Cheated by My Mate, Bound to His Stepbrother

For years, I never thought Benedict would betray me. The moment I saw him in bed with another she-wolf, it felt like a thousand knives had torn through my chest. My mate. My Alpha. The one I had given my heart, my trust, my loyalty. And here he was, tangled in the arms of another, the scent of their betrayal thick in the air. My best friend, Jane, had been the first to notice my silence. She sat across from me in the dimly lit bar, her green eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure there's no misunderstanding? I mean, Benedict loves you. He wouldn’t—" I let out a hollow laugh, the sound foreign to my own ears. "I saw it with my own eyes, Jane. His hands on her, his scent all over her. There’s no misunderstanding here." Silence fell between us, broken only by the sound of my glass clinking against the wooden table. I took another shot of whiskey, the burn doing nothing to numb the ache inside me. Jane frowned and reached out, snatching the glass from my grip. "Drowning yourself in alcohol won’t fix this, Felicia. What are you going to do now?" I leaned back against the booth, staring at the ceiling as my vision blurred. "Leave him. There’s nothing left to fight for. Every time I think about what I saw, I feel sick." Jane’s lips parted, but she hesitated before speaking. "Felicia, you’re Luna. If you leave him, you’ll lose everything. Your title, your place in the pack..." "He already took everything from me," I whispered. "He took my pride, my love, my trust. What’s a title compared to that? Jane reached for my hand and squeezed it gently. "You don’t have to decide everything tonight. Let’s get you out of here first." I shook my head. "I can’t go back to that house. Not to our bed. Not to the scent of him still lingering in the sheets." Jane sighed before pulling out her phone. "Fine. I’ll book a hotel. You need rest." After a few minutes, she put her phone down and turned to me. "Room’s ready. Let’s get you there." The drive to the hotel was quiet. The storm outside had slowed, the roads slick with rain. My thoughts swirled, tangled in memories, our first run together as mates, the way he had held me under the stars, the promises he had whispered against my skin. Lies. All of it. When we arrived, Jane pulled up in front of the entrance and turned to me. "Are you sure you don’t want me to take you up?" I mustered a small smile. "I’ll be fine. Go home and rest." She hesitated before nodding. "Call me if you need anything." I stepped out of the car, flashing the room key before heading inside. The moment I entered the lobby, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. The elevator ride was a blur. My mind was fogged, my body sluggish from the alcohol. I reached my floor and walked down the hallway, my vision swimming as I tried to read the numbers. Room 1823. I swiped the key card, but the door didn’t unlock. Frowning, I tried again. Still nothing. Before I could knock, the door suddenly swung open, and a strong hand yanked me inside. "What the—?" The door slammed shut, plunging the room into darkness. A deep, growling voice filled the space between us. "You walked into the wrong room, little wolf." My breath hitched as a familiar scent filled my nose—smoke and cedarwood, intoxicating and dangerous. My stomach twisted. I knew this scent. Then I felt him—his presence overwhelming, his body heat rolling off in waves as he pinned me against the door. His breath ghosted over my skin, making my wolf stir in unease and something else I refused to name. "Let me go," I said, my voice firm despite the alcohol dulling my senses. He chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "You're in my territory now, Felicia. Shouldn’t you be more careful where you wander?" I stiffened, my fingers curling into fists. I recognized the voice now. Elias Blackwood. The Alpha of the neighboring pack. Ruthless, cunning, and the last person I wanted to see tonight. The dim glow from the city lights filtered through the curtains, casting shadows across his sharp features. His dark hair was tousled, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable. I swallowed hard. "I made a mistake. Just let me leave." He tilted his head, as if studying me. "Benedict doesn’t deserve you." My heart lurched. "How do you—" "News travels fast, Luna." His voice dripped with something I couldn’t place. "Or should I say, former Luna?" Anger flared inside me. "I didn’t come here for this. I don’t need your pity, Elias." "Good." He stepped back, giving me just enough space to breathe. "Because I don’t offer pity. I offer revenge." I blinked. "What?" A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Benedict betrayed you. You could run and hide. Or... You could make him regret it." My pulse pounded in my ears. "And how exactly would I do that?" Elias leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "By making the whole world see that he lost something he can never get back. By standing by my side instead." I let out a breathless laugh. "You want me to be your pawn in some power play? He shrugged. "Call it what you want. But if you think for a second that Benedict won’t come crawling back the moment, he realizes what he’s lost, you don’t know him as well as you think." His words sent a sharp pang through my chest. I clenched my fists. "And if I say no?" Elias stepped back; his expression unreadable. "Then you walk out that door and disappear. Live in exile while Benedict moves on without a second thought. But if you want a real chance at making him suffer the way he made you suffer... You know where to find me." Silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken emotions. My wolf stirred, sensing the weight of the choice before me. For years, I lived for Benedict, believing we were meant to rule together. But now, that future has been shattered. Maybe it was time to write a new one. I took a deep breath and looked Elias in the eye. "Fine. I’ll hear you out." A slow, knowing smile spread across his lips. "Good girl." And just like that, my fate took a new turn.

The night was over and I was on the way home, and I hesitated for a long time before finally sending a message to Alpha Elias, the man I had been bound to for years but had never truly reached. [Alpha... Can we pretend last night never happened? I was drunk and confused.] Silence. The message sat there, unanswered. I frowned and sent another one. A red exclamation mark appeared in front of it. [Felicia, we had a deal. Don't forget that.] My chest tightened. Oh no, I almost forgot—I made a deal with my husband's stepbrother. This can't be happening. I was so drunk last night that I couldn't think straight. Damn, this is a mess. By the time I reached my small home at the outskirts of the pack territory, the sun was already creeping over the horizon. The moment I stepped inside, I froze. Benedict was sitting in the shadows, his golden eyes burning into mine. He had not slept. His body was tense, jaw locked, fingers curled into fists against his knees. "Felicia." His voice was low, strained. "Where were you last night? I called you over a dozen times!" I moved past him, barely sparing him a glance. "You can disappear all night, but I can’t?" My voice was cold, void of the warmth I had once offered him so freely. Benedict flinched. I had never spoken to him like this before. We had been together for years, and in all that time, I had never once raised my voice at him. But now? I wanted to rip him apart. I saw the shift in his expression, the flicker of guilt. "You know, don’t you?" His voice was too calm, too resigned. As if he had expected this moment to come. Something inside me snapped. I swung my bag at him, my hands trembling with fury. "How could you?!" My voice cracked as the words tore from my throat. "If you didn’t love me anymore, you could have let me go! But instead, you betrayed me!" The image of him with her with another she-wolf tangled in his arms; their scents intertwined—flashed before my eyes. It shattered everything I thought I knew. Everything I thought we had. Benedict caught my wrist, pulling me toward him. "Felicia, I’m sorry." I wrenched away, tears burning down my cheeks. "Don’t touch me with your filthy hands!" He clenched his jaw. "It was a mistake." "A mistake?" I laughed bitterly. "Then tell me, Benedict—if I did the same thing, if I let another man touch me and called it an accident, would you forgive me?" His eyes darkened. A dangerous glint replaced the guilt. "If you did, I’d kill him." A chill ran down my spine. He knew. He knew betrayal was unforgivable, yet he still betrayed me. I took a deep breath and steadied myself. "Do you remember what I told you when you first claimed me?" Benedict’s expression faltered. "Felicia—" "I told you if you ever betrayed me, I wouldn’t fight for you. I would walk away." Panic flashed in his eyes. "I won’t let you go." I wiped my tears away and met his gaze with nothing but loathing. "It doesn’t matter what you want. I’ve already made my decision. We’re done." I turned and walked away, ignoring the sound of his sharp intake of breath. Upstairs, I locked the door behind me and collapsed onto the bed, exhaustion sinking deep into my bones. The scent of last night still clung to my skin. My stomach churned. Stripping out of my clothes, I stepped into the shower and scrubbed until my skin burned, until I could no longer feel the remnants of that night clinging to me. But even then, I couldn’t erase the memories. The touch of a man who was not my mate. The ghost of his breath on my skin. The whispered words I wasn’t supposed to hear. By the time I emerged from the bathroom, my hair still damp, Benedict was waiting for me. His eyes dragged over me, dark with something unreadable. "Felicia..." I ignored him and reached for my clothes. Before I could react, his arms wrapped around me from behind, his grip unyielding. "Let me go." My voice was sharp, warning him. "Don’t push me away," he whispered into my ear. "We can fix this. We can start over. We can have a child—" Rage flooded my veins. I shoved him back with all the strength I had. "Are you insane?" His face twisted with frustration. "You always wanted a pup, didn’t you? We can still—" "Not with you." The words struck him like a blade. His body went rigid. Then, something in him snapped. He lunged. I barely had time to react before he pinned me down, his weight crushing against me. "Say that again," he growled, his breath hot against my skin. I met his gaze without fear. "I would rather die than carry your child." His expression darkened. And then his lips crashed onto mine in a desperate, punishing kiss. I fought. Clawed. Bit. I was no weak she-wolf, and I would never let him take what wasn’t his. Even if it meant tearing him apart.

I froze in place, my entire body going rigid as his grip tightened around my waist. My wolf snarled in protest, but it wasn’t strong enough to break free from him. The scent of another woman still clung to him. The memory of him with her last night—her lips on his, the way he held her—made my stomach churn with disgust. “Let go,” I ground out, my voice sharp, laced with fury. My struggles were meaningless. Alpha Benedict was built like stone, and my attempts to free myself were as futile as an ant trying to topple a tree. His grip only tightened, pulling me closer. The robe I had wrapped around myself after my shower loosened with my movements, slipping from my shoulders. I saw the shift in his gaze, the hunger darkening his eyes. My pulse quickened in warning. I felt the change in him, the heat radiating from his body pressing into mine. The evidence of his desire was impossible to ignore, and it sent a fresh wave of anger surging through me. I bit him, hard, tasting blood instantly. His breath hitched, but he didn’t release me. If anything, his grip became even more possessive, his free hand slipping beneath my robe. My breath caught. I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Panic flared inside me, and I struggled harder, pushing at his chest. “Benedict, get out!” I spat. But he didn’t move, his fingers trailing my skin with infuriating ease. “You need me too, don’t you?” His voice was low, coaxing, as if I had any reason to desire him. A tremor of rage passed through me. “I hate you,” I whispered, my voice trembling. That made him stop. Benedict went still; his gaze locked onto mine. Something flickered in his eyes—something like hesitation. Then, without another word, he released me and stalked toward the door. The slam echoed through the room, shaking the walls. I clutched the robe tightly around myself, my breath coming in shallow, uneven gasps. My hands trembled. For the next few days, Benedict didn’t return to the packhouse. I tried calling him. Not because I wanted him back—Goddess, no—but because I needed to make him sign the rejection papers. He ignored every attempt. By the weekend, I was seated in the living room, submitting applications for work, when the front door opened. The scent of pine and cedar filled the room, unmistakably his. I looked up. He looked different. More worn. His usual confident stance was still there, but his eyes were shadowed, his jaw tighter than usual. I forced myself to remain calm, closing my laptop before meeting his gaze head-on. “Since you’re finally back, let’s talk about the divorce agreement.” Benedict’s expression hardened. “I already told you; I won’t divorce you.” My fingers curled into fists. “Then why are you here?” “To remind you that we have a pack gathering tonight.” I exhaled sharply. Every month, Benedict and I were expected to attend some pack meetings. His relatives despised me. Before, I endured it because I loved him, because I believed he loved me too. But after what I saw, I refused to pretend anymore. “I’m not going,” I said firmly. “Go without me.” Benedict’s eyes flashed with impatience. “Stop acting like a kid throwing a tantrum.” I let out a humorless laugh. “You think this is a tantrum? I just want to be free of you.” His jaw tightened. “And what will you do then? You don’t have a job. You don’t have a pack. How will you survive? And your grandma’s medical expenses—can you afford them?” I stiffened. Benedict took a step closer. “You’re not a naive teenager anymore, Felicia. You’re twenty-eight. You should be mature enough to understand how the world works.” I gritted my teeth. “If maturity means tolerating your betrayal, then I’d rather be a fool. This is the divorce agreement. Sign it.” He glanced at the papers in my hand but didn’t take them. Instead, he smirked. “And what is this? You want half of my assets?” I lifted my chin. “It’s what I deserve.” His smirk widened. “What exactly have you contributed? This house? My business? I’ve been the one paying your grandma’s hospital bills since we got married.” I stared at him, unable to believe how easily he dismissed everything I had done. “If I hadn’t agree with this marriage, you never would have secured your position as Alpha of this pack. And you’re the one who insisted I stop working. I had a future, Benedict. A career. I could have made more than you ever spent on me.” He laughed. “Who do you think would believe that now?” My nails dug into my palms. I was done. I was done begging for freedom. If he wouldn’t sign, I would take this to the Elders. I turned to leave, but his hand caught my wrist. “Go change. We’re leaving for the gathering.” I yanked my arm free. “I told you, I’m not going.” His grip returned, firmer this time. “Don’t make me cut off your grandma’s treatment.” Rage boiled inside me. “You wouldn’t dare.” He pulled out his phone. “Doctor, I want to halt the payments for—” I lunged, slapping the phone from his hand. My breath came in ragged gasps, my hands shaking with fury. “You bastard.” Benedict smirked. “You have two choices, Felicia. Come with me tonight, or find another way to pay for your grandmother’s care.” I wanted to rip his throat out. My wolf howled in protest, but I knew the truth. He held all the power. For now. I clenched my jaw, swallowing my pride. “Fine.” Benedict’s smile was victorious, but I vowed right then—I would not stay trapped forever. One day, I would make him regret ever trying to control me.

Seeing the coldness in Benedict’s eyes, I realized just how blind I had been. How could I have ever loved someone like him? I felt a sharp sting in my chest, but I refused to show weakness in front of him. Gritting my teeth, I wrenched my wrist free from his grasp, squared my shoulders, and turned toward the stairs. I had only one thought in my mind—I needed to leave. I needed a plan. My pack was gone, my title stripped, and my mate had betrayed me. But I wouldn’t stay trapped here. I would find a job, save money, and escape this nightmare. I grabbed a simple dress from my closet and fixed my hair into a loose braid, securing it with the only possession I had left from my mother—a silver hairpin shaped like a crescent moon. I didn’t care about appearances anymore. Once, I had dressed to impress Benedict and his family, hoping to earn a place among them. Now, I had nothing to prove. When I descended the stairs, Benedict barely spared me a glance. His indifference cut deeper than his cruelty. “Let’s go.” The car ride to his family estate was silent. I kept my eyes on the passing trees, their towering forms casting long shadows across the road. My wolf stirred within me, restless. I hated being near Benedict. As we neared the estate, another car—a sleek black Range Rover—roared past and skidded to a stop in front of us. My breath hitched. I knew that car. My pulse pounded in my ears as the door opened and a tall figure stepped out. Elias Blackwood. My mate’s step-brother. The moment his golden eyes met mine, I froze. My wolf whimpered, caught between fear and something else. Elias had always been unpredictable, his presence both commanding and dangerous. He was the heir who walked away, the Alpha who refused his birthright, the rogue who built an empire in the shadows. Benedict stiffened beside me. He had always despised Elias, hated that their father once wanted him to lead. But Elias had rejected the pack, choosing exile over submission. Now, he was more powerful than ever, his influence stretching far beyond the pack’s borders. I kept my head down as he approached, praying he wouldn’t acknowledge me. Benedict wasn’t one for mercy. If he knew the full extent of what had happened between me and Benedict, he might see me as weak. And weak wolves didn’t survive in his world. “Benedict.” His voice was deep, rough like gravel. “Didn’t expect to see you here.” Benedict’s jaw clenched. “It’s a family dinner.” Elias gaze flickered to me for a second before he turned away. “Right. Enjoy.” He strode past us, his steps unhurried, his posture relaxed. But I knew better. Elias was never relaxed. He was always calculating, always hunting. I let out a slow breath as he disappeared into the house. “Don’t talk to him,” Benedict muttered, his grip tightening around the steering wheel. “Stay away from him, Felicia.” I almost laughed. He had no right to tell me what to do, not after everything he had done. But I bit my tongue. I wasn’t here to fight. I was here to survive. Inside the estate, the air was thick with tension. The elders were gathered, their gazes flicking between Benedict and Elias. I kept my expression neutral, greeting them with forced politeness. “Felicia,” Benedict’s grandmother said, her sharp eyes pinning me in place. “You’ve been married for a while now. When can we expect an heir?” My stomach twisted. I had long since abandoned any hope of a future with Benedict, and the thought of carrying his child made my skin crawl. But I couldn’t say that. Not here. Not yet. Before I could answer, Elias spoke. “Pressuring her like that is outdated, don’t you think?” The room fell silent. All eyes turned to him. Benedict tensed beside me, his hands curling into fists. “This is none of your business.” Elias smirked, leaning against the fireplace. “Everything about this pack is my business.” I swallowed hard. Elias’s gaze flickered to me again, and for a moment, I thought I saw something in his expression. Amusement? Curiosity? Pity? I couldn’t tell. Benedict grabbed my arm, his grip firm. “Come on. Tell them.” I yanked free. “Don’t touch me.” A hush fell over the room. The elders exchanged glances, some disapproving, others intrigued. Benedict’s grandmother narrowed her eyes. “Felicia—” “I’m tired,” I interrupted. “I’ll excuse myself.” Without waiting for permission, I turned and walked away. I could feel their eyes on me, feel Benedict’s fury burning through my back. But I didn’t care. As I stepped into the dim hallway, I heard footsteps behind me. A strong hand caught my wrist—not rough like Benedict’s, but firm, steady. I turned and saw Elias, my heart pounding. His grip was gentle, his eyes unreadable. “You need to leave,” he murmured. My breath caught. “What?” “Benedict won’t let you go easily,” he said, his voice low. “If you don’t act now, you’ll never be free.” I searched his face, trying to understand why he was saying this. Why he cared. “What do you want from me?” I asked. His lips curved into a half-smile. “I want you to work for me—it’s your only way to escape him. Trust me, Felicia, this is your way out.” A shiver ran down my spine.

As I spoke with Elias, I suddenly pulled my wrist away from his grip when Benedict arrived. I could see the malicious glint in his eyes as he glanced between me and his stepbrother. "What are you two doing here?" His voice was sharp, his gaze dark. He stepped forward and yanked me away from Elias, his grip possessive. I felt Elias’s tense beside me, his jaw tightening as he glared at Benedict. "Oh, I'm just comforting your mate. She seems rather uncomfortable with the pressure of producing an heir." Elias’s tone dripped with sarcasm. Benedict’s expression darkened with irritation. He stepped closer, squaring his shoulders. "Since when have you cared enough to meddle in my affairs, Elias? Stay away from my mate." Elias chuckled, amused. "Calm down, Benedict. Are you that threatened? Do you really think I’d lay a hand on your wife?" The tension between them was suffocating, and I refused to be caught in the middle. "Enough. We should go back inside." My voice was clipped with frustration. I turned to leave, but Benedict pulled me back, stopping me in my tracks. His next question made my blood run cold. "What were you two talking about?" I felt the color drain from my face, but I forced myself to remain composed. "Nothing. He just asked if I was okay. That’s all." Benedict’s sharp gaze flickered over me, pausing at my reddened chin. There was something knowing in his eyes, something that made my stomach twist. I quickly looked away, but Elias wasn’t done. "Don’t hurt her, Benedict," Elias warned, voice low. "You might forget, but I can do something about it." Benedict ignored him, leading me back to the dining hall without another word. Not that I expected him to say anything. His moods shifted like the wind, unpredictable and volatile. He always believed he could control me, that I would stay silent and endure. But I wasn’t that woman anymore. Dinner passed in strained silence. When it was over, Benedict escorted me to his car, locking the doors before I could step out. "What are you doing?" I asked, wariness creeping into my voice. "We need to talk." I crossed my arms. "If this is about divorce, there’s nothing more to discuss. I won’t mention it again—for now." His golden eyes flickered with something unreadable. "For now?" "Yes." He studied me, trying to gauge my thoughts. After a long pause, he forced a small smile. "Felicia, I’m glad you’re willing to give me another chance." I said nothing. I didn’t believe him for a second. "Unlock the door. I’m exhausted." With a click, the locks released. I stepped out immediately, making my way into the estate without looking back. As I reached my bedroom, I locked the door behind me. I could hear Benedict’s footsteps linger outside for a moment before fading away. He had laughed at me before, believing I would always come back to him, that my resistance was temporary. He was wrong. Hours later, I was busy looking for the perfect interview attire, snapping pictures of a few options and sending them to Jane for her opinion. My phone rang almost instantly. "Felicia, why the sudden job hunt? Did you settle things with Benedict?" I kept my voice even. "Not yet. I need financial independence first. Once I can cover my grandmother’s medical expenses, I’ll leave." Jane sighed. "So, you’re staying under the same roof as him until then?" "Not for long. I have some money saved. After my interview tomorrow, I’ll start looking for a place." Divorce couldn’t be rushed. I had no job, no way to fight him in court yet. Benedict had an elite team of lawyers at his disposal. If I wanted to stand a chance, I had to be smart. I wasn’t walking away with anything. He was the one who broke our vows, not me. "Which company are you applying to?" "Blackwood Pack." Jane gasped. "Felicia, that’s your mate’s rival! Are you serious?" I ignored her reaction, placing my phone down and settling on simple yet professional dress. After a quick shower, I climbed into bed, exhaustion washing over me. Tomorrow was a step toward freedom. But freedom never came so easily. In the dead of night, I awoke to a faint glow in the hallway. Curious, I quietly cracked my door open. My eyes landed on the study at the end of the corridor, where a dim light spilled through the open door. Benedict sat at his desk, his broad shoulders tense as he scrolled through his phone. Then, I saw it. A message flashed across his screen from an unknown number. [Benedict, I’m pregnant.] My blood ran cold. I clutched the doorframe, my breath hitching as I watched his reaction. He stiffened, staring at the message as if it were a death sentence. I hacked into his accounts days ago, looking for any sign of further betrayal. And now, I have my answers. He made his mistress pregnant. The truth settled like a blade to my chest. I should have been angry, should have stormed in and confronted him. But instead, I felt… nothing. I already knew the kind of man Benedict was. This only confirmed it. Silently, I closed my door and leaned against it, pressing a hand to my chest as I forced myself to breathe. This wasn’t heartbreak. This was freedom. By morning, I would no longer question if leaving was the right choice. Now, I had all the proof I needed.

Benedict’s jaw tightened, his grip on the phone turning his knuckles white. He and Quinn had barely touched each other since the night I caught him. His voice was like ice when he called her. "Where are you?" Silence. Then, a soft, hesitant voice. "Benedict… did you get my message?" "Of course, I did. Answer my question. Where are you? The woman on the other end hesitated before letting out a bitter laugh. "Aren’t you happy? We’re having a baby." Benedict let out a harsh, humorless chuckle. "Are you sure it’s mine?" "You’re the only one I’ve been with! You know that." His fingers drummed against his desk impatiently. "Then get rid of it." My breath caught in my throat. I knew Benedict was ruthless, but hearing the words so casually spilled from his lips made my stomach twist in disgust. This was the man I had once thought I loved. The woman on the other end let out a strangled gasp, her voice trembling with fury. "No! This is your child! I won’t—" Benedict’s expression remained unreadable as he cut her off. "You have two choices. Either you take care of it yourself, or I handle it for you." The silence that followed was suffocating. Then, a quiet, broken whisper. "I won’t let you take this child away from me. I’ll raise them alone. And they will never know who their father is." Benedict hung up without another word. He tossed the phone onto the desk, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his dark hair. I stepped back from the doorway before he could sense me. My hands were shaking. I didn’t know what terrified me more—the fact that he had cheated, or the fact that he was willing to dispose of the consequences so easily. I had to get out. The next morning, as I sat at the restaurant table, Jane chatted idly beside me, but I barely heard her. My mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of last night over and over. Benedict had left after the phone call, and he hadn’t returned until dawn. "Felicia? Are you even listening?" Jane nudged me playfully. I forced a small smile. "Sorry, I didn’t sleep well." She raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. "So, about that job interview… You’re seriously applying to work for Blackwood Pack?" I nodded. "Yes. It’s the best opportunity I have." Jane looked at me like I had lost my mind. "Felicia, you do realize Elias Blackwood is Benedict’s biggest rival, right?" "I know." "And you’re okay with that?" I hesitated before nodding again. "Benedict has no say in what I do anymore." Jane let out a low whistle. "Damn. You’re really done with him, huh?" I didn’t answer. Instead, I finished my coffee and stood. "I should go. I don’t want to be late." By the time I arrived at Blackwood Pack’s headquarters, my nerves were on edge. The building was sleek and modern, far different from the old-world elegance of Benedict’s estate. It felt like a fresh start—like walking into a new future I never thought I’d have. The interview went smoothly—better than I had expected. When I stepped outside, my phone buzzed. Jane called. "How’d it go?" she asked the moment I answered. "I think it went well. They said they’d get back to me within a few days." "That’s amazing! So what’s next?" "I need to find an apartment." "Felicia…" Her voice softened. "Are you sure you’re ready?" I swallowed hard. "I don’t have a choice. If I stay, I’ll never be free." That night, as I packed my things, Benedict was not at home as he was busy with his business travels, so I took my time to make my escape while he was away. But then, my phone rang. It was Benedict, and I had no choice but to answer. "Where are you now?" His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it. I turned slowly. "I'm home, just resting." His tone was unreadable. "Hmm… good. Just rest and wait for me to come home. I have gifts for you." I let out a dry laugh. "For what? I don’t remember any special occasion." "Honey, you forgot our wedding anniversary." He scoffed. "Oh, that? Sorry, but I have too much on my mind to even think about celebrating." He sighed. "Felicia, I know you're still mad at me, but give me a chance to make this right." My expression soured. "Do you think it's that easy for me to forget? Come on, Benedict, give me some space. Let me breathe." Benedict exhaled sharply. "Don't tell me you're planning to walk away, Felicia. Remember, I pay for your grandmother’s life support," he threatened. I gulped, but I refused to let fear control me. "Stop blackmailing me, Benedict. If you put my grandma in danger, everyone will know that you cheated on me and have a child with your mistress," I retorted. I ended the call and continued walking away from this miserable place. By the time he got home, there would be no trace of me left. As I stepped into the night, I felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time in a long time, I was free.