I stood there, the weight of everything crushing me. This was the man I had wasted ten years on—a man who would always choose someone else.
“Damon!” I called after him, my voice trembling with anger, “are you serious right now?”
“I’ll explain later,” he said over his shoulder, already halfway out the door.
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving me standing there, alone. Again.
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. There was nothing left to explain.
That night, I called my aunt.
“Aunt Lydia, I just wanted to thank you for everything over the years. I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Leaving? Where are you going?”
“I’m getting married,” I said simply.
“To Damon?” she asked, her tone hopeful.
“No,” I said firmly. “It’s an arranged match. Someone from another pack.”
She was silent for a moment before speaking softly. “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure.” My voice didn’t waver. “Damon and I have been stuck in this gray area for ten years. It’s time for me to move forward.”
Her sigh was heavy with emotion, but she didn’t argue. “If that’s what you want, then I support you.”
That night, I set a countdown on my phone: five days until the wedding.
The next morning, I finalized everything with my Dad. By evening, a truckload of gifts arrived at my aunt’s house as a thank-you for all she had done for me.
Damon and Serena walked side by side, carrying bags filled with books and office supplies. From where I stood, they looked exactly like a young couple preparing to start a new project together. Serena’s laughter echoed faintly as she nudged Damon with her shoulder, her delicate figure trailing closely behind him.
I clenched my fists at my sides and turned my attention to Aunt Lydia, who had come down to greet me.
“Dad sent over some gifts for you,” I said casually. “Make sure to check the expiration dates so nothing goes bad.”
Aunt Lydia opened her mouth, likely about to comment on Damon and Serena, but I cut her off. I didn’t want to hear it.
Damon noticed us and, for the first time in weeks, took the initiative to explain himself.
“Elara, don’t get the wrong idea,” he said, shifting awkwardly. “Serena’s old office was too far from the pack lands, so I helped her find a new workspace. I didn’t know it was near your aunt’s place.”
I didn’t even glance at him. “That’s none of my business. I’m here to deliver the stuff my Dad sent. We don’t know when we’ll be back, so she sent a lot.”