Chapter 2
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The next morning, Shelly woke up to dozens of messages from Julian, all asking her when she would arrive. A wave of bitterness washed over her. Julian, you want to see how cruel you can be?
Her hands trembled as she typed her reply:“Not feeling well today. Not going.”
Shortly after, her parents came knocking.”Shelly, even if you’re angry with Julian, you can’t do this. Get dressed and go to his place. You have no idea how much he values this girl. He’s liked her for years. When he heard she was back, he immediately asked your dad to set them up.”
“That’s right,” her dad said.“That girl even studied pack management with me for a while. I personally went to their home to make the arrangements. From the gifts to the dinner, it was all incredibly formal.”
“He called us, asking us to tell you to come and break the ice. With another girl there, Miss Miller won’t feel so awkward. Julian is truly serious about her. How can you not help him, after all the time you’ve spent together?”
Julian had called her parents because she hadn’t replied. Shelly had to fight back tears as she listened to their earnest pleas. She washed up and went downstairs.
The Alpha’s house was right next door. Ten minutes later, she was standing at the entrance. Cleaners were carrying trash bags out. She spotted the white sneakers she had left there. And a water cup. A toothbrush. A towel. Her pajamas. All her things.
“Miss Ross, the young master threw these all out,” the cleaner said.
Shelly stared at the trash can for a long time. Her family was Betas who had served the Stormfall Pack for generations. They were close to the Alpha family.
Shelly would visit almost every day and sometimes stay the night. Julian had even prepared a bedroom for her and bought her favorite little rabbit–designed things. He said his home was her home.
Later, they had secretly kissed at the front door, held hands under the dinner table, and made love in his study behind their parents‘ backs.
But now Grace was back. Julian was afraid his crush would get the wrong idea. So he threw everything of hers away.
Shelly took a deep breath, slipped on the shoe covers, and walked in.
She saw Julian peeling a fruit for Grace.
They were laughing and chatting. Julian was wearing a tailored suit, his hair perfectly styled. He had even put on cologne. He looked elegant and reserved.
In school, girls would say he was handsome even in a sack. But Julian was an Alpha, wild and untamed. He usually just wore t–shirts and shirts. He never dressed up.
He had tamed his nature for Grace.
The man who had slept with her just yesterday now acted like a stranger. He barely looked at her, his eyes fixed on Grace. They talked about everything: hobbies, the weather, work, jewelry brands, childhood memories, and school.
Shelly lowered her eyes and chuckled to herself. Julian kept the conversation flowing. He was so proactive with the person he liked.
Phoebe, her wolf, was a jealous mess, roaring in Shelly’s mind, wanting to chase Grace away. But Shelly just sat there, quiet, and watched.
“It’s such a coincidence we met in high school,” Grace said, smiling at Julian.“You were a year ahead of me, and we weren’t in the same building, but we ran into each other all the time. It must have been fate.”
Shelly looked at Julian’s reddened earlobes and smiled to herself. Was it fate? Julian had planned every one of those “coincidental” meetings. Shelly had followed him, watching him go to such lengths for a girl he loved. Her heart had ached.
When Grace moved away, Shelly had foolishly thought she had gotten her wish. But now, Julian had gotten
his.
Shelly was lost in thought when she heard her name.“I heard you had a close friend in high school,” Grace said. That must be Shelly, right?”
Shelly looked up to see Grace’s probing eyes. Before she could answer, Mr. and Mrs. Blake chimed in.“Yes, they were very close. Grew up together. We even wondered if they would become mates.”
Julian’s face went dark. He cut his parents off.“Mom and Dad, don’t talk nonsense. I would never like her, no matter who else I like.”
Shelly lowered her gaze to hide her disappointment, forcing a smile.“Me too. I would never be with Julian, no matter who else I’m with.” Julian had never told his parents about their mate bond. Shelly felt like her heart was being stabbed again.
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Julian’s expression froze, then quickly returned to normal. He put his arm around Shelly’s shoulder as if she were a brother, looking completely nonchalant. That’s right! We’re just friends.”
The atmosphere in the room immediately lightened. Shelly smiled faintly. She heard Julian’s quiet, relieved thank you.“You did great. You even helped me clear things up. Thank you.”
She said nothing. She just subtly moved away from him, creating distance. Clear things up? No, she had just spoken the truth. Phoebe, for once, didn’t beg her to fight for their mate. His words and attitude must have hurt her wolf, too.
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Chapter 3
