Chapter 14 : Shattered Bonds Chapter 14 : Shattered Bonds ( Samantha's POV ) I didn't reply to Hector's message . Instead , I lay in the bathtub , warm water lapping against my skin as my fingers probed my lower abdomen . No movement yet from the baby growing inside me . Even though I'd made an appointment to terminate the pregnancy , maternal instincts still kindled a glimmer of hope for this child . I'd been so careful these past weeks - avoiding cosmetics that might harm a developing baby , no high heels that could affect my balance , not even a full cup of coffee , I wished it were all just a nightmare . Upon waking , I would rush into Ethan's arms and gently tell him the good news . But reality was harsh , pushing me further away from him with each passing hour . " I can't do this , " I whispered to the empty bathroom , my voice echoing against the marble walls . I found no path to salvage our relationship . The betrayal cut too deep , the wound too raw to heal . Covering my eyes with a hot towel , I tried to stem the flow of tears . Memories flooded back - years with Ethan , building a life together , fighting for our place in werewolf society . A few years ago , I'd wanted to publicly announce our relationship . When I won recognition as the territory's most talented healer , Ethan's career had just begun to take off . He felt unworthy, asking me to keep our relationship private . " Not yet , " he'd said , holding my hands in his . " Let me build something worthy of you first . " Later , when he achieved success , he chose to keep our marriage hidden . Although he never denied being married , the identity of Mrs. Blackwood remained a mystery to most . I had nurtured him from struggling to powerful , only to have Rebecca pluck the fruit of our labors . Just seeing their names side by side in those news articles felt like a knife twisting in my heart . Though no blood was visible , the pain was unbearable . I curled up in the empty bathroom , sobbing uncontrollably until my throat was raw and my eyes burned . That night , I didn't know how I fell asleep . Lying on our large bed in Blackwood Manor , I stared at our wedding photo - a picture I had edited myself . After stepping back from my healer duties , I had repeatedly asked him to take photos together , to commemorate our bond . He had always been too busy to spare the time . * Sam , one day I'll give you a grand wedding , he'd once promised , holding me close at night . " I'll let everyone witness our happiness . " Later , preoccupied with trying to conceive , I frequented the Crescent Moon Medical Center for checkups and fertility herbs . Exhausted both physically and mentally , I stopped mentioning the photos . Perhaps our ending was predetermined , a tragedy waiting to unfold from the beginning . I placed my hand on my lower abdomen . Besides my grandmother , this child was my closest kin . ' Little one ," I whispered in the darkness , " let Mommy love you for another twenty days . " As dawn approached , I heard the sound of running water from the bathroom . A sliver of golden light pierced through a gap in the blackout curtains . The mattress dipped as Ethan pulled back the covers and lay down beside me . The scent of his woodsy shower gel filled < Chapter 14 : Shattered Bonds the air , familiar and once comforting . +15 Puntos > He embraced me from behind as if nothing had happened , his voice heavy with exhaustion . " Wife , James will submit that woman's transfer papers to another region as soon as it's light . Once approved , she'll never appear before you again . " I remained motionless , my voice flat . " Ethan , I saw the news . " The warm body pressed against my back stiffened slightly . If he had wanted to clarify or retract the news , he would have done it last night . But he hadn't . The official announcement video still hung on the Blackwood Enterprises account . So , in his heart , I was still less important than his work . What had I been expecting ? Did I really think I was his whole world ? Women were emotional ; men were rational . I had given up my career for him , but he was willing to wrong me for his future . This divorce , I wasn't proposing it unjustly . In the past few nights , I had wondered if I could forgive him if he had made Rebecca terminate the pregnancy and returned to our family . But now , I understood my place in his heart . Nothing was more important than power and influence . Ethan wrapped his arms around my waist . " Sam , I know you've been wronged . Rebecca somehow got involved with Olivia . Olivia posted that news . If I clarify , it will put the company in an awkward position , causing huge trouble and negative impact . " His grip tightened slightly , seeking reassurance I couldn't give . " You know how important this alliance with Willis is . It's not just about me . The team has been working overtime for a long time . If the alliance falls apart at this point , it's not just about our standing dropping , but also everyone's hard work and effort . " His voice was filled with exhaustion . " I'm sorry , it's my fault . Don't worry , once I sign the contract with Willis and that woman leaves the region , no one will come between us again . " Sunlight broke through the clouds , a golden ray spilling onto the bed through the gap in the curtains . I reached out and touched the light , my voice soft . " Ethan , it's dawn . " The dream was over . He couldn't wrong his sister , his employees , his company , or the pregnant Rebecca . So , he could only wrong his wife . The wound he had inflicted last night was torn open again . My heart felt empty , as if a cold wind had swept through it , leaving only numbness . ( Ethan's POV ) I hadn't slept well for days . Surrounded by Samantha's soothing scent , I finally drifted off into a troubled sleep . In my dream , Samantha stood before me dressed in a gorgeous gown , receiving recognition as the region's most gifted healer . She rushed towards me with a brilliant smile . " Ethan , I finally did it ! I'm the most respected healer in the Northern region ! " I spun her around , a sense of loss in my eyes . I was afraid she would soar too high . She was so bright and dazzling , and I feared being left behind . So , I had to work harder to keep up with her . The scene changed . She shed her formal appearance , her hair loosely tied up , wearing a simple white cotton dress , running towards me from the garden of Blackwood Manor . < Chapter 14 : Shattered Bonds " Ethan , you're home . " " Wife . " I embraced her tightly , but the woman in my arms disappeared into the distance . +15 Puntos > I opened my eyes . I was alone in the large bed , the sense of loss from the dream lingering in my chest like a physical ache . Rubbing my face , I got up and went downstairs , where Ms. Thompson was cleaning the already spotless living room . " Where's Luna ? " I asked casually , fastening my watch . Ms. Thompson , usually attentive and respectful , didn't even look up . Her tone was laced with uncharacteristic sarcasm . " King , which Luna are you referring to ? " Martha , who kept up with all pack gossip , had clearly seen the news . " I only have one mate , " I emphasized , my patience wearing thin . " That's not necessarily true . " She polished the same spot on the table for the third time . " Didn't you watch the fireworks with someone last night ? So romantic , a million - dollar display , just like that . " I felt a headache coming on . Given Martha's usually dedicated service , I decided to let her insubordination slide . " What's for breakfast ? " I changed the subject , looking toward the kitchen . " There's turtle soup , lamb soup , black chicken with herbs soup , and pigeon soup with healing roots . " I frowned . " Why is it all soup ? " Martha finally looked up , her expression neutral but her eyes cold . " King , running around like this must be tiring . I specially made these strength - restoring soups for you . " I was speechless at her implication . Without responding , I searched the entire manor but couldn't find Samantha . Her scent was hours old in most rooms . Pulling out my phone , I called her number . A mechanical voice answered , " Sorry , the number you have dialed is currently unavailable … " I gripped my phone so tightly that the veins on my hand bulged prominently . A chill entered my voice as I turned back to Martha . " Where did my Luna go ? "