Three days later, at the cemetery.

I stood before my brother's gravestone, my face completely drained of color.

For these three days, I'd been like the walking dead—handling death certificates, taking Finn to be cremated, and burying him with my own hands.

Kael and our two sons never showed up once.

I opened Sage's social media. Her latest post was a photo of Kael hand-feeding her soup, with the caption: 【Someone insists on taking care of me personally. I just can't handle him~】

Below were comments from River and Stone:

【Aunt Sage, get better soon! We want to go to the amusement park with you!】

【Aunt Sage is so much gentler than Mommy. We love you the most!】

I closed my phone, my expression turning completely cold.

I left the cemetery and did only two things.

First, I went to a law firm and drafted mate bond severance agreement.

Because Kael was an Alpha, I couldn't bear the pain of rejecting the mate bond with him outright.

So, I had no choice but to submit the severance agreement to the Alpha Council. Once they approved it, the magic within the seal would automatically sever our mate bond.

Second, I went to the Alpha Council's enforcement office and told the duty officer:

"I want to report Sage for intentional murder."

I'd just returned to the mansion to pack my things after filing the report when the front door was kicked open violently.

Kael stood in the doorway with a dark expression, River and Stone behind him. Both children's eyes were filled with rage, as if I'd committed some unforgivable crime.

"You're the one who reported Sage for murder?" Kael's voice was ice-cold. "Who did she kill? Are you ever going to stop this nonsense?"

Before I could answer, River rushed forward and shoved me. "Bad Mommy! Won't you be happy until you destroy Aunt Sage?"

Stone also lunged at me, his small fists pounding my legs. "You're so mean! Aunt Sage is so nice. Why are you trying to frame her?"

I stumbled backward from their pushes, my back slamming into the wardrobe. The pain made me gasp.

I looked at them with red eyes, my voice shaking. "She switched out the dummy for my brother. Finn was burned alive because of her... Was I wrong to report her to the authorities?"

All three of them froze.

Kael laughed coldly. "What are you talking about? Sage would never do something like that!"

I laughed too, tears streaming down my face. "Then call my brother right now. See if he picks up."

Kael frowned and pulled out his phone to dial Finn's number.

"Ring... ring..."

After a long wait, the call automatically ended.

No answer.

Kael's expression shifted slightly. Just as he was about to speak, the door was gently pushed open.

Sage walked in, her face pale as she leaned weakly against the doorframe. "I heard... Finn went on a graduation trip. The signal might be bad, so he didn't answer."

River and Stone immediately ran over, supporting her on both sides. "Aunt Sage! Why did you leave the hospital? Didn't the doctor say you needed to rest?"

Sage smiled helplessly. "When I heard that Aria reported me for murder, how could I not come explain?"

She looked at me with gentle, helpless eyes. "Aria, I know what you're worried about. Even though Kael and I loved each other before, we missed our chance. Now that you're mated to him, I'll only bless you silently. I would never destroy your family. You really don't need to frame me like this... Murder is such a serious accusation."

River immediately looked up at her adoringly. "Look at Aunt Sage's class! Now look at Mommy! The difference is obvious!"

Stone also pouted. "Brother's right. Mommy only lies and hurts people!"

My whole body trembled as my nails dug deep into my palms. "When the Council investigators get to the truth, you'll know who's right and who's wrong."

"Investigation?" Kael laughed coldly. "You framed Sage. That's the truth! What's there to investigate?"

He looked down at me, his tone allowing no argument. "I've already withdrawn the case and made some calls. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take your case."

I stared at him in disbelief. Just as I was about to speak, my phone rang.

It was the enforcement office.

"Ms. Aria, we've dropped that case... Alpha Kael spoke up, and there's nothing we can do. You should... accept our condolences. In the entire Northern Territory, no one will dare take this case."

The call ended. I stood there, my whole body turning cold.

Pain, despair, anger... all these emotions pressed down on my heart. It felt like someone had ripped out a piece of my heart, the pain making my vision go black.

But then, I laughed.

Looking at my dearest husband and sons, I laughed until tears streamed down my face.

For some reason, Kael's heart suddenly tightened.

He softened his tone. "Alright, this ends here. I went too far this time and scared you. I apologize."

He paused. "Whatever compensation you want, I can give it to you."

My tears were still falling, but my gaze grew colder bit by bit.

I raised my hand to wipe away the tears and turned toward the drawer. My movements were slow, as if each step was a goodbye to my former self.

When I pulled out the mate bond severance agreement, my fingers trembled slightly—not from anger or sadness, but from an almost liberating calm.

"Sign this." I flipped to the last page, covering the beginning as I handed it to him. My voice was barely audible.

Kael glanced at it, thinking it was another request for jewelry or property. Wanting to end this drama quickly, he signed without really looking.

After signing, he looked up. "Sage isn't well, and there's no one to care for her at home. She'll be staying here for a few days."

I nodded numbly. "Do whatever you want."

I took the document and left without looking back.

At the law firm.

The lawyer carefully examined the mate bond severance agreement and nodded. "The signature is valid, Ms. Aria. I'll submit this to the Alpha Council. Once the review is complete in a month, your mate bond with Alpha Kael will be officially severed."

I gripped the documents tightly, my fingertips turning white.

Finally... it was going to end.

That evening, when I returned to the mansion, I heard laughter coming from the living room.

Sage sat on the couch with River and Stone snuggled against her on either side, listening to her tell a story.

"...And finally, the prince kissed the princess awake, and they lived happily ever after." Sage gently stroked both children's heads.

River looked up at her adoringly. "Aunt Sage, you're so much gentler than Mommy."

Stone nodded too. "I really wish you were our mommy..."

I stood in the doorway, feeling like someone had stabbed me straight through the heart.

I went upstairs expressionlessly and took a shower in the guest room bathroom.

The warm water washed over my body, but it couldn't wash away the coldness in my heart.

I closed my eyes, thinking, Don't worry. That wish of yours will come true very soon.

I'd barely laid down when the other side of the bed dipped.

Kael had finished his shower and lay down beside me.

I faced away from him, not moving.

Suddenly, he moved closer, his arm wrapping around my waist as his lips pressed against the back of my neck.

My whole body went rigid as I shoved him away!

Kael frowned. "I've given you the compensation you wanted, and your brother wasn't really hurt. How long are you going to keep this up?"

I was about to speak when—

"Knock knock knock!"

The door was tapped, and River's little head peeked in. "Daddy! The weather forecast says there's going to be thunder tonight. Didn't you say Aunt Sage is really scared of storms?"

Stone squeezed in too. "Daddy, hurry and keep Aunt Sage company! She's scared!"

Kael glanced at the dark clouds gathering outside and got up without hesitation.

Before leaving, he tossed out, "Sleep by yourself tonight."

He didn't close the door completely. Laughter and chatter drifted from the room next door.

"Kael, you came?" Sage's voice was soft.

"Daddy! Aunt Sage tells the best stories!" River said excitedly.

Stone whined sweetly, "Daddy, can we let Aunt Sage live here forever?"

Kael chuckled low. "Sure."

I lay in bed listening to their laughter and slowly closed my eyes.

The next morning, when I came downstairs, laughter was coming from the kitchen.

Kael stood at the counter wearing an apron, his long fingers gripping a spatula while Sage stood beside him, occasionally leaning in to smell the aroma, her eyes curved like crescents.

River and Stone circled around their legs, chattering with their little faces turned up.

"Kael, I can't believe you still remember what I like to eat after all these years." Sage's voice was soft, touched with emotion.

Kael turned to look at her, his gaze holding a tenderness he'd never shown me. "I've never forgotten for a moment."

He plated the sunny-side-up eggs and pushed them toward Sage. "Try it. See if the taste has changed."

Sage took a bite, her expression brightening. "It tastes even better than before."

River immediately raised his hand. "Aunt Sage, when Daddy's busy, I'll cook for you!"

Stone bounced along in agreement. "I'll learn too! I'll make it even better than Daddy!"

Sage laughed out loud, ruffling both children's hair while Kael watched them, his stern features softening with a smile.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, pulling my lips into a self-mocking smile.

All these years, because Kael was very picky about food, and both children had been pampered and picky since birth, I'd worked tirelessly to serve this family.

But it turned out...

Someone like Kael, who never lifted a finger for household tasks, would cook for the person he loved.

Children like River and Stone, usually spoiled and willful, could be this considerate.

I was as humble as dust before them, yet they willingly bent over backward for Sage.

The one who loves first really does lose completely.

When Kael turned around with breakfast, he finally saw me.

"You're up?" His tone was flat. "We're heading out in a bit and didn't have time to make yours. Handle it yourself."

I didn't say anything.

I knew Kael wasn't short on time. He just wanted to focus entirely on cooking for Sage alone.

The aroma from the kitchen made my stomach clench painfully, but I said nothing. I quietly walked into the kitchen and made myself a bowl of plain noodle soup.

After breakfast, Kael and Sage were taking the two children to an amusement park.

River suddenly grabbed them. "Wait! We have something for you!"

He and Stone ran upstairs and came back down with four matching T-shirts—obviously a family set.

Sage looked troubled. "This... isn't really appropriate..."

River looked up stubbornly. "But in our hearts, you ARE our mommy."

Kael ruffled his son's hair and said to Sage, "The kids are just playing around. Humor them this once."

Sage nodded with a blush.

The four of them put on the matching outfits.

Kael and Sage wore navy blue shirts while River and Stone had miniature versions with cartoon prints saying "Daddy and Mommy Love Our Babies."

Sage suddenly looked at me. "Aria, why don't you come with us?"

I shook my head. "No need."

"But you're their mother. It wouldn't be right if you didn't come..." Sage walked over and took my hand without argument. "Come on, families should stick together."

She dragged me into the car.

The amusement park was bustling with crowds.

The four of them in matching outfits were so stunning they drew countless stares.

Young girls came over blushing to ask for photos, and Kael surprisingly didn't refuse.

"Your wife is so beautiful!" one girl said enviously to Sage. "And your kids are super cute!"

Kael didn't correct her. Sage lowered her head shyly while River and Stone puffed out their chests proudly.

I followed behind them like a ghost, watching them get surrounded and praised, watching Kael's hand naturally rest on Sage's waist, watching the two children call Sage "Mommy" over and over.

My heart hurt so much it went numb. I couldn't even feel the pain anymore.

As evening approached, we came to the Ferris wheel.

The operator smiled at Kael and Sage. "You two are such a perfect match! They say if couples kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel, they'll never be separated!"

River and Stone exchanged glances and broke into mischievous grins.

The cabin slowly rose as city lights flowed beneath our feet.

When the Ferris wheel was about to reach its peak, the two children suddenly darted behind Kael and Sage and gave them a hard push—

"Ah!" Sage cried out as she tumbled into Kael's arms.

The moment their lips touched, both of them froze.

Sage tried to pull away in panic, but Kael inexplicably cupped the back of her head and deepened the kiss.

River and Stone covered their mouths to stifle giggles, secretly making victory signs.

I watched the scene unfold before me, feeling like my heart was being torn apart alive.

The two sons I'd nearly died giving birth to were pushing Kael toward another woman right in front of me.

Kael kissed Sage for a long time before pulling away, a thin strand of intimacy connecting their lips.

Sage's cheeks were flushed red as she lowered her head shyly.

"Sorry," Kael's voice was slightly hoarse. "I lost my balance just then."

Then he turned to River and Stone with a stern expression. "What the hell are you two doing?"

Though his tone was harsh, I knew him too well. He was more satisfied with that kiss than anyone.

Kael looked at me and explained, "That was an accident. The kids were just messing around. Don't take it personally."

I shook my head calmly. "I don't mind."

And I really didn't mind anymore.

Because I was done with all three of them—the father and both sons.

After we got off the Ferris wheel, everyone went to watch the parade. Under the brilliant night lights, amid laughter and cheers, the floats slowly approached.

But just then, the horses pulling one of the floats suddenly spooked, whinnying as they charged toward the crowd!

"Watch out!"

In the chaos, I saw Kael and the two children immediately throw themselves toward Sage, shielding her protectively.

While I stood there and got knocked down by the panicking crowd.

After nearly dying from blood loss giving birth to those two children, my wolf had fallen into a permanent coma. So now I was basically like an Omega—no fighting ability, not even any healing powers.

"Ahhh—!"

Excruciating pain hit me as horse hooves trampled over my ribs and wheels rolled across my legs.

I clearly heard the sound of my own bones breaking.

Everything went black, and I passed out completely.

...

When I woke up again, the hospital room was dead silent.

I struggled to sit up, cold sweat pouring down my face from the intense pain in my ribs and legs.

I reached for my phone on the bedside table to check the time.

The screen lit up, showing a social media notification on the lock screen—

Sage had posted a photo.

Kael and the two children were gathered around her hospital bed. One was holding a glass of water, another had medicine, and Kael was gently tucking her blanket.

The caption read: 【It feels so good to be loved.】

I pulled my lips into a bitter smile and put the phone down.

A doctor came in, flipping through test results. "Ms. Aria, you have three broken ribs and a hairline fracture in your left tibia. You'll need to stay for observation for a few days."

He looked around the empty room. "Where's your family? We need a family member to sign."

I said calmly, "I don't have any family."

For the next few days, the hospital room remained empty.

The nurses looked at me with pity, occasionally sneaking me an extra box of painkillers.

Kael didn't show up until my discharge day.

"Sage was traumatized and couldn't be left alone these past few days," he said flatly. "How are your injuries? Do you need to stay longer? I could bring the kids to take care of you."

I shook my head. "No need. I don't want to waste your time."

Kael frowned slightly.

In the past, whenever he was busy with work but managed to spare even an hour for me, I'd be happy for days. Now I was actively refusing?

But he didn't think much of it and had the driver take us to a high-end boutique in the city center.

The store was brilliantly lit as Kael held up various gowns against my body.

I thought he was trying to compensate me and said softly, "You don't need to. I don't really like any of these..."

"Don't like what?" Kael interrupted. "Sage's birthday is coming up, and I want to get her the perfect custom gown."

He studied my figure. "You and she are about the same size, so I brought you to try them on."

I laughed.

Laughed at my own wishful thinking, laughed at how Kael knew exactly where to stick the knife to hurt me most.

For the next three hours, I was like a mannequin as Kael had me try on gown after gown.

Finally, he settled on a mermaid-style dress covered in crystals.

"This one."

When we got home, Kael tossed me a paper bag. "Got this for you while I was at it."

I glanced inside. It was a freebie that came with the custom gown—a plain black dress with a tag that read "Free Gift with Purchase."

I took it and gave a flat "mm-hmm."

Back in my room, I threw it straight into the trash.