My Cold-hearted Mate’s Biggest Regret

Celestine's POV

“LET'S GO WATCH A MOVIE…”

The aroma of vanilla and cinnamon enveloped me as I put the freshly made cupcakes on the cooling rack, their golden tops rising in perfect domes. My hands remained steady as I worked on the icing, despite my racing thoughts. The kitchen had always been my safe haven. But today, even baking couldn't relieve the rising numbness in my chest.

“Celestine,” Sebastian’s voice came from the doorway, startling me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, an easy smile on his lips that once would have sent warmth racing through me. “It seemed like you hadn't heard me. How about a movie tonight? Just the two of us.”

Normally, such an offer would have made my heart skip a beat, but today all I felt was an echoing emptiness. The flame between us had long ago faded, replaced by the weighty stillness of whispered truths. Nonetheless, I faked a grin, letting the act fall into place like a well-rehearsed line. "That sounds nice.”

I boxed up the cupcakes, a dozen carefully frosted confections that were more for him than for me. “Take these to your office,” I said, handing the box over.

“Alright. Thank you for this.”

He took it with a nod, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek before heading out the door. The gesture, once intimate, felt mechanical now, as if he were performing a routine he barely remembered.

•••

At the Cinema…

The lights in the movie faded, creating shadows over the virtually empty auditorium. Sebastian sat next to me, his fragrance smelling familiar but no longer soothing.

He insisted that I choose the movie, but I couldn't recall what I chose. My mind was a whirlpool of half-formed ideas, recollections of happier times, and the nagging realization that each instant drew me closer to the conclusion I had vowed to see through.

“Are you okay?” Sebastian’s voice was low, his eyes searching mine as the screen flickered with scenes I wasn’t watching. “You don’t like the movie you chose?”

I shook my head, forcing my expression into something neutral. “No, I’m just focusing,” I lied, the words sliding out smoothly.

It was easier that way, pretending that everything was fine when we were surrounded by strangers and the weight of our broken relationship wasn’t pressing down on me.

Before he could say anything else, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, eyes darting with a flash of recognition that made my heart clench. “I’ll take this. I’ll be right back,” he said, slipping out of his seat and disappearing into the dark corridor.

But I knew he wouldn’t come back. Not in the way that mattered, not in the way I used to hope he would. The minutes stretched on, the movie playing out in a blur of color and sound that barely registered. I sat motionless, each breath pulling at the raw wound that was my heart.

The credits rolled, the lights brightened, and still, his seat was empty. Just as I gathered my coat and prepared to leave, a movement in the corner of my eye caught my attention.

Sebastian stood by the entrance, talking with someone whose presence I didn’t need to confirm. Aubrey’s figure was unmistakable, her arm brushing against his as she held the box of cupcakes I had made with hands that once trembled with love.

“Movie is already done?” He asked in a flat tone.

I smiled. “Y-Yeah…”

They walked toward me, Sebastian’s face caught between guilt and surprise as he realized I hadn’t left yet. Aubrey’s smile was small, almost sympathetic, but the sight of her holding that box—my box—felt like a final twist of the knife. The pain was so intense that for a moment, I forgot how to breathe, forgot how to feel anything but the raw, blinding ache.

“Celestine,” Sebastian began, but I raised my hand, stopping him mid-sentence. My voice didn’t come; my thoughts didn’t form into words.

All I could do was give a tight nod, holding onto whatever shreds of dignity I had left.

“I hope you both enjoyed the cupcakes,” I managed, the words clipped and empty as I turned away, each step taking me further from the theater, from him, from the life I had tried so desperately to hold onto.

This will be the last time, Sebastian.

•••

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Sebastian's Party...

Sebastian looked around looking for his Luna. But she was nowhere to be found. When he looked at the left side, instead of seeing Celestine, he saw Aubrey.

“Sebastian! The party already started. It's time for you to meet the guests,” she said and prepared to cling into his arms.

“Argh...” he grunted.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, clueless.

Sebastian's eyes widened as he felt his chest being pierced by daggers and was set to fire. His wolf inside is also grunting and screaming. He can feel it... He can feel the bond to his mate slowing disappearing.

He felt into his knees. “Why...”

“Sebastian?! What's the matter?” Aubrey panicked.

“My bond with Celestine... I can feel it breaking. Oh no... Where is she?!”