---- Chapter 1 "What? You're ending things with Lucien and going abroad to pursue your medical research career?" My best-and only-friend, Eve Young, stared at me in shock. Her voice rose, full of disbelief. "Did Lucien agree? He's been so good to you these past three years! I thought he had fallen for you!" I gave her a bitter smile, eyes drifting toward my cup of coffee. "Who would've thought? The moment Summer came back, he chose her yet again." The truth was, I didn't even know if Lucien had agreed. When I handed him the mate-bond termination papers, he was on a call. He barely looked at me, just signed it while still talking, and walked away before I could say a word. He had not brought it ---- up since. Now, all I had to do was wait three more days. Once the papers go through at City Hall, and I get the official termination certificate-the human equivalent of a divorce-I'd finally be free. I turned to Eve and smiled. "It's fine. Just three more days, and it'll be official." "What'll be official?" A deep voice interrupted our conversation. Lucien Grey, my mate and husband, had walked up without us noticing. Eve looked up, clearly confused. "Lucien, Mia was saying she-" "You're here," I quickly cut in before she could finish. Reaching out, I gently patted Eve's hand and shook my head at her. "Tt's raining. I came to take you home," Lucien said calmly. ---- I gave him a small nod, said goodbye to Eve, and followed him to the car. Rain tapped softly against the windows. The air inside the car was heavy and silent. Ever since Summer White came back, things between Lucien and me had become strained and awkward in ways we both tried to ignore. He opened his mouth a few times, trying to say something, but ended up pressing his lips together each time. Finally, after a long stretch of silence, he spoke. "Oh, right. Mia, what were those papers you had me sign last week?" I was caught off guard, and just as I was about to answer, his phone rang again. "Lucien," Summer's voice slurred through the speaker, soft and whiny, "I drank too much at the bar and fell. My foot hurts really badly, and I can't get a ride. Can you come get me?" Lucien's grip on the steering wheel tightened. His Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!