I snapped out of my memories and focused on the striking woman commanding attention at the center of the ballroom. She wore a burgundy evening gown that hugged her curves perfectly, her straight black hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of ink. Everything about her exuded exotic charm.

She moved with effortless confidence, chatting freely with those around her, drawing people in like moths to flame. And there, beside her, stood Bruce.


Bruce leaned slightly toward Katherine, his smile genuine and warm as he spoke. Occasionally, his face would light up with undisguised joy at something she said.

He hung on her every word, at one point reaching out to tuck a stray lock of her raven hair behind her ear with casual intimacy.

So attentive. So caring. So unlike how he was with me.


My heart twisted painfully in my chest.

Beautiful women had always flocked around Bruce, and naturally, he had countless admirers. But at social gatherings, he maintained only appropriate politeness with these women, never crossing the line.


But this time was different. I could tell from across the room—his smile reached his eyes.

Even though I was his wife, his supposed partner for tonight's dance, he showed another woman a tenderness I'd never experienced myself.

In that moment, doubts crashed over me like a tidal wave: Was I really his destined Luna? Did I mean anything to him at all? If he loved me, why hadn't he marked me? If he didn't love me, why had he married me in the first place?

Was I nothing more than a convenient body to satisfy his urges?

The thought chilled me to the bone.

Bruce had completely forgotten my existence, extending his hand to Katherine for a dance. They made a striking pair on the dance floor, moving together as if they'd done this a thousand times before.

I stood frozen at the edge of the room, a forgotten ornament watching the spectacle.

For this very event, I had secretly practiced dancing for a week, imagining myself gliding gracefully in Bruce's arms. Now I could only watch as an outsider while my husband became the center of attention with another woman.

Jessica, who had once openly pursued Bruce, slinked up beside me with a wine glass in hand.

One glance at her smug expression told me exactly why she'd sought me out.

"Don't they make the perfect couple?" she purred. "Powerful Alphas belong with other powerful wolves, not with pathetic little Omegas like you."

Her companion covered her mouth and tittered, "Indeed. Some people have the title of Luna but can't even fulfill the basic duty of being a proper dance partner. Omegas, after all, are better kept in the bedroom than displayed in public."

I forced my lips into a cold smile. "How fascinating that the audience is always so invested in the main characters' story. But Jessica, dear, watch from the sidelines too long and you might forget you're just a spectator in our lives."

Her face contorted with rage, color draining then flooding back. "Hmph! Let's see how long you can maintain that smugness!"

She leaned in close, her breath hot against my ear as she sneered, "Do you have any idea how many women just like you have warmed Mr. Castillo's bed before you came along?"

My nails dug painfully into my palms.

"Does he kiss your forehead after he's done with you?" Jessica's voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "Then murmur, 'Thank you, my dear'?"

My entire body went rigid, blood draining from my face.

Jessica patted my shoulder with mock sympathy. "So don't think you're special, honey. There is difference between us. And don't worry—when Mr. Castillo finally discards you, I'll be the first to step on you."

With that, she sashayed away, the click of her heels punctuating her victory.

I stared at Bruce twirling Katherine across the dance floor, feeling as though I'd been doused in ice water. Had even that small morning gesture—the only tenderness I thought was mine alone—been nothing but routine?