Chapter 1

My fiancé, Reid, once promised me a life for two, a forever bond. But for the sake of his rank, he married the high-ranking she-wolf, Seraphina.

I didn't cry. Instead, I accepted the mating proposal from Cillian, the Alpha's son of the Silver Ridge Pack, who had chased me for years.

For five years, Cillian treated me like the rarest gem. He spoiled me, protected me, and never once thought of taking a second mate.

I became the most envied woman in the entire territory.

Just as I was drowning in this perfect happiness, I overheard a conversation between him and Reid.

"If Seraphina didn't have her heart set on you, do you think I would have let you have her?" Cillian's voice was cold and sharp.

"Besides Seraphina, it doesn't matter who I marry. Marrying Elara was just a way to kill any hope you had of running back to her. This way, you can focus on Seraphina!"

My world shattered. I wandered into his private study, a place I had never stepped foot in before.

In a hidden room behind the bookshelf, I found the walls covered with portraits of Seraphina. There were countless love poems written to her in Cillian's own hand.

In that moment, I finally woke up.

I swallowed a vial of wolf-sbane extract to fake my death. I decided I would never see Cillian again in this life or the next.

......

1、

I touched the vial of wolf-sbane extract hidden in my sleeve. I sat on the swing Cillian had built for me, staring into the distance.

In three days, Cillian would leave the territory with the Alpha to handle pack business. I planned to use that time to escape through death and vanish forever.

Since he was the one who started this fake romance, I would be the one to end it.

Suddenly, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

I turned and met Cillian's deep, soulful eyes.

In the past, whenever he looked at me with such tenderness, I couldn't help but drown in it. I was addicted to his gaze.

This time was no different. My heart skipped a beat, but then I caught a scent.

It was the faint smell of winter plum blossoms. I had smelled that exact scent on Seraphina many times before.

My breath hitched. I gripped my silk handkerchief until my knuckles turned white.

Cillian didn't notice my reaction.

He carefully helped me off the swing. He draped a thick fur cloak over my shoulders with practiced devotion.

"Why aren't you wearing more layers? What if you get sick?"

His tone was gentle and doting. You could hear the deep concern and love in every word.

But my heart was filled with nothing but bitterness.

We had been married for five years. Everyone in the Silver Ridge Pack knew he loved me more than life itself.

He told me he fell in love with me at first sight at the Moon Festival eight years ago.

When Reid broke our engagement and the whole pack mocked me, Cillian showed up with a massive dowry to claim me.

On our wedding day, the ceremony spanned ten miles. He made me the envy of every female in the pack.

In five years of marriage, I hadn't produced an heir because of my health.

But he took all the pressure from the elders alone. He refused to take another mate because he wanted to keep his vow of being mine alone.

He was so devoted and loyal. How could I not be moved?

I thought he was my rock for life. I gave him my whole heart, only to find out it was all a lie.

I wished I hadn't gone to his study to bring him food that day. If I hadn't, I wouldn't have heard him talking to Reid.

I would rather have been deceived for a lifetime than know the cruel truth at my happiest moment.

I leaned into Cillian's chest, secretly wiping away the tears at the corner of my eyes.

He still didn't notice. He just kept talking to himself.

"Elara, they say a heavy blizzard is coming tomorrow. Your body is weak, so why don't you skip the pack gala? Stay home and rest. I'll explain things to the Alpha's wife for you."

Hearing his words, which sounded so thoughtful, felt like a knife in my heart.

I couldn't even count how many times he had used this excuse to keep me from the public.

I used to think he truly cared about my health. I was so touched back then.

Now I knew better. He did it because Seraphina didn't want me at the same parties.

She thought I would steal all her thunder.

"But I haven't been out in so long. If I don't show up, my old friends will think I've forgotten them."

"Don't overthink it. They won't. When the weather warms up, I'll take you to the mountains for a picnic, okay?"

I bit my lip and didn't say a word.

Sensing my bad mood, Cillian coaxed me gently.

"Elara, let's not be stubborn, okay? It's freezing out. Your body can't handle the cold."

"If you get sick, you're the one who suffers, and I'm the one who hurts."

"Besides, there are plenty of galas. I'll definitely take you when it's warmer."

"I'm heading south with the Alpha in three days. When I get back, I'll bring you a very special gift, alright?"

I looked up into his eyes and gave a tiny smile.

"Sure. I'll have a gift for you too, Cillian."

Cillian, by the time you return from the south, I'll be gone.

The gift I'm giving you is the news of my death.