For seven years, I took medicine to suppress my Alpha bloodline, all to protect the fragile pride of my Beta boyfriend, Liam.

On the night of our anniversary, he chose not to show up. He was with a Highborn she-wolf he had only just met. He believed I was nothing more than an ordinary Omega in the pack, someone he could discard at will and win back with gifts. He claimed my bloodline could never compare to hers.

Liam never knew the truth. I carried the purest Alpha bloodline because I was a Moonborn.

When he finally realized what he had lost and came begging for me to return, it was all too late. My new Alpha mate was standing by my side, shielding me from Liam.

His betrayal ended our story, but my true beginning had only just unfolded.

My mate and I had been together for seven years, but on our anniversary, he left me behind for a she-wolf of the pack. He did not know that the strongest bloodline of the pack was right beside him, and he would pay dearly for that.

"Where are you, Liam?" I asked.

I stood in front of the mirror and adjusted the strap of my deep blue gown.

It was the Full Moon Gala that night, and it was also our anniversary.

Mates who were together for years would exchange insignias as a symbol of belonging, and a vow of eternal love.

I had prepared everything, including the anniversary ceremony and the candlelit dinner.

There was only loud music coming from the phone.

"Lyrik? Sorry, it's too noisy here. I might run a little late," said Liam, sounding distant.

"A little late? Liam, we agreed on seven o'clock. It's now eight-thirty," I said while gripping my phone.

"I know, but Seraphina needed my help," he said.

I hung up.

Seraphina was a Highborn she-wolf he had only met a month ago.

He mentioned her often recently, and his eyes would always have a shine of excitement I had never seen before.

My phone buzzed again. My friend, Maya, sent me a screenshot from social media.

Liam was in the photo, in the middle of the gala, and he had a refined platinum insignia around his neck.

It was not the minimalistic design we had agreed to choose together, but a lavish Highborn style.

Seraphina stood by his side, and she was beaming. Her delicate fingers brushed against the insignia on his chest.

That was supposed to be my seventh-year anniversary gift.

I stared at the photo and felt strangely calm. I had no anger and no jealousy, only a sharp clarity that felt like release.

My phone rang again.

"Lyrik, don't misunderstand. I'm only helping Seraphina settle in. You know she just returned from Europe," he said impatiently.

"Let's break up," I replied.

There was a pause on the line before he let out a laugh.

"What?"

Then, he said, "Don't be ridiculous, Lyrik. You've known me long enough."

I sat upright on the bed. My voice was so calm that it startled me.

"I'm not joking. It's been seven years, Liam. I'm tired."

"What's going on with you? You want to break up just because I missed one anniversary? Lyrik, when did you become so petty? We've had plenty of anniversaries. This one shouldn't matter," he said in a mocking tone.

I did not answer.

Maya then sent me another video of Liam bragging to a group of friends. I turned up the volume and caught his words.

"Seraphina's family is influential in Europe. I can reach higher circles by being with her, unlike Lyrik, who's too content with the status quo. She has no ambition," he said proudly while raising his glass.

Someone asked, "What about your seventh-year anniversary?"

He shrugged and replied, "Women are like that. They'll throw a tantrum, then get over it. I'll buy her a gift in a few days, and she'll forget all about it."

I closed the video and suddenly remembered a rainy night seven years ago.

Back when we were still in school. Liam had stood outside my dorm completely drenched. He swore eternal love, he said he loved my devotion, my loyalty, and that he wanted to build a family with me.

I suppressed my Alpha bloodline for those promises. I took medicine for years to mask it, pretending to be a quiet and obedient Omega of the pack.

I figured that way, I could stand on equal grounds with him, a Beta, so he would not feel inferior.

I never once showed him my true power for seven years.

However, he said I had no ambition.

Perhaps Liam had forgotten his vows and forgotten everything we once had.

"Lyrik? Are you still there?" he asked impatiently through the phone.

"I am," I replied.

I stood up, walked to the window and said, "Let's break up."

Liam suddenly snapped. "Enough! Do you know how important tonight is for me? Seraphina is introducing me to her friends, but you're causing trouble!"

I laughed.

"It's good that he forgot, because I don't want to drag this out any longer," I whispered.

I gazed at the full moon outside, feeling the faint stir of my bloodline within me.

The sound of the lock turning woke me up.

Morning sunlight beamed through the blinds into the living room as Liam dragged himself in, looking exhausted, with a blue jewelry box from a famous brand in his hands.

He tossed the box onto the coffee table and said, "It's for you. Don't say I don't care about you."

I did not touch it. I only sipped my coffee quietly.

"Are you not going to open it? It's a limited edition piece, you know," he said while frowning.

I set my cup down and opened the box. It was a platinum necklace inside, the pendant shaped like an oversized snowflake, covered with tiny diamonds.

It was flashy and showy, which was not my style at all.

"Seraphina said this is a classic design. She also reminded me that you might be upset, and told me to buy you something to make it up to you," he said and sat on the sofa.

"So, she even decides what my gifts are now?" I asked.

"Can you not start this again, Lyrik? I didn't sleep all night, trying to figure out how to explain things to you. Seraphina is just a friend," he said while rubbing his temples.

"Let's break up," I interrupted.

He shook his head and said, "There you go again. Lyrik, I know you're jealous, but…"

He was interrupted because his phone rang. His expression changed instantly when he saw the caller ID.

He picked up, and his tone softened right away. He asked, "Seraphina? Why are you calling me this early? What is it? What? Your car broke down?"

He stood up instantly like he forgot I was there.

"Don't worry. I'll come pick you up right now. Yeah, I know you have an important meeting today. I won't let you be late," he said while searching for his car keys.

He hung up and headed straight for the door.

"Liam," I called after him.

"What is it? Make it quick, Seraphina is waiting for me," he said.

"I mean it. We're done," I said.

He stopped and turned back to look at me. He laughed after a few seconds.

"Let's talk about this when I get back, okay? I promise I'll have dinner with you tonight," he said.

His voice sounded like he was coaxing a child.

The door slammed shut. Soon after, the sound of his car faded down the street.

I sat on the sofa, staring at that gaudy necklace on the table. Suddenly, I had an idea.

An hour later, I walked into the most exclusive private club in the city, the Laurel Manor.

The Laurel Manor was only open to Alphas, and the membership fee was so expensive that the ordinary public could not afford it.

I passed the identity check at the entrance with ease with my hidden Alpha bloodline.

The interior was extravagantly decorated, the crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow.

I ordered whiskey and chose a seat by the window.

Then, I saw them.

Liam sat in the center of the lounge, across from Seraphina, who was dressed to impress.

He pulled out a chair for her with exaggerated courtesy, then called over a waiter.

"Bring this lady your best vintage champagne," he said, deliberately with a raised voice, making sure everyone could hear.

The young waiter glanced at him, then at Seraphina, and said politely, "Sir, that champagne is reserved only for Alpha members. May I ask what your membership tier is?"

His face instantly turned red.

"I'm a VIP member!" stuttered Liam.

"Yes, sir, but we need to verify an Alpha membership for that champagne. I can recommend other excellent bottles instead," said the waiter as he kept his professional smile.

Seraphina did not look happy. She glared at Liam and asked, "Didn't you say you had special privileges here?"

Liam stammered excuses, his voice growing quieter.

I raised my glass and tilted it towards them in a mocking toast.

Seraphina, who was annoyed, suddenly looked up at me. Her eyes widened in shock, as if she had seen a ghost.

"Is that Lyrik?" Seraphina asked in a surprised tone as she tugged on Liam's sleeve and pointed in my direction.

He looked panicked when he saw me, before it turned into shameful anger.

I calmly raised my glass to them and took a graceful sip of whiskey.

"This tramp actually followed us!" muttered Seraphina under her breath.

Liam jumped to his feet and stormed towards my table. He looked full of rage.

"Lyrik, what the hell are you doing? How dare you follow us?" he asked, his voice shook with anger.

"Following you?"

I let out a chuckle and continued, "Aren't you mistaken, Liam?"

Seraphina walked over in heels, sat across from me, and smiled smugly.

"I'm curious, Lyrik. How did you get in here? Laurel Manor isn't a place where anyone can enter. Did you use Liam's membership and pretended to be his mate?" she asked, drawing out her words on purpose.

Liam turned red with fury. He asked, "What? Why would I ever bring her here?"

In his eyes, even after seven years together, bringing me to a place like Laurel Manor would have been an insult to his status.

"That's strange. Lyrik shouldn't have the right to get in here alone," she said while looking at me thoughtfully.

Realization dawned on Liam. His gaze turned scornful and he asked, "What tricks did you use to sneak in, Lyrik?"

"I think I know. For girls like you to enter high society, you always need a certain… special method," she said, her voice dripping with malice.

Guests at nearby tables started whispering.

"I understand. Not everyone has the right bloodline or family, but relationships like that never last long," she went on sweetly.

Liam looked at me. He asked in a cutting tone, "When did you become like this, Lyrik? Chasing vanity and willing to stoop this low. I can't believe you're my mate who I wasted seven years with. No wonder you wanted to break up with me last night. You must have found a richer man."

"Are you two done?" I finally replied. My voice was terrifyingly calm.

"We're not judging you, Lyrik. We just think you should face reality," said Seraphina with mock concern.

I stood and asked, "Are you done? If you're finished, then leave. I'll say this for the last time. Liam and I are over. If you want trash like him, you can have him, Seraphina!"

"What did you say? I can bring you here another time if you really want to be here. You don't need to sneak in, and don't you dare disrespect Seraphina.

"Besides, your bloodline could never compare to hers. She's a Highborn, and you're nothing more than an ordinary Omega!" Liam exclaimed as he furiously grabbed my arm and pointed at Seraphina.

Seraphina giggled and said, "Don't be so defensive, Lyrik. Liam and I are just friends. Oh, I forgot to tell you. I pulled some strings and got Liam a marketing director position at the Apex Group."

She turned to me and gave me a provoking look.

The Apex Group was the most powerful business empire in North America.

"He starts tomorrow," said Seraphina.

She paused deliberately and continued, "A company of that level demands real competence and power. I can help Liam. What can you do?"

"Liam's future has nothing to do with me. Bragging about it is meaningless," I fought back calmly.

Liam seemed convinced I was only mad at him. He kept yapping and said, "Don't say things like that while I still have feelings for you. We're more than qualified to work at the Apex Group because of the capabilities of our bloodline."

His tone was full of arrogance.

I could not help but laugh. I said, "Let's see how long you two can last. People with no morals don't stay at the top for long."

"Are you comparing yourself to us, you Omega? Lyrik, you're not thinking about getting into Apex Group too, are you? A place like that doesn't let prostitutes in," said Seraphina with a spiteful gaze.

I sneered and mocked, "Funny, that sounds like projection. Maybe you're the one trading yourself for resources. Why else would you spread rumors so easily?"

Seraphina flushed with rage and pointed at me, stuttering, "You… You…"

I ignored her and walked straight to the elevator.

I finally saw Liam for who he was. He was not worth another ounce of my love.

I only blamed myself for not realizing sooner that he was only a shallow man.

The elevator doors closed, shutting out their voices.

I pulled out my phone and checked out the official website of the Apex Group.

There was a posting on the careers page, the executive assistant to the CEO. I applied without hesitation and uploaded my resume.

It was not to prove anything to anyone, but to begin a new life on my own terms. Not by any connections, nor shameful shortcuts, but with my capabilities.

The notification tone chimed when I sent my application successfully. It sounded clear and determined.

The next morning, I woke to the buzz of my phone.

The caller ID showed that it was from the Apex Group.