21.62 % Chapter 7 Ryan's eyes , slightly narrowed , were fixed on Tessa . She froze for a moment , a flicker of sadness passing through her gaze . Turning her head away , she forced herself to nod . The next morning , Tessa got up and went to the hospital with Ryan . She received a message from the cruise company early in the day : " Your custom cruise will arrive in two days . Please make preparations to board . " When she saw the message , her eyes flickered briefly . " Babe , we should leave now ! " " Okay . " She replied , tucking her phone away . When she turned to Ryan , he was holding a bag filled with supplies he had prepared . He waved the bag in front of her , looking like a child seeking approval : Tessa didn't speak , only offering a faint , bitter smile . " Babe , I heard there are a lot of blood tests today . I know you can't handle pain , but don't worry . I'll be there for you and stay by your side , " Ryan said , pulling her into a tight hug , his tone revealing more anxiety than hers . Tessa silently held the list of tests , waiting her turn in line . Ryan watched as she had the first vial of blood drawn , a frown knitting his brow in concern . " Does it hurt ? Don't be scared , I'm here . " When he used to say this , Tessa's heart would warm . But now , there was nothing . She nodded quietly , her expression empty . The pain of the needle couldn't compare to the ache of his betrayal . Just then , the familiar ringtone of Chloe's call echoed in the room . Tessa knew this sound all too well . It was a call from Chloe . Ryan , hiding the phone from her view , answered with a panic in his voice . " What happened ? I'm coming over now . " His worry was too obvious to hide . He pursed his lips before adding , " Something came up in my pack . I need to go handle it . " " I'll come meet you later . " Tessa didn't ask any more questions . She knew exactly why he was leaving . Another lie . Another meaningless excuse . It had become tiresome . Tessa sat alone as she had six vials of blood drawn . She had always feared pain , to the point of crying during her period . Chauzer 7 BLEMAIRE CEO'S Dreame - Read Romance Stories 4.4 * FREE Book Tile My Mate and Brother's Betrayal Installed Open 22.52 % ALE But now , as each needle entered her veins , she didn't feel a thing . Her heart burned with fury , only to fade into numbness . The tears that threatened to fall never did . What was there left to cry for ? 75 She returned home alone , and when she checked her phone , it was just another round of torment . When she saw Chloe's new post on Instagram , she saw an array of flowers laid out in a high - end restaurant , captioned : " Today , the ones I love are all here with me . " In the picture , Liam and Audrey were smiling brightly , while someone sat in the corner , his face hidden . Even though the face was obscured , Tessa knew it was Ryan . It dawned on her : the entire family had been keeping secrets from her . Her hands trembled slightly as the tears welled up in her eyes . She had known all along . This family never truly included her . No matter how many times she had hoped things would change , it was clear that nothing mattered . They cared only for their own desires , not her . She didn't want to live in this shadow anymore . So , she wished them all a lifetime of happiness and never parting . Ryan didn't return that night . He sent her a message : " Babe , I have to attend a pack meeting tonight . Don't wait up . " Even on the eve of their mating ceremony , he was still with Chloe . Tessa only felt a sense of irony , but in this moment , keeping Ryan around actually seemed to align with Chloe's usual nature . That's something she'd do . Chaker 7 Dreame - Read Romance Stories 4.4 FREE > Installed Book Tile My Mate and Brother's Betrayal Open