It’s Time

"I loved Alpha Lucien Grey with all my heart. From the moment I first saw him, I was drawn to him. However, I always knew the one Lucien loved was someone else. Her name was Summer White.I thought I’d be like one of those tragic side characters in romance stories—forever on the sidelines, watching the man I loved build a life with another woman. However, everything changed three years ago when Summer ran away on the night of the marking ceremony, saying she wasn’t ready to be claimed.Lucien had to make a decision and announced he would find a new partner. So, I stepped forward. Wearing a dress that didn’t quite fit, my hands trembling, I stood in for Summer. That day, Lucien and I formed a bond as mates.For the past three years, Lucien had treated me with warmth and kindness. He was gentle and thoughtful. He took care of me in every way.However, just over a month ago, Summer came back to our pack. On the night of our anniversary, she got drunk and called Lucien in tears, sobbing that she regretted everything.Lucien’s hands were shaking so hard he almost dropped his phone, but he didn’t hang up. He just stood there, torn.When his eyes met mine, full of confusion and pain, I took his hand—still trembling—and said softly, “Go to her.”The moment he left, I filed the mate-bond termination papers at City Hall, requesting to break the bond. After all, these years of stolen happiness were never really mine to keep.It was time for me to leave, too."