Not long after, another message from Kaia popped up on my phone. It was a picture of the steak I sent to Chris.

"Chris made me this steak. It's so juicy!"

I let out a mocking laugh. So that's why he wanted me to cook—it was for Kaia. I hope she enjoyed every bite of that overly salty, rock-hard steak.

Just picturing Kaia forcing herself to chew through that tough steak, pretending it was delicious to please Chris, made me laugh out loud.

"What's so funny?" Lucian walked over, eyeing me curiously. "Looks like I was worried for nothing. I thought you'd still be upset over last night."

I lifted my chin. "I'm the sister of Darkwood Pack's Alpha. Why would I waste my time feeling sad over a man?"

Lucian grinned and ruffled my hair. "That's my sister. Dress up nicely tonight—I'm taking you to a banquet."

That evening, I arrived at the banquet in full glamour. As Lucian escorted me into the banquet hall, I could feel countless envious gazes falling upon us.

Not long after, Chris arrived, and trailing behind him was Kaia.

He walked up to us and addressed Lucian. "Apologies, Alpha Lucian. I'm late."

As Lucian's Beta, Chris was expected to be by his side at all formal gatherings.

"You shouldn't be apologizing to me," Lucian said coldly. "You should be apologizing to Fiora."

Before Chris could say a word, Kaia stepped forward with a pitiful expression. "Fiora, I'm so sorry. It was all because of me. Please don't blame Chris."

Ah, there it was again—that helpless little damsel act.

I glanced down at her leg and sneered. "Oh? You're walking just fine now. Guess your injury wasn't that bad after all."

Kaia gave a sweet smile. "That's all thanks to Chris. He took such good care of me."

Lucian turned to her, his expression darkening. "I don't recall inviting you to this banquet, Kaia."

"Kaia was shaken up from last night," Chris interjected. "I thought bringing her here might help."

Lucian's anger flared. He leaned in toward Chris and warned, "Chris, you are my sister's mate. You—"

"It's fine," I cut Lucian off, then turned to Kaia with a gentle smile. "Why don't you sit with us?"

My unexpected generosity left everyone stunned.

Halfway through the banquet, a group of Alphas approached Lucian to chat.

"This beautiful lady here—who is she?" A young, handsome Alpha gestured toward me.

"My sister, Fiora," Lucian replied.

The Alpha extended his hand toward me with a charming smile. "Drake Bennett. Fiora, may I have the honor of a dance?"

"Of course." I stood up and placed my hand in his. Just as we were about to step onto the dance floor, Chris called out from behind me, "Fiora!"

I ignored him and continued walking with Drake.

"Who was that man calling your name just now? Your mate?" Drake asked as he wrapped an arm around my waist.

I smiled faintly. "He's just my brother's Beta."

For the next few days, I didn't reach out to Chris, and he didn't contact me either. Instead, it was Kaia who took the initiative to invite me out for coffee. I wasn't interested in meeting her, but she actually showed up at my house.

"Just say what you came here for," I said flatly.

​​Kaia fidgeted, looking hesitant. "Fiora, I've been an orphan since I was a child. Chris is the only family and friend I have. You have noble blood, an Alpha brother, and a wealthy life—"

I had no patience for her nonsense and cut her off. "Get to the point."

She hesitated for a moment, then finally blurted out, "Can you… reject Chris and let me have him?"

Hearing Kaia's shameless request, I felt both angry and amused.

It was only now that I realized some women could use "weakness" as a weapon.

If this were my past life, I would angrily throw her out and loudly declare, "Chris is my mate, and I won't let anyone take him from me!"

But this time, I understood—there was no point in taking what wasn't mine to begin with. I wouldn't go after what didn't belong to me, but that didn't mean I was going to give in to Kaia so easily.

If only she didn't send me those disgusting photos, I might be more inclined to agree to her request. But she wasn't as innocent as I originally thought, and, because of that, I wouldn't forgive her wickedness.

"Kaia, do you know how painful it is to reject your mate?"

"I know... If you help me, I'll be grateful to you for the rest of my life." Kaia gripped my hand tightly.

"I can help you. But I have one condition."

"What condition?" Kaia immediately let go of my hand, her eyes flickering with panic.

"Next week is Werewolf Valentine's Day. If you publicly confess to Chris and he chooses you in front of everyone, I will step aside and reject him."

"But..." Kaia hesitated upon hearing my words.

"Don't you believe in his love for you?" I urged her further.

"Alright! I'll do it!"

With a grateful smile, Kaia left.

I watched her retreating figure and shook my head. She overestimated Chris' courage. Though he loved her, what he loved more was his own status.

That was why, in my past life, he didn't dare to resist Lucian and me and ended up marrying me even though he didn't love me.

…

Finally, Valentine's Day arrived. This year's Valentine's Day party was hosted jointly by several packs. The location was a stretch of white sand beach. Many couples held their weddings there, for the white sand symbolized pure love.

In my past life, Chris and I had our wedding here as well. But today, I was here to witness Kaia's confession.

I scanned the crowd, but I didn't see Kaia anywhere. Chris, who was with me, was also searching for her.

Was Kaia giving up?

Just as I was starting to doubt her, Kaia appeared on the outdoor stage of the party. She was clearly dressed to impress, and her entrance caused a stir among the men in the crowd.

"Who is that woman on stage? She's stunning!"

Hearing the praise for Kaia, Chris couldn't help but beam, a satisfied smirk curling at the corners of his lips.

Kaia then began singing a sweet love song. I had to admit, her voice was enchanting. Standing next to me, Chris watched her with a look of admiration and infatuation.

Meanwhile, Kaia's gaze never wavered from Chris, filled with longing.

When the song ended, she didn't step off the stage. Instead, she continued, "The song is dedicated to the one I love most."

At that moment, the large screen behind her flickered to life. The screen began showing a rolling display of photos—proof of the love Kaia and Chris once shared. There were sweet couple photos, handwritten love letters, and carefully chosen gifts.

"Chris, I love you!" Kaia declared loudly from the stage.

To be honest, at that moment, I couldn't help but admire Kaia's courage.

But when I turned to look at Chris, I saw no surprise in his eyes. Instead, there was a trace of fear.

Many wolves from other packs didn't know who Kaia was or that Chris was my mate. When they saw such a bold confession, whistles erupted in the crowd, followed by applause.

I couldn't resist joining in, clapping and chanting, "Kiss her! Marry her!"

Chris turned to look at me, his face a picture of shock. "Fiora, have you lost your mind? I'm your mate!"