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On the way to the gift shop, the atmosphere in the car was beyond awkward.
I put in my carbuds and closed my eyes.
Ethan tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, restless and anxious.
“This weather is perfect for the beach…”
He kept glancing my way.
When I didn’t respond, he cleared his throat and spoke louder.
“I heard Crescent Bay in California is really popular right now. A lot of famous people are having their bonding ceremonies there.”
I still didn’t open my eyes. I just hummed lightly.
Ethan frowned, his voice tinged with irritation.
“Sarah, are you even listening to me?”
I opened my eyes slightly.
“I’m listening. So what?”
Ethan was caught off guard.
“…Nothing. Just making conversation.”
A light breeze drifted in from the window, and I felt a bit more clear–headed.
“Ethan, about the bonding ceremony… is there anything you need to tell me?”
I turned to look at him. This was the only time I would ask him, and it would be the last.
He avoided my gaze, giving an awkward laugh.
“Everything is in your hands. I trust you.”
I lowered my eyes, my expression sinking.
He was still pretending.
Even now, if he would just be honest, maybe I could still… no. I couldn’t.
I clenched my fists. So this is what trust was for. To be trampled on.
Ethan gave a dry laugh, his eyes shifting nervously.
She must know. She’s just pouting. I’ll smooth things over later.
Inside the gift shop, I saw the sample for the custom gifts I had ordered. The Aurora Peak design looked exquisite.
Just as I was about to confirm the order, a familiar laugh came from behind me.
“Ethan? Are you here to buy me that crystal wolf?”
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1 frowned. Her again?
When Kira saw me, she covered her mouth in surprise.
“Oh, Sarah? I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you…”
“Oh, are you two picking out gifts? The crystal wolves at this shop are gorgeous. Ethan brings me here all the time!”
My fingers tightened slightly. He had brought her here many times, while I only found out about this place from a friend.
Kira picked up a seashell decoration.
“Sarah, how about this one? It’s perfect for a beach ceremony. It would go perfectly with champagne!”
I took a small step back.
“No, thanks. I’ve already made my choice. You two can take your time.”
Kira froze for a second, her expression turning hurt and innocent.
“Are you… upset because I’m here? Then I–I’ll just go.”
Ethan grabbed Kira’s wrist.
“Sarah doesn’t mean that. You don’t have to go.”
He turned to me, staring into my eyes.
“Sarah, Kira is going to be your bridesmaid. Don’t be so harsh, you’ll scare her.”
I was stunned. When was that decided? Shouldn’t I be the one to choose my bridesmaid?
But then I thought, he changed the ceremony location on his own. What else would he need my permission for?
I replied without emotion, “This is who I am. Take it or leave it.”
They both stared at me, clearly not expecting such a serious response.
Kira’s eyes turned red.
“Fine, I’ll just go. I don’t want to be in the way”
But Ethan held onto her hand, lacing his fingers with hers.
“Sarah Carter, you’re about to become my mate. Why are you still so childish?”
“Ever since we set the date, you’ve been moody all the time. Is this fun for you?”
Kira quietly tried to calm him down, but leaned even closer.
“Ethan, don’t…”
Ethan seemed agitated.
“Don’t try to stop me. I’ve had enough!”
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“Go on, Sarah Carter, keep acting out! But don’t blame me for not coddling you when you secretly tear open your old wounds out of jealousy!”
The shop fell silent. The staff awkwardly looked down.
My heart felt like it had been plunged into ice.
So, in his eyes, my serious injury… was just me “self–harming” out of jealousy.
And here I was, still hoping he would remember the meaning of Aurora Peak.
How many times had this happened? Kira would use “not feeling well” or a “headache” as an excuse for Ethan to be with her, and he would drop our plans to go take care of her every time.
When my old injury flared up and I was shaking from the pain, Ethan was supposed to be with me, but he left to go shopping with Kira, only sending a text: “I’ll come see you later.” He never
came.
Whenever I complained, he would say, “Why can’t you be more understanding? Kira really needs
me!”
For our anniversary, Ethan promised to take me to see the Northern Lights.
I carefully prepared a gift, but he forgot again.
“It’s just a date. Do you have to be so serious about it?”
But for Kira’s birthday, Ethan booked a restaurant and bought gifts a month in advance. He even posted on Instagram.
“Happy birthday to the most important person in my life.”
Thinking about the past and looking at the present…
I was tired.
I should have given up on him and left a long time ago.
As I turned to leave, Ethan tossed a final remark at my back,
“She’s probably just got pre–wedding jitters. Don’t pay any attention to a sick person…”
How kind of him to make excuses for me.
Through the glass window, I saw him holding Kira’s hand, feeding her a pastry.
They were the ones who looked like a couple.
That night, I received a voice message from Ethan.
“Sarah, don’t be mad.”
“I’m managing the whole pack and the company, and I have to take care of both of you. Can’t you be more considerate?”
“We’ll be mates soon. I need you to be more mature.”
He sounded a little drunk, rambling on and on.
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I had no desire to listen anymore.
He had it the hardest, of course.
So I decided I would do him a favor and lighten his burden for good.
