Orphan Luna Was the Real Queen

Before our fifth mating anniversary, I was just about to tell my mate that I was about to inherit the pack my Alpha father left behind, when I saw him embracing and kissing the she-wolf who once bullied me. "This game has been going on for five years. It's time to end it." "Watching her come and go like a dog whenever called is really boring. What a fool. A fake mating certificate was enough to fool her completely. Did she really think an orphan like her could marry into the Shadowmoon Pack and become Luna? If she hadn't looked decent back then, I wouldn't have bothered with this charade." I felt like I'd fallen into an ice cave, sobbing uncontrollably. So the salvation that pulled me out of the bullying abyss was nothing but his amusing joke from beginning to end. If that's the case, I don't want this false love anymore. Chapter 1 "This game has been going on for five years. It's time to end it." "Watching her come and go like a dog whenever called is really boring. What a fool. A fake mating certificate was enough to fool her completely. Did she really think an orphan like her could marry into the Shadowmoon Pack and become Luna? If she hadn't looked decent back then, I wouldn't have bothered with this charade." Hearing the voices from the private room, the joy I'd felt from suddenly learning I was the Alpha's daughter and about to inherit the pack vanished completely. A chill crept up from my feet, chilling me to the bone. Inside the room, the voices continued. "You said the same thing when we graduated, but you didn't follow through in the end! You should have just run away from the mating ceremony and let her lose face in front of everyone! Why waste time on this orphan?" My feet were instantly rooted to the spot. My heart felt like it was being squeezed by an invisible hand, making it hard to breathe. After this statement, the study fell into brief silence. Soon, Ethan clicked his tongue softly. "Alright, she's been with me for so long anyway. There's no need to be so harsh." Scarlett seemed displeased. "That's not what you said before. You said you weren't done playing with her yet, that her careful, grateful demeanor was like keeping a little pet that was easy to please and particularly clingy. Even if you slapped her, she'd still come running back." Ethan sounded somewhat annoyed. "What do you mean? No matter what, she's still my mate." "What mate? The certificate you two got was fake! And you said it yourself back then, that you were just playing with her. Are you taking it seriously now? Do you really want some ignorant orphan to become the Luna of Shadowmoon Pack?" Scarlett's voice carried a sobbing tone, but every word she spoke was like a poisoned dagger stabbing me full of holes. I almost bit through the flesh in my mouth to barely suppress the sob threatening to burst from my throat. These words exploded like thunder in my ears. My vision went black, and the world spun around me. No matter how hard it was to believe, I had to accept this absurd truth. Suddenly, I remembered that on the day when we got our mating certificate, Ethan had indeed gone back in the Alpha Council alone after we took photos. His excuse was that he'd dropped something. So it was just to prevent me from getting a real mating certificate? I couldn't believe it. My heart felt like it was about to shatter from the pain. The voices from inside continued intermittently. "I won't reject the bond with her." Ethan sighed. "Elena is an orphan. Where else could she go if she left me?" Seeing his attitude soften, Scarlett's eyes gleamed, and she immediately spoke with a smile. "Ethan, how about this - isn't next week your five-year anniversary? Everyone will be there. You just need to make her lose face completely that day, so she can never appear in front of others again and will have to depend on you for life." "Just like before." Ethan was silent for a moment, then gave a distant reply. "Fine." Standing outside the door, I couldn't stop trembling. Memories I had deliberately forgotten came flooding back. Chapter 2 In my freshman year, after being admitted to the prestigious Moonstone Healing Academy due to my excellent grades, the nightmare that would plague my entire student life began. I don't even know when I provoked those nobles in the werewolf world. Not long after I enrolled, a massive campaign of school bullying unfolded against me. Splashing cold water and isolation were the least significant things. They covered my desk with vulgar graffiti - "bastard," "bitch"... all kinds of filthy words I'd seen and never seen before came flooding toward me. It's not that I didn't fight back. But every time I resisted, it only brought more severe bullying. The one who hated me most was Scarlett. She always wore exquisite makeup, looking so kind and gentle, yet she could press a lit cigarette into my mouth. "Isn't this our famous little scholar? You actually dared to report us? Who gave you the courage, hmm?" Her sweet voice was laced with deadly poison. The excruciating pain made tears flow uncontrollably, blurring my vision. I could only see Scarlett's magnified smile filled with sick pleasure. Countless days and nights swallowed by darkness wrapped around me like cold, heavy chains, strangling me until I could barely breathe. Until that day. In the chaos, the hand gripping my hair suddenly let go. Like a torn rag, I was thrown out of the filthy mop bucket, collapsing limply on the ground with blurred vision. The harsh laughter stopped abruptly. A heart-stopping silence fell. I struggled to lift my head and saw an unusually tall silhouette against the light. Afternoon sunlight poured in from behind him, coating his entire figure with an almost sacred golden edge that hurt my eyes. He didn't even raise his voice, just spoke two words plainly. "Get lost." Scarlett and her gang, who had been so arrogant just moments before, were left with only terror and disbelief on their pale faces. They didn't dare make a sound, scrambling away in panic. Leaving behind a mess and me with barely a breath left in my body. The sunlight was blinding. He bent down slightly, casting shadow over me. A dry, warm hand gently brushed away the hair on my face that had been soaked and stuck by dirty water. In that moment, I thought I had encountered salvation. So even though Scarlett's bullying behind the scenes became more severe, I seemed to have found the strength to support myself. A flower blooming in the mud. On graduation day, Ethan confessed to me. Enormous, unreal ecstasy instantly overwhelmed me like a tsunami. All the past suffering, all the darkness, all the humiliation seemed to be completely washed away and redeemed in that moment. In that moment, I thought the Moon Goddess had finally looked down and seen me, this believer in the dust. It turned out. It turned out that Ethan was the very perpetrator who had kicked me into the depths of hell. All my bone-deep pain, the desperate struggles throughout my entire school career, those countless sleepless nights. They were all essential parts of his carefully orchestrated salvation game script. Just then, my phone suddenly vibrated in my pocket. I shuddered violently, almost trembling as I reached into my pocket. It was from my father's Beta. [Miss Elena, are you certain you want to merge two-thirds of the territory your father left you into Alpha Ethan's pack?] Two-thirds of the territory. What my father left me - wealth enough to shake half the werewolf world. Just minutes ago, I had been so naively going to share my joy. How ridiculous. My fingertips dug deep into my palms from excessive force, but strangely gave my brain a trace of cold clarity. In my ears, I could still faintly hear Scarlett's triumphant voice. "Ethan, I've arranged everything for next week's plan. I guarantee that fool will never forget it!" I pulled at the corners of my mouth, my fingertips tapping on my phone. [Plan suspended. Wait for my notice.] [Also, find someone to help me investigate Ethan and Scarlett's affairs.] Ethan, I've caught your betrayal. Chapter 3 I sat on the sofa in a daze until the beeping sound of the keypad lock at the entrance brought me back to reality. Before I could react, two strong arms wrapped familiarly around my waist, pulling me back into a familiar embrace. "Honey, I'm home." Ethan's deep, smiling voice sounded close to my ear. However, the next second. A faint, almost imperceptible gardenia scent suddenly hit my nose. All the blood in my body seemed to freeze instantly in that moment. I felt like I was being pulled back into the dark, damp washroom at school, with the same nauseating sweet gardenia fragrance filling the air. Before my eyes was Scarlett's face with that cruel smile. Burning cigarette butts, filthy floors. I couldn't control my violent trembling. "Ahhhh——!!!" A piercing scream erupted from deep in my throat. Using all my strength, I shoved Ethan hard, sending him crashing to the floor. "Get away! Don't touch me——!" Caught off guard, Ethan staggered backward two steps before barely managing to steady himself. He suddenly realized something. His voice carried obvious panic and trembling. "Sorry honey, my secretary wore gardenia perfume today. I already showered, didn't realize I still had the scent on me." He instinctively reached out toward me, trying to approach. "Don't be afraid, honey. It's me. Those things are in the past. You're with me now, no one will dare hurt you anymore." "Don't come closer!" I screamed sharply, my body recoiling from intense rejection and fear. He knew better than anyone how much I feared that scent. Even the slightest trace could trigger severe PTSD. "Ugh——" I suddenly bent over, one hand covering my mouth tightly, the other frantically grasping the nearby wall to support my swaying body as I retched violently. Ethan was so frightened that tears welled up in his eyes, his voice choked. "Honey, what's wrong? Please don't scare me like this." "It's my fault! How could I forget that you hate that smell most? I'll go shower right now and then take you to the hospital!" He hurried frantically into the room to get my medication. His hands trembled so much he couldn't open the bottle several times, fear almost spilling from his eyes. Finally managing to open the pill bottle, he didn't even dare approach me, throwing the pills toward me from a distance. Meeting his eyes full of care and heartache, my mind inexplicably conjured the image of him looking at Scarlett with the same precious, devoted expression. How could a person be so split like this? I felt sick and could barely breathe, but still picked up the medication and swallowed it. Seeing me calm down quickly, Ethan also breathed a sigh of relief. Before he could speak, I slowly sat on the floor, my voice hoarse. "Did you... meet someone secretly?" Ethan's pupils contracted sharply the moment my words fell. His expression turned helpless, his voice returning to its usual deep gentleness, carrying a soothing tone. "Honey, you're overthinking again. Didn't I tell you? It was the new secretary who accidently wore the wrong perfume. You know I only have you in my heart." But I already knew him too well. Every time he lied, he would unconsciously curl his pinky finger. I glanced down and said nothing. He reached out to help me up. This time, I didn't refuse. He kissed my forehead gently. I forced down my nausea and looked at him. "Ethan, if you ever betray me, I will never, ever forgive you." I saw the doting expression on his face freeze for a moment. The next second, he cupped my face helplessly, looking serious. "Honey, I don't know why you'd think I would betray you. I'm willing to swear to the Moon Goddess that I, Ethan, will never betray Elena in this lifetime. If I lie to you, may I die a terrible death." I lowered my head and forced a smile. Liar. Chapter 4 In the end, the Beta brought me to a rose garden. Looking at the familiar garden, I looked up in surprise. After getting together with Ethan, I had actually been quite anxious. The Shadowmoon Pack was too wealthy - a level that an orphan like me could never reach. To catch up with Ethan, I threw myself desperately into my profession. Finally, three years ago, I cultivated the extremely beautiful and gorgeous Moonlight Rose. One flower cost several thousand dollars, but even so, the reservation list was booked solid through next month. And the rose garden before me was where I cultivated them. This rose garden only received five customers per day, and knowing I was coming to take over today, they had cleared the place entirely. Looking at the garden full of delicate, blooming roses, my suffocated mood finally lightened a bit. Just after signing the transfer agreement, I heard a commotion from downstairs. "We ordered 9,999 roses and were supposed to pick them up today, but now you're telling me they're temporarily unavailable? What's wrong with your staff? Get your boss to come talk to me!" The voice was too familiar - I instantly realized it was Ethan downstairs. The manager beside me looked embarrassed. "The gentleman downstairs is anxious to give his wife an anniversary gift, so..." "It's fine. Let's see what the customer wants first." I took a deep breath, the joy in my heart vanishing completely. I closed my eyes and looked down at the scene below. Under the warm yellow spotlights, Scarlett wore an expensive champagne-colored dress, nestled against Ethan's side. "It's okay, Ethan. I don't really need them. I just heard these roses were beautiful and wanted to see them. Since I can't, it's fine." "Such a pity. I was hoping to see them before going to the hospital... Never mind, we shouldn't disturb them. Let's go." Her tone was coquettish, but the disappointment in her eyes was remarkably obvious. Ethan looked at her sideways, his eyes almost overflowing with heartache. He pulled her into his arms, his voice tender. "Silly girl, you're still the same as before. Don't worry, since you want to see them, I'm not afraid of trouble." Then he looked coldly at the nearby staff. "Is this your service attitude? Can't you see there's a patient here? I don't care what you're doing - you must get those flowers to me today!" "Ohhh——!" Several well-dressed men who were obviously Ethan’s friends immediately started making exaggerated noises. "Ethan is so good to his Luna!" "Exactly! Ethan and his Luna are truly a perfect match!" "What's that she-wolf? A parentless orphan doesn't deserve to stand beside Ethan. Should have dumped her long ago!" I had long known that Ethan's friends didn't think much of me. I never expected their disgust to reach this level. My mind went completely blank. The Moonlight Rose was the variety I had cultivated by hand in the greenhouse during those years when I loved Ethan most passionately, spending countless days and nights. Each plant was infused with my hopes for the future and my love for Ethan. These flowers that carried all my sincerity and love were now being casually presented by him to the very person who had bullied me. And sick? Ha. Looking at the smugness in Scarlett's eyes, I pulled my lips into a mocking curve. Only someone as blind and heartless as Ethan couldn't see through her little tricks. A tearing pain shot through my chest, so intense I could barely breathe. Just then, one of the men nudged Ethan with his elbow, his expression playful. "By the way, when exactly are you planning to come clean with that Elena ? We can't wait to see how spectacular her face will look when she learns the truth!" But Ethan's face instantly darkened. "Who gave you permission to talk about Elena like that?" The friends looked at each other, and the atmosphere instantly turned cold. Scarlett tried to lighten the mood. "Everyone's just worried about Ethan. After all, she's just an orphan, really not suited for you..." "Enough." Before she could finish, Ethan cut her off. "This isn't your concern. I know what I'm doing." The smile on Scarlett's face instantly froze. She immediately pulled away, her eyes full of accusation. "I know you can't bear to let her go, but didn't you promise us you'd humiliate her at next week's anniversary? Are you going back on your word now?" Ethan's frown deepened. He looked at Scarlett's tearful face, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something. But in the end, he just looked away irritably without immediately answering. This brief silence was, for Scarlett, tantamount to the most terrifying answer. Tears immediately flooded her eyes, while her other hand moved to her abdomen. "If you've really fallen for her, then I might as well go to the hospital right now and abort this child!" "After all, he'd be born without a father anyway! Rather than let him suffer his whole life, better to end it now!" "You're pregnant?" Ethan's voice rose sharply from shock. Like being struck by lightning, he grabbed the hand Scarlett had placed on her abdomen. He lowered his head, his eyes filled with disbelief and wild joy. "When did this happen?!" Scarlett winced from his grip, but seeing his loss of composure, a flash of triumph quickly passed through her eyes. Her face remained pitifully vulnerable. "Two months ago. I didn't dare tell you. But there's no point talking about it now. I can't let this child become an obstacle between you two. I..." Before she could finish, Ethan pulled her into his arms. "How could you be so foolish!" He cupped Scarlett's face, his voice sighing. "When did I say I was backing out? Since I promised you, I'll definitely do it. But you must not tell her about this. Understand?" Scarlett nestled in his arms, breaking into a smile through her tears. Taking the opportunity, she coquettishly made several small requests. Like accidentally inserting some "evidence" of me being intimate with other men when playing memory videos. Like having him publicly announce that this engagement was something I had schemed to steal, and that we weren't married because I was stupid. Each request aimed to completely destroy my reputation. And Ethan, still immersed in the wild joy of becoming a father and his guilt toward Scarlett, agreed to everything without hesitation. My body began trembling violently beyond my control. Liar. Ethan, that big liar. The staff sent by the manager quickly resolved everything. Tears rolled down my face as I watched them finally finish their discussion and walk out together. But Ethan didn't leave. "Wrap up 99 champagne roses for me right now." Champagne roses were once my favorite roses. When we got married, Ethan had filled the wedding venue with vast seas of champagne roses. He had made passionate vows to me in that sea of flowers. "Elena, in this lifetime, I'll only give roses to you." Now he was secretly giving 9,999 moonlight roses to another woman. I shook my head, finding it utterly ironic. Chapter 5 A mocking glint flashed in my eyes. What was this supposed to be? Compensation, charity, or a final act of pity? Compared to my carefully cultivated moonlight roses, they were as crude as a joke. Ha. After confirming the fruit of love with Scarlett, had he finally remembered there was a pet at home that needed appeasing? Were these flowers the last bit of dignity he was leaving for me, the trash about to be swept out the door? That familiar churning sensation in my stomach began stirring again. "Honey, you're home?" Ethan's voice came from the direction of the bathroom. Fresh from his shower, he only carried the scent of steam and sea salt, yet it still made me want to vomit. He walked up to me, raising his hand to embrace me, but I dodged without leaving a trace. His hand wavered in the air for a moment before he casually moved it to his head. "Why are you so late? I called but you didn't answer." I lowered my gaze, giving a perfunctory response. "Nothing much, just went to check out the anniversary banquet venue. My phone was on silent, so I didn't hear it." Ethan's expression immediately softened. He strode forward, gently pulling me into his arms and kissing my forehead. "You can leave these little things to me. You just need to wait five days and dress beautifully for the banquet." "Just thinking about our fifth wedding anniversary in five days makes me so happy. Honey, being able to marry you is the blessing of Moon Goddess." He loosened his hold slightly, cupping my face with both hands, his gaze focused as if I were his entire world. "Honey, if there's anything that makes you unhappy, remember to tell me, okay? I'm the person who loves you most in this world. Don't hide anything from me, hmm?" If this had been a week ago, I probably would have been moved to tears. Would there be anyone else in the world who would treat me as well as he did? But now, having seen his true face, I only felt utterly disgusted! Though I didn't understand why he still thought we had a future. He had already promised Scarlett he would strike against me at the anniversary in five days. Yet now he was saying these things. Did he want me to unknowingly "adopt" his and Scarlett's child? Or was he planning to simply send Scarlett and the child somewhere I couldn't see them? One family outside, another family with me. Playing me for a fool? Enormous disgust and fury at being manipulated erupted like a volcano in my chest. Yet I had to force down the nausea. He seemed to sense something. If he discovered I was planning to leave, would I still be able to go? I didn't know. But it was only five days either way. I could endure a little longer. Chapter 6 After drinking a glass of water and lying down, I felt an abnormal dizziness wash over my head. This obviously unnatural phenomenon filled my heart with desolation and disbelief. I had only drunk that one glass of water, and had even eaten dinner outside before coming home. Ethan, do you hate me this much? Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes as I lost consciousness. When I regained awareness, I felt a piercing light flashing before my eyes. A voice spoke hesitantly. "Alpha Ethan, are you really going to remove a kidney? Your Luna is eight weeks pregnant with a very healthy fetus. If nothing goes wrong, it's likely a boy. But if you insist on removing a kidney, this fetus probably won't survive, and your Luna might hemorrhage severely." "She's actually pregnant?" I could hear the shock in Ethan's voice. I thought he might show some consideration for the child in my belly, but the next second, his voice turned cold. "Do it! This is what she owes Scarlett anyway. It's just a child - she can get pregnant again later!" "Besides, she's an orphan. Any child she bears would just be illegitimate anyway." I bit my lip desperately, my whole body trembling. This was too absurd! He had given me a fake mating certificate, deceiving me like a fool all along. Now he was calling my child a bastard! And this child I had never even realized existed, who hadn't even had a chance to see the world, was about to be killed by his own biological father! I couldn't control my violent trembling. As for Scarlett's illness? Ha! Would she really be sick? Thinking of what my investigation had uncovered, I couldn't help but want to laugh at the sky. Ethan, oh Ethan, if you knew what she's been doing behind your back, would you regret treating me like this today! Perhaps my trembling was too intense, as Ethan noticed. "What's happening? Has the anesthesia worn off?" The doctor looked back. "Probably just too cold. The anesthesia dosage was sufficient, Alpha Ethan. Don't worry, she won't wake up this quickly." "Good, start now." Ethan responded casually. I could feel his consistently gentle gaze fall upon me. "I love you, honey. Sleep well. When you wake up, everything will be better." Just as the doctor was about to begin surgery, I suddenly heard his phone ring. Scarlett's voice came through. "Find a way to paralyze her legs, so there won't be any accidents later." Why! They were taking away my child, and now they wanted to strip away my ability to walk too? I felt like I was falling into an ice cellar. Yet my body was rigid as a corpse, unable to move. I heard the doctor hesitate for a moment, then respond in a low voice. "Yes, Miss." A tear rolled down from the corner of my eye. The sound of metal instruments clashing rang in my ears. I could feel something cold penetrating my body. Suddenly, I felt a strange tugging sensation from below. Something important was being forcibly torn away. "The surgery was very successful, but the lady lost quite a bit of blood. She probably won't wake up for two or three days." "Excellent." Ethan's voice drew near again. "She won't remember anything, right?" "There will be a brief period of memory confusion after surgery - that's a normal reaction to anesthesia." I heard Ethan breathe a sigh of relief. He kissed my forehead tenderly, the sticky sensation making me nauseous. "You've suffered, honey. Be good, and it won't be like this anymore." My consciousness began sinking again. Before falling completely into darkness, I heard Ethan answer a phone call. "Don't worry. Yes, next week's anniversary banquet will proceed as planned." Chapter 7 I instinctively tried to move my legs, only to despairingly discover I truly had no sensation. I would never walk again for the rest of my life. I turned my head and met Ethan's bloodshot eyes. His eye sockets were red-rimmed, with heavy dark circles underneath, as if he'd been keeping vigil for days and nights. Seeing me awake, he wept with joy, scalding tears falling heavily onto the back of my hand. "Honey, you scared me to death. Do you know you were unconscious for three days? I almost thought you were going to leave me." His voice choked with emotion, several times too overcome to speak. "The doctor said there was a problem with your immune system. For your health, they had to remove one kidney, and your legs... you won't be able to walk anymore." I trembled as I reached down, but he grabbed my hand. "Honey, don't be afraid. No matter what you become, I'll never leave you. I'll love you forever." I had never imagined his acting skills were so exquisite. I had seen Scarlett call him more than once, yet he ignored every call, devoting himself entirely to caring for me. Anyone unaware of the truth would truly believe we were a loving couple. But everything I had suffered was his gift to me. He stayed busy until evening, finally half-kneeling beside my bed, his warm lips falling on the back of my hand. "Honey, I know you're in pain. But your body is too weak right now. The doctor recommends you never get pregnant again in this lifetime. But honey, don't be afraid - having you is enough for me. Besides, I found a friend who specializes in this area. At most in a year, you'll be able to become a mother." This sentence shattered my last bit of rationality. My child, my everything - he had destroyed it all. How could he still say these words with such peace of mind? "Slap—" I used all my strength to deliver this blow. Ethan's face turned to the side from the impact, bright red fingerprints immediately appearing on his pale cheek. The air froze. He slowly turned his face back, emotions I couldn't read churning in his eyes. Just when I thought I would face his fury, he suddenly grabbed my stinging hand and reverently kissed my palm. That kiss was scalding and moist, carrying an almost pathological obsession. His trembling lips repeatedly caressed the lines of my palm, as if repenting, or drawing some kind of strength. "Hit me a few more times." He pressed my reddened palm against his face. "I know you're hurting, honey. I'm willing to let you hit me until you feel better." I coldly withdrew my hand, watching his bewildered expression, speaking each word clearly. "Ethan, we're finished." This sentence came too suddenly. I could see a flash of confusion quickly pass through his eyes. But immediately after, he smiled helplessly. "Honey, I know you're angry. But you can't joke about divorce. You know I can't live without you. How can you say such things to break your mate's heart?" Knowing I didn't want him to touch me, he lifted his hand to cover the IV tube, his voice gentle. "There's only one day left until our fifth anniversary. Honey, you need to get better quickly. I've prepared a huge surprise for you." I laughed coldly. A surprise to ruin my reputation? That would indeed be huge. "What a coincidence. I've also prepared a big gift for you." A gift he would absolutely love. Chapter 8 "Sell all my shares in territory of the Blackwood pack now." Initially, to demonstrate his love for me, Ethan had specifically transferred half of his territory to my name. Originally, I had planned to inherit my legacy first and then find buyers, but Ethan had beaten me to it by bringing me to the hospital. His actions had left me so disturbed that I lost consciousness until the third day. The Beta paused for a moment. "Selling now would result in a 60% loss." "I don't care if they become worthless." After finalizing that, I pulled out the mate bond severance papers I had already had drafted. After giving the signed mate bond severance agreement to the Beta, the hospital room door was suddenly kicked open violently. Scarlett strutted in wearing high heels, her lips curving into that familiar arc that made my heart tremble. "Well, if it isn't our little scholar? How did you become so pathetic again?" "Where's your savior? Oh my, could it be that you discovered your savior wasn't actually a savior, so you got too excited and couldn't handle it?" I jerked my head up. "You did it on purpose?" I suddenly thought of that corridor by the study. Everything clicked into place. Of course, how could it be such a coincidence that I would overhear just by passing by? She had deliberately let me hear everything! Scarlett's lips curved upward, smiling with delight. "You're not completely stupid after all. But so what if you figured it out? With no child, no legs, and now even Ethan doesn't want you anymore, what do you have to fight me with?" She suddenly leaned closer, the rich gardenia scent from her body making my temples throb. I gripped the bedsheet tightly, my knuckles turning white. The smell of disinfectant suddenly became piercing, mixing with that cloying gardenia fragrance from her body, reminding me of a mop bucket filled with dirty water in a restroom. Scarlett suddenly pulled out a pack of cigarettes from her bag. "Remember this smell? This is the same brand we shoved in your mouth back then. You surely haven't forgotten, have you." Memory flooded back like a bursting dam. The searing pain of cigarette butts burning my mouth, the suffocation of dirty water flooding my airways, the harsh laughter surrounding me. My breathing became rapid, large black spots appearing before my eyes. Her red lips curved into a malicious arc. "Tell me, what does trash taste like? When I give birth to Ethan's child and become the legitimate Luna of Blackwood pack, I'll definitely invite you to taste it again." The taste from memory instantly surged up my throat. I suddenly grabbed the water glass from the bedside table. "Get out! Get the hell out!" The glass shattered at her feet. Scarlett screamed and suddenly fell to the ground. "Oh, Elena, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to appear in front of you. Please don't hurt my child!" The hospital room door was violently pushed open, and Ethan stormed in with a livid expression. He swept up Scarlett, who was sitting collapsed on the floor, then turned to roar at me. "Are you insane?! She's pregnant!" Watching his anxious state, I suddenly remembered how he had rushed into that restroom during high school, carrying my soaked body out in the same way. How ironic - the same scene, but the protagonist in his arms had changed. Scarlett clutched his shirt collar, sobbing. "Don't blame her, it's my fault. I shouldn't have come to apologize." "What?" "I wanted to apologize for bullying her in high school." Scarlett lifted her tear-filled eyes. "I was young and ignorant back then. I shouldn't have been so mean to you. But I was just too scared - afraid you would steal my spotlight. I'm sorry, I did terrible things back then, so even if you hit me now, I deserve it." As she spoke, at an angle Ethan couldn't see, she flashed me the exact same malicious smile from years ago. This smile became the final straw that broke me. "Ahhhhh—!" I grabbed everything within reach. Medicine bottles, fruit, medical charts. I hurled them frantically at them. "Get out! All of you get out!" Ethan shielded Scarlett as they dodged the flying objects, his expression terrifyingly dark. "Slap!" A sharp slap landed hard on my face. I turned my head to the side, my ears ringing. I only heard Ethan's cold voice. "Are you calm now? Scarlett knows how to admit her mistakes. Can't you be more mature?" I slowly turned my head back, looking at this man I had once worshipped like a deity. He held the architect of my torment in his arms, his hands stained with my blood, yet demanded that I be mature. How ridiculous. Ethan seemed stung by my gaze. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately only held Scarlett tighter and turned to leave. My tears finally burst forth. The sunlight outside was perfect. I watched their retreating figures from afar, then turned to get into my Beta's car that had come to pick me up.