---- I clasped my hands together and silently made a wish. "Ym twenty-four now. This year, I hope that after I leave, Lucien and Summer will be happy together. I hope Summer can love Lucien as deeply as I did. Goodbye, Lucien. I hope I never see you again." The moment the candlelight extinguished, Lucien pulled me into his arms and tried to kiss me. I lowered my gaze, hiding my sadness, and gently pushed him away. Maybe he sensed my hesitation, because he immediately began explaining, "Mia, Summer's just an old friend. She's still adjusting to being back in the pack. I was just helping her get settled, that's all." I gave him a quiet acknowledgement and walked into the bathroom. When I came out, freshly showered, I saw Lucien standing shirtless in front of the open wardrobe, brows furrowed. He turned to me, confused. "Where are your clothes? Are you going somewhere?" ---- I froze, heart pounding, then quickly shut the closet door. "It's the change of seasons. I was just sorting out old clothes." Lucien relaxed immediately. After all, I'd never lied to him before. "Right, those were out of style anyway." He wrapped his arms around my waist from behind, inhaling the scent of my shampoo. "We'll buy you new ones. Use my card." Then, he leaned in again, trying to kiss me. I wanted to say no, but when his lips met the side of my neck, all my strength disappeared. So, I gave in. I told myself if I was leaving, let this be the last time- let me end this on my terms, with no regrets. I kissed him back with everything I had, and Lucien responded with an intensity I hadn't seen in a long time. With every movement and every breath, we clung to each other like it was the first and last time. I left marks on his skin as small reminders, hoping maybe he'd remember me that way. ---- When it was over, he let out a low groan of satisfaction and gently carried me into the bathroom to clean up. We ended up going another round in the shower. There were so many moments I wanted to ask if he ever loved me, or if he was going to end our mate bond because Summer was back. However, the words caught in my throat every time. I was too afraid to hear him say "no." So, instead, I chose to walk away quietly and with dignity. When we returned to the bedroom, my legs were too weak to walk, so Lucien massaged them. "Tomorrow's the ten-year reunion at Lycan University. Summer is going, too. I know you don't like her, so maybe you should sit this one out. I have to go because I'm still the alumni president, but I'll be back soon, I promise," he said. He knew how I felt about Summer, yet he was still going. That alone told me where his heart really was. Ihad plans, too. Tomorrow would mark exactly one ---- month since I filed to break our mate bond. I'd be picking up the finalized certificate-basically our divorce papers-from City Hall. After that, I could leave, officially. "Okay," I replied softly. "ll be home in time for dinner. I'd like to have that roasted herb venison you make, the one with the wild greens," he said, eyes sparkling. However, my flight was at 7 p.m. There was no time to make him dinner. Still, Inodded. I could change my flight to 10 p.m. and let that meal be my last goodbye. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!