Chapter 3

3、

Everyone looked at Cillian and me in shock.

They all assumed that, given how much Cillian supposedly adored me, he would choose me without a second thought.

Seraphina's look toward me was full of triumph and mockery.

Even though I was mentally prepared, my heart still shattered into a million pieces.

Cillian's answer was so blunt. There wasn't a hint of hesitation.

I curled my lips into a self-deprecating smile.

Things had come to this. What on earth was I still hoping for?

Suddenly, my cold hand was gripped by his warm, large palm.

"Elara, why do you look so pale? Are you feeling sick? Do you want to leave early?"

I kept my eyes down and didn't say a word. I let him lead me away.

In the carriage back to the manor, Cillian pulled me into his arms. He offered a pathetic, hollow explanation for his choice.

"Elara, are you mad at me?"

"I only chose Seraphina because I didn't want her to hold a grudge against you."

"You know how spoiled she is. If she targeted you later, you'd be the one suffering."

"In my heart, there is only you. Your dance is the most beautiful in the world to me."

"Tomorrow, I'll find the most beautiful hairpins in the whole territory for you. Just don't be mad at your husband, okay?"

The dull throb in my waist kept me incredibly sharp.

Words that I once thought were sweet now sounded fake and disgusting.

But to avoid any trouble, I forced myself to smile at him and said I wasn't angry.

Cillian kissed my forehead. He promised to take me jewelry shopping the next day.

But when the next day came, he abandoned me to go to Seraphina's manor.

Seraphina and her husband had a massive fight that morning. It had even turned physical.

Cillian was worried she'd get hurt. He didn't even finish breakfast before rushing to her side.

He didn't return until nearly lunchtime.

Seraphina followed him back, still looking furious.

When Cillian met my gaze, his eyes flickered. He spoke in a stiff tone:

"Elara, the Luna is in a bad mood. She wants someone to talk to. Since you're not busy, spend the afternoon keeping her company."

Keeping her company?

I let out a cold laugh in my head.

Yesterday, he was talking about how spoiled and mean she was.

Today, he brings her right to my face and tells me to entertain her.

Was he planning to offer me up as her punching bag to calm her down?

I took a deep breath. Before I could refuse, Seraphina dragged me toward the backyard.

Once we were out of Cillian's sight, Seraphina dropped my hand in disgust.

She looked me up and down with total contempt. Then she spoke with a sneer:

"Elara, everyone calls you the most talented woman in the pack. I think you're nothing special."

"Do you actually believe Cillian is deeply in love with you? Let me tell you the truth. The one he's always loved is me!"

"The night before he sent the dowry to your house, he stood outside my manor all night. He told me that if I didn't marry Reid, he'd go to the Alpha immediately to ask for my hand."

"I told him I wanted you married off so Reid would give up on you. So, he went to your house the very next day."

"Believe it or not, if I divorced Reid today, Cillian would divorce you tomorrow and become my new husband!"