Chapter 4

“Sign it.” I flipped the document to the last page, covering the beginning as I handed it to him. My voice was so light it was almost inaudible.

He glanced at it briefly, probably assuming it was just more jewelry or property I wanted. Eager to end the farce, he signed without really looking.

After signing, he looked up at me and said, “Emily isn’t in good health. She has no one at home to take care of her, so she’ll be staying here for a few days.”

I nodded numbly. “Suit yourself.”

I picked up the document and left without looking back.

An email arrived from my notary: “The Mate Bond Dissolution Agreement has been reviewed by the lawyer. Please come to our office on Wednesday to sign it. Copies will be archived by us.”

I printed the PDF and placed it into a manila envelope. This sheet of paper—just as thin as the Mate Bond Agreement I signed years ago—felt so heavy I could barely hold it. I clenched the file, my fingertips turning white.

At last… it was going to end.

That evening, when I returned to the villa, laughter drifted from the living room.

Emily sat on the sofa, Leo and Alex nestled against her on either side, listening to her tell a story.

“…And in the end, the Alpha kissed the Luna awake, and they lived happily ever after.” She gently stroked the two children’s heads.

Leo tilted up his little face. “Emily, you’re much gentler than Mommy.”

Alex nodded as well. “I really wish you were my mom…”

I stood at the doorway, my heart feeling as if it had been stabbed hard.

Expressionless, I went upstairs and showered in the guest bathroom. Warm water washed over my body, yet it couldn’t wash away the chill in my heart. I closed my eyes and thought: Don’t worry. That wish of yours will come true very soon.

Not long after I lay down, the other side of the bed suddenly sank.

William had finished showering and lay down beside me.

I faced away from him, completely still.

Suddenly, he leaned over, an arm wrapping around my waist, his lips brushing the back of my neck.

My entire body stiffened as I shoved him away!

He frowned. “I’ve already given you the compensation you wanted. Your brother didn’t suffer any real harm either. How long are you going to keep making trouble?”

I was just about to speak—

“Knock, knock, knock!”

The door was knocked on as Leo poked his little head in. “Dad! The weather forecast says there’ll be thunder tonight. Didn’t you say Emily is most afraid of thunder?”

Alex squeezed in as well. “Dad, come keep Emily company! She’s scared!”

He glanced at the gloomy sky outside and got up without hesitation. Before leaving, he tossed out a single line: “Sleep by yourself tonight.”

The door wasn’t fully closed, and faint laughter drifted in from the next room.

“William, you’re here?” Emily’s voice was soft.

“Dad! Emily’s stories are so good!” Leo said excitedly.

Alex whined, “Dad, can we let Emily live here all the time?”

He chuckled softly. “Okay.”

Lying on the bed, listening to their laughter, I slowly closed my eyes.

The next morning, when I went downstairs, laughter echoed from the kitchen.

William stood at the counter wearing an apron, long fingers holding a spatula; Emily stood beside him, occasionally leaning in to smell the aroma, her eyes curved into crescents.

Leo and Alex hovered around their legs, chattering excitedly.

“William, I didn’t expect you to still remember the flavors I like after all these years.” Her voice was soft, tinged with emotion.

He turned his head to look at her. That gentleness was something he had never given me. “I never forgot, not for a moment.”

He plated the fried sunny-side-up egg and slid it toward her. “Try it. See if the taste has changed.”

She took a bite, her brows relaxing. “It tastes even better than before.”

Leo immediately raised his hand. “Emily, when Dad is busy in the future, I’ll cook for you!”

Alex bounced as he chimed in. “I’ll learn too! I promise I’ll cook even better than Dad!”

She laughed, ruffling the boys’ hair. He looked at them, the usual cold sharpness in his features softened by a smile.

Standing at the stairway, I tugged at my lips in self-mockery.

All these years, because he was the Alpha of Bloodrift Pack with exacting standards, and because the children were raised pampered and picky, I had served this household with utmost care.

But it turned out…

A man like him, who never lifted a finger in the kitchen, would cook for the one he loved.

Children as spoiled and willful as Leo and Alex could also be this thoughtful.

I was humble as dust before them, yet they were willing to bend for Emily.

The one who loves first truly loses completely.