Chapter 21 A few simple words turned Kane's face ashen . He couldn't understand it . For the past five years , they had been so in love , so happy together . Why would she regret it ? And what did she mean ? Did it mean she no longer loved him ? The very thought sent a sharp pain through Kane's chest . No ! That was impossible . It had only been a month . How could Aria have stopped loving him so quickly ? She must still be angry , still not ready to forgive him . Kane stepped forward , wanting to hold her hand and explain , but before he could get close , Phoenix immediately stepped back , creating distance between them . Her reaction stung , and he looked at her , visibly hurt , but he quickly tried to explain . " Phoenix , I didn't mean it that way . I just want to explain . " " Please , believe me . I've only ever loved you . I've never had true feelings for any beta . " " Can you forgive me ? Can you come back to me ? I swear , no other omega will ever come near me again . I promise to love only you . We can even hold a grander mate ceremony this time . " As he spoke , a faint glimmer of hope lit up in Kane's eyes . But Phoenix remained indifferent , her face cold and expressionless . " Five years ago , when we were together , you swore you'd only love me . And yet , you cheated on me and fell for someone else . I won't believe you again, and I will never forgive you . " " Go back . Don't come looking for me anymore . " The first time she discovered Kane's betrayal , Phoenix was consumed with pain and disbelief . But then , when she saw him treating her as lovingly as always , she briefly wavered . She thought that if she pretended nothing had happened and went through with the mate bond , Kane would remain the same . He wouldn't let the omega from outside interfere with their lives . But time and again , she caught him lying . She witnessed the flirtations between Kane and Julia with her own eyes . That was when she realized she couldn't do it . She couldn't pretend nothing had happened and move on . What Phoenix had always wanted was genuine love . But Kane had tainted that love . If it was no longer pure , she didn't want it . She'd made up her mind - she would never forgive him . Chapter 21 After finishing her words , Phoenix turned to leave . But how could Kane let her go so easily ? In a moment of desperation , he grabbed her wrist . " Little wolf , " he pleaded , " I swear , my heart has always belonged to you , I only love you . " 305 Cotru Phoenix pulled her hand free and looked at the alpha in front of her . His anxious , earnest expression didn't seem fake , but she let out a soft , mocking laugh . " Love me ? " " Talking about your mistress with your friends in front of me - is that love ? " " Having my mate ceremony dress designer create a gown for your mistress - is that love ? " " Secretly sneaking downstairs to meet with your mistress while I'm asleep - is that love ? " " If that's what you call love , it's too cheap . I don't want it . " With each word she spoke , Kane's face grew paler , until by the end , he looked like he might collapse . Her words were like sharp knives , tearing his heart to pieces . Kane had never hated himself more than he did in this moment . If only he hadn't been involved with Julia back then , none of this would have happened .