Chapter 2

2.

He let go of Clara and took two steps toward me.

“Are you… feeling okay?”

“Once Clara’s emotions have stabilized, I’ll schedule a proper prenatal check-up for you.”

I just grunted in response, pretending not to see the venomous glare Clara shot my way.

As I walked past him, I caught his scent.

A faint fragrance of wild jasmine.

It was the essential oil Clara always used.

Kayden must have held Clara in his arms quite a lot during these days in the infirmary.

Otherwise, how could this scent that wasn't mine have soaked so deeply into his clothes and skin?

When I got home, my next-door neighbor, Maria, was just heading out.

She jumped when she saw how pale I was.

“Oh heavens, Ava, why do you look so pale?”

“Did something happen? Your scent… it’s filled with sorrow.”

I managed a weak smile, but my eyes welled up with tears.

So, I really did look that awful.

So, other people could see that something was wrong with me.

But my Alpha, my mate, how could he be so blind?

It had been seven days. Even a single word of concern… would have been enough.

Seeing that I wasn’t talking, Maria didn’t press further. She just gently helped me inside and sat me down.

That evening, Maria brought over a large bowl of rich beef stew.

“Ava, you’re already frail, and now you’re carrying a pup. You need to build up your strength.”

Maria’s husband was the captain of the pack’s sentinels. With many children, their family wasn’t wealthy.

This stew was a precious gift from them.

After thanking Maria, I sat at the dining table, lost in thought for a long time.

I couldn’t understand.

Why could an ordinary pack member show me such kindness, while my own husband, the Alpha of our pack, could cast me aside again and again?

This union, witnessed by the Moon Goddess herself, felt like a joke.

With a sigh, I carefully lifted the bowl to my lips.

Just as I was about to take a sip, the courtyard gate was pushed open.

“Ava, I’m back.”

Kayden walked in, carrying a few changes of clothes.

I looked at him, surprised.

“Why are you back? Don’t you need to be with Clara?”

Kayden set the clothes down and replied casually, “The doctor said Clara’s condition has stabilized, but I’m still worried. I’m having her stay a few more days for observation.”

“So, I came back to grab some essentials.”

I hummed in acknowledgment, but I couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d said that morning.

“Be considerate and don’t take up unnecessary medical resources.”

It seemed that when it came to Clara, all the rules were different.

I think my heart had truly died, because I didn’t even have the energy to argue.

I lowered my eyes, about to drink my soup, when Kayden, who had finished packing, suddenly spoke up.

“Did you make beef stew?”

“Don’t drink it yet. Clara is weak, this will be perfect for her recovery.”

My hand froze, the bowl still in my grasp. I stared at him, stunned.

“Maria made this specifically for me.”

Kayden acted as if he hadn’t heard me, already pulling a thermos from the cabinet.

“I know your body. It doesn’t matter if you drink this or not.”

“Let Clara have it this time. Next time, I’ll take you to the best restaurant in town.”

Those familiar words brought back a flood of memories.

“Ava, I’m giving the first choice at the Hunting Festival to Clara this time. I’ll make it up to you next time.”

“Ava, don’t go to the Moonlight Gala. Give your spot to Clara. I’ll invite you to the next event.”

“Ava, Clara wants to meet my inner circle. You should skip the Beta and Gamma gathering this time. I’ll bring you next time.”

“Ava…”

So many next times. So many I couldn’t even count them all.

While I was lost in my daze, Kayden had already poured the beef stew into the thermos. He offered a dismissive word of concern.

“I’m heading out. Take care of yourself at home.”

He turned to leave, and the corner of his jacket brushed against the soup bowl on the table.

CRASH!

The bowl hit the floor, shattering into pieces, just like my heart.

“Kayden.”

I called out to him and pulled the glass jar with the ninety-nine beans from my pocket.

“Ninety-nine beans. Count them.”

Kayden’s back went rigid. He turned around, his face a mask of shock.

“Is it… really time?”

I nodded.

“It is.”

Kayden set down the thermos, his expression troubled.

I didn’t say a word, just quietly waited for his answer.

It was just as I expected.

After only a moment’s hesitation, Kayden spoke.

“Ava, Clara can’t be left alone right now…”

A flicker of guilt crossed his eyes, but he continued anyway.

“Our promise… let’s just call it off.”

I lowered my gaze and let out a soft sigh.

“Okay.”

Kayden was stunned. He couldn’t believe I had agreed so easily.

He rushed over and hugged me.

“Ava, you’re so understanding.”

“Don’t worry, as soon as Clara is fully recovered, I promise I’ll spend all my time with you.”

I just hummed, and made a single request.

“Our child will be born soon. I want a guardian sigil.”

At the mention of the child, Kayden’s expression softened even more.