SERENA

“Is he going to propose to me today?”

My heart hammered as I stared into my reflection in the mirror. I ran a hand over my new black dress that stopped just above my knees and hugged every curve of my body.

With long dark hair reaching the middle of my back and hazel brown eyes that became more prominent with dark eyeliner, I was one of the types who knew how pretty she was but I was anxious.

My wolf stirred in anticipation not just because today was my birthday but also because we both think our mate, Dominic Russo, is going to propose.

My lips formed a smile as I thought of my mate.

We met when I was working as a secretary for the biggest, renowned finance firms in the country. Dominic Russo was a potential business client at the time and my boss had desperately wanted Dominic on his clientele.

The day he visited, everyone was nervous because Dominic wasn’t just an ordinary man. He was the heir and soon-to-be Alpha of one of the most powerful packs on the East Coast.

I remember being nervous and then the sweetest scent of roses and cedarwood went through my nostrils. Dominic turned a corner, coming towards my CEO and I and that’s when my wolf shifted in delight and screamed the word, ‘Mate!”

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Dominic was tall, and extremely handsome. His jawline, chiseled to perfection and there was something about his aura that was so magnetic and so powerful that my wolf always went feral for it every single time.

When he claimed me as his, I was over the moon and now, tonight, I hope he makes things official by proposing.

Heat rushed to my face in a rosy blush as I wondered how he would do it. Will everyone be there to witness it? Will I be shy? Will the proposal be grand?

Oh my Goddess! How many carats will the ring have? Knowing Dominic, I know he has impeccable taste, so he won’t disappoint.

A rush of excitement flooded through me. Damn! I can’t wait to show it off to my friends!

I looked down at the card that came with the big red box delivered to my doorstep this morning. The box itself had contained this dress along with an expensive diamond necklace and matching earrings. The card, on the other hand, had read, “Dress up. I have a surprise for you. Will pick you up at seven p.m.”

My eyes strayed to the wall clock and a shadow of doubt pierced through my excitement when I saw it was half past eight.

“He’s late.” I muttered under my breath before going to my bed to sit down.

This was not the first time Dominic promised to do something and faltered on his word and now, that familiar fear of being disappointed began to weigh on me.

I shook my head, grabbing my phone.

Dominic will not disappoint me on my birthday. Who does that?

Skipping over the answered birthday texts from numerous people, I searched for Dominic saved as “Pookie” with a love emoji, then I typed out a text to him.

“Where are you?”

I exhaled deeply, as I pressed ‘Send’ and dropped my phone on the bed.

I already told my friends there’s a chance he might propose. Maybe the delay is part of it. Maybe he wants to make sure everything is fine.

My phone buzzed with a text and I quickly snatched my phone to read. The moment I did that, my little hope deflated.

“Hey love. I am stuck in a meeting right now. So I can’t make it. I’ll make it up to you later. I promise.”

I almost cried.

Immediately, I fished for a handkerchief from my bag and dabbed at my eyes, while ignoring my whining wolf. I can’t afford to ruin my makeup and I can’t afford to be sad on my birthday.

Although Dominic was a man of his word, and would later shower me with extremely expensive gifts, I just didn’t expect that he’d let his mysterious meetings interrupt our plans on my birthday.

Doesn’t it mean something to him?

Doubt began to form like bad weather and that part of me that was always suspicious of him came forward. This time it was hard to repress.

Could it be that Dominic is involved with someone else?

I quickly shook my head. Dominic is my mate and mates don’t betray each other.

Deciding to get my mind off my thoughts, I did something I haven’t done in years and that was to check social media.

I was always too busy to do that but I was bored on a Friday night.

After a while of scrolling through some stories, I found something that caught my eye.

Then my heart hammered fast.

“No, that can be true.”

This account belonged to a gossip blog and on their story was a video of Dominic on a luxurious yacht, laughing and toasting champagne with his arms wrapped around a pretty woman with long, blonde hair

“Seems the Golden Valley Pack’s Prince, Dominic Russo, has rekindled his love with his ex-girlfriend, Rosa Martinez.” The caption said.

I watched and rewatched the video, finding it hard to breathe.

“Is…is this the meeting?” I whispered.

Then I got pings from friends sending me links to the gossip blog.

I first ignored them, and dialed Dominic’s line instead. I have been to his yacht parties before and I know bringing a phone in was strictly prohibited, so someone making a video of him was not what he would have planned for.

On the fifth ring, he picked, and the background was quiet. I bet he went into a secluded place to pick my call. “Hey love, I’m still in that meeting. Can I call you back?”

I smiled bitterly at his audacity to lie so smoothly. “You don’t need to. You and I are over. Have fun with Rosa.”

Then I ended the call and cried like a baby.

SERENA

At some point, amidst my breakdown, I had to switch off my phone because the calls, and text messages became too much for sanity to bear.

Afterwards, I decided it was time to pack my things out of Dominic’s house.

It would be really painful if he had to bring her over while I was still here. I may be heartbroken but I still have my pride left. So with that, I cleaned my tears and makeup and changed out of his stupid birthday dress into some sweatpants.

I hadn’t moved in fully with Dominic so packing my things took little time and when I was done and ready to leave, I saw the dress he got me on the bed and rage coursed me again.

Going through his drawers, I found a pair of scissors and sliced through the dress until it turned to shreds then I sprinkled it on his bed along with the jewelry and earrings.

Leaving Dominic’s estate was like walking a mile, but I didn’t mind. Instead, as I walked, I turned on my phone so I could order a ride and as soon as I did that, Dominic’s call came in, accompanied by a flock of messages.

Pressing ignore, I ordered my ride and continued my journey to the main gate.

Again, my phone began to ring and I ignored it as well. Eventually, I put my phone on silent as the calls, text messages and voicemails became too much for me to bear. Dominic was a smooth guy which is why his father appointed him as CEO of all his global industries.

Dominic knew how to close deals and I know if I picked his calls, he would find a way to convince me that what I saw was fake or something.

And I know my stupid wolf will eat it all up and try to soften my heart towards him.

I can’t do it. I can’t take it.

I have been suspicious all along of his infidelity but I was so in love with him that I ignored all the warning signs. I didn’t want to see it. I didn’t want it to be true, and not it is and my heart is breaking.

I have become a national disgrace and I don’t know if I can ever come back from that.

Getting to the gate, I nodded to the security before trying to leave but they blocked my way.

“I am sorry, Miss but the boss specifically told us not to let you leave. He’s on his way.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. How dare he hold me hostage?

“I have a right to leave!” I retorted, but they blocked my way again.

“I understand, Madam but the Alpha Prince said if we let you, then he’d have our heads. Please, I have a family.”

My heart plummeted to the pit of my stomach but I relented and sat with them.

About half an hour later, I heard the sound of a helicopter and right before my eyes, it landed on the roof of the house where a helipad had been designed.

Shortly after, the security men came to me. “The Prince asked us to bring you in.”

I shook my head in disgust. “I am not going anywhere. He better come himself.” I folded my arms across my chest.

From the corner of my eye, I saw the security nod and take a step back. I guess he was mind-linking Dominic.

Shortly after, I saw him storming down the driveway and instantly, my wolf stirred.

I steeled my spine, matching his dominating stare as he approached. Everything in me wanted to mellow and bow and let him have his way, but I refused.

I refuse to be taken for a fool.

“Serena.” Dominic muttered and when he reached out to touch me, I took several steps away from him. “Please, can we talk?”

“Tell your men to let me go.”

“No.”

“Why not?!”

“Because we need to talk.”

“ABOUT WHAT?!” I yelled.

Dominic sighed. “I know you saw the video. Just come to Monica’s birthday party with me tonight. I promise I will explain everything later.”

I frowned. Monica was a mutual friend of everybody and was close with Rosa. “Do I look like I am in the mood for a birthday party? Why should I go there? Won’t Rosa be there too?”

“Serena-”

“Answer my question!”

“She will.” Dominic sighed, looking morose.

My brows knitted in confusion. “So why do you want me to be there? Why can’t you say what you want to say now?”

“Because there’s no time. I have a business meeting…”

“Yeah, right.” I rolled my eyes and folded my arms.

“No, I’m serious.” He said, tapping on his phone before showing me his scheduled business meeting with some Russians. “So from there, I have to be at Monica’s birthday party whether I like it or not. Her family are major stakeholders in my firm, but I need to see you there, then maybe we can talk things out.”

I hesitated.

“I hope you’re not trying to punish an innocent Monica for what you saw right?”

I thought about that for a moment. Maybe I should give him a chance. “Fine, but only if you promise to let me go.”

Dominic hesitated but then he nodded. “Fine. I’ll let you go if you promise to come.”

“I’ll be there.”

Dominic sighed in relief. “I’ll pick you up.”

“Don’t bother. Just text me the address.” I muttered, grabbing my bag and without a second glance, I left his estate.

SERENA

Dressed in a simple black gown, I arrived at Neapolitan Nest - a five star restaurant patronized by the rich, the wealthy and the powerful.

Although I had a really good salary as a secretary, places like Neapolitan Nest were strictly by membership, of which Dominic already got me a card. And I hate to admit it but dating Dominic had certain perks that would take me five years of hard-work to attain.

The moment I entered the restaurant, the wood pine scent of my mate had me stopping in my tracks.

He's here.

My wolf stirred, and I sensed some eagerness in her to see him.

I couldn’t blame her. She didn't understand what was at stake. Hopefully, Dominic will give a solid explanation after Monica's birthday is over.

Heaving a sigh, I went upstairs and could already hear the soft laughter and chatter coming from Monica's party.

The moment I got to the landing, my eyes automatically scanned for Dominic and when I found him sitting at the far end of the table with none other than Rosa by his side, taking a selfie, a hollow ache settled within my chest, stirring my wolf to jealousy.

Is this how Dominic plans to convince me that nothing is going on between him and Rosa?

“Serena.” Monica called and heads turned towards me.

Looking her way, I caught her staring at me from head to toe, the corners of her mouth downturned in displeasure.

I guess she doesn't like my choice of dress.

I really didn't care.

“What a pleasant surprise.” Monica murmured in a tone that was far from anything pleasant. Her brows furrowed. “Were you invited?”

I blinked in shock, looking in the direction of Dominic.

“I invited her.” Dominic spoke up, getting everyone's attention.

“Oh, your Highness,” Monica replied, putting on a concerned look. “I didn't save any seats for her.”

I looked at Dominic who still didn't look my way.

“But I told you she was coming.” Dominic pressed and the air in the room changed, filled with tension while the rest of the guests continued watching.

“You know what?” Rosa’s soft voice cut into the tension. “Maybe I should stand up so she can sit down and join us.”

My gaze flickered to her just in time to see her slowly rising to her feet.

“No, Stop.” Dominic stopped her and when I saw how he placed a hand on hers, pressure built in my chest, making it hard to breath. Then he looked at me, his eyes, cold and unremorseful. “I'm sure you can find a seat around, Serena. No need to stand around and cause a scene.”

I could believe my ears. I was causing a scene? When I haven't said a word?

I smiled bitterly, fighting the tears building up within. “There’s no need. I'll leave.”

And with that said, I turned away.

“Why are you being difficult?” Rosa piped up. “Are you mad about the rumors flying around?”

I turned around again, my sadness giving way to anger. “Well, aren't they true?”

She shot up from her seat, her eyes round with innocence. “I swear they are not true! I was simply invited to the yacht party since Dominic and I are old friends. I had no idea you were not invited. I'm so sorry.”

She covered her face as if she were about to cry.

Immediately, Dominic rose to his feet, wrapping his arm around her and drawing her close.

“You have nothing to be sorry about.” He said, comforting her while the guests shared uncomfortable looks. Then Dominic turned to me with that cold gaze of his. “Can you just sit down and not make things about you for once?! You're ruining Monica's birthday.”

His words felt like a punch to my gut and when I looked Monica's way, I caught her scathing glare. The rest of the guests also frowned at me and when I looked back to my mate, he was still holding Rosa to himself while she smirked at me.

My face burned with embarrassment. “Is this what you called me here for?” My voice shook as I took a step forward. “To embarrass me?” I pointed to Rosa. “Is this how you prove that you were not cheating with Rosa?!”

Rosa looked at him in surprise before weakly pushing him away. “Please let me go.” Her voice wobbled, grating on my nerves. “I don't want any trouble.”

“SHUT UPPPP!” I screamed at her, my hands curled into fists by my side as I tried to keep my wolf from lunging for her throat. “Shut up, you lying stupid cheating whore!”

The table gasped, and the girl who pretended to push my mate away, covered her face and leaned in with a loud cry.

Monica rose to her feet and rushed to Rosa's side, petting her. Then she turned to me in anger. “I don't want you here. Get out!”

“With pleasure!” I retorted and as I looked at my mate, some part of me wanted him to say something, to tell me this was a prank and that he really did love me, but Dominic did not look remorseful, in fact, he looked irritated…by me.

So I left, and when I got a cab, the mountain of tears building inside me since I entered Neapolitan's Nest streamed down my face until I was a bawling mess.

All through my ride home, Dominic called my line but I ignored him and I didn’t bother reading his texts. When I got home, a friend sent me a link to Rosa’s latest Instagram post.

It was the picture they were taking before I arrived. Under the photo, she put the caption, “Old friends make the best company.”

I scoffed, a bitter laugh coming out of me. So I went to the comment section and typed out a reply.

“Says the homewrecker who can’t get enough of her cheating, lying, dumbass ex! He’s all yours now.” I posted the comment before I could think about it and immediately, a rush of adrenaline and satisfaction consumed me.

The tabloids will have a field day with that comment and Serena Darcy will be a trending hashtag.

I don’t care. I want them both to feel embarrassed and ashamed.

After about five minutes, my notifications blew up and I had to block Rosa and Dominic before uninstalling the app.

Throughout the night, I tossed and turned in bed, plagued by thoughts of what went wrong between my mate and I. We were good from the start and I believe Rosa tried to sabotage that.

Just as I was thinking of Dominic, my phone buzzed and at twelve thirty am, I wondered who was texting me. Checking my phone, I realized it was an email with a headline that had me sitting up in bed.

‘Anonymous Tip About Dominic and Rosa’