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.

For the next few days, I barely left my room except to eat.

I just wanted the cooling-off period for the divorce to pass quickly, turning a blind eye to how Kael and his sons bent over backward to please Sage.

Soon, Sage's birthday arrived.

Kael had wanted to throw a grand party, but Sage gently refused. "Let's just celebrate at home. I don't like things too fancy."

River immediately chimed in. "Perfect! I don't like outsiders sucking up to us either. It's so much better with just our family!"

On her birthday, the mansion was decorated luxuriously yet warmly. The staff bustled around while Kael personally placed a birthday crown on Sage's head.

"Make a wish." His gaze was tender.

Sage clasped her hands together and closed her eyes in the candlelight.

After blowing out the candles, Kael and the two children presented their gifts.

Kael gave her a set of antique jewelry, River presented keys to a limited-edition sports car, and Stone proudly offered the deed to a private island.

Sage's eyes filled with tears of emotion. "Thank you all..."

She suddenly looked at me, where I'd been sitting silently, with a sweet smile. "Aria, what did you get me?"

All eyes turned to me.

I looked at Sage's expectant expression and said calmly, "I didn't prepare anything."

I didn't want to, and I wasn't about to.

River's face immediately darkened. "Mom! How could you? You knew it was Aunt Sage's birthday!"

Stone pouted too. "That's so rude!"

The two little ones exchanged glances, and River's eyes suddenly lit up. "Hey, doesn't Mom have tons of nice stuff Dad gave her in her room? Let's pick something for Aunt Sage!"

Stone nodded eagerly. "Yeah!"

Before I could react, both children had already rushed upstairs and straight to my bedroom.

"Wait!" My face went pale as I stumbled after them, not caring that my leg hadn't fully healed.

When I pushed open the door, the two children were ransacking my room. My jewelry box was overturned on the floor, and things from my drawers were scattered everywhere.

"Found it!" River suddenly held up a gold necklace with a small moon pendant. "This one's pretty!"

My pupils contracted. That was the last gift Finn had given me before he died.

"No!" I rushed over to grab it back. "That's from your uncle!"

River nimbly dodged aside. "It's just a necklace. Can't Uncle buy you another one later?"

My voice shook. "He's dead!"

Stone rolled his eyes impatiently. "You're lying again! Last time it was just a dummy. Our real uncle is obviously traveling! He promised to bring me a present!"

Then he leaned over the railing and shouted downstairs, "Aunt Sage! We found Mom's present for you! You're gonna love it!"

I reached for the necklace, but River shoved me hard. "Why are you being so stingy!"

"Ahhhh—!"

I lost my footing and tumbled down the entire staircase!

"CRASH!"

The back of my head slammed hard against the silver candelabra that decorated the bottom of the steps, and blood immediately gushed from my temple.

This was a fatal blow to me since the wolf had already fallen into hibernation.

I lay in a pool of blood, my vision blurry and ears ringing.

"Mommy!" River and Stone were terrified and rushed downstairs.

River's voice trembled. "I... I didn't mean to... It's your fault for trying to grab it..."

Stone burst into tears. "Mommy, you're bleeding..."

Hearing the commotion, Kael strode over. His face went ashen when he saw the scene. "What the hell happened?"