The rain was pouring and cold, like how I felt as I stood there. Easton walked over to the car, holding the umbrella high for Elena, snuggling against him. He didn’t care that he was getting wet.
I watched them as I got completely drenched. I clenched my fists, and when I felt my nails dug into my palms, I forced myself to move. I sprinted through the rain and went inside our car, shivering.
Easton got out of Elena's car and slid into ours. He glanced at me, looking momentarily shocked, but his usual grin returned.
"Ardyn, you're soaked! Why didn’t you wait for me to help you?”
I just stared at him, struggling to control my anger.
“Elena’s always been a bit fragile. If she gets caught in the rain, she could get sick. I really just wanted to make sure she was okay first. You’re not mad, are you?”
“It’s fine,” I replied casually.
His face lit up with relief. He didn’t even notice how my hands were tense in my lap or how I clenched my jaw. Everything was fine to him as long as I didn’t make a fuss. But he failed to realize that the feelings I used to have for him, any hope or love that lingered, withered away a long time ago.
Once we got home, Easton’s excitement was hard to miss. He pulled out a bag and opened it.
“I knew you didn't like Elena wearing your ceremonial gown, so I found other choices. But these gowns are only the best, I assure you. C’mon, you gotta try them on!”
I looked at them and the gowns were gorgeous, but they felt as empty as his enthusiasm.
“This one would look stunning on you,” he said, pulling out a gown with beautiful and intricate laces.
“Go on, try it!”
I nodded numbly and made my way to the bathroom to change. When I went out, Easton was on the phone. His voice was soft, barely audible, but I heard every word.
“Do I have to come now? I’m helping Ardyn with some stuff for the mating ritual," he said, pausing for the other line to speak.
“Okay, fine. I’ll be there soon.”
He hung up and turned to me, that carefree smile plastered on his face.
“Ardyn, you look amazing! But something’s come up at work. Just pick whichever you like, alright?”
I nodded; my expression unreadable. I didn’t even have to ask who he was rushing to meet. It was all there in his hurried movements and the slight tremor in his voice. Once he was gone, I called an omega housekeeper.
"Burn them all,” I ordered, pointing to the neatly hung gowns.
She hesitated, glancing at me like she didn’t quite get it. But my tone left no room for argument. That evening, the gowns went up in flames. Watching them burn felt like shedding a part of my old self.
Later that night, while scrolling through my phone, I stumbled upon Elena’s post. There she was, beaming, showing off designer shoes and a handbag that Easton had obviously bought her. My heart broke, but I forced a smile. If she wanted him so bad, well, she could have him.
“Look what I brought for you,” Easton said, holding the pack of strawberries like a trophy as if he didn’t realize that he came back the next day afternoon.
“I’m not hungry.”
“C’mon, don’t be like that. I know I’ve been busy, but everything’s gonna be perfect. You’ll see. Tomorrow, we're scheduled for the traditional checkups’ healers ordered. Then, after two days, it's our mating ritual ceremony. Isn't that exciting?"
“Sure,” I replied flatly, pulling away.
He frowned but quickly masked it with another grin.
“You’re always so calm. That’s what I love about you. Elena could learn a thing or two.”
I kept my face neutral despite being hurt at the mention of her name.
The next day, I got a text saying that food, water, and other necessary things would be ready inside the cruise ship in three days.
"Ardyn, we need to leave. We don't want the healers to be waiting for us," Easton said.
I quickly kept my phone. When I looked up, Easton was standing, looking handsomely prepared. He smiled at me, and for the first time in days, I genuinely smiled back at him.
