Chapter 2

"Samantha and I grew up together. We're practically family. If there was ever anything between us, you wouldn't even be in the picture, would you?"

How ridiculous. How utterly shameless.

Wrapped in each other's arms naked, and they called it 'nothing'?

Back then, honoring my late mother's dying wish was the only reason I chose to forgive him.

And that single act of leniency only emboldened them.

They started wearing matching outfits, checking into the same hotels...

It wasn't until Daniel announced he was taking Samantha abroad to get her pregnant that I finally called off our betrothal.

Did Daniel really think I was just bluffing out of anger?

Whatever. What he thought didn't matter anymore.

Looking at the shameless pair in front of me, I felt repulsed just breathing the same air. I turned on my heel and walked away.

Daniel's furious roar erupted behind me:

"Summer, have you had enough yet?! Don't push your luck! Go home and think it through. When you come to your senses, come crawling back before I lose my temper for real! You'll regret it if you don't!"

I rolled my eyes and headed straight for the parking lot.

Today was supposed to be my routine prenatal checkup. Running into those two was pure bad luck.

After parking, I stepped into the healer clinic lobby. This was the only clinic in the Silver Creek Pack. Dr. Lee, the head healer, held consultations here three days a week and spent the rest of his time on duty at the Alpha Manor. My phone buzzed in my pocket with a message from Harrison:

"Don't be nervous about going to your first prenatal checkup alone, honey. You're the bravest girl in the world! As soon as I wrap up this business trip, I'll be right home to take care of you and our pup. Be good."

Reading his text instantly lifted my mood.

At the same time, I couldn't help but wonder: how could two sons of the Silver Creek Pack Alpha be so entirely different?

Daniel was selfish, hypocritical, and promiscuous, grinding my loyalty beneath his boots without a second thought.

Harrison, on the other hand, was gentle and deeply attentive. In our three years of marriage, he had spoiled me completely.

He remembered every tiny detail about me. Whenever I needed him, even if he was miles away, he would move mountains to make sure things were taken care of.

The checkup went smoothly. The healer assured me our pup was growing strong and healthy.

Once it was done, I drove back to the estate.

The moment I pushed the front door open, my eyes landed on Daniel and Samantha sitting on the living room sofa.

It hit me then: the private residence Harrison and I were renovating wasn't ready yet, so we were temporarily staying at the Silver Creek Alpha Manor. Technically, this was Daniel's family home too.

Still, seeing them here made a wave of nausea wash over me.

Hearing the door, Daniel looked up and smirked:

"Look who decided to show up. Not so tough after all, are you, Summer? It's only been a few hours, and you've already come running back to me."

"What? Finally came to your senses?"

Before I could get a word out, Samantha chimed in:

"I'm so glad you've come around, Summer."

She paused, tilting her head with fake concern. "Oh, by the way... when Daniel and I were at the healer clinic earlier, I saw someone who looked just like you from behind. Were you there too? Are you feeling unwell?"

Daniel scoffed again before I could answer:

"Why else would she be there? She probably followed me, terrified that I'd actually cut her off. She went to the clinic just to put on a show so I'd feel sorry for her."

Samantha blinked in feigned surprise, watching me closely:

"Really? But Daniel, I think Summer arrived before us. And I happened to notice she went into the specialized exam room."

She covered her mouth, letting out a soft giggle:

"Don't tell me... Summer, are you having fertility issues?"