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Watching his retreating figure, my long–held tears finally spilled. My wolf howled in protest, mourning the loss of Ethan’s affection.
I struggled to my feet, enduring the pain as I grabbed a fur–brush and absorbent moss to clean up the shattered clay and spilled brew.
A few kind pack members offered to help, their pity evident in their gazes.
“I heard that spoiled she–wolf say she wanted it with ice, no sugar. How could she twist things around like that? Zoe, did you do something to offend her?”
“Offend her? I’ve heard from so many wolves that she’s just incredibly arrogant and bossy. She throws tantrums at the slightest inconvenience. Lots of wolves in our circles can’t stand her, but because Alpha Ethan spoils her rotten, nobody dares to mess with her.”
“Sigh, I’ve never seen Alpha Ethan so smitten with anyone. Zoe, you need to be careful. We’re just ordinary wolves. We can’t compare to those heiresses. She has Alpha Ethan’s backing. Even if she’s truly wronged, you’ll just end up being the one who takes the fall.”
I knew they meant well.
But hearing these words, I felt a mix of emotions, unable to utter a single word.
Once, a binding I’d handled had a problem–the client’s fault–but they blamed me. Facing their accusations and pressure, Ethan had believed my innocence and fought for me, clearing my name according to the Ancient Laws.
But now,
Isabelle casually lied, and he didn’t even bother to verify it, not giving me a chance to explain, shifting all the blame onto me. His wolf didn’t even hesitate.
I worked diligently, handling countless problems for him, yet in the end, I didn’t even have his trust?
Or was it that in his heart, right and wrong didn’t matter–he only cared about Isabelle?
The thought stung, leaving me with a bitter and aching heart.
It took me a long time to clean up the mess, returning home with a weary body.
I’d barely finished cleansing when Ethan mind–linked.
“Bring over some moon–sugar and warmth stones.”
I prepared everything as quickly as possible and delivered them to his place.
After a three–day absence, the minimalist, elegant mansion I remembered was drastically altered.
The peach tree Old Alpha Ethan had planted years ago was gone, replaced by a garden of moon–lilies; the black and white pelts were replaced with the pink and yellow hues Ethan once hated; countless jewelry, satchels, and gifts filled the display alcoves…
Clearly, Isabelle’s style.
I silently observed everything, walking to the lit bedroom and knocking.
After a moment, Ethan opened the door, taking the items, before finally looking up at me.
With the brew stains washed away, the wounds on my face were even more jarring, causing him to pause.
“You’re hurt pretty badly. Did you go to the healer?”
I didn’t speak, shaking my head.
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He pressed his fingers to his temples, his tone unusually gentle.
“Isabelle was just feeling unwell; she didn’t mean to take it out on you. Don’t worry about it. I’ll add the deducted wages back to your cycle–end bounty. Go to the healer. If it’s serious, take a few days off. I’ll approve the absence; no need for summons.”
“No, I’ll be…”
I tried to tell him I was resigning soon, but he didn’t let me finish, handing me a crystal shard instead.
“Just listen. I need your help planning Isabelle’s welcome–home gathering. Get some rest and take care of yourself.”
My unsent words caught in my throat.
I hummed in acknowledgment, taking the crystal and leaving his mansion.
The moment the door closed, I heard Isabelle’s petulant voice.
“Ethan, is the moon–sugar water ready yet? I want you to rub my belly.”
“I’ll be right there. Lie still, don’t move.”
Hearing his gentle, soothing tone, I smiled faintly, a trace of self–deprecation in my eyes.
I suffered from severe cramps, even fainting at work several times, requiring my pack members to take me to the healer.
He just approved my absence, never visiting me, let alone preparing anything to ease my pain.
Back then, I thought he was too busy.
But now, it seemed it was simply because he didn’t care.
After leaving his place, I went to the healer for a quick binding of my wounds. I rested at home for a few days before receiving the gathering plan from my second.
From the flower selection to the cakes and even the servers‘ attire, the requirements were extremely stringent.
I only had three days. I had to pull myself together and get this done.
After much toil and trouble, the gathering I’d meticulously planned began promptly at the evening.
Isabelle, in a custom–made pelt, made her grand entrance to the admiring gazes
of everyone present.
Guests flocked to her side, showering her with compliments, making her beam with delight.
“It’s been years, but Luna Monroe is still as elegant and radiant as ever. Such a lavish welcome–home gathering. Alpha Ethan’s devotion clearly hasn’t changed!”
“I remember when we were in the college, some he–wolf confessed to Isabelle, and Alpha Ethan forced the guy to transfer territories! He tore up every love letter sent to her. Anyone who gossiped about her got a serious beating from him!”
“Everyone knows Isabelle is Alpha Ethan’s first mate, his precious jewel! Look at that jewelry on her; it must be worth tens of thousands of scales! And that pelt is a one–of–a–kind custom design. Alpha Ethan spares no expense to keep Isabelle happy!”
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