"It's time I reclaim my birthright as the Laurent heiress. Tell the council I'll be there by sunset," I said firmly into the phone.

My grandmother sighed on the other end. "It's about time, Kate. We'll be anticipating your return."

I hung up and stared at the elegant blue dress laid out on my bed, the one Melissa wore for her last birthday celebration. Today would have been her fortieth birthday. I'd wear it one final time before walking away from the promise that had devoured my life.

When I returned from my shower, I froze in the doorway. Melissa's dress lay shredded on my bed, paint splattered across the torn fabric like blood. Ethan stood watching me, his ten-year-old face filled with satisfaction.

"You think wearing her clothes makes you her?" Ethan's eyes pierced through me. "You're nothing but a replacement part."

I touched my bleeding forehead where paint had splashed.

"Mom would hate what you've become, a pathetic gold-digger leeching off our family name." He stepped closer. "Every night I pray you'll die slowly, painfully, like she did. Then I could visit your grave and tell you how much better we are without you."

Five years ago, when my childhood best friend Melissa was dying of cancer, she'd begged me to marry Daniel and mother her son. "Promise me you'll take care of them," she'd whispered, clutching my hand with failing strength. "They won't survive without you."

How could I refuse? We'd been inseparable since kindergarten. She was the sister I never had. When Daniel proposed six months after her funeral, a business arrangement to honor her wishes, I'd accepted out of loyalty, not love.

"Dad only touches you because you look like her. He whispers her name, not yours." Ethan's smile was chilling. "You're just a warm body filling the space she left."

Something inside me finally broke. Five years of verbal abuse, five years of trying to love a child who only wanted to hurt me.

I was done.

With shaking hands, I reached for my phone and dialed my lawyer's number.

"It's Kate," I said. "I want to file for divorce. Today."

—–––––––

"Are you sure about this, Mrs. Carter?" Mr. Patterson's voice was concerned through the phone. "Divorcing Daniel means you forfeit everything in Melissa's will. The monthly allowance, the trust fund portion, everything would be nullified."

I leaned against the bathroom sink. "I don't care anymore. The money isn't worth what I'm going through. Ethan is ten now. He's old enough."

The arrangement had seemed logical at first. Daniel needed someone to care for his son, and I had loved Melissa enough to sacrifice my own happiness. Daniel was handsome, successful, and we'd known each other for years through Melissa. He'd been devastated when his wife was diagnosed with aggressive cancer.

I'd moved in during her final months to help care for her and Ethan. Daniel had been grateful then. After her death, our marriage of convenience had seemed the perfect solution to honor her wishes.

But I hadn't anticipated Ethan's burning hatred, or how Daniel would compare me to his perfect first wife at every turn.

After hanging up, I carefully washed the red paint from my hair and skin. The cut on my head stung as I cleaned it, but I managed to bandage it properly.

With Melissa's blue dress destroyed, I selected a simple black one from my closet instead. I had just finished buttoning it when the bedroom door flew open.

Hot coffee splashed across my chest and arms. I screamed as the burning liquid soaked through the fabric onto my skin.

Ethan stood in the doorway with an empty mug in hand.

"Don't you get it?" he snarled. "You're not welcome at my mother's birthday! She wouldn't want some fake sitting there pretending to care!"

"Ethan, I was trying to honor her by wearing—"

"Honor her?" His voice cracked. "You think wearing her clothes honors her? You're trying to replace her! My real mom!"

"I would never—"

"Shut up!" Tears filled his eyes. "My mom died because she was stressed about you! Always hanging around, always there! She got sick because of you!"

Ever since Melissa's diagnosis, Ethan had convinced himself that my presence had somehow caused his mother's cancer. Daniel had never corrected this delusion, perhaps finding comfort in directing anger somewhere, anywhere.

"You're pathetic," he sneered. "Mom would hate seeing you here in her place."

He stormed out, leaving me shaking in the doorway.

I couldn't face the birthday dinner now. I just wanted to retreat to my bedroom and sleep. When I opened my door, I stopped dead in the doorway.

My mother's music box, the only thing I had left of her, lay broken on the floor. It was the last gift she gave me before cancer took her too, a year before Melissa.

Something broke inside me.

I found Ethan in the living room, playing video games.

"How could you?" I screamed, grabbing his shoulders. "That was my mother's! The only thing I had left of her!"

"Let go of me!" he shrieked. "Dad! DAD!"

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Tears streamed down my face.

Heavy footsteps pounded down the hallway and suddenly, strong hands shoved me back into the coffee table.

Daniel towered over me. "What the hell is wrong with you? He's just a child!"

"He destroyed my mother's music box," I sobbed. "The only thing—"

"It's just a box," Daniel cut me off. "For God's sake, Kate, get a grip. Look at what you've done to him."

Ethan sat on the couch with tears streaming down his face, the perfect picture of innocence.

"Clean up this mess," Daniel ordered. "And your bedroom too. I won't have this house looking like a war zone on Melissa's birthday."

I sat among the broken glass, watching as Daniel comforted his son who shot daggers at me with his eyes. In that moment, staring at the shattered remains of my mother's last gift, I knew with absolute certainty that my decision to leave was right.

Later, as I gathered the broken pieces, Daniel appeared in the doorway.

"I'm sorry I pushed you," he said, not sounding sorry at all. "But you can't manhandle Ethan like that."

He knelt beside me, reaching for my burned shoulder. "Let me help clean you up."

I recoiled from his touch.

"I'm done," I whispered, clutching the broken box. "I'm leaving this agreement and I'm not looking back."

"You're Done?" Daniel's laugh was cold as he leaned against the doorframe. "You can't be serious."

I clutched the phone tightly, my lawyer's voice still echoing in my ears. "I've never been more serious about anything in my life."

Daniel's eyes narrowed to slits. "So you're throwing away everything Melissa arranged for you over a temper tantrum? All because a ten-year-old boy damaged your precious little music box?"

"He didn't just damage it. He destroyed the only thing I had left of my mother." My voice cracked. "That music box survived a house fire, Daniel. It was all I had left of her, and Ethan smashed it while looking me in the eyes."

"Maybe if you were worth anything as a stepmother, he wouldn't hate you so much," Daniel sneered, stepping closer. "The truth is, you can't handle a ten-year-old boy because you're too weak, too pathetic to be the woman Melissa thought you were. She'd be disgusted if she could see you now, running away like a coward when things get difficult."

"Don't you dare use her against me," I whispered, my voice breaking.

"Clean yourself up," he said, checking his watch. "The guests will be here in an hour. I won't have you embarrassing me tonight of all nights."

"I'm not going to the party."

Daniel grabbed my arm, fingers digging into my flesh until I winced. "Yes, you are. You'll put on a dress, fix your face, and smile like the dutiful wife Melissa wanted you to be. Or I'll make sure you leave this house with nothing but the clothes on your back."

He shoved me toward the bathroom and slammed the door.

I did dress up, but not for the party. I grabbed the torn blue dress and all the other clothes Ethan had destroyed over the years. The slashed painting of my wedding day. The shredded photo albums. The broken jewelry he'd taken hammers to.

I carried them to the fire pit in the backyard, away from the house where caterers were setting up for Melissa's birthday celebration. One by one, I threw the damaged items into the pit, watching the flames consume them.

Hours passed as I drove aimlessly around town. I wasn't ready to go back, but I had nowhere else to go. Eventually, the sun began to set, and I knew I couldn't avoid home forever.

As soon as I stepped through the front door, Daniel was there.

"How dare you?" he growled, grabbing my wrist hard enough to leave bruises. "I told you to be at the party. You embarrassed me in front of everyone."

"Let go of me."

"You think you can just walk out on your responsibilities? On your promise to Melissa?"

"It's over, Daniel. I'm leaving tomorrow."

His grip tightened. "You ungrateful bitch. After everything we've done for you."

"Done for me?" I laughed. "What exactly have you done for me except make my life hell?"

His hand struck my face before I could react.

He grabbed my shoulders and shoved me toward the street. I tripped on the curb and fell hard on the pavement.

"Since you're so eager to leave, why don't you spend the night out here with the rogues?" Daniel's voice was ice. "Maybe a few hours with the real predators will teach you some gratitude for the protection you've enjoyed."

The door slammed in my face. I heard the lock click.

"Daniel!" I pounded on the door. "This is ridiculous. Let me in!"

Silence.

The night air was cold against my skin. Somewhere in the darkness, I heard rustling of an animal and my heart pounded.

"Daniel, please," I called, my voice weaker now. "There are predators out here."

More rustling, closer this time, then a branch snapped.

I ran to the side of the house and tried the windows. All locked. The garage door was my only hope.

The garage was pitch black, the darkness pressing in from all sides. Strange noises echoed that made my skin crawl.

After hours of staying in the darkness, the door connecting to the house opened. Ethan stood there, his face half-lit by the hallway light, eyes gleaming with something that made my blood run cold.

"Enjoying the cold, Luna?" His voice dripped with anger. "The rogues haven't found you yet? What a disappointment."

"Ethan, please. Let me in."

"Why would I do that?" He sneered. "You're nothing but a cancerous growth where my mother should be. You infect everything you touch."

"It's dangerous out here," I whispered, hearing another growl from the darkness beyond.

"Good." The word sliced through me as he leaned closer. "I hope they tear you apart like cancer tore apart my mother. Piece by bloody piece. I want to hear you scream the way she did."

I recoiled back.

"I put wolfsbane around the property line," he whispered, eyes gleaming with malice. "To attract them. To make sure they find you tonight."

My heart stopped. "Ethan, you didn't—"

"I've been saving it for months. Every time you smiled at me like you belonged here. Every time you touched my father. Every time you tried to act like my mother." His eyes narrowed. "I want you dead. I've always wanted you dead."

I flinched at his raw hatred.

"You know what the best part is?" He leaned closer, his breath hot against my face. "Dad already has your replacement picked out. He's showing her all the things you were never good enough for."

"What are you talking about?"

Ethan's smile widened to a grin. "Dad's waiting for you. He has a special surprise."

He stepped back, holding the door open, and I had to follow him inside.

As I climbed the stairs, I heard it, the sounds of moans coming from our bedroom. Moans and whispers, the creak of our bed frame against the wall.

The noises stopped. Minutes later, the door opened and Daniel emerged with a woman I recognized immediately, Jennifer, Melissa's sister and the Beta female of their pack. Her blonde hair was disheveled, her lips swollen from kisses.

They both froze when they saw me. Then Jennifer smiled, not bothering to close her unbuttoned blouse.

"Kate," she purred. "How nice of you to finally join us."

Ethan appeared at the top of the stairs with satisfaction. He moved to stand beside Jennifer, who placed an arm around his shoulders.

"See? I told you we didn't need her," he leaned into Jennifer's embrace. "Can we get rid of her now? For good?"

I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart breaking into a thousand pieces. Not because I loved Daniel, but because this final betrayal confirmed what I'd always suspected: I was nothing but a substitute in this house.

"I'm so sorry for coming out of your room.” Jessica's voice dripped with fake innocence. “I was just called to look after Ethan while you were... indisposed. I hope you don't mind."

Before I could respond, Elaine, Daniel's mother, appeared behind them. Her hawk-like eyes took in the scene with satisfaction.

"She dares not mind," Elaine said. "You couldn't fulfill your responsibilities of taking care of my grandson. It's only right someone else takes over."

"Always running away when things get difficult, aren't you, Kate? Just like when Ethan needed attention today."

"I wasn't running away. I needed space after being locked outside like an animal," I said.

She clicked her tongue. "So dramatic. My son gave you everything—a home, security, a family name and this is how you repay him? By embarrassing us at Melissa's memorial?"

"Everything he gave me came with conditions attached," I whispered. "And that wasn't a memorial. It was a shrine to make sure I knew my place."

She laughed. "Your place? You never had a place here. You were always just keeping her spot warm." She turned to Daniel with a dismissive wave. "I don't know why you bothered with her when Jessica was always the better choice."

"Instead of standing here feeling sorry for yourself, why don't you go make yourself useful?" Her lips curled into a smile. "Go prepare dinner for all of us. At least pretend to earn your keep one last time."

Jessica touched Daniel's arm possessively. "I could cook instead. I know how to prepare Ethan's favorite pasta the way he likes it." She smiled at Daniel. "The way his mother used to make it."

"What a thoughtful idea," Daniel's mother patted Jessica's cheek. "You enjoy your time with him instead. The kitchen is where she belongs, out of sight."

She turned her cold eyes to me once more. "What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation to do your job?"

I was pushed toward the kitchen while they moved to the living room, their laughter echoing behind me.

As I prepared dinner, I could hear them in the dining room – the soft murmurs, the occasional giggle and the sound of kissing. Each noise was another reminder of my status as an outsider.

When dinner was finally ready, I retreated to my bedroom without a word, unable to bear watching them play family without me.

The divorce papers had arrived by courier that afternoon, sitting on my dresser. I pulled out my suitcase and began packing everything I could.

The door swung open without a knock, and Jessica stood there, watching me with curious eyes.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

I continued folding a sweater, not bothering to look up. "I'm packing.

"About time. Now I'll have Daniel all to myself without you lingering in the background like some pathetic ghost." Her smile widened.

"I don't care what you do with him. I'm done being everyone's emotional punching bag." I zipped my suitcase with finality.

"Well, how interesting. The doormat finally found her spine." She tilted her head.

Heavy footsteps approached and before I could respond, she dropped to her knees, grabbing my hands. "Please don't leave us! Trevor needs you, we all need you!"

Her performance was flawless. "Think about what people will say if you abandon this family!"

Daniel appeared in the doorway, his expression darkening as he took in the scene. "What's going on here?"

Jessica stood, smoothing her dress. "She wants to leave, and I'm trying to stop her from making a terrible mistake."

Daniel's eyes narrowed as he looked at my packed suitcase. "How dare you create more drama after hurting my son! Is this another ploy for attention and pity?"

"I'm not creating anything. I'm leaving," I said quietly, holding up the divorce papers. "These will be filed tomorrow morning."

He laughed, clearly believing I was bluffing. "And where will you go? Back to your pathetic apartment? Your dead-end job?"

"Anywhere is better than here."

Ethan appeared behind his father, his young face twisted with hatred beyond his years. "Let her go, Dad. I don't even want her here." His words sliced through the tension. "She's nothing but a leech, and I'm tired of seeing her face every day."

I smiled for the first time that night. "Thank you for your honesty, Ethan. Tell your father to move away from the door."

Daniel stepped aside as I grabbed my suitcase. "You'll regret this, Kate. Turn back before it's too late."

"I'll never regret leaving this prison," I replied, pushing past him.

I was halfway down the hallway when I heard the rush of footsteps behind me. Turning, I saw Ethan running toward me, his small hand clutching something familiar

"You can't leave!" Ethan shouted. "You need to pay for taking my mother's place!"

In his small hand was the delicate piece of my silver music box which he had broken.

"My real mom should be here, not you." His young voice trembled with hatred. "You need to disappear forever."

Before I could react, he ran forward, the sharp broken edge of the music box aimed at me. I moved backward toward the staircase, trying to avoid him.

"I hate you!" Ethan screamed, tears streaming down his face. "This is for my mother!"

With strength, he shoved me hard. I felt the emptiness behind me as I lost my balance at the top of the stairs.

The last thing I saw was his satisfied smile as I tumbled backward."Now she's gone," I heard him laugh as darkness claimed me. "Finally."