EPISODE 18
I was kidnapped a week before our fifth anniversary.”
Alone and terrified, I called Alpha Lucas repeatedly within the week, but he never answered. I escaped and returned home to find that the anniversary party I had prepared had been turned into a celebration for my sister’s homecoming.”
At the estate, everything I had arranged from the decorations, the food, and the lights had been replaced with a grand welcome for Lilith. The gates stood open, music spilling onto the lawn. It looked like a happy celebration.
I felt completely out of place.
My boots left dried mud on the polished stone. My dress was torn and stained. I still tasted iron from the wounds I had suffered while escaping. It seemed nobody had even realized I’d been taken.”
Inside, golden lights flickered on marble columns wrapped in silver streamers. The air smelled of wine and cinnamon. Lucas appeared at the top of the stairs, eyeing me with a disapproving frown.”
“Selene,” he said sharply, descending. “Where have you been? Why do you look like a mess?““>
“Lucas.” I met his gaze, my breath burning. “I’ve been calling you. Why didn’t you answer any of my calls?“}
Before he could respond, Lilith appeared radiant in the silver moon–gown Lucas had gifted me on our first anniversary, now perfectly fitted to her figure.&
“Oh, Selene! Thank the stars you’re here,” she said, taking my hands with innocent delight. “We thought you were just busy at work. I’m so glad you made it to the celebration!”
I narrowed my eyes. “What exactly are we celebrating?“}]
Lilith gestured toward the room. “My return. I had planned a dinner for tomorrow, but Lucas said we should celebrate tonight since the house was already decorated for your anniversary tomorrow. I also don’t want to disturb your celebration tomorrow, so… I hope that’s alright. It wasn’t meant to take anything away.“”
Lucas smiled warmly, his hand resting on Lilith’s back. “It’s not a big deal. Anniversaries happen every year. Lilith doesn’t come home often. It felt wrong to ignore her arrival.”}
A slow, searing pressure built in my chest. I clenched my fists but didn’t move.”
“I see,” I said through gritted teeth. “So, the party I planned was reassigned. Just like that.”
Lucas shifted uncomfortably. “Lilith arrived yesterday, and we didn’t have enough time to prepare something new, so we just used what was already here. It would’ve felt wrong not to do anything.“”
Lilith suddenly exclaimed, “I hope you don’t mind me borrowing this dress. I found it in your wardrobe. It’s so beautiful, and I didn’t think you’d wear it tonight.”
“You didn’t ask?” I said, voice tight. “That dress was a gift from Lucas on our first anniversary.“”
Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh no…! I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…, if I’d known, I wouldn’t have worn it. I’ll change.””
She turned to leave, but Lucas caught her arm, frowning at me.”
1
“What’s the problem? You never wear it anyway. Let her enjoy it for one night.“”
“But she said it was meaningful,” Lilith murmured, guilt cracking her voice.”
“I gave the dress,” Lucas said coolly. “I decide who wears it.”
Turning to me, he added, “Stop making a scene.“”
“I’m making a scene?” I scoffed, glaring at him. “You used the plans I made for our anniversary without even asking, and I’m the one making a scene? Do you know how much time and money I spent on this?“”
Lucas frowned. “If it’s money you need, I’ll pay it back.“}
“No thanks,” I sneered. “Don’t let me interrupt your party.“}
“No, please don’t go,” Lilith said, stepping in front of me. “It’s my fault. I will leave now. You and Lucas should be together.”
I looked at her and sneered, then turned and walked away.”
“Selene? Where are you going?” Lucas called, his jaw tightening.”
He was about to follow me, but Lilith pulled him back and hooked her arm through his. With a hopeful sigh, she said, “I always believed we could be a family again. Why is my sister treating me like this?“}
“You don’t have to worry,” Lucas said gently, his eyes softening as he looked at her. “I’ll talk to her later. Go and enjoy your party. There’s no need to be upset.“/
Lilith nodded. She turned toward the Elders by the hearth, drawing all eyes. The celebration where I should have been the center of attention had become hers, and no one dared to question it.”
With that, I left amid the ruins of what was supposed to be our celebration. I climbed the stairs, betrayal weighing down every step. In the bedroom, I peeled off my ruined dress, revealing bruises and cuts earned from fighting for my life for almost a week.”
No wonder Lucas hadn’t answered my calls. He had been busy taking good care of my sister. I thought the bond we built over five years meant something more, but it was all just wishful thinking.
11:21
years meant sometning more, but it was all just wishful thinking.
I always knew he never truly loved me, not even for a single day.”
But I had loved him for as long as I could remember. So, when he said he was willing to marry me five years ago, I said yes through tears, thinking it was the happiest moment of my life.”
Now, our fifth wedding anniversary is just tomorrow. I should give Lucas a proper gift.”
The music played on. The laughter never stopped. I grabbed my phone and dialed a number.”
“Lawyer Toby,” I said, my voice was cold and clear. “I need you to draft divorce papers and send them to me tonight.“}
