason and I go through the Marking Ceremony.

"They hope it'll make him feel better."

My heart sank, and for a second, I thought I had misheard.

"You agreed to it?"

Leah looked uncomfortable at my response. "Victor, Jason may not be your real brother but he's been part of this family since your parents adopted him. You want him to get better, don't you?"

She paused, like she was choosing her words carefully.

"We're just going through the Marking Ceremony. The witch says it'll help Jason recover faster, as it'll lift his mood. It won't change anything between us. I'm still your mate and Mark's mom."

Before I could respond, Mark spoke up. "Daddy, Uncle Jason's really upset. The doctor said it’s bad for his health. So please agree with mom, okay?"

I stared at them both.

One was the woman I had loved for years, the other my son.

I had given everything to both of them. Every piece of me. As a mate, as a father. I had sacrificed it all.

Why were they treating me like this?

Why would they betray my love, just for Jason?

I stood there silently for a long time.

What did it matter now? I was dying anyway.

Jason wanted my things? Fine. He could have them alll. I didn't want everything I had anymore.

I wiped away the tear that slipped down my cheek, then looked up at Leah .

"Okay. Fine."

Leah’s face lit up with surprise and excitement. She quickly grabbed the papers from the table.

"Great! This is the Mate Bond Dissolution Agreement. Once you sign, we'll formally reject our bond and be done with it."

I felt like my heart was shattering. So she had planned this all along.

Leah really wanted to end things between us, didn’t she? To be with Jason?

"Daddy, just sign it," Mark said, handing me the pen.

I took it and quickly signed the paper. Once Leah and I rejected each other, the ridiculous conversation ended.

Then, I went upstairs to rest.

Leah solemnly promised from behind me, "Victor, when Jason's fully recovered later on, I'll end things with him. Believe me—my heart will always be yours. This is just a formality."

I pursed my lips. In my heart, I already knew the truth—we were over.

Then, I heard her sigh and add, "Victor, you've become more composed now—not as reckless and unreasonable as before. Back when we used to argue, I wasn't always right either. I owe you an apology.

"Once Jason is better, I'll take care of you. I won't upset you anymore."

"Daddy, I won't make you angry again either! You've been so generous and selfless to Uncle Jason. I'm really proud of you!"

Their words hit me like a wave of cold water. Their words contained gratitude and care, and all of it started only after the bond was broken.

How ironic.

Before, I had hoped for something. Maybe even expected it. But now, as I headed upstairs, I felt nothing but numbness.

It didn't matter anymore.

I was dying anyway.

I tried to hurry up the stairs, but before I could reach the top, everything went black.

I woke up to the shock of cold water splashing across my face. I shivered, gasping as I blinked up at the ceiling.

Leah and Mark were standing over me, their faces tight with frustration. They didn't seem worried.

Just… disappointed.

"Daddy, are you pretending again?" Mark asked, his voice flat. "You've used this fainting trick so many times. Can you try something new? Mommy and I are supposed to bring Uncle Jason his mushroom soup. You've wasted our time, and now the soup's cold!"

Mark was clearly angry.

Leah looked disappointed, and she was holding a glass of ice water in her hand.

"Victor, stop it. Even though we've dissolved our mate bond, I still love you. Don't try to test my feelings for you with tricks like pretending to faint."

I slowly came to my senses, realizing what had just happened.

I had passed out. But instead of rushing me to the hospital or getting me medical help, they had thrown a glass of ice water in my face to wake me up.

It was laughable.

They would have known I was really dying, rather than pretending, if they had just unblocked their link to me.

No one cared enough to check.

"Daddy, you look fine. You're all rosy and healthy. You don't look sick at all. Next time, try a new trick if you're going to pretend."

Mark's words cut through me like a knife.

I forced myself to stand up, ignoring the weakness that nearly made my legs buckle beneath me.

The doctor's potent painkiller was working, making me look healthier than I was. But I knew, deep down, my body was already fading.

"I'm not pretending. I might have skipped a meal, that's all. If you want to go to the hospital, I'll go with you. The transfer agreement still needs a few more signatures."

Leah clearly wanted to say more, but when she saw me pick up the agreement, he simply nodded and followed me to the hospital.

So—she already knew about the agreement.

"Victor, you're here."

When we arrived at the hospital room, Jason was watching a movie, his complexion undeniably worse than mine. If anything, he looked like the one who was seriously ill.

Despite his warm greeting, the challenge in his eyes—that unmissable arrogance—cut sharper than any blade.

"Victor, thanks for handing the company over to me. Don't worry, I'll make it even more successful."

"With Jason managing the company, you won't have to work so hard. You'll still get your share of the profits, and it'll be so much easier for you," Mom added, grabbing my hand with a smile.

I forced a smile back. "Yeah, I agree. That's why I'm going to hand over all my assets to Jason to manage. That way, I can relax."

Everyone froze, shocked. They knew just how much that was worth.

"Victor, are you serious? Even the trust fund in the bank?" Leah’s voice was a mix of shock and confusion.

I was puzzled. Jason had always wanted everything I had, and the whole family was always there to support him. When I refused, I was called selfish, rude, and ungrateful. Now that I was finally giving it to her, they were acting strange.

Wasn't this what they had been pushing for all along?

After a long silence, it was Dad who finally spoke up. "Victor, you've really grown up. You're being kind to your brother, looking out for her now."

"Should've been like this from the start," Mom chimed in. "We're family. What's yours is ours. No need to draw a line so firmly everywhere."

"It's good to see you two getting along. Your mother and I are relieved," Dad added with a smile.

But were they really relieved? Did they honestly think Jason was capable of managing all that wealth?

At home, she fooled everyone with her fake kindness. But out in the world, no one would buy it.

I felt a tickle in my nose. When I rubbed it, my fingers came away smeared with blood.

"Why the nosebleed? The humidity in this room is perfectly fine," Mom murmured, handing me a tissue.

I wiped the blood away casually, then tested the waters. "Mom, Dad... if I died one day, would you be sad?"

There was a pause, a heavy silence in the room.

Dad looked at me with a serious expression, his voice sharp. "Victor, don't play these tricks. Don't pretend to be sick just to get sympathy."

He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Your wolf may not be the strongest, but this is just a small problem that can be easily cured. Don't try to pull stunts like this in front of us again."

The room, which had been peaceful just moments ago, suddenly felt heavy again with Dad's words.

I smiled bitterly.

What wolf? My wolf had already died while fighting off the Silverthorn Wolfsbane. That toxin, laced with silver, had seeped into my bloodstream and eventually corroded my organs.

And in the end, it killed my wolf.

"Dad, I know Victor lied before, acted out, and pretended to be sick. But that was the old him. I believe he's better now," Jason said, looking at me with a sharp, taunting look. He sounded like she was defending me, but all I could hear was he reminding everyone of my past mistakes.

"Alright, just don't mess up again. Look at you—so full of life," Dad muttered, then turned to Jason with undisguised tenderness. "Meanwhile, Jason's the one who really needs care."

His voice dropped, heavy with concern. "This illness... he healing factor's almost nonexistent now."

"I think Uncle Jason needs more love and care," Mark said, leaning over the bed. "Please get better soon, Uncle Jason!"

I felt a sharp pain in my chest, and all the small hope I had left was crushed.

I wiped away the tears that had started to fall, then looked at Mark and said, "You said your Uncle Jason is the best, right? Do you want her to be your Daddy instead?"

I smiled and said, "I've decided. From now on, Jason will be your mommy. Are you happy?"

Mark's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Really. Jason can stay with you from now on. He can pick you up from kindergarten and cook you better meals than I ever could. How does that sound? Aren't you happy?"

Before I could say more, Mark grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it. "I'm so happy, Daddy. You're the best!"

Then, without a second thought, he rushed to Jason's bedside and called out, "Daddy!"

The pain in my chest was unbearable.

It had been so long since my son had shown me any affection. I couldn't even remember the last time he held my hand, or kissed the back of my hand like that.

And the price for all of that was letting him call someone else "Daddy".

My parents and Leah watched the scene with smiles on their faces, pleased.