A Surprise for the Unfaithful

After giving me the gift, Ethan took me to a high-end restaurant.

This restaurant was said to be exclusive to certified VIPs, and reservations had to be made a month in advance.

When it came time to order, Ethan didn't hesitate to list off all my favorite dishes.

I wasn't in the mood to eat, so halfway through the meal, I excused myself and went to the restroom.

Just as I reached the door, I overheard a conversation between a few she-wolves inside.

"Did you see the necklace Ethan gave to his Luna today? It's gorgeous! And he made it himself! It's so touching."

"Seriously, I wish I could find a mate who loves me like that."

"Ha! That's nothing."

I quietly peeked inside and saw Nora standing among them.

She was wearing a pair of sparkling earrings with blue sapphires that shimmered beautifully. The other she-wolves were staring at them in curiosity.

"See these? These are from my boyfriend. There are only five of these blue sapphires in the entire country. Even the wealthiest couldn't buy them. But my boyfriend bought the entire set for me! These earrings are just one part."

"Wow!" The other she-wolves crowded around her. "Your boyfriend is amazing! It's such a precious gift. He must have spent a fortune on it, right?"

"Of course." Nora grinned proudly. "It costs nine figures, but it's nothing to him."

"Wow... Blue sapphires are rarer than synthetic blue diamonds. Compared to these, Luna Lucy's necklace seems pretty ordinary."

"Your boyfriend really doesn't hold back on spending for you. You must be so lucky!"

"Nora, any chance we can meet your impressive boyfriend?"

Nora raised an eyebrow. "I wish, but he's always busy. With his status, it's hard for anyone to see him. But I've already asked him to go shopping with me tonight. I'll post pictures on my Instagram, so you'll get to see them."

I returned to the table and saw Ethan peeling crab for me.

I sat down across from him. "Do you have any other plans tonight?"

He looked startled for a moment, then answered without hesitation, "Of course not. I just got back from my trip. Of course, I'm going to spend the night with you."

But not long after, his phone rang. He glanced at me nervously before answering.

He muttered a few words and then turned to me with an apologetic look. "Sorry, darling. "The Wolf Clan Council is looking for me. I need to go now."

I forced a smile. "Go ahead. Don't worry about me."

He quickly stood up and hugged me in a hurry, then walked out with hurried steps.

After he left, I lost all interest in eating.

I went home alone. Ethan didn't return until late at night, reeking of alcohol. His clothes were neatly put together, though his tie was missing.

When he turned on the lights, he found me sitting on the couch in the living room. A hint of panic flickered in his eyes. "Why aren't you in bed, darling?"

I remembered the old days when he'd come home late, always surprised and touched to find me waiting for him.

But now, his first reaction upon seeing me was panic and guilt.

I gave him a bitter smile. "Nothing. I was just sorting through some old things and didn't notice the time."

"What things?"

"Just some old photos. I found them while cleaning the room."

I opened the album on my lap. The pages were filled with memories of the times Ethan and I had shared. Some of the photos had yellowed and faded, but our smiles remained as bright as ever.

Ethan's eyes lit up. He leaned in, carefully flipping through the pages.

"I remember this one. It's from when we went to Lunaris Lake together. We had just gotten together, and that was our first date.

"Oh, this one! This was when we went hunting in the southern mountains. You wanted a little fox, and I spent ages trying to catch it.

"I still remember how carefully you held that little fox in your hands. Your eyes were sparkling. You were so beautiful. You didn't realize I liked you back then. You didn't pick up on any of my hints."

"I was going crazy, but I didn't dare tell you directly. I just comforted myself, thinking it would work out in time."

As he spoke, a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

I studied him carefully. When he spoke, his eyes sparkled with affection, almost overflowing with love.

But why was this happening?

I didn't understand. How could he love me and still betray me?

Just then, a strange scent wafted toward me—women's perfume with a hint of rosemary. It was the same scent I'd smelled on Nora before, but now it was on Ethan.

I asked calmly, "What's that scent on you? It smells nice."

He visibly tensed and quickly stood up. "What? Oh, it's probably from the reception. It must've rubbed off on me."

His awkward excuse left me unfazed.

After I said that, he almost fled into the bathroom. "If you don't like it, I'll wash it off."

Soon, he returned in a bathrobe and sat next to me.

I subtly moved a little further away.

"Ethan, do you remember what you said when we became mates?"

He froze for a second, then recited exactly what he'd said years ago, "I will love and protect you forever. If I break this vow, may I suffer all the pain the world has to offer."

I suddenly didn't know what to say.

How could someone remember their oath and still break it?

"Don't worry, darling." He pulled me close, his voice certain. "I would never do anything to hurt you."

Just then, the doorbell rang, interrupting him.

He stood up and opened the door. I heard him ask in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

I stood up and saw Nora standing in the doorway.