The day my world shattered began like any other. I was in my room, surrounded by wedding plans, thinking about centerpieces and floral arrangements. For six months, I had been engaged to Harvard, and despite the challenges our pack was facing, I believed we’d find a way through—together.
The faint buzz of my phone interrupted my thoughts. It was my mom.
"Hey, Mom," I answered, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder.
"How’s the planning coming along?" she asked warmly, though there was a familiar thread of worry in her voice.
"It’s going… okay," I replied, sifting through papers. "The pack’s situation is rough, but I’m optimistic. Harvard’s stepping up."
Her sigh was heavy. "Saffire, you’re doing too much. Let Harvard shoulder some of the load—that’s his role as Beta, and as your fiancé."
"He is," I said quickly, though the words felt hollow. "Things will get better. They always do."
She didn’t sound convinced, but I didn’t press her. If only I could convince myself.
That evening, the pack house was alive with chatter. A gathering had been called to boost morale and address the financial strains the Blackthorn pack had inflicted on us.
Harvard had insisted on taking the lead tonight, determined to prove himself as more than just the Beta—he wanted everyone to see him as my equal, as someone worthy of me.
I stood by the refreshment table, sipping water and stealing glances at the stage where Harvard would speak. Amelia, my cousin—the girl my family had adopted when she was just a child—floated toward me in a pale blue gown.
"You look beautiful, Saff," she said, her voice sugary sweet.
"You too, Amelia," I replied, though I couldn’t shake the unease creeping up my spine.
Before I could analyze it further, Harvard stepped onto the stage, his tall frame commanding attention.
The room fell silent. He looked polished, confident—the man I’d loved for years. My heart swelled with pride.
"This is it!" I thought. "He’s going to show them he’s ready for this role—for us.”
Harvard cleared his throat, his dark eyes scanning the crowd. When they landed on me, he hesitated for just a moment before moving on.
"My fellow Hawthorne pack members," he began, his voice steady. "We’ve endured hardships, but we are resilient. Tonight, I have news that will secure our future."
The air buzzed with anticipation. My fingers tightened around my glass.
"He’s going to announce our wedding date." My mind screaming.
But when he spoke again, my entire world tilted.
"I’m honored to announce my engagement… to Amelia."
The glass slipped from my fingers and shattered against the floor, its sharp crack echoing the sound of my heart breaking.
Gasps filled the room.
Time seemed to freeze as I stared at him, unblinking. I turned my head, almost in slow motion, to Amelia. She stood beside me, her hands clasped in front of her, a satisfied smile curling her lips.
Harvard descended the stage and walked straight to her. The room blurred around me.
"Harvard," I finally managed, my voice trembling. "What are you doing?"
He didn’t meet my eyes, his expression cold and detached. "I’m doing what’s best for the pack, Saffire. This alliance is necessary."
"Necessary?" My voice cracked. "You’re humiliating me! In front of everyone!"
"This isn’t about you," he snapped, wrapping an arm around Amelia’s waist.
I felt like I was drowning, the whispers of pack members swirling around me.
Amelia turned to me then, her voice soft. "I didn’t want you to find out this way, Saffire."
I blinked at her, a bitter laugh spilling from my lips. "Find out this way? You’re standing there with him, wearing that smug grin, and you expect me to believe you’re sorry?!"
"You’re overreacting," Harvard cut in.
I wanted to scream, but my voice was gone. I stumbled back, feeling the walls closing in around me.
***
By the time I reached my room, anger had begun to replace the shock. I slammed the door shut, breathing hard. My hands shook as I grabbed my phone and dialed my mom.
"Mom," I choked out. "I’m coming home."
"Saffire, what’s wrong?"
"Harvard’s engaged to Amelia," I spat, the words tasting like ash.
There was silence on the other end. When she spoke again, her voice was low and steady. "Come home, sweetheart. We’ll handle this together."
I hung up, tossing my phone onto the bed. Before I could start packing, there was a knock at the door.
"Go away," I muttered, but the door creaked open anyway.
Amelia stepped inside, her smugness replaced with a weak imitation of pity. "Saffire, I didn’t mean—"
"Don’t," I said sharply, turning to face her. "Don’t pretend to care now."
"It wasn’t personal," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Not personal?" I snapped. "You were my family. My cousin who almost like a sister to me. How long have you been planning this?"
She didn’t answer, and her silence told me everything.
"You should leave," I said through clenched teeth, pointing at the door.
For once, she listened.
As I threw clothes into a bag, tears streamed down my face. But beneath the heartbreak, something else was growing.
They thought they could break me. They thought I’d crumble.
They had no idea who they were messing with!
