Chapter 6

Chloe stayed in the hospital for three days.

During those three days, Liam still walked me to and from school every day. But every time after school, he found some excuse to leave in a hurry.

That night, I happened to see Chloe's Instagram story.

"So grateful for classmates who care. Someone visits me at the hospital every day after school."

The photo showed a hand peeling an apple.

The face wasn't in the frame, but how could I not recognize that hand?

It was the same hand that had helped me up when I fell. It had held mine as we crossed puddles in the rain.

Just yesterday, that hand had hooked pinkies with me and promised he would always be Liam.

I clenched my phone and slowly turned off the screen.

Liam, you broke your promise.

But luckily, I no longer need your promises.

Just as I was about to put my phone away, a message from my father, George, popped up.

"I've already visited the Blackwood family. Luna Maria agreed to annul the engagement. Even if you regret it now, it's too late."

I paused. "Does Liam know?"

"Liam's been busy these days. He hasn't answered his phone."

Busy taking care of Chloe, of course. No wonder he didn't have time to return calls.

Over the phone, my father reminded me again, "Remember what you said. No regrets."

My voice was firm. "Don't worry. I won't."

After hanging up, I checked the calendar.

Sixty-eight days left until the selection trials.

Just sixty-eight more days, and I could finally walk away from Liam's little game for good.

Three days later, Chloe was finally discharged. Coincidentally, that day was also my birthday.

The Evans family threw a lavish birthday banquet, inviting all the influential werewolf families in the city.

But it wasn't to celebrate me. It was to remind everyone that even with my sudden appearance as an "outsider," Chloe was still the most beloved daughter of the Evans family.

At the banquet, my father held Chloe's hand and declared with pride and affection, "Chloe will always be my most precious princess—the future of our family."

I stood below the stage, looking up at them, surrounded by classmates offering congratulations and envy.

No one from the Evans family remembered that today was also my birthday.

There was only one cake. Only one person received birthday wishes.

Even though I tried to act like I didn't care, something still weighed heavily on my chest.

I turned to leave, but saw Liam walking toward me with a gift box in hand.

I stopped instinctively, a flicker of hope rising in my chest. My fingers curled slightly as I held my breath.

Liam reached my side, but just as I opened my mouth to speak, he passed me without a word—and walked straight to Chloe.

I froze where I stood.

"Happy birthday," Liam said with a smile, handing the gift box to Chloe. His eyes softened, nearly brimming with tenderness.

Chloe smiled sweetly as she opened the box. Inside lay a delicate, handcrafted camellia necklace—one I knew all too well.

I had seen that necklace before.

Chloe glanced at it and beamed. "Thank you."

Liam looked thrilled. Only after Chloe was called away by others did he finally notice me standing nearby.

He came over, trying to comfort me like he always did. "Sorry, since it's Chloe's birthday, I gave her the bracelet first. I'll make one for you next time."

In the past, I would've smiled and said, "Okay."

But this time, I spoke quietly. "Don't bother."

"What?" Liam blinked.

I looked him in the eye and said calmly, "I said, don't bother giving me anything."

I didn't need gifts handed down from him. Not now, not ever.

This was the first time I had so clearly rejected Liam. He frowned, just about to speak.

But before he could, classmates began to gather around us, chatting excitedly.

"Uncle George really spoils Chloe. Of course he loves the one who's always been by his side."

Chloe's smile grew even sweeter. She glanced at me and said coyly, "Daddy treats me just okay, I guess. I mean, he throws me a party for my birthday, but won't give me the stars even if I ask. But if someone ever brings me the stars, I'll marry him."

Just as her words fell, the banquet doors burst open.

I looked up and saw a man in a black suit walk in, flanked by a group of bodyguards dressed in black.

Each of them carried extravagant gifts.

Someone in the crowd gasped. These were items from a recent European underground auction.

A blood diamond necklace worth over a million dollars. A famous ruby that had caused a stir. And even the emerald crown that had been part of the ancient werewolf royal collection for nearly two centuries.

Even the heads of noble families present were speechless at such a grand gesture.

Then someone recognized them. "That's the Royal Guard of the Blackwood family!"

"No wonder the Blackwoods are the royal clan. What an entrance. Harper Evans is Liam's fiancée, right? This must be his way of backing her up."

"Oh my god, I was just jealous of Chloe. But now? What's the use of having George's favor? Harper's marrying into royalty!"

"He's not even her mate yet and already sending gifts like this? Chloe's already lost."

The voices around us rose in excitement.

Instinctively, I looked at Liam.

But he was still gazing at Chloe with gentle eyes.

Then the man in the black suit raised his voice and declared, "On behalf of Liam, I'm here to deliver these gifts—to Miss Chloe."