The Soren group of companies had just hosted a sports event–rock climbing for all its staff. I came to the venue with Aldric but I left to be alone to explore and enjoy every fun of the game. The day turned out to be disappointing and unforgettable for me.

I accidentally fell during this rock climbing and lost our long-awaited puppy. Aldric was busy holding and safeguarding his intern, Lyana, when they were rock climbing.

He saw my pink dress drenched in blood. He shielded his female intern’s inquisitive eyes,and coldly muttered, “Shame. What an unfortunate day for this unlucky wolf. Don't stare Lyana, before her omen befall you.”

Aldric held the rope that was tied between him and Lyana as they gently came down.

He held her hands as he smiled at her. He went straight to the car, opened the front seat for her,then sped off.

That same night, while I was in the bedroom, I found a lace lingerie bra stuffed in the corner of our wardrobe— it obviously wasn't mine.

Closing the closet door, I calmly dialed a number. "Mr. Frost, my mind is made up. I can leave the pack this coming week and start at your company."

——

"That's fabulous news, Ms. Astra! We're excited to have you on board!" he replied exuberantly.

In a moment the call ended, Aldric stepped out of the shower. His hair was damp, and beads of water still clung to his skin.

He normally takes fifteen minutes in the shower. Recently, he's been spending at least an hour, always with his phone in hand. Was there something that transpired to make his phone always glued to his hands? My curiosity and suspicion wasn't crystal clear yet, but I have to find out soon.

"Who was that on the phone?" he asked, not even looking up from his phone.

"I was on the phone with Mr Frost," I replied sincerely.

"Ah," he said, his attention clearly divided. Customarily, he wasn't really listening.

For goodness sake, this was the first time I didn't get mad or make a fuss. I just started plotting my resignation letter calmly on my phone.

When he stretched for his coffee cup, likely anticipating the stress relief coffee tea I used to prepare for him every night.

He really adored my coffee tea because it's a combination of chamomile and some flavored herbs that gives a calming effect to stress and anxiety from the day's work.

He paused instantly, noticing it wasn't there.

Finally, he barely shot me a glance and spoke with a low tone.

"I showed your CT scan to our pack healer, Raze. He said it was just a minor injury, that there's no serious complications. He said your wolf will help boost and fasten the healing process.Just keep the wound dry."

"Alright," I said without staring at him for once, I continued my typing.

Vladimir Raze is a renowned pack healer of Highland Howler's pack. He's skillful and experienced. His healing abilities are amazing and his fame extends beyond the pack.

This afternoon, I had three stitches in my leg from the sports accident. Another intriguing part is that I had just found out I was a week pregnant for Aldric and already showing signs of miscarriage.

Raze– our pack doctor apologized, saying that if I had been brought to the clinic sooner, the baby might have been saved.

Seeing the expressionlessness on my face, Aldric grimaced and started walking over to check what I was doing.

But just then, his phone started buzzing.

His lips curved into a smile, and without a second thought, he turned and disappeared into his study.

Once he was out of sight, I opened up my confidential social media account and scrolled through his feed. Sure enough, there was a new post—visible to everyone but me.

It was a letter of apology.

[I shouldn't have let the most gorgeous intern in the world down. Promised her dinner after work, but work interrupted the beautiful plan I had on the way, and I made her wait a whole thirty -five minutes. I totally acknowledged all the blame. I'll do better from now on, and be a good boss.]

I liked the post and, in the same breath, received a notification from Mr. Frost: the contract.

I clicked the link and signed the document without delay.

The next morning, Aldric woke up at the crack of dawn and brought back savory meat and egg skillet with a little pastry from a well-known diner twenty minutes away from the outskirts of the pack.

Just as I got the bag to view what was inside. I saw Dark chocolate and Red Berry Tart. I quickly inserted my hands into the bag to bring them out, Aldric slapped my hand away.

"You like savory meat and egg skillet, right? I got one just for you."

I was astonished. I thought the Tart he brought back was specifically for me.

I froze for a second before realizing—the dark chocolate and Red Berry Tart weren't for me. They were for his lovely and cherished office intern—for Lyana Theron.

I couldn't hold back my annoyance anymore. "We've been together for four years, and you still don't know I'm allergic to egg skillet?"

His countenance clouded over, and he stood abruptly, snapping, "Stop being dramatic. Eat or don't. I don't care. You can as well do yourself a favor by thrashing it into the disposal bin."

As he prepared to leave, I walked into the bedroom and came back with a bag.

"When you see Lyana later, do me a favor and return this to her."

His brows creased together before taking the bag. When he gazed inside and saw the cotton bra, a look of surprise flooded in his eyes. He made some gestures like he was about to plead. He was about to explain something, but when he saw my calm, indifferent face, he only said, "I'll tell her to stop being so sloppy."

"Certainly," I replied with a moderate tone.

Acknowledging my low mood, Aldric offered, "I can give you a ride to work today."

Four years together, and not once had he offered me a ride to work, no matter how bad the weather was. He always kept professional and personal life strictly to himself.

But Lyana? On her first day as an intern at work, she was already getting driven by my mate and partner.

As I contemplated the big margin between how Aldric treated and cherished his newly recruited intern and his own mate, I unconsciously knocked my fork to the floor. My fingers quivered as I bent down to pick it up.

When I was in an upright position again, I saw Aldric stationary at the entrance, already ready to leave. Without a moment's pause, he slung over his shoulder.

"Something imperative came up at the office. My attention is highly needed to avoid things going wrong. I promise, I'll give you a ride next time," he said before hastily exiting out of the door.

Twenty minutes later, I limped into my professional conducive space to work. For some reason I could not decipher, my colleagues looked at me with a mix of solicitude and compassion.

Later, while filling my tumbler with water in the break room. I was incessantly thirsty. I overheard three of my colleagues slowly whispering to each other.

" Damn! So, the rumors and speculations were true—Mr. Soren really jilted Helena for his female intern?" one asked.

"Gosh! You should have seen it this morning! Lyana came in with some stains on her dress, and Mr. Soren picked her up in front of everyone in the conference room," the other replied.

My hand scurried, and the tumbler shattered on the floor, silencing their gossip. I crouched down to gather the pieces, carefully tossing them into the trash can without saying anything.

As the tumbler shattered, it was as if my heart was shattered also. I was broken.

I ended up working late. I had some files to tidy up. It was past eleven o'clock, when suddenly, I felt something like a weight, pressing on my shoulders.

"Helena," Aldric whispered, draping a coat on my shoulders, "why didn't you respond to my messages?"

I was still stationary and my posture didn't change; instead, I picked up my phone, unlocked it and scrolled to see a message from him: [What flavor of frappes do you cherished most?]

One year ago, I asked him for the first frappes of summer. Back then, he had only looked at me with disparagement and said, "Frappes? Really ?You want me to order a frappe for you? Helena, You've passed 30!for goodness sake. Why do you delight so much in the childish crap of a thing?Don't make me sick. I am exhausted with the attitudes.”

But behind me, there he was, bringing me a frappe.

I fixed my gaze firmly to the computer screen before me, ignoring the sweet beverage. It was well- blended with ice, milk and flavored syrups.

I could sense the disappointment from his facial expression. His face was not that bright again as he spoke. He was displeased. "You used to beg me for this," he said, sounding confused.

" Yeah, I Know. But It's past 10. If I drink it now, I won't be able to sleep," I said dismissively.

The room was momentarily adrift in a sea of silence. Then, in a cold voice, he mumbled, "I'm going to the bathroom.Prepare, Let's go home together after."

Barely 12 seconds later, his phone lit up on my desk. I glanced to see that it was a message from his intern- Lyana.

[Hey! You goofy! Who sends dozens of frappes all at once? You're not trying to turn me into a little pudgy, are you? Twitching here!]

I just overlooked it and turned my eyes back to the computer screen nonchalantly and arranged the files on my desk.

We finally went home together. It was a little after 11. I didn't even wait for him to step out. I came out of the car and headed straight into the bedroom and started packing my luggage.

When Aldric walked in, freshly showered, he noticed my vanity seemed more superficial and scanty than usual.

He pouted but didn't seem to mind it. "Hey, I'm going on a business trip to the Wolfram Consortium in Switzerland in the second week of next month. If you long for anything, just make a list, and I'll get it for you."

I didn't even hesitate. "Nah. Thanks for the kind gesture. I don't want anything. You can get something nice and appealing yourself."

Moreover, I will be leaving Highland Howler's pack in less than two weeks. What was the point?

Abruptly, he fling his towel onto the bed, his eyes cold as he stared at me. His temper was raging. I could sense that from his facial expressions. "So, what? You're upset because I bought you the wrong breakfast? Is that what this is about?"

I opened my mouth to calm the dispute and conflict that was obviously imminent. I wasn't angry, but he let out a sneer before I could utter a word.

"You know I detest such a sucking attitude.

I can't stand women being dramatic. Helena, you're blowing this out of proportion. You're just making a mountain out of a molehill." He said with a hint of disdain and consternation.

With that, he barged into his study, slamming the door with an audacious sound behind him.

Reminiscing over the four years of our relationship and how we've been together. He was always the first to give countless silent cold treatments and attitudes. And every moment of the dispute, I had always acknowledged and took all the blames and faults unto myself.

I’ve shown an incredible level of humility that no other lady will dare to tolerate. I always tell myself, “just apologize and settle things amicably for peace to prevail. It won't cost you anything.”

But this time, I just gave a quizzical look and turned off the bedside lamp.

He remained in the study all night. For the first time, he didn't hear a single knock on the door.

The next morning, I ensured I prepared breakfast for both of us as usual. I'd just finished eating my portion and was getting ready to leave for work when he came out of the study.

He was on his phone when he snapped at me, "Take the day off. By 7 pm., I need you to make me a replica Marzipan cake."

Recounting and recalling the four years Aldric and I had been dating, I'd been at the forefront of things. I always ensured that he had an unforgettable birthday experience and moments. I also made him a Marzipan birthday cake every single year—always manually.

But I strived to ensure that the cake is elegantly designed.The flowers were freshly and crisp. I also ensure that I mix some varieties of flavor- vanilla bean with raspberry filling and chocolate fudge. Providing a delightful and awesome taste.

When I glimpsed at the screen of his phone, I got the message. It was crystal clear to me. I instantly knew right then who it was for again.

I'd seen that digital animated avatar on his phone—it was Lyana’s profile photo.

I remained mute. Not uttering a single word. I didn't alter the aura of silence, making the living room feel ominously quiet.

Aldric was completely ignorant of how irrational his request had been. How could you tell your girlfriend to bake a cake for another lady? A lady she's fully aware that there's something suspicious going on between you and her. His lingering look was waiting for a positive answer from me. I knew what he's expecting to hear.

I eventually aligned my response to match his curiosity and desperation at that moment. I acknowledged, just nodding my head, keeping my expression neutral.

"Forward the picture to me. Let's see what I can do." I said, calmly standing up. "I am heading out now to get the ingredients."

Back forward to that dinner four years ago. If fate and circumstances were to be different and If Aldric hadn't been present, I wouldn't have made it out of my first job unscathed.

I stared at him for the last time. I wished he knew what plans are in my cards now. I just thought to myself, “Once this cake is baked, I'll finally be done with him. I will leave him for good this time around.”

I walked straight to the door, feeling the heaviness in my steps. But I maintained my composure.

Before I could reach the doorway, Aldric's voice, surprised, breached the silence behind me.

"Helena…" he started, his voice wavering. I was not moved. Likewise bothering turning around. "You care for something else?" I asked, my tone was concisely flat.

There was a transient pause before he spoke again. "...I'll Venmo you for the ingredients."

I maintained my tracks without saying a word.

When I got into the elevator, I brought out my phone. I went to our chat history and opened it. To make justice of the situation, the messages I've sent to him cannot be compared to the response and replies I got. Imagine! I sent a wholesome– 2600 messages and the replies I got were barely 15.

He only replied to 15!. What can you say about that? What kind of justification can be given to that act?

It was draining to care, so I could only smirk.

Upstairs, in the living room, Aldric's phone would buzz with the notification of the $230 transfer being repudiated. I could imagine his hand clenched around the phone as he read the alert.

Later that night, around 9:55 p.m., my phone rang. Aldric's name popped up on the screen.

"Hey! Where are you?" he inquired, sounding almost as if he was the world's best romantic partner. That kind gesture was clearly interpreted as a charade for me.

I was sitting in a booth at a diner near my apartment, picking at my food. "What's up?" I asked, evading his question.

"Cool. Nothing to stake for" Aldric replied, his voice moderate and calm now. "I just wanted to say… the cake you made was sumptuous. As it has always been."

There was a moment of silence on the line, then he adjusted his voice into a softer tone, "Thanks.I really appreciate you. I know it took a lot of effort from your end.”

Before I could say a word , I heard Lyana's luscious voice in the background.

"Helena!" she hollered, her tone silvery and melodious . "I heard from Aldric that you made my birthday cake today. Amazing! You're damn talented! I wish I could do that…, but I'm so gauched, Aldric's always calling me his silly goose."

I could picture her pouting as she spoke.

Before I could even assimilate and process all her words, boom ! She invited me to the party.

But I didn't get a chance to give my candid reply before Aldric's grating and sharp voice returned to the line. "Well, you don't need to come, there's no need for that." He said, a bit firmer this time, before the line was disconnected.

I was not shaken at all. I continued with my food. But just seven minutes later, my phone buzzed again. It was a message from him, with his location pinned and a note attached: [If you don't mind please,do stop by and grab a box of vanilla cream wafer biscuits for Lyana from the Mini-mart.]