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.]

I was perplexed by the level of guts he showed.I sighed and couldn't help but force a smile that felt brittle.It was sarcastic though.

When I pushed the door open to the VIP suite room, I spotted Aldric immediately.

He was feeding Lyana a piece of the cake, her eyes wide and doe-like as she looked up at him.

The very moment he glanced at me, his expression and emotions said everything. He was highly irritated by my presence.

To make it worse, I interrupted what would have been a beautiful moment for him.

His gaze darkened, and I knew what he was thinking.

Why do I have to show up?

I knew he wasn't the one that sent that message. It was Lyana's persuasion. I mean, judging from his expression, he wouldn't want me to come and spoil the blissful moments he wanted to have with her.

"Helena! Look who we have here.” Lyana said, welcoming me with a glowing smile, her voice as luscious as ever.

Aldric's eyes and gaze were firmly fixed at me. I could feel the tension building up in the room.

"Didn't I tell you not to come?" Aldric snapped, his irritation breaking through.

I opened my mouth to respond, but Lyana hastily interrupted,pouting dramatically.

"I'm very sorry, Aldric . I just craved for some vanilla cream wafer biscuits, so I tricked her into coming. Please, don't be mad at her." she said, her voice drizzling with pretentious innocence.

Aldric's hard expression deflated as he reached out, ruffling Lyana's hair affectionately. "You little silly goose," he muttered with a fond smile. I don't know whether he forgot I was standing right in front of him.

Watching him and calculating everything that was transpiring. I came to a conclusion that this was my moment to break the news to him.

I reached into my bag and brought out my letter of resignation.

"Aldric," I called out, stepping forward, " I will be visiting my pack. One of my colleagues has a family emergency and needs to leave. I'll need you to acknowledge and approve this."

Technically, the HR Department should've handled it. But since it was me, the chief accountant. The HR manager resigned some months back and the assistant does not have the right or power at the moment to counter my decision. Considering the cadre of authority, I am way above her.

The lighting in the room was dim, reflecting shadows across Aldric's face. He didn't even cross- check the lette. He just pen down his signature, his soul and spirit were completely focused on the birthday celebrant.

I was about to take the letter back,when Aldric's hand grasped mine. His expression shifted, his brow furrowing as he stared at my hand.

"Did you come all the way here just for this?" he asked. His face was curious and searching for an answer. His tone is low and unreadable.

I responded by slowly nodding my head.

His face darkened again, and for a second, I thought he was going to say something. But then he flinched, he pulled his hand back like he'd touched something cold and shocking.

I realized his fingers had brushed the burnt marks on my palm, the ones I obtained from making the cake.

“This must have disgusted him.” I thought to myself.

From the side of my eye, I saw Lyana's

eyes all bulged out. They flamed up with sudden interest. "Helena! That golden necklace you're wearing… It looks quite similar." She said, leaning in.

Her smile widened. "I recalled instantly that I'd seen something like that in Aldric’s disposable bin."

I watched closely as Aldric moved his hand to adjust and cover the collar of his shirt. But I feigned ignorance. Keeping my voice low, I replied, "These necklaces are pretty common. If you don't mind, I can give this one to you, If you care."

Lyana went mute. She didn't respond.

When I stepped out of the room, I headed straight for the nearest disposable bin and trashed the necklace. I'd worn it for the past four years. It doesn't hold any significance to be again.

As I got into the elevator, and while waiting, my phone buzzed. It was Mom calling. I picked it. “Hey mom, what's up?”

I enquired of her.

“I am good. Are you still coming home Helena?” My mom asked.

“I will mom” She proceeded to ask another question.

“Have you gotten your ticket?”

"Not yet," I replied, my voice steady. "I'll book it in a few days."

That's the only assurance I can give her to calm her curiosity.

Before I could hang up, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me.

Aldric's voice spoke out. . "You're booking a ticket?" he asked, his voice sounding confused.

I quickly ended the call, turning around with a blank expression. "Yeah, there's a newly launched salon near by. I would love to check it out.”

I lied smoothly. "You have to book a day in advance if you want to get your hair done."

He didn't press the matter any further. No long and lingering interrogation. He just pulled me along to a nearby hotel across the other side of the road. The hotel was at the center of the pack. So,the distance wasn't that far.We checked in and he booked us a suite.

He quickly got to work on his laptop, handling some urgent business. Professionally, I was his accountant. So, I have to stick beside him to work.

There was a wordless understanding between us as we worked side by side until dawn, waiting for a client overseas to respond. Eventually, I couldn't fight off the exhaustion. I was extremely tired.I surrendered and gave in to the cold hands and soft caress of sleep.

– –

The next morning, I woke up in bed, astonished to find myself tucked in.

Aldric sat beside me, casually leaning against the headboard, flipping through a financial magazine. He glanced at me as I stirred.

"Breakfast on its way," he said, already picking up his phone to call room service.

Halfway through breakfast, Preston suddenly asked, "What prompted you to change your password?"

I barely looked up from my plate. "Nothing, It was just a choice.” I replied casually.

Unfortunately, the solemn truth was that the old password was a combination of our birth months and our wolf's transformation took place on the same day. I conjoined the day with our birthday month and created a password.

Since my departure was imminent . It didn't make sense to keep it.

I heard him set down his knife and fork, his tone shifted. "You've always longed for me to go to the movies with you, weren't you? There's a theater nearby. We can check it out."