Chapter 1 Pregnant Yet Received a Breakup Notice

Ember's POV

I stared at the thin test report in my hand, my fingertips trembling uncontrollably.

"Eight weeks pregnant, fetal heartbeat and embryo developing well," the doctor said.

We have a pup, our child with our alpha, this is so wonderful, can you feel it? The baby's heartbeat. My wolf spirit Emilia whimpered softly in the depths of my consciousness.

Eight weeks. I'd been carrying this child for two whole months without even realizing it.

"Ember, are you okay?" Penelope Wright leaned over, pulling the report from my hand, her amber eyes full of concern. "Getting pregnant at a time like this, can you still go abroad?"

Abroad. Right, I'd just received an offer last month from that famous design company in Manhattan. The plan was to leave here after being rejected and start a new life. But now, this unexpected little life had completely disrupted all my plans.

I opened my mouth but found my throat too dry to make a sound. Emilia whispered softly in my mind: "I bet he'll change his mind, because we have a pup. This is hope."

"I need to go back and talk to Asher about it." I forced out these words, though I had no confidence at all.

Three years as partners, and Asher Blackwood had always maintained a polite but distant attitude. He never showed his true emotions in front of me. We were more like business partners than true Mates. I knew the nature of this relationship all too well: I'd had a crush on him for years, while he just needed a Luna to silence his family elders' pressure.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Asher's number.

The ringing went on and on, but no one answered. I bit my lower lip and tried again, with the same result.

"Maybe he's in a meeting," Penelope consoled. "Should we head back first?"

I nodded, putting away my phone and preparing to leave. Just then, familiar footsteps came from the end of the hallway. I looked up, and my whole body instantly froze.

Asher was supporting a delicate-looking woman as they walked out of an examination room. The woman's face was pale, practically leaning into his embrace, while his movements were careful and gentle, his eyes showing a tenderness I'd never seen before.

That was Chloe Hamilton. I recognized her—the woman smiling brightly in the photo hidden in Asher's drawer. His ex-girlfriend, or rather, his Fated Mate, the destined one chosen by the Moon Goddess.

"Asher, I'm sorry for troubling you again, but the baby is just so naughty..." Chloe's voice was weak but sweet as she raised her hand to gently stroke her belly.

"It's fine." Asher responded in a low voice, with a softness I'd never heard before. He held her waist, carefully supporting her as they walked forward.

My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. Emilia let out a painful wail in my consciousness, the tearing sensation almost making me unable to stand.

Asher sensed something and turned his head slightly to look this way. Instinctively, I pulled Penelope around the corner, my back against the cold wall, my heart beating so fast it felt like it would burst from my chest.

"What's wrong?" Penelope asked in a low voice.

I shook my head, forcing out a smile: "Nothing."

I was clearly the one who'd been marked as his partner, yet I was hiding like I'd done something shameful. The absurdity of it made me want to laugh, but I couldn't even manage a smile.

When the footsteps faded, I carefully peeked out. Asher was helping Chloe toward the elevator, their figures as intimate as a loving couple. The moment the elevator doors closed, I saw him lower his head and place a kiss on her forehead.

In that moment, I suddenly understood.

The child in Chloe's belly was very likely Asher's. And this pregnancy test report in my hand was nothing but a joke.

Memories flooded back like a tide. Three years ago, Blackwood Group's cash flow broke down, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy. Asher proposed to Chloe, but she refused, saying her studies came first. She chose to go abroad for further education, leaving him heartbroken.

Under Grandma Blackwood's arrangement, I became the one to fill the vacancy. The Mark he left on my neck never represented any real feelings.

Now that Chloe had returned from her studies, it was time to make room for his true Fated Mate.

I clutched the pregnancy test report tightly in my palm, letting the paper's edge dig into my skin.

When I returned to the Blackwood estate, it was already getting dark. I hid the report in the deepest part of my drawer, then sat on the edge of the bed in a daze. The image of Asher holding Chloe kept replaying in my mind, leaving me confused and upset.

Should I tell him? Tell him I was pregnant?

But would he even care? Would he change his mind because of this child?

I shook my head with a bitter smile. That idea was too naive.

As night fell, familiar footsteps sounded at the entrance. I took a deep breath and walked to the top of the stairs. Asher had just come through the door, still carrying the chill from outside.

"You're back." I approached him as usual, trying to keep my voice calm.

He glanced up at me, then pulled out a document from his briefcase and held it out to me.

It was a property division agreement.

My heart felt like it had been struck by a huge rock, instantly sinking to the bottom.

"Chloe's back," Asher said. "We should dissolve the Mate Bond. I'm going to reject you."

My fingers trembled as I took the document, but I couldn't bring myself to open it. My eyes fixed on his handsome but cold face, my throat feeling blocked by something.

"What if..." I struggled to speak, my voice shaking badly. "I mean, what if I were pregnant? Would you want this child?"

Asher's brow furrowed slightly, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes: "We used protection every time. How could you be pregnant?"

"I said what if." I emphasized, my voice getting smaller and smaller.

He looked at me steadily, then after a moment slowly spoke: "No."

Firm and decisive, without any hesitation.

I felt my heart completely shatter. All my hopes, all my struggles, collapsed in that moment. Emilia howled: No!!!

"Are you actually pregnant?" Asher asked suspiciously.