Chapter 3
Judy’s POV
After I finally calmed down, wiped the last of my tears, and let my wolf settle back beneath the surface, Alpha Simon leaned in to kiss the corner of my lips, just like he always did.
But this time, I gently turned my face away.
His lips landed on air. He cleared his throat awkwardly and stepped back, pretending not
to notice the shift. Then he stretched out a
hand with a little grin, like this was all just some
cutesy lovers’ quarrel.
“Right,” he said. “Where’s that gift you promised me?”
I forced a smile. “Wait here.”
I went upstairs and opened my drawer. The wedding invitations were still there- cream-colored cardstock with gold foil edges,
embossed with the date that used to mean everything to me.
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We’d picked them out together. Back when I still believed in us.
With a steady hand, I crossed out the names we’d printed.
Bride: Judy Oliver.
Groom: Grayson Steele.
I don’t know what made me pick Grayson’s name. Maybe it was instinct. Maybe it was fate. Maybe it was just the first name that didn’t make my heart hurt.
Grayson Steele. My childhood fiancé. Also my fated mate. The one my dad always swore was meant for me.But I rejected him before.
Once the edits were done, I slipped the card into a small gift box, sealed it tight, and headed
back down.
Simon looked up eagerly when I handed him.
the box.
“What’s this?” he asked, already moving to
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open it.
I stopped him with a hand over his.
“Don’t open it until the first of next month.”
His fingers froze mid-motion. I saw the flicker of recognition in his eyes. That was his wedding day… to Wilona.
“Why?” he asked, his voice a little too casual, a little too tight.
I tilted my head and smiled, taping the lid
down.
“Because that was supposed to be our wedding day, remember?”
The tension in his jaw gave him away.
I patted the box and added, “Since we’re postponing, I thought I’d prepare something special instead. It’s a surprise. You’ll see.”
He chuckled, relief washing over his face like a damn fool. He even poked the tip of my nose, playful like always.
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“I love surprises.”
Then he pulled me into a warm embrace, pressing me close to his bare chest, damp from the shower, heartbeat calm and steady.
“Judy,” he whispered, “today… I’m really happy.”
Happy.
let myself sink into his arms for just a moment. Let him think I was still that girl-soft, loyal,
blind.
But behind him, the roses he’d given me earlier were wilting by the window, petals drooping
one by one.
And just like those flowers, the light in my eyes was fading.
He thought he had it all-his old flame back in his arms, and me tucked away like a backup plan. A Luna on standby.
That night, while he showered again-maybe.
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washing away Wilona’s scent, or maybe just hiding in the steam-I curled up on the couch, scrolling through my phone.
And there it was.
A video posted by one of Simon’s oh-so-loyal
friends.
Simon. On one knee. The same smug grin on his face. Wilona pretending to cry. Her hand on his chest.
The caption read:
A love I’ve always admired has finally found its ending. Drinks at the usual spot tonight to
celebrate.
I stared at it, my thumb hovering just above the screen, my wolf silent, stunned.
Then the comments started.
[You really posted this? Did you block Judy at least?]
[Of course I did. What do you think I am-
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stupid?]
The bitter smile that curled across my lips.
Once upon a time, these guys had called me sister-in-law, Luna, with wide grins and teasing
winks.
“Judy, if Simon ever bullies you, we’ll deal with him for you!”
“Yeah, don’t worry. We’ve got your back. If he cheats, we’ll rat him out first.”
What a joke.
Now they were all part of the cover-up.
Protecting him. Helping him marry someone
else while pretending to still be my
pack-friends.
Seconds later, the post disappeared.
Too late.
Simon stepped out of the bathroom with a
towel around his waist, hair dripping, looking…
rattled.
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“Judy, I—”
I glanced up at him calmly, as if I hadn’t seen a
thing.
“What is it?”
He paused, studying my face.
Then he exhaled slowly. “Oh, nothing. Just letting you know I’m done with the shower.”
“Okay,” I said.
I stood and headed for the door, needing
a breath of fresh air before my wolf did
something we’d both regret.
Just as I reached the hallway, I heard him
behind me, voice lowered on the phone.
“Are you insane? Delete that post right now! What if Judy saw it? I told you-she cannot find out about this. You trying to get us all killed?”
“Relax, it’s gone. She definitely didn’t see it. Anyway, what’s the holdup? Wilona’s already
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here waiting for you. We’re celebrating you,
man!”
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