Chapter 2
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 replaced with
disinterest.
“I brought the files,” I said, my voice steady, placing 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 Bella we’d cat together,” he replied, and a pang of jealousy struck
my heart at the mention of his mate’s name.
“Bella?” 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
Bella, she’s been through a lot. She was being trafficked, practically hidden and in captivity when we Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
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 Bella.
My heart clenched as I listened to his words, understanding that our relationship 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 Bella.
“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
your place,” he said coldly, and I understood that there was no room for me in his heart.
“You’ll be well compensated. 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
placeholder.
Turning to leave, my heart heavy with sorrow, a lady 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, Bella 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
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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 Bella 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 Bella, my mate. Bella, 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 Bella, and becoming
detached as he glanced at me. Ones b*dy language couldn’t lie.
Bella 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,”
Bella replied, her words laced 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 Bella were a perfect fit, destined for
each other, while I was merely a replacement, 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 relationship with Ethan. It was now clear that he would devote himself to his true mate, Bella,
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
Bella walking towards me with a menacing and mean look on her face.
********
The moment Bella 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. Bella
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, compared 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
compete with that.