Chapter 5 Breaking Bonds

Aria's pov

Emma appeared in the doorway. "Alpha Stephen said he might be home very late."

I turned to her, my tone even. "Thank you, Emma. You've been wonderful."

I lingered by the vanity, smoothing my skirt, then picked up my coat.

The light threw cold shadows across my face.

"I have some business at the Pack House tonight," I said, as casually as if I were mentioning a trip to the mailbox.

Emma nodded and said nothing.

I grabbed my purse and walked out.

The jewelry store smelled faintly of perfume and polished glass.

Light shimmered off the display cases like tiny stars.

Belinda spotted me and approached with her practiced smile. "Miss Graves, welcome. What would you like to see today?"

I didn't answer right away. I took a seat, picked up a magazine, and flipped through it as if I had all the time in the world.

Then I said calmly, "I have a friend whose husband recently fell for a younger woman. She's heartbroken and doesn't know whether she should try to save the marriage."

Belinda raised an eyebrow, her smile sugary-sweet. "Then her husband doesn't love her anymore. If that's the case, letting go is probably best. Once a woman loses her shine in a man's eyes, no effort will bring it back."

Her gaze flicked to my diamond ring. "But that would never happen to you. You're beautiful, elegant, successful. What man would ever leave you?"

A faint smile appeared on my lips, but I said nothing.

The diamond caught the light and reflected it sharply, just like the truth I had already seen.

Just then, Belinda's phone vibrated.

She glanced at the screen, and her face softened instantly.

"I'm sorry, Miss Graves," she said, lowering her voice. "It's my boyfriend. He's getting impatient. Do you mind if I take this call?"

I nodded. "Go ahead."

Belinda turned away, her voice turning sweet and playful.

"Don't be mad, okay? This rich client might spend a fortune tonight. I can't walk away now... I know, I know, it sucks to be stood up. I promise I'll make it up to you."

She laughed softly. "Shh, stop that. I have a customer watching. I'll call you later."

When she hung up, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes glowing with that unmistakable look of someone in love.

She came back carrying a velvet tray. "Miss Graves, please take a look at these. I picked the ones that would suit you best. Feel free to try them on."

"Of course," I said.

Belinda moved with quiet grace and confidence, her charm looking completely natural.

"Your boyfriend seems quite attached," I said.

Belinda blushed. "Yes. He's been very busy lately, and so have I. We hardly see each other."

"I'm sure you'll have plenty of time together soon," I said, my laugh barely a whisper.

I stood, paid, and left.

I could already picture their faces when the truth hit.

For once, I was looking forward to the show.

--

It was midnight.

The only light in the house came from the bedroom upstairs.

I pushed open the front door and saw a pair of glossy black heels by the entryway. They were the same ones Belinda had worn at the jewelry store earlier.

I walked to the kitchen, took some fruit from the fridge, arranged it neatly on a plate, and headed upstairs.

I knocked on the bedroom door.

"Who is it?" Stephen's voice called.

I didn't answer, just knocked again, harder.

"Emma? It's late. Can it wait until morning?"

Belinda's whisper drifted through the door. "Who's that?"

"Our housekeeper."

"She's still up?"

"Probably just reminding me to close the windows."

Footsteps approached. The door opened.

Stephen stood there in pajamas and black-framed glasses, irritation written across his face.

"Emma, I said..." He stopped cold. "Aria? What are you doing here?"

I smiled faintly. "I missed you. Didn't you say we should start trying for a baby? I brought fruit."

His smile froze.

"What's wrong?" I asked softly. "Not in the mood? Or am I interrupting something?"

Footsteps sounded behind him.

Belinda stepped out of the shadows wearing my silk robe.

"Stephen, what's taking so..."

I lifted the fruit fork with a calm smile. "Hello, salesgirl. Want some fruit?"

The air turned to glass.

Belinda's face went pale. "You're... Miss Graves."

"That's right," I said evenly. "And the man you just called Stephen is my husband."

Stephen grabbed my wrist and hissed, "Come with me."

The door slammed behind us.

"You planned this?" he growled.

"Yes," I said, calm as ever. "Is that a problem?"

My smile was sharp enough to cut.

"You talk about having children with me while letting her wear my robe and sleep in my bed. Stephen, what exactly are you trying to prove?"

His eyes hardened. "You've been visiting her store. You knew all along, didn't you?"

"Of course. I even used your credit card to boost her sales numbers."

He went silent, his voice low. "So you planned all of this tonight?"

"I just wanted you to see the ending with your own eyes."

I met his stare without flinching. "Stephen, do you remember what you said on our wedding day?"

He had once knelt before me, eyes red with tears, promising, "If I ever stop loving you, may I be punished for it."

Now he was right here, bringing his mistress into our home and our bed.

Stephen's tone turned harsh. "Aria, is this a game to you? Do you think it's fun to humiliate me?"

"I'm done arguing," I said quietly. "Let's finish this, Stephen."

Lily's power surged inside me, steadying my voice.

"I, Aria Graves, daughter of the Alpha of Moonridge Pack, reject you, Stephen Green of Stoneheart Pack. You're no longer my destined mate. May you live with the pain you chose."

The air thickened, pressing against my skin.

My voice stayed steady, but it carried a cold finality.

Stephen's pupils contracted; he could feel the bond tearing apart.

Pain struck fast. My chest tightened, and each breath felt like a blade.

Blood roared in my veins like a storm collapsing in on itself.

Stephen doubled over too, choking on the backlash.

"End this? Don't you dare..." he rasped.

A woman screamed from the hallway.

Belinda had fallen, clutching her ankle and crying out.

Stephen staggered toward the door.

I caught his arm, tears glinting on my lashes though my smile stayed cruel. "Say the words, or you won't make it through that door."

He stared at me, stunned, then whispered, "I, Stephen Green, accept your rejection."

The bond snapped.

Stephen walked out, lifted Belinda into his arms, and disappeared down the hall.

I let out a soft laugh, the sound low and steady, more relief than humor.

Everything was finally in place.

Then I opened the drawer and took out the divorce papers I'd tricked Stephen into signing a month earlier-documents that would give me half of his personal assets.

He never read them, of course. He just signed, trusting me as he always did.

Soon, Stephen Green's scandal would be all over social media.

I was finally free.