Chapter 5 Free from a loveless marriage

Viya's POV

Lucius's familiar scent-sandalwood and Italian leather-reached me moments before he appeared in the doorway.

His expression shifting from surprise to anger as he took in the scene before him.

"What's going on here?" he demanded, his amber eyes fixing on me accusingly. "Miranda, are you alright?"

Of course he would check on her first. Why had I expected anything different?

Miranda's face crumpled into a perfect mask of distress. "Oh, Lucius," she whimpered, tears instantly filling her eyes. "I was just trying to organize some things when Viya came in and started yelling at me."

Lucius frowned at me. "Is this true? Did you threaten her? "

The audacity nearly took my breath away. Three years of marriage, and he still chose to believe the worst of me.

"Are you serious right now?" I gestured to my possessions strewn across the lawn. "She threw my things out, and you're asking if I threatened her?"

He had the decency to look uncomfortable as he surveyed the scene. "I'm sorry about your things. That wasn't appropriate, Miranda."

His gentle tone with her made my stomach turn.

"She wants to move into our bedroom," I said bluntly. "Your brother's widow wants to sleep in our marital bed. Does that seem appropriate to you?"

Lucius paled slightly, running a hand through his sandy hair. "Viya, that's not-Miranda wouldn't-"

"I didn't realize it would upset you so much," Miranda cut in, tears still glistening in her eyes. "The guest room is just so cold, and after losing Alex, I've been having such terrible nightmares..."

I watched in disgust as Lucius melted under her manipulation.

"Of course you need to be comfortable," he murmured, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We'll figure something out."

"Figure something out?" I repeated incredulously. "Like what, Lucius? Moving your wife out to make room for your sister-in-law?"

His head snapped up, eyes flashing. "That's enough, Viya. You're being cruel."

I laughed without humor. "I'm being cruel? That's rich coming from you."

Miranda watched our exchange with barely concealed glee. She'd won this round, as she always did.

Lucius turned to her, his voice softening again. "Miranda, could you give us a moment? I need to speak with Viya privately."

She nodded demurely, shooting me a triumphant look before disappearing inside.

Once alone, Lucius sighed heavily."Viya,I know this is hard for you. But Miranda will be staying with us in the villa from now on. She's still grieving, and-"

"Stop," I said flatly. "I'll move my things to the guest room."

Caught off guard by my quick agreement, he paused, then asked."What would you like in return? Some kind of compensation for giving up the master bedroom?"

This was my moment. The perfect opening I'd been waiting for.

"Actually," I said, setting down my armload of clothing to reach into my purse, "there is something you could do."

I pulled out the divorce papers, watching his eyes widen slightly.

"These are some documents for the clinic," I lied smoothly. "The board needs your signature as my husband for the new research grant. It's time-sensitive."

Lucius looked relieved-happy even-that my request was so simple. Without even looking at the papers, he nodded. "Of course. Anything to help your work."

I handed him a pen, pointing to the signature line. "Just sign here."

Without hesitation, without even glancing at what he was signing, Lucius scrawled his name across the bottom of the divorce papers.

"Is that all?" he asked, already turning back toward the bedroom where Miranda waited.

I carefully tucked the signed papers into my bag, a weight lifting from my shoulders. "That's everything, Lucius. Thank you."

As I returned to the guest room, carrying what remained of my personal belongings, I felt lighter than I had in three years.

Free from a loveless marriage.

---

I woke the next morning to my biological clock rather than an alarm.

After slipping into a knitted dress, I was still in the middle of my morning routine when the sound of crashing and banging echoed down the hallway.

The noise was tremendous.

Loud enough that anyone would think a renovation crew had arrived unannounced.

"Martha, what's happening..." I called out, casually twisting my long hair into a messy bun as I opened the door. The words died in my throat as I froze in shock at the sight before me.

The entire living room layout had been completely transformed. My books had been removed, the oil paintings that once hung on the walls were gone, replaced by gaudy modern art pieces-all featuring roses, Miranda's favorite flower.

Martha, our elderly housekeeper, hurried over when she saw me, her eyes filled with apology.

"Luna Viya, I'm so terribly sorry. Mrs. Miranda insisted on redecorating the house. She said... she said Alpha approved it."

I took a deep breath, fighting to control the anger bubbling inside me. My wolf would have been snarling if our connection were intact. "Where is he? The Alpha?"

"Alpha left early this morning. Said there was an urgent territory patrol that would keep him away for at least three days."

"I see." I nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Martha. This isn't your fault."

As I began examining the damage to my belongings, Miranda appeared in the doorway, wearing a triumphant smile. She was dressed in a vibrant red dress, her honey-blonde hair perfectly arranged in an elegant updo, carrying herself with the air of the true lady of the house.

"Oh, you're here," she feigned surprise. "I was just about to tell you that I've rearranged some things. After all, this will be my home from now on."

I maintained my outward composure while inwardly plotting how to teach this arrogant she-wolf a lesson.

Someone once taught me that when you're mistreated, you should return it tenfold.

"Whatever. But since you're so enthusiastic about redecorating, there's one thing I should warn you about," I said pointedly.

"What's that?" she asked, suddenly wary.

"The antique tea set in the tea room should be left alone. That set is extremely valuable. It's my-never mind, forget I mentioned it."

Miranda narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I get it. It's your favorite tea set, isn't it?"

Just as I'd anticipated, a flash of malice gleamed in her eyes. "Don't worry, I'll take very good care of it."

She turned to leave, and I couldn't suppress the slight smile that tugged at my lips. The bait had been taken.

Several hours later, while organizing my medical journals in my new room, I heard a sharp crash from downstairs followed by a shrill cry.

I made my way downstairs unhurriedly to find Miranda standing in the middle of the tea room, a broken delicate teacup shattered at her feet. The maid looked terrified.

"What happened?" I asked, feigning surprise.

"Luna Viya!" Martha exclaimed anxiously. "Mrs. Miranda wanted to examine the tea set. I told her it was extremely valuable, but she insisted on-"

"Shut up!" Miranda interrupted furiously. "It was just an accident."

Ignoring her, I looked at Martha. "Have you called the main house yet?"

"Not yet."

"Call them," I instructed calmly.

Miranda stared at me in disbelief. "Are you really going to make a mountain out of a molehill? Running to tattle to the main house? It's just a teacup. You don't seriously think Grandmother will do anything about-"

"Just a teacup?" I repeated with mock surprise. "That's former Luna Beth's royal bone china. Each piece is priceless."

Miranda's expression began to falter with uncertainty. "But you said it was your favorite tea set-"

I shook my head with a sigh. "I never said that. I merely warned you that the set was extremely valuable."

The color drained from Miranda's face as she finally realized she'd walked straight into a trap. "You cunning bitch! You did this on purpose!"

I smiled slightly. "I did warn you, Miranda. You chose not to listen."

"I'm telling Lucius everything! You're finished when he gets back!"

"Go ahead."

Part of me actually hoped Lucius would confront me about this. It would make leaving this pack so much easier.