Nicole’s POV
I never imagined I'd find my Alpha here, in this kind of place, witnessing a side of him he never showed me. Standing not too far away, hidden from their view, the pain hit me even harder as I watched him drown in lies just to protect his mistress. They were at the hospital, getting a prenatal check-up. The way he cared for her... he never showed that kind of affection to me. I felt like a stone on the side, an unwanted obstacle in their romance.
The heartbreak and bitterness I felt quickly turned into anger and pity for myself. How could I have been so blind to everything happening right under my nose? I wasted so much time and hope on someone like Jake. As he rushed around, paying bills and doting on his mistress like the perfect husband, it finally sank in: there was no place for me—or our child—in his life. If he had truly loved me as his Luna, and cherished the family we could’ve had together, he would’ve never chosen someone else. But instead, he was having a child with her.
I could hear every word Jake said to Charise, reminding her of the doctor’s advice: “The doctor said you need to cut down on eating too much and focus on healthy food. And don’t forget your vitamins so the baby comes out healthy.”
Charise responded with a teasing smile, “But it’s your fault for always spoiling me, bringing all those delicious foods, especially my favorites. You never miss a day.”
“Is that so? I’m to blame, huh?” Jake laughed, looking at her with a tenderness that tore me apart inside.
As the rain began to pour down hard, I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. I stepped outside the hospital, letting the rain drench me. Somehow, it made me feel a bit lighter, washing away some of the hurt. But just as I turned to leave, I saw Jake lovingly wrap his jacket around Charise—a jacket I had gifted him for our wedding anniversary. He did it so naturally, ensuring she wouldn’t get wet, while I stood there like a soaked, shivering mess, watching my so-called mate pamper his mistress.
He held her close, guiding her to the front passenger seat of his car, like she was the most precious thing in his world. Charise noticed me staring at them. She tugged Jake closer and kissed him—right there, right in front of me. Instead of pulling away, Jake returned the kiss with equal passion, clearly enjoying it. My stomach twisted, but I didn’t waste a second. I whipped out my phone and snapped photos of my traitorous Alpha.
Jake turned and finally saw me. His eyes widened in shock. “Nicole!? What are you doing here? You shouldn't be here!”
“Aww, really? I’m the one who shouldn’t be here?” I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
I saw the panic in his eyes. He knew he’d screwed up, not just with me but with our entire pack. An Alpha’s duty is to protect his family, to honor his Luna, but instead, he betrayed us.
“Nicole, please... my Luna... let me explain,” he pleaded, desperation in his voice.
