Chapter 16 " Being sized , " I lied smoothly . " They had to order it in my size . " " But you must have pictures ! " She thrust out her hand expectantly . I showed her a stock photo from the jeweler's website , hoping she wouldn't notice . " Wow , that's ... big , " Ethan remarked , eyebrows raised . " Not really your style , is it ? " I shrugged , trying to appear nonchalant . " It's what the future Luna should have . " " So , " Lilly leaned forward eagerly , " tell us everything ! Have you picked a venue ? What about flowers ? Please tell me you're not doing those awful centerpieces Luna Elena suggested at Kara's wedding . " Each question felt like another weight on my chest . I fumbled through vague answers , watching concern slowly replace excitement in their eyes . " Aurora , " Ethan said gently , " what's going on ? You don't seem happy about any of this . " Before I could respond , Lilly gasped , her eyes fixed on something over my shoulder . " Isn't that Raymond ? Across the street ? " I turned , my heart sinking as I spotted Raymond and Giana outside another café . He was holding a small jewelry box , and as we watched , he flipped it open . Giana's squeal of delight carried across the street as she threw her arms around him . " That son of a bitch , " Ethan growled , standing so abruptly his chair toppled backward . " I knew something was off . " " Ethan , don't- " I began , but he was already storming across the street , Lilly and I scrambling after him . " What the hell is this ? " Ethan demanded , his voice loud enough to turn heads . Giana jumped back from Raymond , her eyes widening in exaggerated innocence before she ducked behind him . " This is private , " Raymond said coldly . " Walk away , Ethan . " " Private ? " Ethan laughed harshly , " You're making out with another woman in broad daylight a week before your wedding ! Does Aurora know about this ? " " Aurora and I have an understanding , " Raymond replied , his tone dismissive . Giana peeked around Raymond's shoulder . " It's not my fault he doesn't love her , " she said , her voice dripping with false sympathy . " It's sweet how she always has people jumping to defend her , though . Poor Aurora , always needing protection . " 1/2 Chapter 16 +15 BONUS " You manipulative little- Lilly started , stepping forward . Raymond moved to block her . " That's enough ! This isn't your business . " " Aurora is my best friend , " Lilly shot back . " That makes it my business when you're humiliating her publicly ! " " I said , back off ! " Raymond's eyes flashed dangerously , his Alpha authority bleeding into his voice . " Make me , " Ethan challenged , shoving Raymond's shoulder . What happened next seemed to unfold in slow motion . Raymond's control snapped . His arm swung back , a blur of motion as he aimed for Ethan . I lunged forward instinctively , placing myself between them . I felt the impact before I registered what had happened . Raymond's fist connected with my temple instead of Ethan's jaw . Pain exploded behind my eyes as I crumpled , the world tilting sideways . " Aurora ! " Multiple voices shouted my name as darkness edged my vision . The last thing I saw was Raymond's horrified face as he realized what he'd done . " I didn't mean- " he started , dropping to his knees beside me . Hot liquid trickled down my face - blood from where his ring had cut me . The irony wasn't lost on me . Raymond's ring , meant for his true love , had marked me instead , just not in the way a mate should . Strong arms lifted me as consciousness faded in and out . Raymond's scent enveloped me as he carried me , his heartbeat thundering against my ear . " I'm taking her to the hospital , " I heard him say , his voice tight with what sounded almost like genuine concern . " Like hell you are ! " Ethan argued . " You've done enough . " " I'm her Alpha , " Raymond growled . " Step aside . " Through the haze of pain , I felt Raymond start running , cradling me against his chest as if I were precious . But I knew better now . I wasn't precious to him . I was convenient . A shield . A transaction . As darkness claimed me completely , one bitter thought remained : even this moment of care wasn't truly for me . It was for his reputation , for appearances , for his own guilt . Like everything else between us , it was just another lie . 2/2 Chapter 17 Chapter 17 +15 B Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!