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I bumped into my boyfriend and his mistress when I was shopping. "Olivia, what are you doing here?" Ethan's voice was icy, his gaze sharp. I froze, locking eyes with him as he released Cassandra’s hand. "Just trying on a ring," I replied, flashing a sweet smile. Ethan stormed toward me, fury practically radiating off him. Cassandra stepped forward, pretending to be innocent. "What a coincidence, Olivia. Ethan and I are here for rings too." I didn’t flinch. I kept my focus on the ring, ignoring both of them. Ethan's gaze darkened as he noticed the shimmering blue moonstone on my finger. I waved my hand slowly, making the stone glint in the light. "What do you think? Does it look good?" I asked, my tone light. His anger flared. "No, it doesn't." "Are you trying to trap me into marrying you? It won’t work!" he snapped. I met his fury with icy calm. "Embarrassing? Last I checked, I’m officially your girlfriend. So, Miss Cassandra must be the mistress, and you, the cheating scumbag. Who’s embarrassing now?" His face turned crimson. "Are you taking it off or not?" “She won’t,” a deep voice cut through the tension. Ethan’s jaw dropped as the Alpha of our pack moved in, pulling me close. “Stay away from my girl,” he warned, his eyes locked on Ethan. I smirked, watching their shock spread as I twirled the diamond ring. The tables had turned. And my revenge had just begun. —————— Chapter 1: Just a Substitute (Olivia's POV) When I arrived at the dinner party to pick up my future mate Ethan Grey, I heard voices inside and paused in my steps. The door was slightly ajar, allowing snippets of conversation to drift out. Ethan was the Alpha heir of the Grey pack, one of the most powerful pack in Harbor City. When I came to Harbor City three years ago, our wolves recognized each other as the the destined mate. We have been in love for three years. "Ethan, Cassandra is back in town. What about Olivia?" someone asked. Ethan's voice was indifferent. "What about her?" I froze, my hand hovering over the doorknob. Something in his tone made my heart stutter. Behind the half-open door, I could see a haze of cigarette smoke enveloping Ethan's expression as he quietly admitted, "I don't know. I don't want to hurt Olivia, but I can't let go of Cassandra." His friends sighed collectively. One of them leaned forward, his face partially visible through the gap. "I don't understand you, man. You've been with Olivia for three years. Three years! And you're still hesitating?" Another voice chimed in, blunt and cutting. "It's because she's nothing but a substitute. You found her because she looks like Cassandra." My breath caught in my throat. The words hit me like a physical blow. Ethan took a long drag of his cigarette, not denying it. "I was drawn to the faint resemblance, yes. All these years, I've been searching for Cassandra's shadow in her." "So she's just a stand-in," someone sighed. "When will you break up with her?" another asked. Ethan flicked his ash, looking reluctant. "Not yet. Olivia is obedient and sensible. I'm actually reluctant to lose her." His friend clapped his shoulder. "You can't have your cake and eat it too, think carefully." "Hey, what's the big deal? Just keep dating each other." Another friend said nonchalantly, "If you feel sorry for Olivia, just buy her more gifts to coax her. She-wolves are easy to coax." But Ethan scoffed, "I'm not that licentious." Outside the door, my lips curved with bitter self-mockery. Three years of love, reduced to "obedient and sensible." Three years of devotion, and I was nothing but a placeholder. Without a word, I turned and left, swallowed by the night. Stepping out from the restaurant, the chilly river wind tangled my hair while tears slipped silently down my cheeks. The realization was devastating – for three years, I believed in a love that was mutual and genuine. Only now did I realize I was merely a shadow of his first love, a substitute to fill Cassandra's absence. Standing by the riverside, with the bustling city on one side and the endless dark river on the other, I finally made a decision. My wolf, Cora, whimpered inside me, sensing my distress but agreeing with what needed to be done. I took out my phone and called my father. The phone rang three times before he answered. "Olivia?" His voice was gruff but held a note of surprise. We hadn't spoken in months. "Hello, Dad. I agree to come home and accept the arranged marriage." There was a pause on the other end. "What happened?" Under the dim glow of the streetlamp, I said quietly, "Nothing happened. I'm just tired of playing around. I want to settle down and get married." My voice was calm, but my heart trembled as I admitted, "I was wrong back then, childish and rebellious. I shouldn't have argued and run away from home. I've thought it through." "Olivia..." My father's voice softened slightly. "I'll return to Riverdale once I tie up things in Harbor City," I promised. Actually, I am the daughter of the Alpha of Winters pack, one of the oldest werewolf bloodlines in Riverdale. Three years ago, my father asked me to accept the arranged mating with Connor Rivers, my childhood friend and the most powerful Alpha. Because I didn't want to accept the marriage, I secretly escaped from Winters pack and settled in Grey pack under a hidden identity. That's when my wolf found out that Ethan Grey was my mate. After hanging up, I wandered alone in the night until late. The streets of Harbor City blurred around me as I walked aimlessly, my mind replaying those cruel words over and over. When I returned to Moonlight Manor past ten o'clock, Martha Jenkins greeted me warmly. The beta werewolf had been with the Grey household for years and always had a soft spot for me. "Miss Winters, you're back," she said, handing me a bowl. "This is the healing broth you made for Mr. Grey. I reheated it since it had gone cold. I was about to bring it up. Would you like to take it instead?" Silently, I took the Healing Broth, carrying it upstairs to Ethan's room. The bedroom was empty save for a glowing computer screen, the sound of running water coming from the bathroom. I realized he was showering early tonight, likely to leave soon. I set down the broth and noticed incessant message alerts on his computer. Curiosity and dread drove me to move the mouse. On the messaging app, Cassandra's messages flashed before my eyes. "Ethan, I'm back. My flight lands at 11:30 tonight at Harbor City Regional Airport. Will you come pick me up?" "During these years apart, I never stopped thinking about you. I regret leaving for my career." "We were both too proud, unable to bow our heads. But I know you still have me in your heart, right?" "I dated other men, but none lasted long. I always felt something missing. It was you. I realized I never stopped loving you." "I was afraid to return, afraid you'd hate me, afraid to see you with someone else, afraid you no longer loved me." "I was wrong, Ethan. Can you forgive me?" Before I could close it, Ethan's reply appeared, typed during his shower: "Cassandra, I just want to know — do you still love me?" My heart tightened painfully. He's so busy he often ignores my messages, yet for Cassandra, he replies even while bathing. The difference in affection was painfully clear. Cassandra's reply was instant: "Yes, I only love you." His final answer: "Good. I'll come pick you up." At that moment, I felt our three years together crumble into a cruel joke. I quietly restored the screen, hiding my heartbreak, and left the room. Downstairs, I served myself a bowl of the broth I made with such care. I had learned the recipe just for Ethan's sensitive digestion, simmering it for hours with healing herbs, barley, red beans, millet, and wild yam. Two years of devotion, all because he once said he liked it. Now, I ate it spoonful by spoonful, alone. When Ethan descended freshly showered, hair dried, dressed sharply, he asked casually, "Where did you go? I didn't see you earlier." I answered softly, "Just went for a walk." He started putting on his shoes, declaring, "I need to go out for something urgent. Don't wait up." I lowered my gaze, voice mild, "Will you come back tonight?" He paused, then said, "Probably not. I have work at the pack house and if it's too late, I won't return." "Okay." I remained gentle and undemanding, as always. Without further words, Ethan left, never glancing back. Upstairs, I saw the broth I brought still untouched beside his computer. My phone lit up with a message from Connor Rivers: "Liv, when will you come back to Riverdale?" To me, this fiancé candidate had always been a gentle elder brother, never quite a lover. We'd known each other since childhood, and he'd always been protective of me. "After I finish things here," I replied. "Alright. If you need help, just say it." "Thank you, Con." "Rest early. Good night." That night, Ethan did not return. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, Cora restless within me. My wolf had never liked how Ethan treated me, always pushing me to assert myself more. Now she seemed almost satisfied that we were finally leaving. At dawn, I was awakened by a phone call. "Hello?" "Liv, my birthday is the day after tomorrow. Don't forget to come to my party!" It was Sophie Parker, a friend from Ethan's social circle whom I got along with. Sophie was one of the elite wolves in the Grey pack, always hosting exclusive parties and gatherings. Despite her privileged background, she'd always been friendly to me. "Sure, send me the address," I replied, my voice still husky from sleep. After hanging up, I dressed and headed to the mall, carefully selecting a latest-model platinum wolf pendant from a prestigious jewelry house — a gift that suited Sophie's style perfectly. The saleswoman assured me it was authentic, providing a certificate of authenticity. It cost nearly a month of my salary, but Sophie had been kind to me when others in Ethan's circle had not. On Sophie's birthday, I arrived early at the elegant venue she'd chosen. The room was already filling with members of the Grey pack's elite social circle, all dressed impeccably. "Happy birthday, Soph," I said warmly, handing over the gift. As we exchanged pleasantries, the room suddenly quieted. I turned to see what had caught everyone's attention. Ethan had arrived late, his arm intimately around an unfamiliar woman. No, not unfamiliar – I recognized her from photos. Cassandra Evans, his first love, had returned. She was beautiful, with a subtle resemblance to me that was now painfully obvious. Her green-gold eyes sparkled as she laughed at something Ethan whispered in her ear. Our eyes met across the room, and Ethan froze, stunned. The color drained from his face as he realized I was there, witnessing his betrayal firsthand. "Liv, why are you here?" he asked, his voice strained. Chapter 2: Birthday Party and Hidden Truths (Olivia's POV) Ethan instinctively brushed off Cassandra's hand from around his arm, causing her expression to freeze. The gesture was quick, almost panicked. "I'm also a friend of Sophie's. Is it strange that I'm here for her birthday party?" I smiled faintly at him, keeping my voice light despite the storm brewing inside me. "No, I just thought you didn't like these kinds of gatherings, so I didn't tell you in advance," Ethan replied, his voice strained. A wave of disdain washed over me. Did he really not tell me because of my supposed preferences, or was he hiding the fact he planned to bring someone else? The answer was painfully obvious. Ethan's cold blue gaze swept the room as if silently demanding, "Who invited her here?" I noticed Sophie avoiding his eyes with guilt, pretending it had nothing to do with her. So much for friendship. The woman beside Ethan stepped forward with a bright smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hello, you must be Olivia Winters. I'm Cassandra Evans. You've probably heard Ethan mention me, right?" So, this was Ethan's first love, the one who had left him heartbroken. Despite the suffocating pain in my chest—three years of genuine affection not easily erased—I masked my feelings well, lips curved in a polite greeting. "Miss Evans, I've heard so much about you." The lie slipped easily from my lips. In truth, Ethan had barely mentioned her. Cassandra smiled sweetly yet provocatively. "Has anyone told you we actually look alike?" At those words, Ethan's face darkened instantly. The resemblance between us was his dirty little secret, the reason he'd approached me in the first place. Now it was being laid bare for everyone to see. I glanced mockingly at him, then smiled with innocent amber eyes at Cassandra. "Oh? Really? I don't think so—I'm prettier." The room fell silent. Several people gasped softly. Wasn't I always the gentle, obedient type? The one who never talked back? The perfect, accommodating girlfriend? My wolf, Cora, purred with satisfaction at my newfound backbone. Sophie hurried over, her face a mask of forced cheerfulness. "Let's not stand around! Come in, have some drinks!" Cassandra forced a smile, suppressing her annoyance, and handed over her gift. "Happy birthday, Soph." When Sophie unwrapped it, her eyes widened. "Wow, this is the pendant I've wanted for so long. Thank you, Cassandra." Then she opened my gift bag, and her expression shifted to confusion. "Wow! Liv, you got me the same necklace!" I watched as she held up two identical platinum wolf pendants, both gleaming under the party lights. What were the odds? Suddenly, Victoria Reed, a woman in Sophie's circle who had always looked down on me, sneered loudly. "Must be fake. That platinum pendant costs more than five thousand dollars. Olivia's just a little lawyer—how could she afford something like that?" The room fell silent, judgmental eyes converging on me. Even Ethan's expression soured. "If you're short on money, you could have told me. I could have helped with the gift...why would you—" He stopped himself, but the implication was clear to everyone. Why would you give a fake? Though he couldn't finish the sentence, his meaning was unmistakable. I met his gaze coldly. "Do you also think mine is fake, Ethan?" He said nothing, tacitly admitting it. Three years together, and he still thought so little of me. Sophie tried to smooth things over, her voice artificially bright. "Of course it's not fake! We're good friends; she wouldn't do that. Don't be so harsh." But from her eyes, I glimpsed disdain and suspicion. My heart chilled further. I had bought the expensive pendant to thank Sophie for past kindness—after all, when I'd arrived alone in Harbor City three years ago, cut off by my family for refusing the arranged marriage with Connor Rivers, Sophie had stood up for me when others ostracized me as an outsider without wealth or connections. I once naively believed Sophie was truly different. How ridiculous. Now that my father had restored my access to the family funds after my reluctant agreement to the family engagement with Connor, five thousand dollars meant nothing to me. Yet no one believed my sincerity. Ethan reached out to take the gift. "Give me the necklace. I'll buy a new birthday present for Soph to make up for this. Liv was just being thoughtless." Sophie hesitated, caught between giving Ethan face and acknowledging the necklace as fake, which would embarrass me—and thus Ethan himself. I folded my arms coolly. "Since he wants it, just give it to him." Sophie reluctantly handed it over, avoiding my eyes. Cassandra suddenly interjected, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Don't blame Olivia. She meant well." Ethan remained silent, face dark as the night sky. The tension in the room was suffocating. Someone suggested playing drinking games to break the awkwardness. Cassandra joined in with a bright laugh, clearly eager to be the center of attention. I, uninterested in their games, moved to a corner sofa and focused on my phone. After a pause, Ethan followed and sat beside me. Without looking up, I continued playing on my phone as Ethan reprimanded me quietly. "If you were short on money, you could have bought something cheaper instead of giving a fake. You know you embarrassed me in front of everyone, right?" I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, then fixed him with a sharp amber stare. "How did I embarrass you? The receipt is in the bag. Want me to take you to the boutique to verify it?" Startled, Ethan rummaged through the gift bag, finding the official invoice from Lunar Jewelers of Harbor City. His eyes widened as he realized the pendant was genuine. His tone softened immediately. "Why didn't you just say you had the receipt?" "Didn't feel like it," I replied coldly, returning to my game. After a moment, he muttered an apology. "Sorry, I misunderstood you earlier." I ignored him completely, focusing intently on my phone screen. Ethan fell silent, but from the corner of my eye, I could see his gaze drifting unconsciously to the crowd—more precisely, to Cassandra. When I finished my game and looked up, I caught him staring at Cassandra, who was being coaxed into drinking wine by Sophie and Victoria. His eyes followed her every movement, filled with concern and something deeper. Ethan initially restrained himself, but when Cassandra reached her fourth glass, he abruptly stood and strode over, snatching the wine from her hand. "Your stomach's sensitive to alcohol. Are you trying to make yourself sick?" His voice was sharp with worry. Everyone fell silent at his sudden outburst. Cassandra's cheeks flushed with anger and shyness. "Why do you care?" "You're not drinking anymore," he said coldly, glaring at the others. "Try forcing her again and see what happens." The crowd avoided his eyes, intimidated by Ethan's authority. No one dared challenge the Grey pack's future Alpha. I watched this display with a mocking smile. Three years together, and he had never once shown such concern for my wellbeing. Yet here he was, publicly fussing over Cassandra after just days of her return. As Cassandra tried to snatch back her glass, Ethan held it high out of reach. She lost her balance and stumbled into his arms. He instinctively steadied her with his other hand. "Careful. After all these years, you still haven't improved your balance." His voice was soft, intimate, filled with shared history. Cassandra, cheeks rosy, gazed up at him and pouted. "Ethan, you're really annoying." Laughter and teasing erupted around them. The chemistry between them was undeniable, their connection obvious to everyone in the room. Just as Ethan was about to respond, he unexpectedly met my icy, piercing gaze. Chapter 3: Shattered Bonds (Olivia's POV) Ethan seemed to finally realize his girlfriend was still present. As if waking from a trance, he withdrew the arm that had been wrapped around Cassandra's waist and took two steps back. His friends, sensing the tension in the air, hurried to smooth things over. "Let's switch to Truth or Dare!" Jason Mitchell suggested loudly, clapping his hands to draw attention away from the awkward scene. Ethan regained his composure and returned to his seat beside me. From the corner of my eye, I could see him watching me carefully, clearly expecting a jealous outburst or tears. I remained silent, sipping my drink with calm indifference. "Aren't you going to say anything?" he finally whispered, his voice tense. I turned to him, my amber eyes reflecting nothing but cool detachment. "About what?" For the first time since I'd known him, Ethan looked genuinely unsettled. His brow furrowed as he studied my face, searching for the emotional, accommodating girlfriend he was used to manipulating. "You're acting strange tonight," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. I simply smiled and turned my attention back to the game. My wolf, Cora, purred with satisfaction inside me, pleased that we were finally standing our ground. The group's attention quickly shifted to Cassandra, who had become the center of the circle. Her laughter rang out as she tossed back another drink, ignoring Ethan's earlier warning. "Your turn again, Cass!" Sophie called out, her voice overly bright. "You lost this round!" Cassandra's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I choose dare," she announced, her gaze provocatively sweeping over Ethan. Sophie reached into a bowl and drew out a slip of paper. Her eyes widened slightly as she read it. "Randomly kiss a man here." Shocked murmurs rippled through the room. The temperature seemed to plummet as Ethan's expression grew frigid. Yet Cassandra smiled, clearly enjoying the attention. She stood up slowly, making a show of considering her options. "Who shall it be?" she teased, her eyes lingering on Ethan before deliberately moving away. To everyone's surprise, she sauntered toward Lucas Bennett, a handsome but timid young man from Ethan's inner circle. Poor Lucas froze like a deer in headlights as Cassandra approached. "Don't worry," she whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. "I don't bite... much." Before Lucas could react, Cassandra looped her arms around his neck. His face paled dramatically as he shot a panicked glance toward Ethan. "ENOUGH!" Ethan's roar filled the room with such dominance that everyone instinctively lowered their gaze. Even I felt Cora shrink back slightly at the raw power in his voice. He stormed across the room in three long strides, grabbing Cassandra's arm and pulling her away from Lucas, who looked ready to faint with relief. "This game is over," Ethan growled, his ice-blue eyes blazing with fury. Without another word, he dragged Cassandra out of the private room, slamming the door behind them. The silence that followed was deafening. Then, slowly, all eyes turned to me. I quietly sipped my wine, forcing my face to remain neutral despite the ice forming in my chest. Three years of love, shattered in a single evening. "Why are you all looking at me?" I asked softly, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside. Sophie approached cautiously. "Liv, are you okay?" I smiled gently, though my heart was freezing bit by bit. "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" I finished my drink in one smooth motion and stood up. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom." As I walked away, I could hear their whispers following me like shadows. In the elegant bathroom, I locked myself in a stall and leaned against the door, finally allowing my smile to drop. I took several deep breaths, refusing to cry. "Did you see Ethan's face?" A voice suddenly echoed in the bathroom. I froze, recognizing Victoria Reed's distinctive tone. "I know! He looked ready to tear Lucas apart," another girl replied with a giggle. "Ethan's gone completely crazy, abandoning his girlfriend to chase after Cassandra," Victoria continued, her voice dripping with malicious delight. "Obviously, he only cares about Cassandra," someone else chimed in. "The way he watches her every move... it's like no one else exists." "Poor Olivia, just standing there watching her boyfriend go mad over another woman." Victoria's voice lowered conspiratorially. "She's just a stand-in. Anyone can tell Ethan's heart only responds to Cassandra." Their words cut through me like silver blades, but I straightened my shoulders. I'd heard enough. I flushed the toilet and stepped out of the stall. The girls by the sink caught sight of me in the mirror and fell abruptly silent, their faces draining of color. Without acknowledging them, I calmly washed my hands, my reflection composed despite the turmoil inside. The girls hurried away with bowed heads, not daring to meet my eyes. Alone at last, I stared at my reflection. Yes, our breakup was inevitable—not because Ethan no longer wanted me, but because I no longer wanted him. "Not that I don't love him anymore," I whispered to myself, "but that I refuse to love a man who never truly saw me as his true partner." Cora growled in agreement, her presence warm and supportive within me. I returned to the party only long enough to say my goodbyes, ignoring the pitying glances that followed me out the door. Late that night, I returned alone to Moonlight Manor, exhausted from maintaining my composure for hours. Martha greeted me with concern in her eyes, but I reassured her with a smile that didn't reach my eyes. "Is everything alright, Miss Winters?" she asked gently. "Just tired, Martha. Good night." After a hot shower, I collapsed into bed, my heart numb and heavy. Sleep came quickly, a merciful escape from reality. It wasn't until the following afternoon that Ethan returned. I was already up, methodically packing my belongings when I heard the front door open. The moment he entered the bedroom, I detected Cassandra's perfume clinging to his clothes. There were also faint marks on his neck that he hadn't bothered to hide. "What are you doing?" he asked with surprise, staring at the open suitcase on the floor. I poked my head out from behind the wardrobe and answered casually, "You're back. I'm planning to visit my father in Riverdale in a few days." I continued sorting through my belongings, determined not to leave a single trace behind when I left. My eyes briefly caught the ambiguous marks on his neck, but I looked away without comment. My heart had already died; his affairs no longer concerned me. Ethan frowned, moving closer. "Why suddenly go back home? Still mad about last night? Hiding from me?" "No," I replied gently, keeping my amber eyes carefully blank, "I just miss my father." (Ethan's POV) Hearing her calm response, I visibly relaxed. So she wasn't upset about Cassandra after all. This was why I appreciated Olivia—she never made scenes or demanded explanations. "That's good then," I said, watching her fold her clothes with meticulous care. In the past three years, Olivia had never once returned to Riverdale, even spending holidays alone in Harbor City. I had never brought her home to meet my mother, knowing Margaret Grey would never accept a woman from a low-ranking family. To my relief, Olivia never insisted on meeting my family or formalizing our relationship. How obedient and sensible she was, I thought to myself. "How long will you be gone?" I asked, sitting on the edge of the bed. She continued folding her favorite blue sweater, placing it neatly in her suitcase. "I'm not sure yet. It depends on how things go with my father." "No need to trouble you, I'll arrange my own ride," she added, not looking up from her task. "Someone will pick me up." I secretly breathed easier, glad not to have to deal with crossing into Winters territory. As the only Alpha heir of the Grey pack, I knew a future with her was impossible. I had never heard Olivia talk about her family background. She was usually short of money and must be from a low-ranking family. Such a family would be of no help to the Grey pack. Even if my wolf had decided that Olivia was my mate, I would not let such a low-ranking female wolf become the future Luna of the Grey pack. Our social divide was an unbridgeable chasm. I watched her carefully handling each item, her movements precise and emotionless. Something about her demeanor bothered me, but I couldn't quite place it. Inwardly, I recalled Jason's advice from last night: "Just keep seeing both women. If you feel guilty, buy Olivia some gifts. Women are easy to please." Maybe, I thought, I could marry Cassandra and keep Olivia as my girlfriend. Surely, she loved me too much to leave. When she returned from Riverdale, I would talk to her about it. I softened my voice: "Be safe on the road. Let me know when you arrive. When you come back to Harbor City, I'll pick you up." (Olivia's POV) I lowered my eyes and replied quietly, "Okay." But in my heart, I whispered, I won't be coming back. Ethan's phone rang, interrupting the silence. He checked the screen and immediately stood up. "I have to go out for a bit," he said after a brief call. "Last night was my fault. I shouldn't have left you there alone." He hesitated, then added, "I bought you a healing broth mix; Martha will bring it over later." "Thank you," I answered coolly, my tone indifferent. Without another word, Ethan turned and left the manor, too preoccupied to notice the finality in my expression. I continued packing, carefully removing every trace of my existence from his life. Three years reduced to a few suitcases. Not long after he departed, my phone chimed with a message. I picked it up to see Connor Rivers' name on the screen. Chapter 4: The Alpha's Promise (Olivia's POV) My phone buzzed with a new message. I glanced down to see Connor's name on the screen. "Livvy, the moonstone engagement ring I custom-designed for you has already arrived at the Lunar Jewelers in Harbor City. You can go take a look when you have time." I stared at the message for a moment, my fingers hovering over the keyboard before I typed a simple reply: "Okay." It was surprising. I had only agreed to the arranged engagement a few days ago, which meant Connor must have ordered the ring long before I'd even said yes. His decisiveness and consideration were unexpected, though I remembered he had always been that way, even when we were children. The next morning, I found myself standing outside Lunar Jewelers, one of Harbor City's most prestigious jewelry stores. As I pushed open the glass door, a bell chimed softly above me. "Welcome to Lunar Jewelers," a polished saleswoman greeted me with a warm smile. "How may I assist you today?" "I'm Olivia Winters. I believe there's a ring waiting for me." Her eyes widened with recognition. "Miss Winters! Of course, we've been expecting you. Please, follow me." She led me to a private viewing room, its walls lined with mirrors and soft lighting that made everything sparkle. Within moments, she returned with a small velvet box. "Alpha Rivers was very specific about every detail," she explained, carefully opening the box. "He wanted nothing but perfection for you." The moment she revealed the ring, I couldn't help but gasp. A five-carat rare blue moonstone sat proudly in the center, surrounded by delicate diamond accents that caught the light in a mesmerizing dance. It was magnificent—far more beautiful than anything I had expected. "Would you like to try it on?" the saleswoman asked. I nodded, extending my hand. She slipped the ring onto my finger, and it fit perfectly, as if it had been made specifically for me—which, of course, it had. "Look at the inside," she suggested. I removed the ring and tilted it to see an engraving inside the band: "CROL." Connor Rivers and Olivia Winters. Our initials intertwined forever. "It looks beautiful on you," the saleswoman said sincerely, her eyes admiring how the blue stone complemented my skin tone. "Alpha Rivers has exceptional taste." I slipped the ring back on, watching how it caught the light. It was truly stunning. "Olivia, what are you doing here?" The cold male voice from behind me sent a chill down my spine. I turned around slowly, a slight frown forming on my face. Ethan Grey stood at the entrance of the private room, his hand dropping Cassandra's the moment our eyes met. Cassandra's eyes flashed with cold calculation before she quickly rearranged her features into a sweet smile. I wasn't surprised to see them together. Not anymore. "Trying on a ring," I replied lightly, a sweet smile playing on my lips. Ethan strode over, his face darkening when he noticed the dazzling blue moonstone on my finger. I purposefully waved my hand gently, making the stone catch the light. "What do you think? Does it look good?" I asked, my voice innocent. His eyes ignited with barely contained anger. "No, it doesn't." The significance of the ring wasn't lost on him. Engagement. Marriage. Commitment. All things he had never intended to give me, things he felt I wasn't worthy of. His silence dripped with contempt, but for once, I didn't care. Cassandra stepped forward, her smile bright and seemingly innocent. "What a coincidence, Olivia. Ethan and I are also here to look at rings today." I sneered inwardly. So the "business" Ethan had mentioned earlier was actually shopping for rings with Cassandra? He didn't even bother to explain, silently acquiescing to her statement. Cassandra's gaze lingered on the enormous blue moonstone on my finger. I could practically see her calculating its value—around $750,000, if I had to guess. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and I knew exactly what she was thinking: She dares to try on something like that? Isn't she afraid of embarrassing herself if she can't afford it? Despite her obvious provocation, I remained calm and elegant, admiring my ring as if they weren't even there. Connor truly did have excellent taste. "Olivia, your ring is truly beautiful," Cassandra said, feigning friendliness. "Yes, I think so too," I replied with a genuine smile. Ethan's face grew darker by the second. "Olivia, take the ring off." I tilted my head, feigning innocent confusion. "Why?" His tone sharpened, eyes flashing with anger. "Why are you trying on rings? Are you forcing me to marry you? I will never marry you!" Cassandra's lips curved in a smug, subtle arc. "Olivia, Ethan and I are here today at Margaret's request to look at rings." The implication was obvious: Margaret Grey favored Cassandra as the future daughter-in-law, and I shouldn't dream of marrying into the Grey family. I found it all rather amusing. I was simply trying on a ring customized for me by my fiancé. Why were these two acting like I was intruding on their wedding rehearsal? One narcissistically believed I was trying to force marriage, the other arrogantly flaunted her status. Besides, my father had never even considered the Grey family worthy marriage material for a Winters. "Oh, I see," I responded blandly. Both Ethan and Cassandra were taken aback by my indifference. Cassandra scrutinized my expression, trying to uncover jealousy or resentment, yet my serene composure betrayed nothing, leaving her momentarily uncertain whether I was pretending or truly didn't care. Ethan, thoroughly angered, lashed out: "Are you doing this on purpose? Did you know we were coming to look at rings and waited here to ambush me? Let me be clear: there's no future for us, and trying to force me won't work!" His words grew sharper, his blue eyes cold as ice. "Marriage requires equal social status. How could someone like you ever marry me? Just look at yourself—you're embarrassing!" I remained unbothered, a gentle smile on my lips. "Embarrassing? Aren't we still together? So, this Miss Evans would be the mistress, then? And you a cheating scumbag—so who's the one truly embarrassing themselves?" Ethan's fury exploded, his face flushing red. "Are you taking it off or not?!" "No," I replied calmly. His voice trembled with rage. "Fine! Keep it if you like. I'll never buy you a ring, and I'll never marry you!" "Mm-hmm," I echoed softly. My serene defiance left him helpless. With a final glare, he stormed out of the private room, nearly knocking over a display case in his haste. Cassandra hurriedly chased after him. "Ethan, wait for me!" Once they left, the shop assistant, who had been standing awkwardly in the corner throughout the entire exchange, approached me with a bewildered expression. "Miss Winters, who were those two?" she asked hesitantly. I smiled faintly. "Irrelevant people. Don't mind them." After three years of love, Ethan had never intended marriage—little did he know, he was never good enough to marry me, and I had never truly intended to marry him either. The realization was liberating. I took a few photos of the ring on my finger, admiring how it caught the light from different angles. Then I sent the best ones to Connor with a simple message: "Does it look good?" (Third person's POV) At that moment in Riverdale, inside the Rivers Group CEO's office, Connor Rivers saw the message from his beloved Livvy. A gentle smile bloomed on his usually stoic face as he put down his documents to reply. "It looks beautiful. Do you like it?" Olivia answered honestly, "I like it." His response came quickly: "As long as you like it." Olivia hesitated, then typed, "Connor, this ring must be very expensive, right?" He reassured me tenderly, "Not expensive at all. You deserve the very best." Beside him, his assistant Henry Morris secretly peeked several times, shocked to see his ice-cold boss smiling so warmly. When Connor noticed Henry's stare, he instantly reverted to his usual frosty tone. "I've signed it. What are you staring at?" he snapped. Henry snapped back to attention, quickly gathering the documents. "Nothing, sir, I'll take my leave." Meanwhile, Olivia collected the ring, carefully placing it back in its velvet box. The saleswoman assured Olivia they would keep it safe until the official engagement ceremony. Olivia left Lunar Jewelers and strolled next door to Timber Wolf Timepieces in the adjacent mall. Olivia wanted to buy a gift for Connor to bring back to Riverdale as a token of appreciation. Olivia recalled the recent photo my father had sent her—Connor with his cold aura, sharp brows, and ice-blue eyes, refined and handsome—not much different from her childhood impression of him. He had always been serious, even as a boy. The watch store was elegant and understated, with glass cases displaying timepieces that ranged from practical to extravagant. Olivia took her time, examining each option carefully. "May I help you find something specific?" the salesman asked. "I'm looking for a gift," Olivia explained. "Something elegant but not flashy. For someone who appreciates quality." He nodded knowingly and directed her to a display of sleek black watches. "These are popular among business executives and pack leaders. Subtle but unmistakably high-end." After careful consideration, Olivia selected one that seemed perfect for Connor—a sleek black timepiece with a minimalist design that would complement his style perfectly. It was sophisticated without being ostentatious, much like Connor himself. Just as Olivia finished paying, a familiar voice greeted her from behind. "Liv, what are you doing here..."