Rejected Luna’s Triumphant Return

My childhood friend, who came from the same prestigious Alpha lineage as mine, fell in love with an Omega from the Misty Pines Pack, a modest and unremarkable group. To bond with her, he defied his pack’s expectations and broke off our engagement. Heartbroken, I decided to leave the Silver Moon Pack’s territory and study under a renowned healer in Paris. By the time I returned to London, Felix and Chloe had been bonded for nearly two years, and I had moved on.

At the welcome-home party organized for me, Felix, who once defied everyone to be with Chloe, was now looking at her with disdain. His voice was cold, carrying the weight of his Alpha authority as he remarked, "Weren’t you supposed to stay at home? Why come out and make a fool of yourself?"

When I got back, my friends threw me a lavish welcome party. Much to my surprise, Felix was there. Seven years ago, he insisted on ending our engagement for Chloe, publicly declaring that if he couldn’t bond with her, he’d rather live as a rogue than accept me. Words like that disregarded the long-standing alliance between our packs. That day, I was completely drained and cried in front of my parents, begging them to agree to end the engagement. I no longer wanted Felix; I had no desire to be his Luna.

My parents, with heavy hearts, finally agreed. They met with Felix’s parents for a private discussion that lasted an hour. Ultimately, it was not Felix rejecting me, but my family deciding not to align our pack with his. The engagement was called off, and although the relationship between our packs didn’t end entirely, it did become strained. Afterwards, I went off to study in Paris, and now, I’ve returned to London.

I noticed Felix had matured significantly over the past seven years, his frame now broader and more imposing, fitting for an Alpha. His chiseled features carried a dignified aloofness, and his dark eyes were fixed on me. No one had mentioned Felix would be there. I turned to my childhood friend who had organized the party.

Rhea, a Delta from my pack, quickly claimed innocence, saying, "I didn’t invite him, Esmeralda. The Alpha heard you were coming back and volunteered to host the party for you." She added defensively, "It’s not my fault."

I stayed silent, and Felix smiled, his tone familiar as it had been when he’d escort me to pack gatherings: "Esmeralda, it’s been so many years. I was immature then and hurt you. I’m hosting this event as an apology." He paused, looking into my eyes, and asked, "Do you still hold any grudges?"

His words suggested that holding onto the past would seem petty, so I put on a bright smile and answered, "As you said, it’s all in the past."

After all, we’re part of the same social circle, and it’s been so long that he’s no longer significant to me. A smile can smooth over old grievances—at least on the surface. I raised my glass of wine and said casually, "Rhea mentioned you and Chloe bonded over a year ago. Congratulations, here’s to you."

His expression remained indifferent; for someone who supposedly achieved his dream by bonding with the girl he longed for, he should be, even if reserved, at least somewhat happy. Before I could ponder further, he raised his glass and drank deeply, as if overwhelmed by sorrow, not accepting congratulations.

I didn’t dwell on it. Reuniting with old friends naturally led to endless chatter. Being the guest of honor, everyone focused on me, discussing topics like my romantic adventures in Paris and my global art tour.

Someone jokingly complained, "You’re too talented, Esmeralda. Your exhibitions are always sold out, and you’ve opened so many galleries worldwide. My father constantly expresses disappointment in me, wishing I’d learn from you rather than just chasing celebrities and buying luxury cars."

I responded with a smile, "It’s just a passion."

Nearby, Felix chimed in, his Alpha aura subtly pressing against the room, "Over the years, you’ve learned to be modest."

His tone was that of an old friend, full of familiarity, as if the harsh words he’d used against me for Chloe, those hurtful actions, had never happened. I didn’t know how to respond, sensing a vague hint of intimacy. While I was considering my response, he added, "I saw your 'Dream of Dusk'—it’s incredible."

Not only I, but all our friends noticed the oddity. Silence filled the air as their gazes darted between Felix and me.

I maintained a neutral expression and replied nonchalantly, "Oh, thank you."

Then I teased lightly, "Did you see it with Chloe? Why didn’t she come today? I haven’t seen her in ages; we were classmates after all."

His demeanor became distant as he replied casually, "Oh, she’s busy at home."

He spoke of her as if referring to a stranger. I couldn’t understand why he would talk about someone he once loved so passionately with such detachment, but I had no desire to delve into it.

I laughed and steered the conversation elsewhere. As the party ended, we noticed Chloe sitting on a couch in the club’s lobby. Her eyes were anxiously fixed on the private VIP elevator, and as soon as its doors opened, she jumped up from the sofa.

She seemed to have been waiting there for us to appear. We all paused in surprise.

Chloe attempted a smile, glancing around, but her face turned pale when her gaze landed on me beside Felix. She stared at me, appearing disoriented and lost, as if she’d encountered an unexpected rival.

I was puzzled.