Chapter 1

After confirming the final arrangements for my fake death, I hung up the phone. In two days, I would disappear forever, just as they wished. The door opened softly. I looked up to see Andrew. He embraced me, his voice gentle. "Who were you talking to?" "Nothing important. Pack hospital business." I smiled, trying to sound natural. He kissed me. "You've been so busy lately. I'll cook something special for you tonight." During our five-year mate bond, Andrew had always been gentle with me. Everyone said wizards never fell for women, but once they did, it was for life. I thought this was my happiness. Now I understood this mate bond wasn't my happiness—it was his protection of Violet. Andrew gently stroked my shoulder and said, "The Silverton family is throwing a party tomorrow. Celebrating Violet's three-month pregnancy and her promotion to pack healer. You should rest at home. I'll drop off a gift and come back." "I'd like to go too..." He interrupted with a gentle but undeniable tone. "You should skip the party. Haven't you been wanting a baby? This is a good time to rest and prepare your body." I lowered my eyes, hiding my complex emotions. I was marked for years without baby. I had consulted healers, tried fertility treatments, prayed to every deity I could name. I once thought it might need some luck. But recently I found the truth. After each time we were intimate, he secretly put the special herbs in my food to prevent pregnancy. He didn't want children with me because that would make our bond too real, too permanent. After all, how could he let me bear children that would taint his true love? He probably didn't want me at the party because I might overshadow Violet. The pack healer's celebration would be her moment to shine, her chance to bask in the admiration and respect that should have been mine. My presence would only remind everyone that she had built her success on stolen research, stolen dreams. He kissed my forehead, seemingly unaware of my sadness, his lips gentle against my skin in a mockery of true affection. "The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I've prepared a surprise, Evangeline." "The day after tomorrow is your birthday. I've prepared a surprise, Evangeline." Evangeline. I repeated the word, suddenly finding it harsh. All these years, his blessings always included "Evangeline." Only now did I understand its true meaning. Violet Evangeline Silverton. He'd been blessing me with his beloved's secret middle name. All those blessings from his lips were never meant for me. "Sounds wonderful. I've planned some activities too. Make sure you're free to spend time with me." He nodded. "Of course. Whatever my Morgan wants." I looked up and smiled. Andrew, how painstaking you are. That night, I couldn't sleep. I carefully moved his arm from around me. I accidentally knocked over the bracelet he always wore. When I picked it up, I felt something strange on the beads. In the dim light, I saw letters carved on each glass bead. V.E.S. Violet's initials. That moment, I gave up completely.