Ten Years of Lies, One Final Goodbye

Sitara's POV

I had already packed my things into my travel bag. It wasn’t much—just what I needed. I left behind all the dresses and jewelry Zach had given me. I didn’t want any reminders of him. Not his gifts, not his scent, and certainly not his false promises.

I was leaving in five days. Five days to say my goodbyes, especially to the children.

I glanced at the letters once more, the ones he’d written before everything between us fell apart. They used to mean something to me, but now? They were just lies on paper. Promises are meant to be broken, after all. Zach had proved that.

One by one, I tore the letters to shreds. The sound of the paper ripping felt satisfying, like I was finally freeing myself from the weight of them. I was down to the last few when his voice, sharp and panicked, cut through the air.

“What are you doing, Sitara?!”

I turned to see him storming into the room, his eyes darting from the torn pieces of paper in my hands to the ones in the trash. He grabbed the letter I was holding and snatched the scraps from the garbage, his face twisted in disbelief.

“Why? Why did you tear them up?” His voice cracked as he stared at the torn letters like they were his most prized possession. “Are you doing this because of Hazel? Do they mean nothing to you? I wrote these for us! For our memories, Sitara!”

His hands shook as he tried to piece them back together. I almost pitied him. Almost.

“Sitara, answer me!” His voice rose as he grabbed my arms, forcing me to look at him. “Why can’t you understand? It’s your jealousy that’s ruining everything between us!”

I met his piercing blue eyes, calm and unwavering. “You’re wrong, Alpha. I’m not jealous,” I said evenly. “The letters were damaged. Bookworms got to them. They were full of holes and falling apart. There’s nothing left to save.”

It was the truth—at least partly. Some of the letters were ruined, but I didn’t care to salvage them.

His gaze shifted to the torn pieces, his anger giving way to reluctant understanding. “Why didn’t you let me handle it?” he muttered, raking a hand through his hair, making it even messier than usual. “I could’ve saved them. Ripping them was... extreme. It’s like you’re tearing apart what we have.”

“Some things can’t be saved, Zach,” I said softly, forcing a small smile. “Sometimes, you just have to let go and move on.”

He sighed, looking down at the shredded papers with regret. “I can write new ones,” he murmured. “I’m sorry if I overreacted. We were going to share those letters at our wedding.”

Wedding? The word tasted bitter on my tongue.

I didn’t respond, and he noticed my silence. Then he cupped my face, his touch warm. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “I’m sorry I haven’t been spending enough time with you. But you know Hazel needs my protection. She almost got kidnapped by a rival pack, and I won’t let that happen again. You’re the only one I love, Sitara. The only one I want to marry. You know that, don’t you?”

I nodded. What else could I do? It’s what he wanted to hear.

He kissed me lightly, his lips brushing mine before pulling back. “Tell me, Sitara,” he murmured. “What can I do to make it up to you?”

I looked away, pulling myself out of his hold. “Well, I’d like a pack celebration,” I said, keeping my voice light.

“A celebration?” He tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “You love parties and dancing. When do you want it?”

He didn’t know the truth—that I only pretended to love those things because he did. I wanted to fit into his world, to please him. And yet, it was never enough. My heart clenched at the realization.

“Tomorrow night,” I said, forcing a smile. “And I want you to dance with me.”

His smile faltered for a brief second, but he nodded. “If that’s what you want, then I’ll be there. We’ll dance together and make it a night to remember.”

I hope so, I thought bitterly.

He kissed my forehead, lingering for a moment. “Before I forget, I won’t be staying tonight,” he said, his voice hesitant. He couldn’t even look me in the eye. “There’s something urgent I need to handle in Werewolf City, but I promise I’ll be back in time for the celebration.”

I knew better. The pack gossiped, and I’d already heard he was taking Hazel with him. They were going to the capital together.

I forced a pleasant tone. “Take care, Alpha,” I said, hiding my disappointment. “And don’t forget tomorrow night’s celebration.”