Chapter 2
Seeing that I didn’t react with jealousy or make a scene as expected, nor even glance his way, Bowen’s expression darkened. His Alpha aura, usually so commanding, felt oppressive as it radiated from him. The smile on my lips—one he hadn’t seen in years—seemed to irritate him further. Finally, he couldn’t help but ask in a clipped tone, “Who are you chatting with?”
I was caught off guard. Since the first time I discovered his infidelity and confronted him, he hadn’t shown any interest in my actions. This sudden attention didn’t stir any warmth in me; instead, it made my skin crawl. I slipped my phone into my pocket and replied coolly, “Just a friend.”
He opened his mouth as if to press further, but Eleanora’s voice interrupted, laced with a practiced sweetness tinged with grievance. “Alpha, you almost spilled that on me.”
His focus shifted instantly, his attention drawn to her like a moth to a flame. The way he doted on her, his Alpha tone softening in her presence, was nauseating. I couldn’t stand to be in that hospital room a moment longer. Without a word, I turned and left.
To my surprise, Bowen followed me out, his tall, muscular frame blocking the hallway as he stepped in front of me. “Go back to the packhouse and rest,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I’ll check in on you tomorrow.”
I didn’t respond, my indifference clear. Three days passed, and he never came. Instead, I received daily videos of him and Eleanora, along with taunting messages from her. By now, my heart had grown numb. In his absence, I used those days to clear out everything of mine from the packhouse—my clothes, my books, the few personal items that still felt like mine.
Standing in the nearly empty room, I clutched the rejection papers tightly in my hand. It was time. I left the packhouse and made my way to the Murphy Pack’s headquarters, a sprawling estate that served as the center of their operations. As I approached, I saw Eleanora surrounded by a group of pack members, basking in their attention.
“Eleanora,” one of the Deltas cooed, “look how much the Alpha cares for you. He even set up a special lounge just for you here.”
“Of course,” another chimed in, her voice sycophantic. “She’s carrying the future heir of the pack. Before long, we’ll be calling her Luna.”
I clenched my fists, the memory of my last pregnancy flooding back. A week ago, I’d found out I was pregnant. I’d wanted to share the news with Bowen immediately, hoping it might rekindle something between us. But when I called, all I heard were his frantic gasps and Eleanora’s voice, sharp and cruel. “Aurelia’s a wreck who can’t even keep her own pup. Even if she could, the pup would probably be just as weak as her. I think it’s better not to have it!”
I’d hung up without a word. That call had been the final straw. It was the moment I decided to end the pregnancy—and the moment I resolved to end our mate bond.
Bringing myself back to the present, I was about to turn away when Bowen appeared, his expression stormy. “What are you doing here?”
I hesitated only briefly before answering, my voice steady. “I’m not here to cause trouble for Eleanora. I just have some documents for you to sign.” As I spoke, the group of pack members scattered, their chatter dying down as they noticed me. Eleanora was left standing alone, her smile faltering for a moment before she masked it with her usual sweetness.
She walked over and clung to Bowen’s arm, her voice dripping with fake concern. “Aurelia, what brings you here?”
I ignored her and handed the documents to Bowen. As he began to skim through them, I spoke quickly. “I’ve found a few properties I want to invest in. You just need to sign.”
Eleanora’s eyes flashed with jealousy, but Bowen didn’t hesitate. He signed his name with a flourish, his Alpha authority radiating from the simple act. Only when the papers were safely back in my hands did I feel a sense of relief. It was one step closer to freedom.
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