Caylin’s POV
"Huh? Didn't I ask you to buy groceries? Why are your hands empty?"
Zevran added that as well, and those words hurt even more.
My lips parted slightly, but for a moment, I could not say anything.
"Caylin, have a slice of moon lemon."
Breena took the chance, grabbed a slice of moon lemon, and pushed it into my mouth.
The sour taste instantly brought tears to my eyes.
I went to wash my face, then took out my crystal phone and sent a message to my parents.
[Mom, Dad, I'm not completing the mating ceremony with Zevran.]
[One day, I'll buy a large den and bring both of you to live with me forever.]
My father called immediately.
"Sweetheart, don't make a decision in anger. Maybe Zevran has his reasons. It's fine if your mother and I don't move to Pinehowl City. As long as we can attend your mating ceremony and see you happy, that's enough for us."
My mother spoke beside him, "That's right, Caylin. We'd only trouble you if we stayed there anyway."
Hearing them accept the insult and still defend Zevran, wanting nothing except for me to have a happy future.
Then looking at Zevran and Breena laughing and playing together right in front of me.
My heart broke.
I turned and walked out the front door.
"Mother, Father, I'm not acting on impulse, and I'm not joking. This mating bond would never make me happy."
Everyone knew how much I loved Zevran. I loved him beyond reason.
But now, I had no love left to give.
After a long silence, they replied, "Sweetheart, someone has hurt you, hasn't he? If you don't want to mate with him, then don't. Whatever choice you make, your family stands with you."
I told them not to worry, ended the call, and went to the bedroom to pack my belongings.
Only then did I realize something: y clothes were just a few simple outfits that I wore again and again.
As for beauty products, I only had a nearly empty lipstick and a tube of sun protection cream.
I could not even fill half a suitcase.
Meanwhile, Zevran's side of the wardrobe was packed with expensive suits and shirts from every famous merchant guild.
All of it was for appearances.
I carried my bag out of the room.
Zevran froze before frowning. "Where are you going?"
I answered calmly, "I have to leave for pack business for a few days."
The next second, his expression relaxed and he sighed in relief.
"I thought you were going to throw a childish tantrum and run away from the den."
He walked to the ice chest, took out several bottles of mango yogurt, and handed them to me.
"You love yogurt. Take these with you."
I did love yogurt, but I never liked mango. I was allergic to it.
Mango was Breena's favorite flavor. She wanted it with everything.
"Oh, what a pity. Looks like I won't get a free meal from Caylin."
Breena spread her hands and stuck out her tongue playfully.
"But don't worry. I'll take good care of Zevran."
I simply smiled and said nothing. I simply turned around and left.
On my way out, I threw the yogurt into the trash bin downstairs.
Ten minutes later, Zevran suddenly called.
"Caylin, stop by the new den first and change the rune lock code to my moon-born day. Breena's parents want to stay longer, so I'm moving them into the new house."
"Since you're away on this trip, stay out a few extra days if you want. No need to rush back. That way Breena's parents won't feel crowded or uncomfortable."
He was becoming more and more considerate. Just not toward me.
Then I heard Breena's sweet voice through the crystal phone.
"Zevran, give me a hug!"
I said nothing. I let out a cold laugh, ended the call, then blocked and deleted him immediately.
Whoever wanted to be a fool for him could do it.
As for me, I was focusing on my career now.
The following evening, Zevran brought Breena and her entire family to the entrance of the new den.
Smiling proudly, he entered the rune code.
[Incorrect password!]
