"You don't have to do that, Ashton. We're done, and there's nothing you can do to change my mind." My tone was resolute.

I couldn't understand it.

For so long, he's pushed me to sever our mating bond, repeatedly telling me to let him go. He's always shown me that he didn't want me as his mate, always choosing my sister over me and even over our son. But now that I'm openly, freely giving him that freedom, he's suddenly unwilling to let me go.

Why?

Is he afraid of his father's reaction?

Or maybe he's just so used to having me always—devoted to him, serving him.

Perhaps it's not love or regret. It's simply his comfort in knowing I'm his constant, the one person who would never leave… until now.

"Stop being so stubborn, Kathryn. I'm already willing to give you everything you asked for," He argued, his calm demeanor slipping.

"No, you're not. The only thing I want from you is to end our mating bond." My tone was cold.

He took a deep breath, visibly struggling to keep his composure. "I can't do that."

I couldn't help but smirk. "Why? Wouldn't ending our bond exactly what you've wanted all along? It would finally give you and Tiana the freedom to parade your relationship without any guilt."

At that, Ashton's composure shattered.

"I'm so sick of all your drama, Kathryn!" He shouted. "If you don't want to go to the Golden Land Amusement Park, then I'll just take Bryan there myself!" His gaze darted around the mansion, as if searching for something—or someone.

He sighed heavily and called over the first maid he saw. "Where is Bryan?"

The maid bowed her head and replied, "I don't know, Young Master," before quickly walking away.

At that, Ashton turned to me again. "Where is Bryan, Kathryn? Was he taken back to the infirmary? I thought he was already under house treatment."

A bitter chuckle escaped my lips as I realized it had been more than a year since he last visited Bryan.

"See how irresponsible you are as a father? You don't even know where your son is or what's happening to him. It's funny how we've been here for so long, and only now do you realize Bryan isn't around."

"You're still not done with your drama? Really? If Bryan's really sick, why the hell are you leaving his side? Where is he, Kathryn? Why are you hiding him from me?" He demanded, raising his voice.

I didn't say another word. I simply looked him in the eye, though a single tear betrayed me, slipping down my cheek.