Chapter 3

She nodded and turned back to the kitchen.

I finished my breakfast, went upstairs, and changed my clothes.

I had an appointment with a real estate agent today. I needed to find a new place to stay before moving out of this house.

I didn't ask for any assets in the divorce, but that didn't mean I was broke.

I had savings from before the marriage.

And though I hadn't worked over the past three years, the Blackwood family deposited a twenty-thousand-dollar allowance into my account every month. I barely spent any of it, so I had saved a fortune.

It was more than enough to rent a nice apartment and support myself for a year or two.

As for the future, I'd figure it out when I got there.

The real estate agent was a young guy with glasses who spoke very fast.

He took me to see a two-bedroom apartment in the East District. It was close to downtown, and the neighborhood was lovely.

"This place has amazing natural light, and the landlord just renovated it. All the furniture and appliances are brand new. The rent is $6,500 a month. What do you think?"

I stood on the balcony. The view was wide open, overlooking a distant park.

It wasn't huge, but it was perfect for one person.

Most importantly, it held absolutely no memories of Damon.

"I’ll take it. Let’s sign the lease."

The agent clearly didn't expect me to make a decision so quickly. He blinked, then smiled warmly.

"Awesome! I'll contact the landlord right away to get the paperwork ready!"

I signed a one-year lease, paying the deposit and the first month’s rent.

When I walked out with the keys, the sun was warm and bright.

Standing on the sidewalk, looking at the keys in my hand, I suddenly felt incredibly light.

By the afternoon, when I returned home, Clara had already bought several cardboard boxes and left them in the living room.

Just as I was about to head upstairs to pack my walk-in closet, I heard the front door open.

I didn't turn around, but I had a sudden premonition.

Sure enough, a familiar voice rang out behind me.

"Oh, you're home."

I turned around.

Sera was standing in the entryway, holding a folder.

She saw the boxes in my hands, her eyes lingering on them for a second.

"Are you packing?"

I didn't answer her. I just asked calmly, "What are you doing here?"

"Damon brought me."

She set the folder on the coffee table, pushing it toward me.

"Pack financial regulations. The Alpha's household expenses account should be managed by the Luna. Since you aren't marked, this account needs to be transferred to me."

I opened the folder. It was indeed an official notice from the pack's financial department.

"Starting next month, I’ll be paying Clara’s salary, and I’ll be in charge of the household shopping. Oh, and by the way, I’m moving in."

Sera watched my face, a small smirk playing on her lips.

"You don't mind, do you?"

She tilted her head.

"Honestly, I thought it might be a bit awkward, but Damon insisted I move in. He said..."

"If he wants you to move in, then move in," I interrupted.

"There are plenty of rooms here anyway."

She pursed her lips, walking over to sit on the sofa.

"You really are incredibly generous."

"First you married him out of 'generosity,' and now you’re letting me move in just as easily."

I looked at her, suddenly finding it amusing.

I didn't reply, turning to head upstairs.

Sera must have felt ignored because her voice rose. "Elara, I'm talking to you."

I paused and looked back at her.

"I hear you."

"But you didn't come here to chat, so why waste each other's time?"

"I have packing to do."

Sera stood up, the smile completely vanishing from her face.

"You're leaving?" she blurted out, her voice filled with disbelief.

"Obviously."

"Why else would I stay? To be a third wheel in your domestic bliss?"