Chapter 2


    Making my way to his office, I hesitated outside the door, taking a moment to gather my thoughts.


    When I finally entered, I found Ethan seated behind his desk, engrossed in his work. His presence still


    had the power to render me speechless.


    For a moment, I stood there, admiring his broad shoulders and handsome features. However, his gaze


    met mine, and any warmth I had hoped to see was reced with


    disinterest.


    “I brought the files,” I said, my voice steady, cing the documents on his desk.


    He nodded, acknowledging my gesture but saying nothing.


    “Have you had lunch? We could eat together,” I suggested, my heart hoping for a chance to talk, to


    connect with him again.


    “There’s no need for that; I promised Be we’d cat together,” he replied, and a pang of jealousy struck


    my heart at the mention of his mate’s name.


    “Be?” I questioned, unable to hide my curiosity.


    “My mate,” came the curt reply, and I felt a mixture of sorrow and bitterness rise within me. “You


    remember the conditions that led to our marriage, right? It was all a big mistake. As for


    Be, she’s been through a lot. She was being trafficked, practically hidden and in captivity when we


    rescued her. That was why it took me this long to find her. I have a mate now, Hazel,” he said, his eyes


    holding the truth of his love for Be.


    My heart clenched as I listened to his words, understanding that our rtionship meant nothing.


    “You want to announce her as your mate?” I asked, my voice quivering slightly.


    “I can’t. At least not now. She’s too weak to be Luna. Apart from her injuries, she’s a gamma. So she’s


    weak. I can’t cast you aside; the pack will not approve of it. I still need you to stand in as Luna. It’s not a


    request but an order, I am ordering you as your Alpha,” Ethan stated authoritatively, his eyes burning


    with passion for Be.


    “Yes,” I nodded demurely, my heart aching with the realization that I would be living in the shadow of


    his true mate.


    “What about me?” I whispered, unable to suppressing the pain in my voice.


    “I only married you because of the mistake. You were never my mate, Hazel. I’ve found her now. Know


    Property ? of N?velDrama.Org.


    your ce,” he said coldly, and I understood that there was no room for me in his heart.


    “You’ll be wellpensated. Don’t worry.”


    As I sank into a nearby chair, I felt my dreams shatter into a thousand pieces. It had only been days


    since we had grown closer, shared moments of intimacy, and I had foolishly believed it meant


    something more. But now, it was clear that he belonged to her, and I was merely a temporary


    ceholder.


    Turning to leave, my heart heavy with sorrow, ady rushed past me, heading straight for Ethan’s


    office. Our eyes met briefly, sense of déjà vu washed over me, as if I had seen her before.


    Hurrying into the office, Be threw herself into Ethan’s arms, and my heart ached as I witnessed the


    depth of their connection. Ethan held her tenderly, his voice soft and caring


    12:30


    as he spoke to her. There was a love between them that could never be replicated with me. That was


    the mate bond, it’s the real thing I’ve been with Ethan but he never looked at me that way, but he just


    met Be but there was clear and burning love in his


    eyes.


    I’ll wait outside, I murmured, my voice choked with emotion, unable to bear their intimacy any longer.


    “Wait,” Ethan called, his tone still cold but firm.


    Turning to face him, I braced myself for whatever he was about to say.


    Hazel, this is Be, my mate. Be, meet Hazel, we are married. She’ll be performing the Luna function


    for now until you’re safe,” he introduced us, his gaze softening as he looked at Be, and bing


    detached as he nced at me. Ones b*dynguage couldn’t lie.


    Be regarded me with a smug smile, and I could feel her disdain for me, understanding that I was an


    obstacle in her path.


    I’m sure we’ll get along I managed to say politely, though my heart felt heavy with pain. “Thank you,”


    Be replied, her wordsced with underlying tension.


    I turned to leave, deciding to take the stairs instead of the elevator. The empty stairwell provided a quiet


    sanctuary where I could finally let my tears flow freely. Ethan and Be were a perfect fit, destined for


    each other, while I was merely a recement, a fake. The real mate was back now


    My heart ached for the dreams I had foolishly held onto the hope of a loving and


    functional rtionship with Ethan. It was now clear that he would devote himself to his true mate, Be,


    Heart hammering in my chest and holding back tears I walked away.


    Just as I got to the stairs I heard someone call out my name. Turning, to the caller, it’s her


    Be walking towards me with a menacing and mean look on her face.


    ********


    The moment Be was informed of Ethan’s wife’s visit to his office, she hurriedly left the hospital


    heading there. Curiosity and a desire to assert her position as his true mate fueled her actions. Be


    wanted to see what Hazel looked like and make it clear that she was the one destined to be with Ethan.


    As she approached, she couldn’t help but feel a strong wave of anger, sensing Hazel’s presence as a


    strong and capable werewolf. It was intimidating,pared to her, she was a nob*dy. It was clear, she


    didn’t need anyone to tell her. Looking at Hazel she felt a bitter surge of anger, she would have to


    <ppete with that.