Chapter 2
I smiled faintly and glanced at the cake.
Is this it I heard Charles say the ‘Moonstone Crescent‘ necklace was ready.
Thorne’s expression stiffened slightly, though he quickly masked it. The necklace has some flaws. It needs to be redone. I’ll have it ready in a few days, alright
I didn’t respond. Thorne opened the cake box. Here, let’s eat first…
You seem to be mistaken. My birthday’s tomorrow, and I’m allergic to mangoes.
Thorne froze, his hands hovering mid–sign.
I didn’t wait for him to say anything more.
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+ 5 Points
I stood up, walked back to my study, and slammed the door behind me.
Thorne didn’t sleep at all that night.
I could clearly hear the sound of a lighter flicking outside my door, over and over.
The next morning, when I opened the door, the first thing I saw was his bloodshot eyes and a sea of cigarette butts scattered across the floor.
He quickly brought over a bowl of hot cheese soup and started signing frantically.
I’m sorry, Selene. I’ve been so caught up with work lately, I lost track of things… I forgot your birthday. Can I take the day off and spend it with you
I took the soup from him, lowered my head,
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+ 5 Points
and took a sip. The steam stung my eyes, and tears fell freely.
Seven years together–and I knew I couldn’t walk away from this relationship just like that.
If he was still willing to be honest with me, I thought I might stay with him…
But just then, a WhatsApp notification pinged. Thorne instinctively opened it.
Alpha Thorne, tonight’s my first performance! You have to come!
Thorne replied with a cheerful voice message saying, Okay, then signed to me.
Selene, is there anywhere you want to go today
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I smiled faintly and gave the answer he was hoping for.
Yes, I want to go to the theater to see a ballet.
Thorne’s eyes lit up with barely contained joy, and he nodded enthusiastically. A ballet sounds great! Let’s get ready. We’ll grab a bite to eat first, then…
Wait a minute.
I stopped him and handed him a small box.
This is for you. You… can open it in five days.
Thorne blinked in surprise but nodded and accepted it.
As the evening fell, after we stepped out of the car, Thorne kindly took my bag and coat.
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+ 5 Points
A few passersby behind us gasped in awe.
Wow, it’s Alpha Thorne and his mate, Miss Selene! I can’t believe we’re seeing them here! So sweet!
Alpha Thorne and Miss Selene, I hope your love lasts forever!
But for once, Thorne, who usually loved to pass on what strangers said, remained unusually silent. I turned my head to look at him, only to find he was staring intently at a poster ahead.
-It was a photo of Isolde in a ballet costume, noble and beautiful, like a swan.
When the performance began, Isolde, graceful like a swan, took the stage surrounded by soft lights.
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+ 5 Points
The applause was thunderous, and since her appearance, Thorne’s gaze never left her.
I tried to reach for his hand, but he instinctively pulled away.
He quickly realized and awkwardly took my hand, then signed.
Selene, what’s wrong
Thorne, I stared into his eyes, not looking away, Do you know Miss Isolde
The moment I asked, the air between us thickened with tension.
Thorne was silent for a long time after my question. It seemed like something was brewing in his eyes, but in the end, he shook his head. I don’t know her.
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+ 5 Points
Just then, it seemed like Isolde had noticed our hands intertwined. Her step faltered.
Thorne suddenly stood up, calling out urgently, Isolde! He almost ran to the stage.
Isolde flashed a smile and, in the next instant, continued her dance with graceful poise.
Thorne let out a deep breath, sat down, and smiled at me before signing
Just got numb from sitting. I need to stand for a bit.
I fought back the tears welling in my eyes and turned my head away. Thorne, however, didn’t notice my pale face. His entire focus
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was on the woman on stage.
After the performance, we slowly made our way out of the theater with the crowd.
Be careful not to catch a cold, Thorne said, concern lacing his voice as he draped his coat over my shoulders. At that moment, I overheard a conversation between two passersby
I heard Miss Isolde got hurt. She’s waiting for an ambulance backstage!
In an instant, Thorne yanked his coat back and hurriedly gestured at me.
I left something inside. You go ahead.
Without another word, he turned and rushed back into the theater.
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Alone, I stood in the snow–covered night, shivering in my thin clothes.
The cold winter air pierced my skin, as though countless sharp shards of ice were stabbing into me, making it almost impossible to stand.
Don’t recognize her… huh I muttered bitterly, forcing a smile. A sense of determination washed over me as I decided to confront the wounds that had been festering. I walked toward the backstage area.
There, a man and a woman were locked in an intense kiss.
Thorne had his arms tightly around Isolde’s slender waist, their bodies pressed together, inseparable.
Suddenly, Isolde shoved Thorne away,
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gasping as she cried out, I don’t want you to control me!
Thorne wiped the blood from his lips, where she had bitten him, and stepped forward again.
Is your ankle seriously hurt Let me take you to the hospital.
What does it matter to you Go away! Isolde’s voice cracked, her tone growing more desperate. I don’t want to see you. You only care about Selene–why bother with my life
Thorne sighed helplessly, crouching down to gently caress her ankle and placing a soft kiss there.
Isolde…
Alpha Thorne, I know I have no right to blame
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you. It’s my fault for leaving you for seven years! But seeing you with her, sitting there with her… it’s driving me crazy!
Thorne, please… leave her. Break up with her.
Thorne slowly stood up, his voice rough, his gaze lingering on Isolde, who was crying like a wilted flower. Finally, he spoke
Fine.
With that, he kissed her fiercely again, and my body trembled, my heart tightening, suffocating me with each beat.
Isolde smirked, her eyes daring me as she wrapped her pale arms around Thorne. The two of them fell onto the sofa, lost in their passion.
I couldn’t bear to watch any longer. In a daze,
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+ 5 Points
I turned and stumbled away.
The cold night air seemed to freeze my very soul as I joined the long line of people waiting for a taxi.
I stood there, motionless, when I noticed a familiar white car slowly pulling up in front of
- me.
The window rolled down, and Elias, the doctor, smiled warmly at me.
Fancy meeting you here, Miss Selene.
The drive home was quiet. Elias seemed to notice my mood and refrained from asking too many questions. Soft piano music filled the car as we drove.
When the car stopped in front of my house, I forced a smile at him.
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Thank you, Elias. I don’t know how to repay you for all your help.
Well… there is one thing.
Elias grinned and pulled out a small, delicate box from the armrest compartment. Slowly, he opened it in front of me, revealing a sparkling diamond ring resting on soft white velvet.
I froze, staring at him, unsure of what to make of it.
Seeing my anxious expression, Elias smiled gently.
I’m looking for a ring for my wife, Miss Selene. You have great taste. Would you mind giving me your opinion
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+ 5 Points
I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was
holding.