I stood still in the office, the pain in my chest making each breath heavy.
I once believed that no matter how Ronan treated me, he at least cared about the pup.
I believed he would become a worthy Alpha father.
Now I finally understood that it was only my own dream.
Our pup was not even born, yet he could already take everything meant for her and use it to please another she wolf without hesitation.
I did not dare imagine that if my daughter were truly born, would she one day have to fight a pet for her own clothes?
The last bit of hope I had shattered completely.
When I stayed silent, Ronan stepped closer instead. He bent slightly, his eyes falling on my belly, then said with a gentle voice, “Little one, when you arrive, your father will buy you the finest and most beautiful garments in all the Alpha kingdoms, alright?”
“We do not need those old clothes from other packs.”
He reached out and lightly pinched my cheek, smiling the same charming smile as always.
“Do not look so upset, little crier,” he said softly. “Be good. I will make it right for you.”
Looking at the face I once knew so well yet now felt so far from, a bitter laugh rose inside me.
There was a time when Ronan and I stayed in this same tower office night after night, studying trade maps, speaking with allied packs, planning future territories.
Now the floor was covered with scattered scrolls, overturned documents, and even used protective charms thrown carelessly onto the carpet.
Everything in the room felt filthy.
The crushing feeling rose in my chest. I covered my mouth and rushed out.
I barely made it to the washroom before I threw up, my body shaking until I could hardly stand.
When I returned home, I never mentioned the clothes again.
Instead, I quietly packed every item prepared for my pup. The garments, the toys, the small storybooks of wolf legends, the moon charm hanging for the cradle.
I had them all sent to the house I purchased years ago in a distant human land beyond pack borders.
Ronan noticed nothing.
He thought I had finally learned to be understanding.
So he began sending gifts to please me.
Expensive maternity robes made from rare fur, limited edition jewelry blessed by minor priests, designer garments stacked high in the walk-in closet.
I never touched them.
Each time he sent a batch, I had someone remove them just as quickly.
At the same time, Marielle began streaming more often from her chamber. Sometimes, during her broadcast, with a slight turn of her head, Ronan would appear in the background.
At times he handed her water. At times he leaned close to whisper to her. At times only his blurred profile could be seen.
Even those brief moments caused excitement among viewers. More and more began pairing their names together.
Some envied her. They said Marielle was fortunate. They said Ronan was strong, wealthy, gentle, and willing to appear publicly by her side.
But not all voices praised them. Soon other comments surfaced.
“Is this not betrayal?”
“So cheat long enough and it becomes true love?”
“When Alpha Ronan once pursued Luna Valea, did he not give her everything and almost kneel for her?”
“Let us be honest. He is only playing.”
Reading those words late at night, my thoughts drifted back many years.
In the Royal Werewolf Academy, I was the top student of my division. Moon scholarships, combat contests, elder recommendations, everything came easily. My life was the library tower, the training field, and ancient spell books.
While Ronan was the opposite.
He skipped lessons, arrived late, ignored instructors, and lived wildly. If not for Elder Ardena, I would never have crossed paths with him.
That year, with her support, I completed my studies without worry. She treated me kindly and spoke plainly.
“Ronan’s wolf runs untamed. You steady him.”
I agreed.
So I dragged him to lectures, forced him to train properly, made him finish assignments, even arranged his study scrolls.
I used every simple method I knew to make him behave like a future Alpha.
Slowly, he changed.
He arrived on time. He left his reckless circle. He began focusing on study and real responsibilities.
Later, Ronan fell in love with me openly and fiercely.
He cut off all unclear bonds, declared before the entire academy that he was courting me and began taking on serious duties to prove himself.
Many said I was the chain that anchored Ronan.
Back then, I believed it. I thought I was special. I thought I was the one who saved him.
Now I see clearly. I was never a chain. Perhaps I only appeared earlier than the others.
Three days remained before the mating bond would be dissolved.
Today was the fifth anniversary celebration of Moonbond. We prepared for a full year.
I believed that even if our bond was broken, Ronan would still keep reason when it came to the company.
Moonbond was not only my work. It was the kingdom we built from nothing, the heart of the company, and the shared memories of countless wolves.
Because I was carrying a pup and easily tired, Ronan was meant to stand on the stage tonight as the main Alpha.
Two weeks ago, during rehearsal, everything went smoothly.
I assumed today would be the same.
The host’s voice echoed with excitement as he introduced the special guest of the night.
The lights brightened.
The one who was meant to rise onto the platform was a newly famous wolf actor we paid heavily to invite.
Instead, Ronan slowly rose from beneath the stage platform, holding Marielle’s hand tightly in his own.
