Chapter 6 This Time, She Left

Aria's POV.

"Aria, it's time to get up and have breakfast."

Luke kissed the corner of my forehead, gently pulling me out of sleep.

"I'm sorry, honey. I worked too late last night. I didn't want to disturb you, so I slept at the office." He asked with a hint of unease, "Last night... did you call me?"

In the past, whenever he hadn't come home by midnight, I used to call every few minutes just to make sure he was safe. But I hadn't called last night. Of course he would find that strange.

I pretended to still be half-asleep, yawned, and said, "I was too tired last night..."

Luke visibly relaxed. He reached out to touch my forehead, his tone indulgent. "It's alright. Your body is too weak. You need proper rest."

"I brought you your favorite crêpes and hot milk. Remember to warm them up before eating."

He leaned down to kiss me, but I turned away. "I want to sleep a bit longer. You should go get to work."

"Alright, get some rest," Luke said without thinking much, smiling as he tucked the blanket around me. "I'll be very busy today, so I might not be able to stay with you. But I made a reservation at your favorite restaurant. I'll pick you up tonight to celebrate our wedding anniversary."

Only after Luke left did I get out of bed. I took out my communicator to confirm the departure time with my father, then went to wash up.

I changed into a simple black dress and removed the wedding ring I had worn for five years.

I placed the wedding ring and the already signed dissolution of the mate bond on the most visible spot in the living room. Taking a deep breath, I dragged the suitcase I had packed in advance and walked out of the house filled with lies, without looking back.

Just as I reached the door, my communicator rang. It was Layla.

I raised an eyebrow and answered. Layla's mocking voice filled my ears instantly. "Aria, you're really something. Your Alpha has been sleeping with me for years and even has two children with me. And you don't care at all?

Then again, that makes sense. You're about to die anyway. Why would you care? Today is your anniversary with Luke. You must be looking forward to celebrating with him. Do you know what gift he prepared for you? An adoption agreement. Luke wants you to raise our children. You bitch! You took everything from me, and now you want to take my children too! I won't let that happen! Luke is mine! The children are mine!"

The call was cut off.

So this was Luke's gift. For me to raise his mistress's children.

How ridiculous.

I couldn't help laughing out loud.

My communicator rang again. This time, it was Luke.

"Aria, I'm sorry. There's been an incident with Council business. I need to go to the outskirts immediately, so I won't be able to have dinner with you. But I'll come back as soon as I can. You have to wait for me."

I sneered inwardly. I wouldn't wait for you anymore, Luke.

Out loud, I said, "Work comes first. Go take care of it."

"That's good. You're being reasonable," Luke said. "Promise me you'll wait, Aria."

I ended the call and stared at Luke's name on the screen. Without hesitation, I blocked him, then deleted all his contact information, chat histories, and photos. Everything related to him had to be erased.

Goodbye, Luke.

Goodbye to this rotten marriage.

My father's motorcade appeared before me. The window rolled down, revealing his stern face.

"Let's go, Aria. It's time to come home."

I opened the door and got in.

The car started smoothly, heading away from the neighborhood.

I glanced back at the familiar house. There was no lingering attachment in my heart, only the lightness of relief.

Everything was over.