His words stung, dredging up memories of past anniversaries and birthdays when I had poured my heart into celebrating him. Dinners planned, decorations chosen with care—all my efforts to show him how much he meant to me. I remembered the surprise party I’d organized, only for him to pull me aside, embarrassed by the attention. “You’re making such a big deal out of this, Celeste. Everyone’s looking at us. I'm getting uncomfortable, you know?” His words had turned what was meant to be a joyous occasion into a painful one.
Now, there was nothing left to celebrate. The spark that once ignited our relationship had long since extinguished.
“Come on, let’s go have dinner and celebrate,” he urged, ushering me into the car.
As he drove, silence filled the space between us, thick and oppressive. He kept glancing at me, searching for a flicker of the old enthusiasm that used to light up my face on such occasions.
“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you upset?” he finally asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
“No,” I replied, shaking my head. My voice was flat, and emotionless, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.
“No?” he echoed, his tone rising. “Then why the attitude? Here I am, putting in the effort, picking you up for dinner. Can’t you at least pretend to appreciate it?”
“I’m not angry, Alpha.”
“Fine!” He exclaimed, exasperation etched across his features. “I promise, no more contact with Felicity again, okay?”
I stared at him. It was ridiculously funny. Did he really believe that a simple promise could erase months of lies and betrayal?
He really should not have triggered my anger! I was already preoccupied because Cassia had been ignoring my voice as if she could no longer hear me, and now this!
“Are you happy now?” he pressed, his voice edged with impatience.
I remained silent, unwilling or unable to engage in the charade any longer. The car ride continued in heavy, unbroken quiet, finally ending at a lavish restaurant. Dane had spared no expense, reserving a table and arranging flowers and a gift.
The scene was a perfect picture of romantic bliss, complete with envious glances from other diners. But as I reached for the gift he prepared for me, the Alpha's phone rang.
“Fever? Do you have any medicine?” he asked, answering the call. My eyebrows furrowed. “I can’t take you to the clinic today; I have something to do. What? That high? Okay, wait for me. I'll be right over.”