Chapter 2

2、

Early the next morning, Cillian left the manor in a hurry again.

I sent my personal maid away and followed him in a simple disguise.

Even though I heard him say he didn't love me, and I saw the pictures in his secret room.

Even though my heart was already shredded and I felt hopeless.

We had lived together for five years. His affection and protection felt so real.

I still couldn't let it go.

I followed him all the way to a peach grove outside the city.

Seraphina was already there waiting. She had a harp set up next to her.

The moment Cillian saw her, his eyes lit up with joy and a deeply hidden... passion.

He sat down at the harp and began to pluck the strings.

A beautiful melody filled the air. Seraphina began to dance gracefully.

From a distance, they looked like the perfect match, a couple made in heaven.

In five years of marriage, I never even knew Cillian could play the harp so well.

I squeezed my handkerchief so hard it almost tore. Tears rolled down my cheeks silently.

Cillian really never loved me, not even for a second.

The next day, I got up early and asked my maid to dress me in my finest clothes.

Even though Cillian told me not to go to the gala.

This time, I didn't plan on listening to him.

This might be the last time I appeared in public as the Alpha's daughter-in-law.

Cillian clearly noticed my intentions.

He stared at me for a long time. Seeing that I wasn't backing down, he finally let out a soft sigh.

"Elara, since you're determined to go, just stay close to me."

"You and Seraphina never got along. Don't cross her at the pack house. I'm afraid she'll bully you."

His face was full of worry.

But whether he was worried about me being bullied or worried I would overshadow Seraphina, I didn't know.

When Cillian and I arrived at the gala, every eye in the room turned toward us.

"The Alpha's daughter-in-law is here today. She's the most talented woman in the territory. It looks like she'll be the one to win the Alpha's prize tonight."

Seraphina, who had just arrived, heard this and let out a cold snort.

Everyone saw her expression and immediately shut their mouths.

Seraphina gave me a vicious glare.

As she walked past me, she intentionally shoved me hard with her shoulder.

I wasn't prepared at all. My waist slammed hard against the sharp corner of a table.

I gasped in pain. My face turned pale instantly.

But Cillian, who was standing right next to me, didn't even glance my way. His entire focus was on Seraphina.

I suppressed the bitterness in my chest. I fought back the tears and tried to stay calm.

Once the Alpha and his wife arrived, the gala truly began.

The most important part of this event was the talent competition. The winning lady would receive a golden hairpin from the Alpha's wife.

It was a supreme honor.

Seraphina performed the exact dance she had practiced in the peach grove yesterday.

So that was it. Cillian had been leaving early and coming home late just to help her practice her dance.

After Seraphina finished, the Alpha's wife suddenly called my name.

Cillian tried to decline for me, but I stood up and walked straight to the center of the hall.

I performed the very dance that Cillian once claimed made him fall for me at first sight.

By the time I sat back down, Cillian's expression was incredibly dark.

The Alpha's wife spoke with a smile:

"It's been a while since we've seen Elara. Her dance is still so breathtaking. I truly enjoyed it!"

As soon as she said that, Seraphina's face dropped.

The Alpha's wife noticed this and added:

"Seraphina's dance was also excellent. How about I give each of you a golden pin?"

Seraphina pouted, looking completely dissatisfied.

"Mother, your pin should only go to the best one."

"Since you can't decide, why don't we ask Cillian? I'm sure he won't be biased!"

In an instant, every eye in the room was on Cillian.

My heart climbed into my throat.

Cillian, who will you choose?

If you choose me, then I might...

Before I could finish the thought, Cillian's cold voice rang out:

"Clearly, Seraphina's dance was superior."