On my way to the hospital, I stopped by the commercial complex next door, hoping to eat something light. My appetite was poor, but I knew I needed the strength.
That was when a voice I knew far too well reached my ears.
“This area deserves closer attention. Local luxury brands are expanding faster than expected.”
My steps faltered.
I turned my head—and there he was.
Ronan stood only a few aisles away, tall and composed as ever. At his side was Delilah. Both were dressed impeccably, radiating the polished air of a formal inspection. They looked like a perfect pair—Alpha and Luna-in-waiting.
My chest tightened painfully. I was just about to turn away when I heard a light, artificial laugh.
“Well, isn’t this unexpected? Miss Ravenscar—what a coincidence!”
Delilah approached in graceful strides, the click of her heels sharp against the floor. Her smile was professional, flawless, and utterly false.
Before I could respond, the mall’s general manager rushed over, beaming. “Alpha Blackcliff, Mrs. Blackcliff—right this way, please. We’ve prepared a new section just for you to review.”
Delilah laughed softly. “Please, call me Delilah. Let’s keep business and personal matters separate.”
As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward me—quick, deliberate.
My fingers curled into fists.
So this was how it was. The man who had hidden me for years couldn’t even wait for our child to be born before publicly parading his former mate as his future Luna—introducing her to partners, no less.
She turned back to me with a conspiratorial smile. “Miss Ravenscar, you won’t mention this to anyone, will you? No one in the company knows yet. We’d like to wait until after the mating ceremony to make it official.”
She said it lightly, as if sharing a harmless secret. As if she didn’t know exactly who I was.
Ronan’s expression tightened. Guilt flickered briefly in his eyes—followed by that familiar, silent warning. Don’t cause trouble.
My heart twisted, but I still forced a polite smile.
“Of course,” I said evenly. “I won’t say a word.”
Because once the procedure was done, I would be gone. Whatever they planned together would no longer concern me.
“I knew you’d understand,” Delilah said brightly. “But tell me—why are you here alone? Where’s your mate?”
There was a sharp triumph in her gaze as she looped her arm through mine, pretending familiarity.