Chapter 3

I suddenly realized that Jason and I hadn't sat down for a meal like this in a very long time.

He was always busy, so busy we barely saw each other.

For the past year or two, he said he had to stay at the office, and we went weeks without living together.

Just then, Bella looked up and asked, "Why haven't you guys gotten married after eight years?"

I looked up, meeting Jason's eyes.

"He said he wanted to wait until his career stabilized."

Those were Jason's exact words.

He had told me he just took over his family's company, that everyone was watching him, and nothing could go wrong.

I understood his pressure and trusted our love, so I never brought up marriage.

Who would have thought he had been married to someone else for four years?

Bella looked radiant with happiness. "My husband and I moved so fast. The day after I told him I was pregnant, he threw a ceremony to crown me as his Luna."

Luna.

Another word I didn't recognize. It sounded like some special title.

Or maybe a word only those legendary shifters used.

I lowered my head and took a sip of water without replying.

"That's enough," Jason suddenly interrupted, his voice stiff. "Stop talking."

Bella blinked, looking hurt. "You're snapping at me..."

Jason sighed and rubbed her hair. "I'm not snapping. Eat your food."

Watching this made my stomach churn.

"Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

I stood up, my legs shaking.

Bella was still whining and didn't notice my pale face. Jason's eyes followed me, but I ignored him.

The restroom lights were blindingly bright.

I gripped the sink, looked down, and froze. There was blood on my pants.

My mind went completely blank.

My stomach was still cramping. It had been hurting since school. I thought I had just bumped into a desk, but this looked much worse.

I pulled out my phone and called my best friend. "Nina... are you busy? Can you come pick me up? I think... something is wrong..."

Nina panicked instantly. "Send me your location! I'm coming right now!"

I gave her the location, hung up, and leaned heavily against the sink.

Everything that happened today had left me physically and emotionally shattered.

Just then, the restroom door pushed open.

It was Jason.

Guilt and panic flickered across his face.

"Grace," he started.

I stared at him, silent.

He took a step closer. Seeing no resistance, he reached out to grab my hand.

My reflexes kicked in. The next second, I slapped him hard across the face.

His head snapped back. He pressed his lips together and muttered, "I'm sorry. But it's not what you think."

My voice was barely a whisper. "Then what is it?"

He tried to step closer again. I backed away, and a look of deep sorrow crossed his face.

"Four years ago, I was out for a business dinner and met Bella. I couldn't control myself... By the time I snapped out of it, it had already happened."

"She was only twenty. She was so young. She came to me crying, not knowing what to do. I couldn't just walk away from my responsibility."

I couldn't hold back. I slapped him again. "Jason, do you remember how old I was when you made me get that abortion?"

He went blank for a second. Tears streamed down my face. "I was nineteen."

His eyes turned red instantly. His voice cracked. "I'm sorry, Grace."

"The doctor said back then that it would be hard for you to get pregnant again. That's why I cherished this child... I needed an heir. The Elders... my family thought so too."

"Jason," I cut him off. "Let go of me."

He didn't.

"Once I'm done with this busy phase, I'll spend more time with you. Please, stop throwing a fit, okay?"