Chapter 7 No.7

I could feel Nathaniel's anger-his clenched fists trembling-but he remained silent.

The office was unnervingly quiet.

After a moment, Nathaniel lifted his head, his voice calm as he spoke. "I was too hasty. I'm sorry... Seraphina."

Sorry...

Ha.

In the three years since we became mates, all he'd ever left me with were those two words: "I'm sorry."

"I'm the one who owes you. Whatever you want, I'll make it up to you. But this has nothing to do with Isolde. She still doesn't know about us. You don't need to take it out on her."

I forced a bitter smile. Maybe Isolde hadn't known we were mates during the three years she was gone, but now that she was back, wouldn't her other werewolf friends have told her the truth? I couldn't believe they hadn't.

This was Nathaniel, my husband.

While apologizing to me, he was still threatening me on Isolde's behalf.

"Do whatever you want. When do we perform the Moon's Lament?"

"Wait a little longer. I haven't spoken to the old Alpha yet. You know his health isn't great, so I have to plan carefully."

I felt utterly exhausted, drained of the energy to speak any further. With quick strides, I left the CEO's office.

Other's POV

Nathaniel watched Seraphina's frail, fragile figure disappear into the distance, his eyes narrowing with a darkness that seemed to consume him.

Suddenly, the ringing of his phone interrupted his thoughts.

He glanced at the screen and answered the call.

"Nathaniel. You saw what's trending, right? I'm sorry. If I'd been more careful, I wouldn't have ended up on camera," Isolde's voice came through the speaker.

When he didn't respond right away, she added, "Nathaniel?"

"It's fine. I've already taken care of it. It won't affect you," he said coolly.

"Really? Thank you so much, Nathaniel. You're always so kind to me."

He hung up, and Cassandra couldn't help but comment, "Your plan was flawless. But what if Seraphina decides to release news of their marriage or tells the old Alpha of the Silvermoon Crest Pack about your threat? What's your backup plan?"

Isolde glanced at the darkened phone screen, her expression full of confidence. "She won't. Seraphina loves Nathaniel. She would never do anything to damage his reputation."

Still, lately, whenever Isolde was with Nathaniel, he often seemed distracted. Maybe it was time to finalize their divorce, before Nathaniel changed his mind.

Back in her office, Seraphina pulled the divorce agreement from her folder and sat, staring at it for what felt like an eternity. Eventually, she signed her name, each stroke careful and deliberate.

Nathaniel's heart is no longer with me. Why should I make him stay?

Three years of marriage-just like that, it was over.

From this moment on, we are no longer husband and wife.

She called out for Elowen. "Take this to CEO Blackwood's office."

Elowen took the papers, and as she reached the office door, she ran into Nathaniel's personal assistant, Julian, one of Nathaniel's most trusted wolves. "Julian, this is the document from Director Seraphina for CEO Blackwood. Could you please deliver it to him?"

Julian accepted the file and, after reporting in, handed it to Nathaniel. "Alpha Nathaniel, this is the document from Luna Seraphina for you."

As Nathaniel took it, he casually asked, "What's this about?"

Julian wasn't sure. "Luna Seraphina didn't say. She only mentioned that you'd understand when you saw it."

Nathaniel waved him off, and Julian left the room.

He opened the folder, and the bold red letters caught his eye: Divorce Agreement.

Nathaniel froze, quickly flipping to the last page.

At the signature section, Seraphina's name was neatly written, her handwriting flawless.

He stared at her name for a long time before closing the folder and tossing it aside. Leaning back in his chair, he rubbed his forehead, feeling an unexpected unease settle in.

Seraphina's POV

I received a call from Moonshadow Manor.

"Seraphina, it's me."

"Grandmother! Why are you calling?" I tried to keep my voice steady. On the other end was Freya Ashcroft, the former Luna of Silvermoon Crest Pack-my grandmother. After my parents passed away, she and the former Alpha took me in.

"It's been a while. I miss you both. Come over for lunch today. I'll make your favorite-Beef Wellington."

"Okay, Grandmother, I'll be there." I knew she and the old Alpha must've seen the news, and they probably wanted to have a word about it.

"Don't forget to bring Nathaniel. Don't let him tell you he's too busy with work. If he dares to skip out, your grandfather will make sure he regrets it."

"Don't worry, Grandmother. We'll be there."

Freya must have called Nathaniel too, because by the time work was over, I got a message from him: Done yet? Come to the garage when you're finished.

I replied: On my way.

When I arrived, I saw Nathaniel's car in the garage and climbed into the backseat.

Driver Rowan started the car, and we quickly hit the highway.

Nathaniel glanced at me coldly. "Old Luna called us back. It's probably about the news. If nothing changes, I'll bring up the divorce with them while we're there."

A sharp pain tugged at my heart. I nodded quietly, staring out at the passing streetlights in silence.

He couldn't wait, could he? It seemed like he'd been waiting for this day for a long time.

Moonshadow Manor

When we arrived, Vespera, the housekeeper of Moonshadow Manor, came out to greet us. "Luna Freya is in the kitchen preparing food. Please, make yourselves comfortable," she said.

With that, Vespera went to bring us a platter of fruit and poured two cups of hot water.

Old Luna Freya of the Silvermoon Crest Pack came from a humble family within the pack. She had been blessed by the Lunar Goddess, becoming the perfect Luna for the former Alpha. She and the old Alpha had lived together for decades. Though they were retired now, they still took pleasure in caring for the Little Howlers, making food themselves, and sometimes even sewing clothes for their family.

Despite the many contenders for the position of heir within the pack, who had fought amongst themselves, everyone held a deep respect for this old Luna.

While I was changing into slippers, I turned to Vespera and asked, "Where's Grandpa?"

Vespera pointed upstairs. "He's resting. Lately, Old Alpha Magnus's health has been declining. He's quite weak."

Nathaniel and I exchanged concerned glances.

The Silvermoon Crest Pack's territory and business empire had flourished under Magnus's leadership. In his youth, he had sustained serious injuries protecting the pack during a brutal battle between several packs. Now, with age, his health had only worsened.

"And what did Dr. Damian say?" Nathaniel asked.

Dr. Damian, the head of Moonlight Healing Center, was also the Old Alpha's personal doctor.

"He said he'll do his best," Vespera replied.

Nathaniel nodded gravely.

I went into the kitchen to help Freya with dinner.

"Seraphina, you should rest outside. There's no need to help me; I can manage on my own," Freya gently urged, pushing me out.

"I'm fine, Grandma. It's not like I'm doing anything out here. Let me help you," I said.

Freya shot me a disapproving glance. "No need. Go sit outside and chat with Nathaniel."

When I didn't respond, Freya continued, "Did you two have a fight? I saw the news. Don't worry, I'll give him a piece of my mind."

"Grandma, you don't need to worry about me. Nathaniel and I will handle things ourselves."

"Don't think I don't know," Freya said with a knowing look. "Nathaniel thinks you're easy to push around. But this brat should know-you're the perfect Luna for our Silvermoon Crest Pack. If he wants a divorce, he'll have to get our approval first."

It seemed Freya knew everything.

I didn't say anything further and didn't try to defend Nathaniel.

If he wanted a divorce and promised to explain things to Grandpa and Grandma, then let him do that. I wouldn't wallow in self-pity and cover for him, nor would I stir things up. Let Old Luna handle it.

When dinner time came, Vespera helped Magnus downstairs. Nathaniel assisted him into a chair.

I helped Freya bring the dishes to the table.

"Grandma's cooking is as great as ever," Nathaniel commented.

Freya glanced at me reproachfully. "Why don't you compliment your mate? She made all of these dishes. I see you're starting to take her for granted."

Nathaniel hesitated for a moment. "Seraphina's cooking is good too."

"That's just a polite answer," Freya teased with a smile.

Nathaniel: "..."

He knew that after the news, Freya was particularly upset with him today.

Once we sat down at the table, Magnus cleared his throat and spoke slowly, "Nathaniel, I heard the girl from the Thornfield Family has returned to the Silvermoon Crest Pack?"

Nathaniel nodded seriously. "She came back not long ago."

"I saw the news this morning. Although you and she were once in a relationship, you've broken up now. You and Seraphina are mates blessed by the Lunar Goddess. Don't get too close to the Thornfield girl. Can you look Seraphina in the eye if you do? I hear the company is working with her now. Let Seraphina handle her. You should keep your distance."

Nathaniel put down his chopsticks and looked at Magnus with a serious expression. "Grandpa, I plan to-"

"Cough, cough, cough..."

Magnus interrupted Nathaniel with a fit of coughing. He cleared his throat and continued, "It was Seraphina's father who saved my life. I promised him I'd treat Seraphina as my own granddaughter, which is why I chose her to be your mate. You both are lucky to have received the blessing of the Lunar Goddess. And before your wedding, I asked you if you were willing. You agreed. I know you're now a capable and responsible Alpha, but don't become someone who goes back on their word. Don't make me regret bringing you back."

Nathaniel fell silent.

Magnus's words were firm, and Nathaniel clearly couldn't argue. His silence was a quiet form of defiance, an unspoken form of resistance.

The atmosphere grew heavy.