The next morning, as I sat at the restaurant table, Jane chatted idly beside me, but I barely heard her. My mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of last night over and over. Benedict had left after the phone call, and he hadn’t returned until dawn.

"Felicia? Are you even listening?" Jane nudged me playfully.

I forced a small smile. "Sorry, I didn’t sleep well."

She raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. "So, about that job interview… You’re seriously applying to work for Blackwood Pack?"

I nodded. "Yes. It’s the best opportunity I have."

Jane looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Felicia, you do realize Elias Blackwood is Benedict’s biggest rival, right?"

"I know."

"And you’re okay with that?"

I hesitated before nodding again. "Benedict has no say in what I do anymore."

Jane let out a low whistle. "Damn. You’re really done with him, huh?"

I didn’t answer. Instead, I finished my coffee and stood. "I should go. I don’t want to be late."

By the time I arrived at Blackwood Pack’s headquarters, my nerves were on edge. The building was sleek and modern, far different from the old-world elegance of Benedict’s estate. It felt like a fresh start—like walking into a new future I never thought I’d have.

The interview went smoothly—better than I had expected. When I stepped outside, my phone buzzed. Jane called.

"How’d it go?" she asked the moment I answered.

"I think it went well. They said they’d get back to me within a few days."

"That’s amazing! So what’s next?"

"I need to find an apartment."

"Felicia…" Her voice softened. "Are you sure you’re ready?"

I swallowed hard. "I don’t have a choice. If I stay, I’ll never be free."

That night, as I packed my things, Benedict was not at home as he was busy with his business travels, so I took my time to make my escape while he was away.

But then, my phone rang. It was Benedict, and I had no choice but to answer.

"Where are you now?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

I turned slowly. "I'm home, just resting."

His tone was unreadable. "Hmm… good. Just rest and wait for me to come home. I have gifts for you."

I let out a dry laugh. "For what? I don’t remember any special occasion."

"Honey, you forgot our wedding anniversary." He scoffed.

"Oh, that? Sorry, but I have too much on my mind to even think about celebrating."

He sighed. "Felicia, I know you're still mad at me, but give me a chance to make this right."