Severed Trust, Resurgent Affection

Then I hung up and went directly upstairs to pack my things.

‘Where are you going?’ Serena asked in my mind, but I did not answer her.

Serena said again, ‘Olivia, I know it disappoint you so much, me either. But please think about it again. If you really need to clear your mind, let’s go home, to your parents’ house. It is lovely to spend a birthday with them even if it is one day late, right?’

Right, my birthday was yesterday, while the next day was Georgia’s birthday. However, it still counted as my birthday, didn’t it?

So, after thinking about it, I set aside the luggage and just took my backpack to bring an important thing, as well as Thomas’ gift that was unopened yet.

As I was about to take the car key, my wolf said in my mind again, ‘How about sprinting there? It will decrease our sadness even a little bit.’

I smiled and just answered, “Why not?”

As a result, I ran back to my family home, a place I hadn't visited in a long time.

My parents' house was located not far from the city center of the High Moon Pack, though it sat on the border. Despite being on the border, the area was known for having strong warriors, one of whom was Thomas.

Thomas and I went to the city center together to study at Promise High, a special school for shifters in the High Moon Pack. After graduation, we both chose to stay in the city. I preferred its bustling atmosphere, and more importantly, it was where I met my mate, Jared.

On his 18th birthday, which also marked Jared's confirmation as the new Alpha, I received my wolf at the age of 16. That was the day our fates intertwined, marking us as destined mates.

But at the time, Jared was already dating Georgia, a Beta’s daughter. Her father was also a subordinate of the previous Alpha, Jared’s father. So, their relationship had been intertwined since a young age.

However, a month after Jared’s birthday, their relationship soon became strained, and that was when Jared decided to pursue me, his true mate.

As a result, we dated and after graduation, Jared asked me to move in with him. At that time, Thomas also registered as a Beta, which made me quite happy since I had a close friend who stayed in the city.

However, at the place where I thought will bring me happiness, slowly destroyed me instead, making me struggling between Jared’s relationship with Georgia. As a result, here I was, ran in daze until I was not aware if I had arrived at my parents' house.

I suddenly realized that the distance between the city center and the border was like the emotional distance between Jared and me. We appeared close, but our hearts felt oceans apart.

When I came in, I simply told my parents that I wanted to celebrate my birthday there. As a result, they didn’t ask for more details. I tidied up my room, washed up, and went to bed, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings.

The next morning, I found only a few messages on my phone. I had ignored Jared's mind-link and instructed my wolf to do the same all night long after all.

[Jared: What's the matter with you now?]

[Jared: Come back when you've calmed down. Don't be too willful.]

It seemed he came home last night and realized I was gone. But I didn’t care and just focused on my own business.

The atmosphere at the border was different from the ever-busy city. Everything there was calm and peaceful, so I hoped the tranquility would clear my mind

That was why in the afternoon, I helped my mother in the greenhouse; she loved growing vegetables as a hobby.

Actually, it was not the first time I became Jared’s second attention. Since Georgia always seemed to need Jared whenever something went wrong. She would even ask him to stay with her if she woke up in the middle of the night because of a thunderstorm.

I had questioned him about that many times, leading to countless arguments.

I understood that they were once in a relationship and had been friends for a long time, but I was his mate. I respected Jared’s desire to protect his childhood friend, but when it happened repeatedly, I felt like I was the best option that would never be prioritized.

So, even if I had endured it for the past two years, I could not do it anymore.

To my surprise, as I stepped out of the greenhouse, I saw Jared standing outside, dressed in a suit, looking every bit the Alpha he was. Passersby could not help but show him respect when sensing him.

However, some of them also praised him for his handsome face, not to mention his tall, strong, and perfect proportions which made him look like a model on the runway.

If it had been any other day, I would have rushed to him, urging him inside to keep others from staring. But that day, I just wanted to pretend I did not see him.

I walked toward the small shed near the greenhouse to put away my gardening tools, hoping he wouldn’t follow. But Jared quickly caught up with me.

He didn’t mention what had happened the night before. Instead, he spoke calmly, “It’s George and Georgia’s birthday today. They’ve invited us to dinner. Will you come with me?”

So, he came just to invite me to Georgia’s birthday celebration?

I couldn’t believe it. After barely acknowledging my birthday yesterday, he was ready to celebrate Georgia’s twice, once at midnight at the bar and then for dinner tonight at a restaurant. Did I deserve all the pain?

“Please, I can’t go alone,” he added when I didn’t respond, his voice almost pleading.