---- Because of that promise, I was ecstatic when I found out I was pregnant. I thought that someone who loved me that deeply would be thrilled to know we were having a pup. But when he heard the news, all I saw in his eyes was disbelief. I thought it was just shock, that he was too happy to process it. But now, I realized that he was probably wondering how I even got pregnant. When I dragged my frail body home, I noticed that the study door, which was usually locked, wasn't locked today. After forcing my weak body forward, I stepped into the room that I had never been allowed into before. At that moment, my breath caught in my throat. The room was full of Ashley's things. Owen had even turned a baby bottle she used when she was ---- one into a pendant. Her ballet shoes from when she was five were displayed on his desk like a prized possession. Even more shocking was the wall that was covered in photos of Ashley. My gaze stopped at one particular photo, which was of Ashley holding a bouquet. It had been the same bouquet that Owen used to propose to me. Ihad wondered at the time if those flowers smelled like Ashley. But when I saw Owen's sincere expression, I told myself I must have imagined it. I finally realized how foolish I'd been. I staggered out of the study, tears pouring down as I looked at a framed photo of me and Owen in the living room. It was no wonder he never held an official Luna appointment ceremony for me. ---- So, my mate was actually in love with someone else. While I was cradling my face in despair, Owen returned. "What's wrong?" he asked. He patted my head gently as he said, "It's normal to feel unwell in early pregnancy." Owen's eyes were so full of concern as he spoke. Then, he pulled out the witch's potion from behind him without any hesitation. "I spent the day learning about prenatal care. This is a tonic I had a friend get for you. It'll help stabilize the pregnancy." When I didn't take it, Owen pulled me into his arms. "This is our first pup. I want him to be born healthy more than anything." I smiled bitterly. ---- It seemed like choosing to end this pregnancy had been the right decision after all. Under his gaze, I drank the witch's potion. As I tossed the empty vial into the trash, I saw the satisfied smile on Owen's face. All the sweetness of our past turned into ash at that moment. Owen, I didn't love you anymore. Since you never loved me, I would vanish from. your world forever.