---- I knew he was texting Scarlett. That eternally gentle, obedient healer who never said no to him. "Pack business?" I asked considerately. "Aria, there's a problem with a contract. I need to go handle it." I gently straightened his collar. "Alright, go take care of it." Kieran kissed my cheek. "I'll be back as soon as I'm done." At the entrance, I called out to him. "Speaking of contracts, I have an important one that needs your signature. It's gone through the Wolf Council approval process and should be in your inbox. Remember to check it and sign it quickly." Kieran agreed readily. I raised my voice slightly. "It's very important. You must review it personally -don't let your assistant handle it." Kieran nodded his agreement. "Kieran, goodbye." ---- Kieran's breathing hitched. He sensed something was wrong but couldn't pinpoint what, looking at my gentle expression with confusion. After hesitating for several seconds, he still chose to leave. Around the corner from our villa, Kieran's face darkened as he pushed away Scarlett, who was trying to throw herself into his arms. "Stop testing my limits! I told you-I don't come to you, you don't appear uninvited!" Scarlett's eyes instantly reddened. "Kieran, I'm pregnant. Three months along. I just wanted to tell you this wonderful news in person..." Kieran's grim expression brightened with joy as he pulled Scarlett into his embrace. "I'm going to be a father?" Scarlett nodded. Kieran seemed to remember something, his ---- expression growing serious. "I'll take responsibility for you and the child. But I'm telling you upfront-don't dance in front of Aria, and don't try to compete with her." "I won't deprive you of anything you should have. After all, this is my first child." Scarlett nodded obediently, taking the chance to whisper in his ear. ''The baby's ultrasound photos are at my place. Want to see them? I also have my latest photoshoot -you'll definitely love it." Kieran's Adam's apple bobbed. The next second, he was lifting Scarlett into the car. The engine roared to life, and the car sped away... I turned and went back inside, printing out all the messages Scarlett had sent me over the past few days. I placed them in a package along with the recording from the night I had my fever and the signed mate bond dissolution agreement. I left the package in the most visible spot in the living room. ---- Taking my new phone and the green healing stones I'd just acquired, I got into a car from Winters Pack. The summer sun scattered like golden fragments, brilliant and beautiful. Everything in sight was lush and alive. But in this world, there was no longer an Aria Rivers.