Chapter 22
Damon was drowning in guilt.
If he had a second chance, he swore he would’ve held onto his heart and
never let it stray.
But life didn’t offer do–overs.
He stood in an unfamiliar street, lost and helpless–like a little wolf pup who
couldn’t find his way home.
Should he keep looking?
Of course.
But where should he even begin?
“Hello, I’m that woman’s mate. We got separated because she’s upset with
- me. I’m trying to find her. Would you happen to have her contact
information?” Damon asked the hotel clerk sincerely.
Chapter 22 A Voice That Closed the Door
The man hesitated for a long while, until Damon pulled out a thick wad of
cash. That changed everything.
Grinning broadly, the clerk handed over Ariel’s contact details without a
second thought.
Damon called immediately.
No answer.
She’s probably still on the plane, he told himself.
To show Ariel how truly sorry he was, Damon posted a written confession on
the werewolf forums.
m
He laid everything out–how he made his mistakes, step by step, and how he
finally realized what he’d done.
Each letter was detailed and sincere. He posted new ones almost daily,
hoping Ariel would read them.
Chapter 22 A Voice That Closed the Door
Gradually, the public sentiment began to shift. Some people who once
condemned him started to feel sorry for him. A few even defended him.
But when Ariel read the confessions, all she felt was a faint sense of
amusement.
If I hadn’t left, would he be apologizing like this? No. He probably would’ve
grown bolder–from Isabelle to more women. Cheating never stops at once.
Why should she forgive him?
Wasn’t this life better?
She’d finally achieved what she once only dreamed of.
Running a private villa by the sea. Owning a few pets. Meeting interesting new
werewolf friends. Some days, doing nothing at all–just curling up at home
and painting the things she’d seen.
Since leaving Damon, Ariel’s health had improved. Even her wolf was happier.
D
Chapter 22 A Voice That Closed the Door
She closed her eyes and let the rumors swirl online. She didn’t care.
She knew exactly what she wanted.
And after leaving, there was no going back to the life she’d escaped.
When her plane landed and she turned off airplane mode, a familiar number
popped up on her screen.
It was Damon.
Without hesitation, she declined the call and blocked him.
But that wasn’t enough.
Damon was relentless.
Each time she blocked one number, he switched to another.
Back when he had confessed his love and begged her to accept him as his
mate, his persistence had been impressive.
Chapter 22 A Voice That Closed the Door
Now, the same persistence had turned into something unbearable.
The endless calls rolled in like waves, one after another. Ariel felt no warmth-
only frustration.
Who was he trying to impress with this remorse?
Once, she’d been moved by his determination–how he never gave up and
steadily made his way into her heart.
But that was before.
22
Now that love was gone, all his once–admirable traits had turned into flaws.
They didn’t move her anymore.
4
==
She didn’t know how many calls she’d declined before finally snapping. With
clenched fists, she answered.
“Damon, we have absolutely nothing to do with each other anymore. I don’t
love you.”
11:39 AM
Chapter 22 A Voice That Closed the Door
The words burst out, sharp and clear, slamming every apology on the other
end of the line back into silence.
Damon froze. His lips parted, struggling for words, but nothing came out.
She had rejected him–completely, unmistakably.
三
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Yet hearing her voice after so long, he nearly broke into tears.
He hadn’t realized how starved he was for that sound.
The only proof he had of her existence were scattered photos sent in by
others. That was how he reminded himself he was still alive.
Now, hearing her speak, he found himself unable to say a single word.
