Guilt twisted in my gut.
This overseas project had been handpicked for me.
But I had been so obsessed with Alaric that I’d refused to even consider it.
The director had been left with no choice but to search for a replacement.
But since a suitable candidate was never found, the entire project timeline had been delayed.
As I finished the last of my paperwork, I heard a sob from outside my office door.
"I worked so hard, but Freya just swooped in and took the spot."
"All my work this past month... wasted."
It was Caelia... the woman Alaric had loved in our past life.
The she-wolf who had driven a wedge between us for thirty years.
I opened the door, and that familiar face appeared before me.
Alaric glared down at me, his Alpha presence rolling off him in waves.
"Freya, give up the project."
I shook my head. "Impossible."
"Freya..."
Disbelief washed over Alaric's face.
"I've already agreed to our bonding. You've already arranged the ceremony venue."
"You have no intention of going overseas. You're just doing this to spite Caelia!"
Caelia also stepped forward, her eyes red and puffy.
"Freya, I really worked hard for this position. I won't bother you two after I leave, you don't have to worry..."
"Trying hard isn't the same as being capable. You and I both know you haven't put in the work for this. You can't handle it."
Caelia froze, her eyes growing even redder.
She had applied for this project hoping Alaric would go with her.
But I had harmed myself time and again, trying to force Alaric to bond with me.
Mindful of the debt he owed my father, Alaric had finally, grudgingly, agreed.
In a fit of pique, Caelia had decided to go by herself.
But she was nowhere near prepared.
In my past life, her application had failed.
But Alaric frowned.
"You haven't even given her a chance. What makes you think she can't handle it?"
I waved the transfer documents in my hand.
"Because the director has already signed and stamped them. For me."
"Freya..."
Alaric clenched his fists, profound disappointment in his eyes.
"I thought you were just spoiled, but I never imagined you could be this malicious."
"You have plenty of opportunities. This one means everything to Caelia!"
"You'd waste a valuable position just to spite her!"
He looked at me coldly.
"Listen to me. We can have the ceremony, but I will never, ever acknowledge you as my mate."
"I know."
I nodded calmly.
I already lived through that once.
Alaric ignored me. He wrapped an arm around Caelia, turning to leave, and comforted her in a low voice.
"It's okay, I'll help you find other opportunities. Don't be sad."
It was a gentleness I had craved my entire past life and never once received.
I couldn't have it then, and I wouldn't ask for it now.
I figured I wouldn't see him again for a while.
But when I opened the door to my apartment, he was there.
