His expression instantly shifted to concern. “Where are you?”
“I’m near the woods. Can you come get me?”
Without another word, he grabbed his keys and rushed out the door.
He didn’t even look back.
I stood there, the weight of everything crushing me. This was the man I had wasted ten years on—a man who would always choose someone else.
“Damon!” I called after him, my voice trembling with anger, “are you serious right now?”
“I’ll explain later,” he said over his shoulder, already halfway out the door.
The door slammed shut behind him, leaving me standing there, alone. Again.
I let out a bitter laugh, shaking my head. There was nothing left to explain.
That night, I called my aunt.
“Aunt Lydia, I just wanted to thank you for everything over the years. I’ll be leaving soon.”
“Leaving? Where are you going?”
“I’m getting married,” I said simply.
“To Damon?” she asked, her tone hopeful.
“No,” I said firmly. “It’s an arranged match. Someone from another pack.”
She was silent for a moment before speaking softly. “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure.” My voice didn’t waver. “Damon and I have been stuck in this gray area for ten years. It’s time for me to move forward.”