Abandoned Glory

On the day of the wedding, I stood before the altar, clad in a pure white gown, my fingers trembling slightly.

“Do you, Alice, take Alpha Ethan as your mate and Luna, to share his glory and walk beside him for the rest of your life?” The elder’s voice echoed through the grand hall.

I lifted my head and met Ethan’s golden eyes, filled with warmth and expectation.

He adored me—perhaps even loved me deeply. But my heart did not belong to him.

I took a deep breath, parting my lips to respond, when a familiar figure caught my eye—his younger brother, Lucas.

He stood among the crowd, tall and striking in a black suit.

His sharp features were as cold as ever, his dark eyes scanning the ceremony with detached indifference.

It was as if he had no interest in any of this.

And yet, the moment I saw him, my world spiraled out of control.

“I do.”

The words had barely left my lips when I turned abruptly, under the stunned gazes of the entire hall, and pressed my lips against Lucas’s.

The room fell into dead silence.

The elder stared, his mouth agape, unable to believe what had just happened before his eyes.

“Oh, my Goddess! She just kissed Alpha’s brother!”

“This is a wedding! Has she lost her mind?”

“She loves Lucas? Was she forced into this marriage?”

Shock rippled through the room.

The elder had officiated countless ceremonies in his lifetime, but never had he witnessed something this outrageous.

What was Alice thinking?

How could she commit such an insane act at her own wedding?

Lucas was as still as ice.

The moment my lips touched his, he pushed me away violently.

His voice was low and dangerous. “Alice, do you even realize what you’re doing?”

The elder frowned deeply, thinking: This is a blatant humiliation to the Alpha! A wedding is supposed to be sacred, yet she just trampled all over it!

I stared at Lucas, seeing nothing but disgust in his eyes.

“Are you insane?” His voice was devoid of emotion, even colder than that of a stranger. “Did you really think I would want you?”

“You love me!” My voice trembled as I locked eyes with him. “You can’t lie to me!”

For a fleeting second, something flickered in Lucas’s gaze, but it disappeared just as quickly. “You think too highly of yourself, Alice.”

The elder shook his head, murmuring, “This girl… she has truly lost her mind.”

“This can’t be real,” someone whispered. “They don’t seem like strangers at all.”

“But look at Lucas’s reaction…”

“No, this isn’t possible…” I reached for his sleeve, my grip tightening. “Lucas, look me in the eyes and tell me you feel nothing for me.”

He remained motionless, his tone void of warmth. “I feel nothing for you.”

The elder sighed internally. He turned to Ethan, whose face held neither anger nor hatred, only quiet disappointment.

This wedding had become an absolute disaster.

“But if he feels nothing, why didn’t he walk away immediately?”

The murmurs grew louder.

In that moment, my world collapsed.

Before I could say anything else, a warm hand gently grasped my wrist.

“That’s enough, Alice.”

Ethan’s voice was soft, almost pleading.

The elder observed Ethan carefully, thinking: This young Alpha is too devoted.

He knows Alice doesn’t love him, yet he still chooses to endure it all.

I turned and saw him standing there, his golden eyes deep and unwavering—not with anger, but with patience and resolve.

“Alice, don’t do this.” Ethan cupped my face gently, his voice so tender it left me breathless. “I know you don’t love me. I’ve always known.”

The elder rubbed his temples, his emotions tangled. Ethan was still so understanding—was it determination, or was it foolishness?

I bit my lip, unable to speak.

“But I don’t care,” Ethan whispered, his lips curving into a bitter smile. “As long as you stay, I can accept anything.”

“Ethan…” My voice faltered, uncertain.

He tightened his grip on my hand, his voice hoarse. “Even if you don’t love me, at least give me a chance.”

“The ceremony isn’t over yet.” He paused, his eyes burning with determination. “Alice, please—don’t run away.”

Lucas scoffed and turned on his heel, striding toward the exit.

But I couldn’t stop myself. I chased after him, grabbing his wrist desperately.

“Lucas, you can’t do this to me!” My voice shook, my eyes stinging with tears. “Why are you lying to me? Look at me and tell me the truth!”

For the first time, he halted, gazing down at me.

“Alice, let go.” His voice was dangerously low, tinged with finality.

“No, I won’t!” I almost screamed. “If you truly don’t care about me, why aren’t you leaving?”

Something flickered in Lucas’s dark eyes again—hesitation? Pain? But before I could grasp it, he yanked his arm free.

“Stop deluding yourself,” he spat icily.

The elder let out a long sigh.

This wedding was beyond salvaging. How could it possibly continue?

Ethan wrapped his arms around me, murmuring, “I will make you love me, Alice. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait.”

The elder watched this unfold, shaking his head in pity for Ethan.

And as I stood in his warm embrace, my heart felt utterly empty.