As I spoke with Elias, I suddenly pulled my wrist away from his grip when Benedict arrived. I could see the malicious glint in his eyes as he glanced between me and his stepbrother.

"What are you two doing here?" His voice was sharp, his gaze dark.

He stepped forward and yanked me away from Elias, his grip possessive. I felt Elias’s tense beside me, his jaw tightening as he glared at Benedict.

"Oh, I'm just comforting your mate. She seems rather uncomfortable with the pressure of producing an heir." Elias’s tone dripped with sarcasm.

Benedict’s expression darkened with irritation. He stepped closer, squaring his shoulders. "Since when have you cared enough to meddle in my affairs, Elias? Stay away from my mate."

Elias chuckled, amused. "Calm down, Benedict. Are you that threatened? Do you really think I’d lay a hand on your wife?"

The tension between them was suffocating, and I refused to be caught in the middle. "Enough. We should go back inside." My voice was clipped with frustration.

I turned to leave, but Benedict pulled me back, stopping me in my tracks. His next question made my blood run cold.

"What were you two talking about?"

I felt the color drain from my face, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Nothing. He just asked if I was okay. That’s all."

Benedict’s sharp gaze flickered over me, pausing at my reddened chin. There was something knowing in his eyes, something that made my stomach twist. I quickly looked away, but Elias wasn’t done.

"Don’t hurt her, Benedict," Elias warned, voice low. "You might forget, but I can do something about it."

Benedict ignored him, leading me back to the dining hall without another word. Not that I expected him to say anything. His moods shifted like the wind, unpredictable and volatile. He always believed he could control me, that I would stay silent and endure. But I wasn’t that woman anymore.

Dinner passed in strained silence. When it was over, Benedict escorted me to his car, locking the doors before I could step out.

"What are you doing?" I asked, wariness creeping into my voice.

"We need to talk."

I crossed my arms. "If this is about divorce, there’s nothing more to discuss. I won’t mention it again—for now."

His golden eyes flickered with something unreadable. "For now?"

"Yes."

He studied me, trying to gauge my thoughts. After a long pause, he forced a small smile. "Felicia, I’m glad you’re willing to give me another chance."

I said nothing. I didn’t believe him for a second.

"Unlock the door. I’m exhausted."

With a click, the locks released. I stepped out immediately, making my way into the estate without looking back. As I reached my bedroom, I locked the door behind me. I could hear Benedict’s footsteps linger outside for a moment before fading away. He had laughed at me before, believing I would always come back to him, that my resistance was temporary.

He was wrong.

Hours later, I was busy looking for the perfect interview attire, snapping pictures of a few options and sending them to Jane for her opinion.

My phone rang almost instantly. "Felicia, why the sudden job hunt? Did you settle things with Benedict?"

I kept my voice even. "Not yet. I need financial independence first. Once I can cover my grandmother’s medical expenses, I’ll leave."

Jane sighed. "So, you’re staying under the same roof as him until then?"

"Not for long. I have some money saved. After my interview tomorrow, I’ll start looking for a place."

Divorce couldn’t be rushed. I had no job, no way to fight him in court yet. Benedict had an elite team of lawyers at his disposal. If I wanted to stand a chance, I had to be smart. I wasn’t walking away with anything. He was the one who broke our vows, not me.

"Which company are you applying to?"

"Blackwood Pack."

Jane gasped. "Felicia, that’s your mate’s rival! Are you serious?"

I ignored her reaction, placing my phone down and settling on simple yet professional dress. After a quick shower, I climbed into bed, exhaustion washing over me. Tomorrow was a step toward freedom.

But freedom never came so easily.

In the dead of night, I awoke to a faint glow in the hallway. Curious, I quietly cracked my door open. My eyes landed on the study at the end of the corridor, where a dim light spilled through the open door. Benedict sat at his desk, his broad shoulders tense as he scrolled through his phone.

Then, I saw it.

A message flashed across his screen from an unknown number.

[Benedict, I’m pregnant.]

My blood ran cold.

I clutched the doorframe, my breath hitching as I watched his reaction. He stiffened, staring at the message as if it were a death sentence.

I hacked into his accounts days ago, looking for any sign of further betrayal. And now, I have my answers.

He made his mistress pregnant.

The truth settled like a blade to my chest. I should have been angry, should have stormed in and confronted him. But instead, I felt… nothing.

I already knew the kind of man Benedict was. This only confirmed it.

Silently, I closed my door and leaned against it, pressing a hand to my chest as I forced myself to breathe.

This wasn’t heartbreak. This was freedom.

By morning, I would no longer question if leaving was the right choice.

Now, I had all the proof I needed.

Benedict’s jaw tightened, his grip on the phone turning his knuckles white. He and Quinn had barely touched each other since the night I caught him.

His voice was like ice when he called her. "Where are you?"

Silence. Then, a soft, hesitant voice. "Benedict… did you get my message?"

"Of course, I did. Answer my question. Where are you?

The woman on the other end hesitated before letting out a bitter laugh. "Aren’t you happy? We’re having a baby."

Benedict let out a harsh, humorless chuckle. "Are you sure it’s mine?"

"You’re the only one I’ve been with! You know that."

His fingers drummed against his desk impatiently. "Then get rid of it."

My breath caught in my throat. I knew Benedict was ruthless, but hearing the words so casually spilled from his lips made my stomach twist in disgust. This was the man I had once thought I loved.

The woman on the other end let out a strangled gasp, her voice trembling with fury. "No! This is your child! I won’t—"

Benedict’s expression remained unreadable as he cut her off. "You have two choices. Either you take care of it yourself, or I handle it for you."

The silence that followed was suffocating. Then, a quiet, broken whisper. "I won’t let you take this child away from me. I’ll raise them alone. And they will never know who their father is."

Benedict hung up without another word. He tossed the phone onto the desk, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his dark hair.

I stepped back from the doorway before he could sense me. My hands were shaking. I didn’t know what terrified me more—the fact that he had cheated, or the fact that he was willing to dispose of the consequences so easily.

I had to get out.

The next morning, as I sat at the restaurant table, Jane chatted idly beside me, but I barely heard her. My mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of last night over and over. Benedict had left after the phone call, and he hadn’t returned until dawn.

"Felicia? Are you even listening?" Jane nudged me playfully.

I forced a small smile. "Sorry, I didn’t sleep well."

She raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. "So, about that job interview… You’re seriously applying to work for Blackwood Pack?"

I nodded. "Yes. It’s the best opportunity I have."

Jane looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Felicia, you do realize Elias Blackwood is Benedict’s biggest rival, right?"

"I know."

"And you’re okay with that?"

I hesitated before nodding again. "Benedict has no say in what I do anymore."

Jane let out a low whistle. "Damn. You’re really done with him, huh?"

I didn’t answer. Instead, I finished my coffee and stood. "I should go. I don’t want to be late."

By the time I arrived at Blackwood Pack’s headquarters, my nerves were on edge. The building was sleek and modern, far different from the old-world elegance of Benedict’s estate. It felt like a fresh start—like walking into a new future I never thought I’d have.

The interview went smoothly—better than I had expected. When I stepped outside, my phone buzzed. Jane called.

"How’d it go?" she asked the moment I answered.

"I think it went well. They said they’d get back to me within a few days."

"That’s amazing! So what’s next?"

"I need to find an apartment."

"Felicia…" Her voice softened. "Are you sure you’re ready?"

I swallowed hard. "I don’t have a choice. If I stay, I’ll never be free."

That night, as I packed my things, Benedict was not at home as he was busy with his business travels, so I took my time to make my escape while he was away.

But then, my phone rang. It was Benedict, and I had no choice but to answer.

"Where are you now?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

I turned slowly. "I'm home, just resting."

His tone was unreadable. "Hmm… good. Just rest and wait for me to come home. I have gifts for you."

I let out a dry laugh. "For what? I don’t remember any special occasion."

"Honey, you forgot our wedding anniversary." He scoffed.

"Oh, that? Sorry, but I have too much on my mind to even think about celebrating."

He sighed. "Felicia, I know you're still mad at me, but give me a chance to make this right."

My expression soured. "Do you think it's that easy for me to forget? Come on, Benedict, give me some space. Let me breathe."

Benedict exhaled sharply. "Don't tell me you're planning to walk away, Felicia. Remember, I pay for your grandmother’s life support," he threatened.

I gulped, but I refused to let fear control me. "Stop blackmailing me, Benedict. If you put my grandma in danger, everyone will know that you cheated on me and have a child with your mistress," I retorted.

I ended the call and continued walking away from this miserable place. By the time he got home, there would be no trace of me left.

As I stepped into the night, I felt a strange sense of relief.

For the first time in a long time, I was free.