Alpha Marcus's announcement at dinner a week later caught me completely off guard . " We're hosting a celebration for Aurora's birthday , " he declared , smiling warmly at me . " The entire pack will attend . " My birthday had never been a major event . I looked to Raymond, who seemed as surprised as I was . " That's very kind ," I began , " but really , there's no need- " " Nonsense , " Luna Elena cut in . " A small gathering is the least we can do . " She turned to Raymond with a meaningful look . " Of course , you and Aurora should have some private time as well . I'm sure Raymond has planned something special for just the two of you , haven't you , son ? " Raymond hesitated , then to my surprise , simply nodded . " Of course , " he said , not meeting my eyes . A tiny flicker of hope kindled in my chest . Perhaps he still cared , at least enough to acknowledge my birthday . *** The evening of my birthday arrived with a perfect autumn sunset . Raymond had arranged dinner at Lakeview , the most exclusive restaurant in the city . I'd spent hours getting ready , secretly hoping we might recapture a fragment of what we'd once been . Instead , he checked his phone every few minutes , barely responding to my attempts at conversation . " Is everything okay ? " I finally asked . " Fine , " he said , " Just some pack business . " Just as the waiter brought dessert , Raymond's phone buzzed again . His expression softened , and a smile touched his lips . " Aurora , " he said , setting down his napkin , " I need to step outside for a moment . Pack business . " Through the restaurant's window , I watched him pace on the sidewalk , phone pressed to his ear , more animated than he'd been all evening . After ten minutes , a familiar blonde appeared , hurrying toward him . Raymond's entire demeanor transformed as he spotted Giana , his face lighting up . He swept her into his arms before pulling something from his pocket - a small , wrapped box tied with a ribbon . 1/2 Chapter 24 +15 BONUS My stomach clenched as Giana tore open the package , her excited squeal visible even through the glass as she held up a sparkling necklace . Raymond returned to our table minutes later , slightly breathless . " I'm sorry about that . " " Pack business ? " I asked , my voice deadly calm . He nodded , not meeting my eyes . " Something came up that couldn't wait . " We finished dessert in silence . As the waiter cleared our plates , Raymond glanced at his phone again . " Aurora , there's been a situation with ... one of the new pack members , " he said carefully . " I need to go deal with it . We need to keep up appearances a bit longer , and then I'll come back to take you home . " " The new pack member being Giana ? " I asked , beyond caring if he knew I'd seen them . Raymond had the decency to look startled but quickly recovered . " It's not what you think . " " It never is , " I replied tiredly . " Go , Raymond . Don't worry about coming back for me . " He hesitated for only a moment , then nodded . Without hesitation , he abandoned me , only pausing briefly at my chair . " We have to keep up appearances , " he whispered . " I'll try to come back later . " " Happy birthday , " he added as an afterthought , already backing toward the door . I waited an hour . Two hours . Three . My calls went straight to voicemail , texts unanswered . With a sigh , I signaled for the check , only to discover Raymond had at least had the courtesy to pay before he left . As I gathered my purse to leave , my phone chimed with a notification . A social media post from Giana , posted minutes ago . The picture showed Raymond and Giana at another restaurant across town , an intimate table for two lit by candles , champagne glasses raised in a toast . Raymond was smiling - a real smile , the kind he hadn't given me in months . The caption read : " Best surprise dinner ever ! #blessed #mycleversurprise " I stared at my phone until the screen went dark , the bitter truth settling over me . There had never been any pack emergency . The surprise birthday celebration hadn't been for me at all . It had been for her . 2/2 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!