Chapter 3

3

The surgical lights flickered on. I could hear the doctor sighing with regret.

"Such a precious, high-quality Omega. Why would she want this...?"

Yes, a high-quality Omega. It was just a label on my body. Nobody cared about my soul.

This label made it so I had no choice but to love Silas.

Now, I could finally be free of it.

The scalpel cut into my skin. Even with the anesthesia, the pain made me shiver.

After two hours, the gland was finally removed.

That overwhelming, crashing wave of love for Silas stopped instantly.

Now, I was just Autumn Moore. I belonged only to myself.

"Since your gland is gone, your hormones are unstable. You must avoid extreme emotions. An infection could be fatal."

I nodded, understanding the risk.

Maybe Silas was right. Omega love, mixed with biological biological urges, was a bit disgusting.

By the time I was discharged, Silas hadn't sent me a single message.

In the past, I would have cried and begged for his attention. Now, I just felt relieved.

I didn't go home immediately. Instead, I contacted a law firm to draft divorce papers.

It was evening when I walked into the house. I jumped when I saw a tall shadow in the living room.

"Where have you been? Did you forget the rule that an Omega needs an Alpha's permission to go out?"

It was a barrage of questions without a single word of concern.

I let out a soft laugh. I couldn't believe I had ever loved a man like him.

"I was at the hospital."

Silas looked annoyed. He tugged at his tie. "There is a seminar tonight. I need a plus one. You're coming with me."

I couldn't believe my ears. In all our years of marriage, I had begged him to take me into his social circle.

I had practically groveled, but he always told me to wait.

Eventually, I understood. To him, I was embarrassing. I wasn't worthy of being seen.

My heart stirred slightly. I decided this would be the final chapter of our story.

"Fine."

The banquet hall was crowded. The air was thick with Alpha pheromones. Some sensitive Omegas were already being dragged out by their impatient partners.

"Useless," Silas muttered. He turned to look at me.

"Good. At least you knew to take suppressants today. You're getting smarter."

I didn't know whether to curse him or be glad he hadn't noticed I'd had surgery.

Silas saw how pale I was and assumed I was just uncomfortable. For the first time, he put his arm around my waist.

A wave of intense nausea hit me.

The people here were leaders in their fields. I needed Silas's connections to open doors for my future. I couldn't offend him yet.

I gritted my teeth and forced a shy smile instead of pushing him away.

Silas seemed satisfied. He introduced me to several powerful figures throughout the night.

For a brief moment, I thought maybe we could have lived like this, just pretending. At least we both got what we wanted.

But the next second, reality slapped me in the face.

On the large screen at the front of the room, a video appeared. It was my face―eyes vacant, drooling, and completely lost to my heat in that bar.