Chapter 2 Red Flags I Didn’t See

I didn't realize what had happened until I saw the empty room. That woman just barged in and pulled Dustin away. And he didn't even try to stop her.

I let out a small pathetic laugh. Seven years of loyal love, one baby's life, and all he left without even looking back.

I began to laugh as tears began to roll down from my cheeks. Even I was confused, was my state because of how pathetic I was, or how I could not see the reality.

Flashback

It was our third date. We were at the restaurant, when her phone came.

"What?" Worry was splattered all across his face. "Don't worry, I'll be there."

Without a word, Dustin got up and ran off leaving me there all alone amidst the gazes of the customers and staff around me.

"Miss, do you want to order or wait?" A waiter came over and asked me kindly.

"Ah," I was at a loss of words. But my father told me to always remain composed. As a royal bloodline, opposing packs are on the wait to seize the moment they can prove, we're not worthy of governing all packs. "No, I'll wait. A coffee, please."

"She must love him a lot." I heard one of the customers across from me.

The other time was after two years together.

"Jenna, mom said she wanted to see you. So--"

Suddenly his phone began to ring.

"Hello?" His face lit like a child got his favorite toy. "What? When did you come...what, when, I'll be there soon."

Then he stops the car with force, almost making me hit my head on the dashboard, and looks at me with emotionless eyes.

"Jenna, get out. I have to go save someone!"

"Get out?" I asked in a shocked voice. "Dustin, it's snowing. A blizzard announcement---"

Dustin bent over and opened the door. Then folded his hands. "I beg you to get out. A life is at risk."

Dustin sped off so fast, that I stumbled a few steps back falling on the cold snow ground.

I shivered as I realized my coat was in the back.

Thankfully a kind couple gave me a lift, and dropped me off at a hotel.

I booked a room for the night and as I entered the room. A notification popped on my phone.

It was from an anonymous account.

But I was shocked when I saw a post of a birthday celebration. And it was Dustin cutting the cake with a woman.

"This was his life saving matter?" I spoke to myself, pitting myself. "He left me in the middle of nowhere to cut a birthday cake with this woman."

Then I got a find my device notification and then his call came.

"Jenna, I just saw your location. You're at the hotel. Stay warm. I'll pick you up in the morning. And, my friend is fine. Thankfully I came in time. I know you love me and will understand saving a life is important. We'll celebrate your birthday tomorrow. After all the day doesn't matter, what matters is celebrating with your loved ones. And for you and me, it's us and only us. Okay, take care. Good night."

At the time through the entire conversation I could not help but wonder, what was he doing, but I let it go. The next day he came to pick me up. Then we had our first fight when we came home.

"Jenna, you've been looking at me for a long time." He smiles as he cuts his eggs. "It's only been a night--"

"What's that on your neck?" My voice was so cold, I was even shocked on hearing it.

"What?" He quickly looks in the mirror. "Oh, this. My friend is afraid of pain so while I was hugging her, she bit-- I meant he, he bit me."

Suddenly it began to thunder, as snow began to fall.

"Wow! Not a usual thing."

"Yes, lots of things happen that are not usual, but we should embrace ourselves for what's to come."

My voice was cold again, but this time it sent the chills down his spin.

"Jenna, you've been acting cold towards me. I told you, it was a friend, I had to leave you."

Suddenly his eyes fell on the red skin on my hands.

"Jenna, how did you get the rash?" He asks in a concerned voice."You booked a room at the hotel then--"

Before I could say a word, he got a call, and left.

I suppose he realized his fault as he saw my coat in the back, because when he came back, he kept apologizing the entire night.

After A Few Days

Dustin took me to an auction.

"Jenna, I wanted to get you a special anniversary gift. So, today, whichever jewelry you like, just point it out."

While the host was going about showing the jewelry, the woman came over. Dustin looked at her with wide eyes, but straight eyebrows.

"You?"

She whispers something in his ear. Then he makes her sit to his left side.

Then a necklace was being shown. So I bent over, "Honey, I like this one."

Dustin smiled and raised his hand. In three calls, the necklace was bought. As the server handed the necklace to Dustin, I was about to put my hand forward to take the box from him, but stopped.

"Dustin, it's so beautiful, can I take it?" The woman chirped like a bird.

"Ah...Okay."

I pulled Dustin's hand. "Dustin? I chose it."

"Jenna, it's just a necklace. Don't be so childish. Choose something else."

Just then the host says, "And that was the last lot. Thank you for participating.

"What?" Dustin says distraught. "Sorry Jenna, I'll get you..."

I got up and left without looking back.

I was almost asleep when he came into our bedroom.

He didn't even ask how I was.

"Turn the lights off. I'm tired."

The next morning while we were eating breakfast, he got up, came over and told me to close my eyes.

As I opened my eyes, I saw a small box. On opening it, I saw pink diamond earrings.

"Happy? Like it?" He said in a happy voice.

"Yes, they're nice." I said with a forced smile.

Just then I got a notification. It was from that woman. She sent me her picture wearing the necklace. With a message:

He was worried you'd be sad, so he told me to get you something. I hope you like the pink diamond earrings. I got them online. They are high quality imitation jewelry. Wear them openly, no one will notice."

I sighed as I made a decision in my mind.