Chapter 1 66 % I had agreed with Nate that on our seventh anniversary , we would seal the mate bond under the full moon . On that night , I stood waiting for him in a simple white wedding dress . I waited from day to night , but Nate never showed up . Instead , what I received was an invitation to the Luna crowning ceremony for him and his Beta daughter , Kate . Welcome to the wedding of Alpha Nate and Luna Kate . The picture was a sweet , close up photo of Nate and Kate , holding their wedding invitation . Hello ? Are you here to seal the mate bond with your mate ? A female werewolf holding a Moonstone asked . Legend has it that if you stand beneath the Moon Tree with your mate , holding a Moonstone , and seal your bond , you will forever receive the blessings of the Moon Goddess . I stood beneath the Moon Tree , watching pairs of mates walk by , all radiating happiness . Holding my phone , I stared at the invitation , feeling like an abandoned child -alone and overlooked . Hello ? The female werewolf urged again , pulling me back to reality . I looked up at her , my mind blank , and tears instinctively welled up . I nodded . Seeing my tears , the female werewolf froze , then asked gently , Then … wheres your mate ? My mate ? I glanced at the screen of my phone , at the sweet , close up photo of Nate and Kate . ויו G Settings I forced out a smile , barely managing , Hes going to seal the mate bond with someone else . After speaking , I turned and walked away , afraid someone would notice the tear streaked face I was desperately trying to hide . A week ago , Nate had proposed to me in front of the pack , declaring that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me , under the blessings of the Moon Goddess . But now , tears streamed down my face uncontrollably . I unlocked my phone again , hoping I had somehow seen it wrong . But the names and the wedding invitation in their hands remained. No matter whether you are my mate or not , you will always be my Luna . All the vows Nate had ever made to me came rushing back , flooding my mind like a burst dam , overwhelming my senses . Finally , my body couldnt take it anymore , and I collapsed . Every year , he remembered our anniversary and my birthday clearly . He always bought me gifts , prepared in advance , and celebrated with me . Over the past seven years , he had been by my side every day during training , through all seasons and regardless of the weather . To others , he was the perfect Alpha , the perfect mate , and the pack members envied me , saying how lucky I was . Just yesterday , he had cupped my face , his eyes full of tenderness , and told me , Rue , tomorrow were going to seal the bond . From now on , youll be my Luna . Then , he gently kissed my forehead . I cried tears of joy , imagining how our seven years of love would finally bear fruit , and the life wed share together . We promised to mate and grow old together , but I never imagined it would end up as a 2/5 joke . The setting sun stained the sky red . Looking at the pitying gazes of the passersby , I wiped my tears and leaned against the Moon Tree , struggling to stand . I wanted to see Nate . There must be a mistake . This couldnt be true . Nate would never bond with another woman . I rushed back to the pack , nearly tripping as I hurried to the pack house . Just as I took out my keys , I overheard a conversation between Nate , his brother , and his friend Daniel . Ive decided to make Kate my Luna , Nates deep , magnetic voice echoed from inside , causing my hand to fall weakly from the door . Clutching the Moonstone tightly , my last shred of hope was shattered by Nates own words . Kate ? On the other end , Daniel swore angrily , Damn it , didnt you say you loved Rue ? How could you let Kate become our packs Luna ? Nate sighed , exhaustion filling his voice . Kates terminally ill , with little time left . She cried and told me her biggest wish in life was to have a wedding with her Alpha mate . Weve known each other since childhood , and shes the daughter of our packs Beta . I couldnt refuse her because … Im her mate . The last words pierced my heart like a knife . The pain was so sharp , my body trembled , and I could hardly breathe . Chapter 1 3/5 Nate , you said you only saw me as your Luna ? Then what about me ? Tears streamed down my face , silently , uncontrollably . Nate ! From inside came Daniels roar , followed by the sound of a chair crashing to the floor . He was growling inside , Nate ! Even if you want to fulfill Kates last wish , why couldnt you hold the wedding secretly ? Why does it have to be so public , making the entire pack know ? Dont you think youre being an asshole ? I thought Nate would realize his mistake , but instead , he sighed and responded . Kate is my mate . If were going to have a wedding , it has to be grand . A secret wedding would insult our mate bond ! I dont want her to die feeling like shes been wronged . Hearing this , my body crumpled like a broken kite , collapsing to the floor . Leaning against the cold wall , tears flooded my face , unabashed and relentless . Nates mate is Kate . So , what was I ? Daniel asked , desperate , What about Rue ? Have you thought about how she feels ? She was eagerly waiting to become your Luna . I raised my head and looked at the door . Nates calm , confident voice came from inside . These past years , Ive treated her well . She loves me . Shes said Im her one and only mate . So no matter what happens , she wont leave me . Besides , her parents are already gone . If she leaves me , she has nowhere to go . No pack will accept her . Chapter 1 4/5 C In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.