spanng="EN"(Olivia’s POV)

spanng="EN"I turned my head sharply, and Theodore’s kissnded on my neck instead. The familiar scent that once intoxicated me now felt nauseating.

spanng="EN"I struggled violently against his touch, my hands pushing against his chest. But my resistance only enraged the wolf in him.

spanng="EN"Theodore forcefully lifted my skirt, his hand sliding underneath as his kisses moved from my corbone to my chest. The heat of his mouth burned against my skin.

spanng="EN"Realizing his intent, my struggles intensified. “Theo, let go of me!” I whispered, my voice breaking with desperation.

spanng="EN"At the sound of my cry, he looked up. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression savage like a wild beast.

spanng="EN"But the sight of a tear rolling down my cheek instantly softened him. He tenderly wiped it away with his thumb.

spanng="EN"“My Love, it’s not your fault,” his voice filled with twisted pity. “He shouldn’t have seduced you. My Love, you love me. You would never look at anyone else, right?”

spanng="EN"I heard every word clearly. The hypocrisy was staggering.

spanng="EN"He felt the sting of betrayal simply because another man admired me. Yet he had carried on an affair with ra for years without a thought for my own pain.

spanng="EN"With a surge of strength, I pushed him away and fled the study. I locked myself in the master bedroom’s bathroom, my hands shaking as I turned the bolt.

spanng="EN"I stood under the shower, frantically scrubbing my skin. I tried to erase the feeling of his touch, but that sensation was branded into my bones like a venomous snake bite.

spanng="EN"The hot water cascaded over me as I scrubbed until my skin turned red. But nothing could wash away the disgust.

spanng="EN"My frantic cleansing was interrupted by Helen’s voice from outside the door. “Luna, the gown and the stylists have arrived.

spanng="EN"Alpha Theodore requests that you get ready for the Thorne family’s engagement ceremony.”

spanng="EN"A momentter, she added, “I heard that the new prominent figure in Stonehaven City, Professor Vance, and his daughter will also be attending.”

spanng="EN"Hearing Killian’s name, I hurled a bottle of shower gel at the frosted ss door. It mmed with a loud thud but left the door unshaken.

spanng="EN"A perfect metaphor for Theodore’s unbreakable control over my life. A profound sense of powerlessness washed over me.

spanng="EN"Half an hourter, I sat passively before the vanity as stylists worked on me. My face was a mask of numb resignation.

spanng="EN"Dressed in a strapless gown adorned with sapphire crystals and wearing the Ocean Star ne, I looked exquisitely beautiful. The reflection in the mirror showed a perfect Luna, but inside I felt hollow.

spanng="EN"Leo rushed into my arms, eximing, “Mom, you’re so pretty!” But my expression remained distant as I looked past him to Theodore, who stood at the door.

spanng="EN"He approached, his eyes full of possessive affection. He fastened a Cartier diamond bracelet onto my wrist.

spanng="EN"“My Love, you will stun everyone tonight,” he murmured. The bracelet was engraved with the initials ‘T‘ and ‘O‘.

spanng="EN"It felt less like a gift and more like a shackle. I snatched my hand away and walked out without a word.

spanng="EN"(God’s POV)

spanng="EN"Left alone with his son, Theodore’s demeanor shifted. His gentle facade cracked, revealing something cruel underneath.

spanng="EN"“Your mom doesn’t hug you anymore, does she?” he said to Leo, his voice deceptively soft. “She’s angry you caused her to  lose the baby.”

spanng="EN"Leo’s small face crumpled. Tears began to well in his innocent eyes.

spanng="EN"Theodore knelt before him, his hands gripping the boy’s shoulders. “Leo, you’ll see a pup named ra at the party. Your mom likes her a lottely. You can ask her how she wins your mommy’s affection.”

spanng="EN"The words struck Leo like a physical blow. His childish sadness curdled into jealousy and anger.

spanng="EN"In the car, Leo’s attempts to gain his mother’s affection were met with cold indifference. Olivia stared out the window, lost in her own thoughts.

spanng="EN"The boy’s resentment grew with each ignored gesture. His small hands clenched into fists.

spanng="EN"Upon arriving at the hotel, the banquet hall buzzed with energy. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over the elegantly dressed guests.

spanng="EN"Guests flocked to Theodore, showering him withpliments. “Alpha Theodore, you’re such a perfect, loving mate,” they gushed.

spanng="EN"Olivia was forced to stand beside him with their fingers intertwined. She felt nothing but hollow emptiness as she listened

spanng="EN"to the praise that once made her heart flutter.

spanng="EN"She was merely watching a y. The smiles, thepliments, the admiration – all of it felt fake.

spanng="EN"The room’s attention soon shifted as the host took the stage. “Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the engagement ceremony of Caleb Thorne and ra Thorne.”

spanng="EN"The main topic of gossip was the scandal. Whispers filled the air about the prestigious Thorne family allowing a mating with a disgraced she–wolf.

spanng="EN"“Can you believe they’re epting her?” someone murmured. “After what her mother did?”

spanng="EN"Seizing the opportunity, Olivia excused herself. “I need to use the washroom,” she whispered to Theodore.

spanng="EN"But instead of the washroom, she went to a quiet lounge. She needed space to breathe.

spanng="EN"(Olivia’s POV)

spanng="EN"I had just sat down when Killian walked in. The air grew thick with awkwardness as I recalled his heartfelt confession from the video call.

spanng="EN"“Gina told me what happened yesterday,” he began, his voiceced with concern. He stood near the door, not daring to approach.

spanng="EN"“Cipher, did he… did he hurt you?” His ice–blue eyes searched my face for answers.

spanng="EN"Embarrassed that my pathetic state had been witnessed, I avoided his gaze. “No, he would never hurt me. Don’t worry.”

spanng="EN"“We shouldn’t contact each other for a while.” I feared what a jealous Theodore might do.

spanng="EN"But Killian saw the deep red hickies on my neck. His expression darkened with worry and anger.

spanng="EN"“He bullied you, didn’t he?” His gaze was sharp and worried. He closed the distance between us, his hand gripping my wrist.

spanng="EN"“Cipher, I can help you get away from him right now. You don’t have to wait for the King!”

spanng="EN"The mention of Matthew startled me. I quickly pulled Killian into a small, cluttered pantry.

spanng="EN"“Hush, the walls have ears,” I whispered urgently. The cramped space forced us close, creating an awkward intimacy.

spanng="EN"“Theodore controls almost allnd, sea, and air transportation,” I whispered. “The only way I can leave is when Matthew visits, and no one will check Alpha King’s ne.”

spanng="EN"As I spoke, Killian gently brushed my hair aside. His fingertips traced the marks on my skin.

spanng="EN"“You said he didn’t hurt you? Then what’s this?” The rough texture of his fingers sent a shiver down my spine.

spanng="EN"I pushed him away just as the doorknob began to turn. My heart stopped.

spanng="EN"A voice came from outside: “Who’s in there?”