Ceres's POV

I shook my numb hand, feeling an indescribable level of satisfaction.

Rage flashed through Richard’s eyes as he glared at me in disbelief. His eyes burned a flaming red as he shielded Anita behind him.

“Have you lost your mind, Ceres?” Richard growled, his voice filled with fury and carrying a slightly inhuman edge.

I stood my ground. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, clawing to emerge.

Since yesterday, something had awakened inside me—a force I could no longer suppress. It prevented me from taking any form of bullshit from anyone.

For three years, I had lived like a fool, doing only things that would please my mate, hoping he’d love me even half as much as I loved him. But now, the scales had fallen from my eyes. I could finally see the truth—he was never going to love me.

With a scornful expression, I faced Richard’s angry gaze and threw the resignation letter and divorce papers at him.

“Shame on you, Richard! You manipulated the pack, twisted public opinion, and even used your influence over the council to slander me. Did you really think I’d forget? That I’d let it slide? You disgust me!”

I smirked coldly and stepped forward, covering the distance between us with a confidence that made Richard slightly uneasy.

Grabbing his collar, I yanked him closer with force. My green eyes locked onto his blue ones, burning with a mix of rage and defiance.

“Alpha Richard,” I said mockingly, my voice dripping with venom, “if you want to avoid a full-blown scandal, sign the agreement and grant me a peaceful divorce. Otherwise, I’ll bring every dark secret of the Winston family to light—especially yours.”

I released him abruptly, the sharp tug of his collar causing a ripple in his perfectly pressed shirt.

Disgusted at the sight of him, I turned on my heel and strode out of the office, my wolf howling in triumph within my mind.

As soon as I left, my colleagues surrounded me. Their expressions were filled with concern and sympathy.

“Luna Ceres,” one of them began hesitantly, “you’ve sacrificed so much for Alpha Richard. Are you really going to let the other woman take your place?”

“That’s right,” another chimed in. “Martins mentioned they’re assigning Anita to the Chief Secretary’s office. Are they trying to push you out?”

A tall, lanky girl huffed in frustration. “Alpha Richard must be blind. In terms of intelligence and beauty, that lady is nothing compared to you, Luna!”

The title “Luna” felt hollow now—a reminder of the role I had tried to fill for a pack that no longer felt like mine.

I shook my head at them and advised in a firm tone, “Don’t worry about me, guys. It would be insanity not to give up on this so-called marriage after everything that has come to light, don’t you think?”

I flashed them a nonchalant smile.

“Oh, and one more thing,” I added. “If Richard wants to take out his anger on you by sending you away, know that you can always come to me. I will make jobs available to you all. I promise.”

They stared at me in surprise, as though wondering why I spoke so boldly. After all, they knew me—or so they thought.

Truth is, they knew nothing about me but soon, they would all find out just who I am.

After working with them for years, I had come to develop a strong bond with each one of them. If Richard decided to let them go, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to my father’s company.

I quickly said my goodbyes and left the Corporation with my belongings without looking back.

I was absolutely done with Richard and everything that concerned him. It was time to start living for myself.

Richard's POV

I remained rooted in place, staring at Ceres’s retreating figure with furrowed brows, as she left my office. A complicated mix of emotions swirled within me—anger, confusion, and something else I couldn't quite name.

My heart pounded fast against my ribcage, and my wolf—usually calm and controlled—paced restlessly in my mind, unsettled by Ceres's fiery defiance.

Our union had been one of convenience, a bond that brought stability to the pack and served my ambitions. She had been obedient, reliable, and resourceful—everything a leader could want in a mate.

But now, watching her transform before my eyes, I realized I had grossly underestimated her.

The obedient mate I thought I knew had shed her sheep's clothing, revealing her untamed wolf. She was now fearless, bold, and rational—qualities I found both infuriating and strangely alluring.

Her icy cold gaze replayed in my mind, making me feel quite uneasy. Why would she assume I bribed the media to slander her? Where did that come from?

Anita, standing close to me, cautiously reached out, touching my arm. Tears glistened in her eyes as she spoke softly, “Richard, should I find an opportunity to explain everything to Ceres?”

I heaved a sigh and gradually removed her hand from my arm, my lips pressed together at the sight of her swollen face.

“No need. Don’t blame her,” I said.

Her face turned pale at my words, but she weakly smiled, nodding in understanding. “Of course, I won’t.”

Later, after I had dismissed Anita, I went to my swivel chair and sat down. Still disturbed by what Ceres had said, I pulled out my iPad and searched the trending news.

There it was—a list of unsettling rumors about her. I clenched my fists in anger and tossed my iPad onto the desk. The things circulating in the media about Ceres were untrue. She was never promiscuous before I met her. I would know because I’m the one who deflowered her.

I immediately dialed Martins’ line. “Come to my office now!” I commanded.

A few seconds later, Martins was standing before me.

“Have you seen this?” I asked, gesturing to my iPad.

He glanced at it, his hands behind his back. His gaze shifted back to me, and he stuttered, “I saw it not quite long ago, Alpha.”

I leaned back in my chair, trying to control my temper. “Have you found out who is behind it?”

He nodded in response. “Upon investigating the matter, I found out it was the PR manager who was behind it.”

I ran a hand through my hair and took deep breaths. “Bring him to me now!”

Martins scurried out of my office and came back moments later with the PR manager, who tried to explain the situation.

“Alpha, you specifically ordered us not to involve your son, Lucky, in any rumors. To protect him, we had to divert attention to Luna Ceres’s past.”

Upon hearing his words, rage coursed through me. My wolf surfaced, and within seconds, I had the PR Manager pinned to the wall, my hand around his neck.

“How dare you publish such lies about your Luna?” I growled.

Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He looked absolutely petrified, his voice trembling as he spoke. “Alpha Richard, someone sent the news anonymously to us. Your child's mother, Ms. Anita, also urged us to protect Lucky at all costs.”

“And you published it without running it through me or my beta first?” I snarled.

“I... I thought you’d be okay with it, seeing that she publicly humiliated you yesterday,” he stammered, his fear evident.

My fury deepened. Glaring at the man, I fought the urge—spurred by my angry wolf—to strangle him to death. After much struggle, I finally released my grip around his neck and spat coldly, “You are fired! Take your things and leave the premises immediately!”

He immediately fell to his knees, begging profusely. “Alpha Richard, please don’t fire me! It was an honest mistake. Please, I didn’t know they were all lies. You have to believe me!”

Hardening my heart to his pleas, I had my security men throw him out of my office.

Turning to Martins, i commanded, “Make sure every rumor about Ceres is pulled down from the internet before the end of today!”.

Ceres's POV

Two days later, before I could wait for Richard's phone call agreeing to the divorce, I received a call from the doctor at the pack's hospital.

“Luna Ceres,” he said gently, “this is a reminder for your pregnancy check-up. We haven't seen you since the initial appointment.”

I froze. The words sank in like a stone. It was in that moment I remembered—I was pregnant.

My hand instinctively rested on my stomach. The old me would have seen this as a blessing from the Moon Goddess, one that would solidify my relationship with Richard forever, an unbreakable bond in a world that often felt unstable.

But now?

Richard had another pup with his ex-girlfriend, Anita. What would mine mean to him? Would they simply be another pawn in his game, another piece in his carefully constructed empire?

Elsa whined softly in my mind as I contemplated the best course of action. Should I keep the child, or should I have it removed? I heaved a sigh as I stared into my mirror, my eyes hardening with resolve. I had a choice to make, and whatever it was, it would be mine and mine alone.

Later on, I went to the hospital without telling Jasmine.

In the ward, the pack doctor examined me. Picking up on my hesitation, he spoke gently, “The pup is developing very well, Luna. If you do not want to proceed with this pregnancy, the decision should be made soon.”

I nodded and smiled weakly. “Alright. I will think about it.”

Just before I left, I met the doctor again and pleaded, “Please, doctor, I would like the news of my pregnancy to stay between the both of us.”

He looked at me with pitiful eyes and nodded. “You have my word, Luna. I won’t let the Alpha know about it. I understand the situation you are in right now.”

“Thank you,” I muttered, blinking away the tears that stung my eyes at his kind words.

I left the ward and walked toward the gate of the hospital, lost in thought, my head slightly lowered.

I was so deep in thought I didn’t notice the small child running toward me until he collided with my leg and fell to the ground.

He immediately clutched his forehead, letting out a whimper of distress.

I instinctively bent down to help him up when I realized who it was. My eyes widened in shock. It was none other than Lucky, Richard's son.

Before I could react, a familiar voice that grated on my nerves rang out.

“Lucky!”

Anita appeared, rushing over in feigned panic. She threw a glance at me before scooping the boy into her arms. Her tone turned shrill as she began to cry, attracting the attention of people around.

The next moment, Richard stormed over. His sleeves were rolled up, and his expression was icy and severe. His presence filled the air, sending tension through the crowd that began to disperse upon seeing him.

With fake tears in her eyes, Anita cried, “Ceres, please, I am sorry! Don’t hurt Lucky. He is only a two-year-old child. He did nothing wrong, please.”

I could not believe my ears. It was so ridiculous hearing her say that. Was she really this much of an evil drama queen?

The scene made Richard’s expression turn livid, and his cold eyes rested on me.

I was tired of dealing with her unwarranted fake tantrums.

Richard took Lucky from Anita's arms and comforted him tenderly with a loving gaze, which turned cold and sharp as it shifted to me. His lips upturned in a frown.

“Why are you here? Are you following us?” he asked.

My heart skipped a beat at his words, not in fear, but in sheer annoyance.

I scoffed. “Don't flatter yourself, Richard. Why would I waste my time following you?” I replied sharply, my tone cold as steel.

Lucky, who was now clinging to his father's shirt, buried his head in Richard’s neck, his cries fading. Watching the child find comfort in Richard's arms stirred irritation within me. Knowing the purpose of my visit made everything even worse.

It felt almost as though my airways were blocked, making it difficult to breathe.

Pain flared in my lower abdomen, and my wolf recoiled. The strain of suppressing my emotions, combined with my pregnancy, was taking its toll on me.

Anita, ever the actress, softened her voice, but the accusation was evident in her words as she spoke, “Lucky had a fever. Richard and I decided to bring him to the hospital so the pack doctor could check him out. But when we turned around, he was gone. I didn’t expect to find you here, Ceres. What exactly were you doing to him?”

The insinuation in her voice was crystal clear. She was accusing me of trying to harm or take her child.

I flared up at her words and sneered angrily. “He bumped into me himself! I didn’t even touch him! Surveillance cameras are a great invention, Anita. Use your common sense! Look at the footage before accusing me of something I didn’t do!”

Her face instantly stiffened, and her sobs halted.

The look on her face showed she had clearly forgotten about the surveillance cameras, with which her accusations would be dismantled.

Her lips parted, and before she could sputter out a reply, I turned away, clutching tightly to my bag.

My heightened senses picked up on Richard’s words to Anita. “Take him and wait here for me,” he instructed.

Next, I heard his measured footsteps coming in my direction. I increased my pace, not wanting to be anywhere near him.

I had already booked a ride, so I glanced around to see if I could spot it, but it was nowhere in sight. I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist angrily as I sensed Richard now behind me.

His voice reached me, his tone cold. “Why did you come to the hospital? Are you sick?”

Ceres's POV

I was surprised at his question. First, he had accused me of following them; now he seemed concerned about me?

“I came to visit a friend,” I said indifferently. There was absolutely no way I was about to tell him the real reason for my visit. I just wanted the sucked marriage to end as soon as possible. He cannot also know about the pup growing in my belly. That secret was mine to keep, for now.

His jaw tightened, and he asked, “Where have you been staying? Why haven't you come home yet?”

For some reason, his questions triggered me. My eyes hardened as I glared at him. “Why do you care? Now that I have moved out, this is the perfect time for you to bring your lover and illegitimate pup to the mansion. They should live there.”

Richard raised an angry eyebrow, a low growl rumbling in his throat, but he said nothing. Instead, he glared at me furiously.

Seeing his expression, I chuckled bitterly and spat, “right, Alpha Richard. You have so many mansions, it isn't right for them to live in a hotel. After all, their existence is no secret.”

I could see how hard he was fighting to control his anger as he said in a cold tone, “I thought at least your character had no flaws. Can you not even tolerate raising Lucky and treating him like your own? That is something any Luna with the interest of her pack at heart would do, Ceres.”

My fingers dug into my palms, and Elsa snarled angrily in my head at his words.

He thinks I should play the role of a mother to a child he had with another woman? Am I really to blame for finally choosing to do what I feel is best for me?

I took a steadying breath to calm my nerves. “Richard, I don't want to hear about this again. You have already seen the divorce agreement. Once the formalities are done, do not bother me ever again.”

Just then, the car I booked arrived in front of me. After checking the license plate and seeing it was the right car, I got into it and shut the door without sparing Richard another glance.

It felt quite ridiculous to me. Did he really think I should naturally take care of his mistress and illegitimate child? Was I really supposed to degrade myself like that?

Back at home, I sat on the cozy couch in Jasmine's apartment, scrolling through a series of text messages I had received from unknown numbers. They contained intimate photos of Richard and Anita alongside venomous insults regarding my supposed fertility issues.

I didn't even need to guess who was behind it. It was definitely him. Elsa snarled in my head, completely irritated and angry, but I smirked. These text messages were perfect evidence to bolster my divorce case, handed to me on a platter of gold.

Feeling hungry, I helped myself to some delicious food prepared by Jasmine and felt rejuvenated and in a better state of mind afterward.

That night, Jasmine took me to a club. She was so excited about it.

“I can't wait to introduce you to my friends, babe. A lot of people from different packs are going to be attending tonight. Who knows? You might even meet your new prince charming,” she winked.

I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head slightly. That was just Jasmine being Jasmine. One thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't ready for any new relationship, at least not yet.

But when we got to the club, it was surprisingly fun. The bass thumped as I mingled, laughed, and chatted with Jasmine's friends, a few of whom I remembered from years back. I felt totally free, like my old self again.

Soon, I excused myself to use the bathroom. Upon making my way to the bathroom door, I bumped into someone. I stiffened as I realized who it was.

It was Anita.

“Be calm, Ceres. Just ignore her,” my wolf advised.

I walked around her and went to the mirror and took out my lipstick to retouch my makeup, completely acting as though I didn’t know who she was.

I threw a quick glance at her through the mirror and couldn't help but notice the look of jealousy etched on her face as she stared at me. I immediately averted my gaze, concentrating on retouching my makeup.

“Ceres,” she began, her tone laced with fake sweetness. “I didn't expect to see you here at the club having fun. Richard and I are enjoying ourselves at the VIP lounge. Would you like to join us and at least say hello to your soon-to-be ex-husband?” she taunted.

My eyes flicked to her reflection in the mirror. I could tell her speech was an attempt to show off. It was very obvious, so I smirked and replied in a frosty tone, “If you are so confident, why don't you convince Richard to divorce me? Don't bother me again, or I'll slap you.”

After warning her fiercely, I turned around and left without waiting for a reply.

Anita's POV

As Ceres walked away from me in the bathroom, I noticed a piece of paper fall out from her bag. Unaware of it, she kept on moving.

I waited until she was completely out of sight before I picked it up. My eyes widened as I read the document. It was a medical report confirming Ceres's pregnancy.

She was pregnant!

My grip on the paper tightened, my nails threatening to tear it. Panic surged through me, making it difficult to breathe. If Richard finds out Ceres was carrying his pup, all my schemes and hopes of solidifying my place in the pack would crumble.

I remembered the little conversation with Richard outside the hospital earlier today. I had walked up to him with Lucky crying in my arms and saw him staring at a cab moving away in the distance, his fists clenched. I instantly knew that had to be Ceres leaving.

“Lucky is still crying again. Is he still running a fever?” I asked in a timid voice.

He turned to us and blinked. His face was cold but softened as he gazed upon Lucky. “Don't worry, the pack doctor will find a solution,” he said.

I smiled weakly at him. “I saw your divorce agreement, Richard. Are you really going to get a divorce?” I asked, a flicker of hope gleaming in my eyes.

His eyes turned cold and detached again. “No,” he said firmly. “She would always be the Luna of this pack.”

My heart shattered at his words, but I feigned a fake smile. “That's good. Otherwise, I would be sad and blame myself.” Without uttering a word, he left.

I lowered my gaze, a mix of anger and hurt searing through me. It was clear that Richard didn't want to divorce Ceres. I made it my mission to ensure that Ceres let go of him.

Now, finding out that she is pregnant with his pup has made things even worse. I must act fast!

I must act now!

An hour later, I sat in my car, my wolf pacing restlessly within me as we watched Ceres standing in the intersection under the dim glow of the streetlights. Her hand rested on her lower abdomen, and her lips curved in a soft smile.

In that instant, I was totally engulfed in fury. Gripping the steering wheel tightly with my claws, there was only one crazy thought in my mind.

“Drive over them! Kill them both!” my wolf snarled.

Yes! That is exactly what I should do! With Ceres and her pup out of the way, Richard would finally be all mine, as he should have always been!

I immediately roared the engine of the car to life, gritting my teeth with determination.

“Go to hell with your pup, Ceres!” I snarled as I stepped on the accelerator and sped toward an unsuspecting Ceres, knocking her down.