The soft chime of a phone notification awakened me. A glimmer of light seeped through the slightly ajar bathroom door, and the sound of running water confirmed Easton was there.

I tried to go back to sleep, but the constant glow from his phone on the nightstand caught my attention. Normally, snooping wasn’t my style. Easton had been very strict in his boundaries and privacy. But these days, his behavior felt off. Before I could think it through, my hand reached for his phone.

The screen lit up, and a message from someone labeled "Baby" popped up. I tapped on the message, and I almost stopped breathing. Pictures of Elena dressed in nothing but stockings and lingerie, posing confidently. My fingers shook as I scrolled through.

"Easton, meet up with me. Same spot as always...”

I felt the air grow heavy, my breath coming in short gasps. I had brushed off the late-night outings, the vague texts, and the coldness in Easton's once-warm smiles. But this? This was the proof I’d been dreading.

Then, the bathroom door creaked. My heart raced as I quickly locked the phone and put it back. I turned onto my side, pretending to sleep. Easton stepped out and picked up the phone.

“Miss me, Easton?" Elena's flirtatious voice came through a voice message.

I clenched my fists under the covers, controlling my tears.

“Always,” Easton replied softly.

Her giggle pierced through me like a knife.

“Did you like the ceremonial gown I wore today? The one I know should’ve been hers?”

I wanted to jump out of bed, grab that phone, and throw it across the room. But I stayed still, letting his betrayal wash over me.

“You looked breathtaking,” he said after a brief pause.

"Better than Ardyn?" she teased.

He hesitated, and I felt his gaze linger on my back. I held my breath, hoping he would not notice I was awake.

“No one compares to you, my baby."

Those words landed like a punch to the gut. This guy had once sworn to love me forever, promised to make me his Luna, and the one I had loved with every bit of my heart. But now, here he was, ripping those promises apart.

“Come to me tonight,” Elena purred.

Easton sighed but replied, "I’ll be there soon.”

He left, and a minute later, I received a message from him.

“Urgent pack business. Rest well, my Luna. I’ll see you in the morning.”

I stared at the screen, the bile rising in my throat. I spent the day thinking and by the time he went home, I finally decided. No more doubts about my plan.

"Ardyn, what's going on?" Easton asked.

“Packing,” I replied casually.

His brows furrowed.

“Packing? Where are you going?”

I turned to him, forcing a smile.

“Oh, just tidying up. You know how I can’t stand a mess.”

His grin widened, wrapping his arms around me as if nothing had happened.

“No need to stress. Soon enough, you’ll be my Luna, and everything will just fall into place. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

I almost laughed. But I hummed, leaning into him just enough to keep up the act.

“You’re right. I should let you handle everything.”

His phone buzzed again, and he stepped back, glancing at the screen. A flicker of excitement crossed his face before he masked it with indifference.

“I’ll be back,” he said, kissing me quickly.

I followed at a distance, listening as his voice dropped low.

"Yes, Elena. The gown was perfect... I’ll take care of it. No worries.”

My blood was boiling as I stepped back into the room, slamming the closet door harder than I probably should have.

Later that night, we were called to dinner with Easton's family. The place was filled with crimson roses and golden decor and screaming Elena's name. She was seating, trying to look perfect in a ruby dress that hugged her every curve.

"Ardyn, darling," Eaton's mother softly said but sounded insincere.

“You’ve been so quiet lately. You should learn from Elena, so lively, so... inspiring.”

Elena leaned forward, her lips curving into a shy smile.

“Oh, don’t be too hard on her, Aunt Stella. She’s just a bit nervous. After all, being Luna is such a huge responsibility.”

I clenched my jaw, keeping my face as neutral as possible. Throughout dinner, Easton hardly looked my way, his eyes glued on Elena. By the time dessert came, I was running out of patience. But once done, I felt relieved and more determined about leaving.

The rain was pouring and cold, like how I felt as I stood there. Easton walked over to the car, holding the umbrella high for Elena, snuggling against him. He didn’t care that he was getting wet.

I watched them as I got completely drenched. I clenched my fists, and when I felt my nails dug into my palms, I forced myself to move. I sprinted through the rain and went inside our car, shivering.

Easton got out of Elena's car and slid into ours. He glanced at me, looking momentarily shocked, but his usual grin returned.

"Ardyn, you're soaked! Why didn’t you wait for me to help you?”

I just stared at him, struggling to control my anger.

“Elena’s always been a bit fragile. If she gets caught in the rain, she could get sick. I really just wanted to make sure she was okay first. You’re not mad, are you?”

“It’s fine,” I replied casually.

His face lit up with relief. He didn’t even notice how my hands were tense in my lap or how I clenched my jaw. Everything was fine to him as long as I didn’t make a fuss. But he failed to realize that the feelings I used to have for him, any hope or love that lingered, withered away a long time ago.

Once we got home, Easton’s excitement was hard to miss. He pulled out a bag and opened it.

“I knew you didn't like Elena wearing your ceremonial gown, so I found other choices. But these gowns are only the best, I assure you. C’mon, you gotta try them on!”

I looked at them and the gowns were gorgeous, but they felt as empty as his enthusiasm.

“This one would look stunning on you,” he said, pulling out a gown with beautiful and intricate laces.

“Go on, try it!”

I nodded numbly and made my way to the bathroom to change. When I went out, Easton was on the phone. His voice was soft, barely audible, but I heard every word.

“Do I have to come now? I’m helping Ardyn with some stuff for the mating ritual," he said, pausing for the other line to speak.

“Okay, fine. I’ll be there soon.”

He hung up and turned to me, that carefree smile plastered on his face.

“Ardyn, you look amazing! But something’s come up at work. Just pick whichever you like, alright?”

I nodded; my expression unreadable. I didn’t even have to ask who he was rushing to meet. It was all there in his hurried movements and the slight tremor in his voice. Once he was gone, I called an omega housekeeper.

"Burn them all,” I ordered, pointing to the neatly hung gowns.

She hesitated, glancing at me like she didn’t quite get it. But my tone left no room for argument. That evening, the gowns went up in flames. Watching them burn felt like shedding a part of my old self.

Later that night, while scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon Elena’s post. There she was, beaming, showing off designer shoes and a handbag that Easton had obviously bought her. My heart broke, but I forced a smile. If she wanted him so bad, well, she could have him.

“Look what I brought for you,” Easton said, holding the pack of strawberries like a trophy as if he didn’t realize that he came back the next day afternoon.

“I’m not hungry.”

“C’mon, don’t be like that. I know I’ve been busy, but everything’s gonna be perfect. You’ll see. Tomorrow, we're scheduled for the traditional checkups’ healers ordered. Then, after two days, it's our mating ritual ceremony. Isn't that exciting?"

“Sure,” I replied flatly, pulling away.

He frowned but quickly masked it with another grin.

“You’re always so calm. That’s what I love about you. Elena could learn a thing or two.”

I kept my face neutral despite being hurt at the mention of her name.

The next day, I got a text saying that food, water, and other necessary things would be ready inside the cruise ship in three days.

"Ardyn, we need to leave. We don't want the healers to be waiting for us," Easton said.

I quickly kept my phone. When I looked up, Easton was standing, looking handsomely prepared. He smiled at me, and for the first time in days, I genuinely smiled back at him.

“Ardyn, you really need to relax. They’re probably gonna take some blood for the mating ritual, and I know how much you hate needles. Don’t worry. I’ll be with you the whole time,” Easton said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.

I looked up at him, trying to decipher what was going on behind those eyes. For just a moment, I thought maybe the strong Alpha-to-be wasn’t just all tough exteriors. Maybe there was still a bit of Easton that cared. But then, Elena slipped into my mind.

As the healer ready the needle, I turned my head away. Easton held my hand tightly, his thumb making little comforting circles on my skin.

“You’re doing great,” he said softly, his voice almost tender.

I could see his brow furrowed, and for just a moment, it seemed like he was genuinely worried.

“Does it hurt? Ardyn, if it’s too much, just let me know.”

I almost laughed, but it was bitter. His phone rang, breaking the moment.

“I have to take this,” he said, already stepping back.

“Elena? What’s up? I’ll be there soon.”

Those words hit like a punch. He didn’t even look back as he walked out the door.

“I’ll just be a minute,” Easton said, almost dismissively.

I stared at the spot he had just vacated, feeling this numbness creep in.

Then, the healer cleared her throat, bringing me back to reality. I let her finish the blood draw in silence. The prick of the needle was almost a relief—physical pain was easier to deal with than the mess swirling in my mind.

Easton didn't return that day, even the following day. Elena posted in the pack's group chat another picture that hit me like a slap. She was sitting in a restaurant, behind her was Easton, and she captioned it, "With the ones who truly matter.”

I slammed my phone down. But I forced myself not to shed a tear.

And then the messages started flooding in.

“Can’t wait for your mating ritual ceremony tomorrow!”

“Ardyn, you and Easton are just perfect together!”

“Luna Ardyn does have a nice ring to it.”

Perfect? They had no idea. There was nothing perfect about being second place to the one person Easton couldn't let go of.

By noon, the operator of the cruise ship messaged me.

"The cruise ship would be ready by dawn. Will you board before sunrise?”

I quickly typed back, “Yes.”

This was it. My chance to break free. To leave behind a connection that felt more like a prison. Let Easton and Elena have their messed-up relationship; I was done being the patient, compliant Luna-in-waiting.

Then, I heard the door creak open behind me.

“Ardyn,” Easton said, his voice soft and almost desperate.

“Would you like to eat outside?”

Once upon a time, that might’ve melted my heart. But now, it felt empty.

“No, thanks,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.

Easton frowned, clearly confused.

“You’re upset. I understand, but tomorrow’s the mating ritual ceremony. It’s all going to be perfect; I promise. I’ll be right by your side. Work can wait.”

I wanted to scream at him. To let him know how absurd that promise sounded when he couldn’t even stay with me for a simple blood draw. But instead, all I could manage was a cold, distant smile that didn’t reach my eyes.

“Sure, Easton. Tomorrow,” I murmured, turning away from him.

By the time dawn came, I’d be long gone. Tomorrow might be the big day for the mating ritual ceremony, but it wouldn’t be my day. It never was.

And when Easton finally figured that out, well, it’d be way too late. And I would leave a surprise for him and Elena.