Liam froze, his eyes reddening slightly. He reached out as if to pull me into a hug, but his hands stopped midair as if he'd suddenly remembered the role he was playing.

After a brief pause, he pulled himself together and chuckled. "Aurora, you miss Liam so much that you're seeing him in me. But it's okay. I'll look after you and your pup in his place."

His voice was full of concern, but what he didn't know was that I didn't want Jasper looking after me—I wanted him to care for me as Liam himself.

I lowered my eyes, my fists tightening as I held back the urge to ask who he really was. But I knew no matter how hard I pushed, he wouldn't tell me the truth.

It'd only make things strained between us, or worse, make him suspicious and ruin my chances of getting away. So, I kept quiet.

Liam didn't seem to notice anything unusual about me. He gave my shoulder a light pat and spoke softly. "You should get some rest. Just say the word if you need anything."

With that, he turned and left, easing the door shut behind him.

I listened as his footsteps disappeared down the hallway, and another wave of tears spilled over. I drew my knees up, folding into myself, and pressed my face into the crook of my arm to muffle the sound of my crying.

A memory from five years ago popped into my head. It was back when I was dancing on stage at the university's anniversary celebration. That was the night Liam fell for me at first sight.

Even though he knew I was an Omega without a wolf, it didn't stop him from trying to win me over.

Liam had made me a promise before the marking ceremony. "Aurora, don't worry. Once I'm back from the border, I'll give you the biggest ceremony this pack has ever seen."

I'd believed every word back then. The thought that I'd actually be waiting for betrayal never even crossed my mind.

…

The next morning, Liam was up early to drive me to my prenatal checkup. However, we had barely reached the front door when we saw Freya Keating.

She was clutching her stomach, her face pale.

"Jasper, my head hurts so bad…" she whimpered.

Liam instantly let go of my arm and hurriedly picked Freya up instead. "What's wrong? Did the wind make you sick? Come on, let's get you back to your room so you can rest."

He only remembered I was still there when he reached the staircase. "Aurora, go to the hospital on your own. The driver's already at the door. Everything's set. Just follow him."

Without so much as a glance back, he rushed up the stairs with Freya in his arms. It broke my heart to see him hurry off like that.

Freya turned toward me, a flicker of triumph flashing across her face. I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep my emotions under control.

Later, the driver took me to the hospital, where I sat through the prenatal checkup alone.

While staring at the grainy ultrasound image of the tiny fetus, I was overwhelmed by a storm of conflicting emotions. The pain in my chest twisted deeper whenever I thought of Liam and Freya together.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Not wanting Liam to find out my next move, I dismissed the driver and went to a different hospital alone.

I sat in the hallway, waiting for my turn. I clutched the test results tightly, my stomach twisting with hesitation and dread.

Walking into that operating room meant I'd lose this pup, and along with it, the last connection I had to Liam. But then I'd think about what he did, and the pain would hit me all over again.

Could I really keep it together if I had to face our pup?

I was unsure what to do when my phone buzzed out of nowhere, and a message from Freya popped up on the screen.

I opened it and saw a video packed with hundreds of pictures of Liam and Freya. They held hands, ate together, rode the Ferris wheel, and did all the usual things couples do.

My whole body shook as I watched. They looked so perfect together, so right, while I felt like the other woman. I pressed my hand to my mouth, tears pouring down my face.

Freya was taunting me so openly, sending me those photos.

Was she aware of Liam's real identity? Did everyone else know the truth about him while I was the only one left in the dark?

I felt like such an idiot.

Then the doctor called my name. "Ms. Maddox? They're ready for you in the operating room."

Tears filled my eyes again. The pain hit me so hard that my legs gave out, and I crumpled to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

A nurse hurried over and patted my shoulder. "Miss, are you okay? We can always do this another day if you're not ready."

I pressed my hands over my ears, my cheeks slick with tears.

There was no denying the truth—I still loved Liam. He'd lied to me and hurt me, but I still couldn't stop thinking about him.

My heart felt like it was being torn apart, the agony so raw I could hardly breathe.

My hand shook as I pressed it to my stomach, remembering the steady thump of the pup's heartbeat from the monitor at the prenatal appointment. The sound filled me with something soft and fragile.

I owed Liam another chance, even if it was just for the pup. I had to try. I wiped my tears and picked up my phone, dialing Liam.

His voice sounded from the other end of the line. "Hey, Aurora? What's up? I'm in the middle of something—"

"Liam, I need to talk to you. Can you—"

Before I could finish, Freya's voice cut in from the background. "Sweetheart, can you tie the back of my dress?"

And just like that, whatever hope I'd been clinging to slipped away.

"Aurora, what's wrong?" Liam asked gently on the other end.

"Nothing."

My body shook as I ended it. Tears blurred my vision again, and I bit my lip hard to keep from making a sound. That was when I lost every last bit of hope.

I got up and turned to the nurse. "I'll have the surgery."

She took in my bloodshot, puffy eyes, her voice worried. "Are you absolutely sure?"

I forced a faint smile and nodded. "Yes. I'm sure."

…

The procedure was quick and smooth. Afterward, when they rolled me out of the operating room, my body felt hollow, like even my tears had run dry.

I got home, but Liam and Freya weren't there.

I lay there on the bed by myself, eyes fixed on the ceiling with my thoughts a hollow drift. I had no idea how to move forward or deal with a world that felt so full of betrayal and hurt.

Later that night, Liam came back.

He saw me lying there, pale and still, and his voice softened with concern. "Aurora, what was it you wanted to tell me at the hospital today? Your eyes are really red… have you been thinking about Liam again?"

I stared at his face—so familiar yet now so distant—and felt a swirl of emotions rise in my chest.

Part of me wanted to hate him and erase him from my memory. But no matter how hard I tried, that stubborn love deep inside wouldn't let me cut him out for good.

I couldn't take it anymore. I closed my eyes and turned away.

Liam sighed, pulled the blanket over me, and quietly left the room.

That night, I dreamed of the past.

Suddenly, I was 18 again, standing at my shifting ceremony. Liam stood before me, gazing at me with tenderness. "Aurora, I've been in love with you since the moment we met."

Back then, his eyes held nothing but honesty, and his smile was so warm it could've melted the coldest heart.

I was totally caught up in the dream's sweetness, but the moment I woke up, all its beauty was gone. I lay there, staring at the overcast sky through the window, a dull weight settling in my chest.

Then, suddenly, the door swung open and Freya walked in.

She gave me an almost challenging look. "Aurora, you've been seeing Jasper every single day. Don't you know who he really is by now?"

I stayed quiet, lost in memories of the past.

When I heard the news about Liam's death, I was so overwhelmed with grief that I actually got sick. I didn't even get to see his body, much less attend his funeral.

By the time I got out of the hospital, all that was left was his grave. However, I believed in what we'd had—those five years together—so it never even crossed my mind that any of it might've been fake.

Unbothered, Freya stepped up to the bed and stared down at me like I was beneath her. "Aurora, you still haven't figured out that Liam was playing you this whole time?"

I clenched my fists, barely holding back my anger.

But Freya only looked more pleased with herself. She leaned in close, her voice a taunting whisper. "You know, Liam treats me like something precious. He won't even let me pour my own water.

"He takes me shopping and traveling. He even gave me the pack's most expensive white fox fur coat. Everyone knows I'm his true mate. And you? You're just a worthless Omega he'd never claim in public!"

Every word carved deeper, leaving me raw. My whole body shook, tears burning in my eyes.

But Freya wasn't done. "Who do you think you are, Aurora? Just some foolish woman. Liam never loved you. I'm the one he really cares about!"

I'd hit my breaking point then and just wanted to leave.

However, Freya purposely bumped into me before faking a fall, acting like I'd pushed her. She cupped her cheek, looking up at me with those big, wounded eyes as tears streaked down her face.

Right then, Liam came running at the sound of the commotion.

He saw Freya on the floor and instantly rounded on me, his eyes burning with anger and disappointment. "How could you do this, Aurora? Freya is your sister-in-law. You actually hit her?"

Sister-in-law?

Freya clung to him, crying like she'd done nothing wrong. "I was just trying to be there for you after Liam died, Aurora. Why would you shove me like that?"

Liam whipped his head toward me, his eyes full of fury. "Aurora, apologize to your sister-in-law. Now!"

I gave a hollow smile, my heart reduced to ashes.

While holding Liam's gaze, I asked, slow and deliberate, "Liam, tell me the truth. Are you really Jasper?"

Liam went still. His lips parted, but no words came as if something were choking him silent.

Freya seized the moment, pressing against him with practiced delicacy. "Jasper, my stomach hurts. Will you take me back to my room?"

Liam scooped her into his arms, then turned to me with a heavy look. "I'm sorry, Aurora. I'll leave you alone now. Freya needs me. As for your question… I'll answer it another time."

His eyes were full of reluctance, pity, even guilt. But in the end, he still turned away, took Freya with him, and left me behind.

I watched them go, my heart tearing in half.

I checked my phone and saw Axel's message. "The car's here."

I took a deep breath, trying to pull myself together. Then I moved to the desk, grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote a letter.

After sliding it into the nightstand drawer, I turned to the wardrobe and reached for my favorite white dress. I slipped it on, then caught my reflection. My face was deathly pale, and my eyes were sunken.

I forced a dry, humorless smile before walking out of my room. The second I opened the door, I saw Liam only a few steps away.

He spotted me, and something unreadable flickered in his gaze. "Aurora, I'm sorry about earlier, but you shouldn't have treated Freya like that. She was just trying to help—"

I smiled, cutting him off. "I'm fine. She's your mate. I get why you'd defend her. I think I'll take a walk. You should stay with Freya."

He hesitated, conflict tightening his features. "Aurora, the thing is… she and I…"

I held my breath, waiting. If he'd just said it, I would've forgiven him.

But then, his gaze dulled. "Never mind. Forget I said anything. Go clear your head, okay? Just be careful. I put 50 grand in your account. Get yourself something nice—jewelry, a dress, whatever you want. You're carrying a pup, so you should stay in good spirits."

I nodded, gently pushed him aside, and headed for the door.

Liam watched me go, his eyes flickering with confusion. Still, he didn't sense anything wrong. Instead, he called out, "Come back soon, Aurora. I'll have the maid make your favorite dishes."

I offered a faint smile. "Alright."

The second I turned away, the warmth drained from my face. This was my last goodbye to Liam—I'd vanish from his world, leaving him and Freya together.

I left the house and climbed into the car Axel had sent for me. Through the window, I took a final look back at the pack—a place that had been nothing but lies and betrayal.

As the car pulled away, I shut my eyes and finally let myself cry.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Freya was clinging to Liam, whining, "You have to stay with me tonight, Liam. Aurora really freaked me out earlier."

But Liam barely heard her. His mind was still on me. Something about it felt off when I left, though he couldn't quite put his finger on why.

He was about to come after me when Russell Greer, Liam's butler, burst in looking panicked. "Mr. Hagerty, it's bad news! We just got word—Rogues attacked Ms. Aurora and Mr. Axel on the road. They went off a cliff trying to escape!"