Iris's POV
Immediately I entered the bathroom, I locked the door behind me, leaning against it as the tears ran down my face. The ache in my heart increased, and I clutched my chest as I sobbed in pain.
All those years of promises and vows had all turned out to be fake, a big lie. Zara was really the person he wanted.
I don’t know how long I stayed there sobbing, but finally when it felt like I had no more tears to shed, I stood in front of the mirror and stared miserably at my red eyes, and disheveled hair. I looked like a mess—nothing like the gorgeous Zara.
I washed my face, rearranged my hair and my face, and stepped out of the bathroom with a sigh. I braced myself to continue watching Jake and Zara all over each other.
“So Iris, are you done crying?” A familiar voice asked mockingly from beside me, and I froze.
I turned, and there she was, leaning against the wall with a mocking smirk on her face. Zara was obviously showing her true face here.
“I’m fine, thank you,” I replied, trying to walk away.
Zara laughed a loud mocking laugh that sent a shiver down my spine. “I’m just trying to check up on you, make sure you are alright. It’s not easy to see one’s mate all over another woman.”
Pain surged through me at her words, but she wasn’t done.
“Let me tell you something, Iris. As long as it concerns me, he will always prioritize it.”
I clenched my jaw at her words, but I decided to leave to avoid a confrontation.
“I’m really surprised,” she started, and I paused at her words, wondering where she was getting at.
“With your pitiful background, it’s quite funny to think you belong by the alpha’s side. You should know your place.” She taunted with a cruel smirk on her face.
My heart broke all over as I realized how deep Jake's betrayal had been. He had told her the personal details of my life—the things that I had told only him, in moments of vulnerability.
I bit my lips as I struggled to keep the tears in. I was not going to cry here. She took a step closer to me with a sneer on her face.
“Jake is mine. Has always been. I don't care that he's your mate or whatever, but it's me he wants, so you better back off.” She snarled.
I clenched my jaw as a fresh wave of pain surged through me as Jake's conversation in his office flashed through my mind. Zara had nothing to worry about. I thought bitterly to myself.
Zara snorted to herself in amusement. “Why am I even bothering? Jake has always made it clear to me how much he wants me.” Her eyes shone with glee. “Especially when we make love.” She added with a cruel smirk on her face.
I inhaled sharply at her words.
“Oh yes, don't be surprised, because it's very true. Do you remember that alphas’ conference that he went to a few months back?” She asked, tilting her head with delight in her eyes.
I remembered it vividly, as it was the first time Jake had been away for two weeks since we had gotten together. I had missed him terribly and had kept calling him, just to hear his voice to soothe the ache in my chest. I also remembered how distracted and distant he had been whenever I called him.
“Yes, Iris,” Zara said, smirking. “There was no conference. Jake spent those days with me, in my arms, in my bed. You were probably home, waiting like a good little Luna while your mate was in my bed.”
I clenched my fists as I struggled to maintain my composure. I refused to break down here.
“As if that wasn't enough, this afternoon, after he picked me from the airport, we spent hours together, just like old times. Jake couldn’t keep his hands off me. He kept telling me how much he missed me, how you have never satisfied him.”
“Why are you telling me this?” I whispered, my voice shook.
“Because you need to hear the truth,” Zara said with a wide grin. “Jake doesn't want you. He never did. You’re just... convenient.”
Her words were so hurtful. How had I been so blind? There were so many signs, but I had chosen to ignore them, because of my blind trust in him.
Zara laughed mockingly at the look on my face. “I think I'm done here. Let me leave before my Jake gets worried, and starts looking for me.”
