A year ago

[Vivian's POV]

[A year ago]

My thoughts strayed to our old memories, which still tormented me like a gang of ravenous wolves and followed me everywhere like unshakeable shadows. The rejection from last night was still buzzing through every part of my body. "If we become parents one day, I wish they’ll look just like you."

"Me?" I murmured, shocked, as he pulled me onto his lap and ran his fingers through my hair.

"Yes, my gorgeous princess," he said, planting a kiss on my neck. "And I hope they have curls just like yours too." I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling. "To me, you're like the most delicate flower in the world," he said in a kind voice.

He hugged me tightly, as though attempting to take in every bit of my beauty. There was nothing else like the sense of security he gave me in his embrace. In that instant, I saw myself as a youngster once more.

My spine tingled as his hands gently stroked my back. His words, "I love you so much," came as he fondled my cheek. "And now I’m going to take care of you forever."

I leaned forward to kiss his lips, grinning. "I love you too." With a little giggle, he drew me in for another kiss before moving away. His hands continued to be entangled in my hair as he gently stroked my head. He kissed my cheeks and forehead a few times, leaning down to murmur sweet nothings. I melted in his arms, enjoying the warmth of his love. He seemed to me to be the sun, his brightness directing me in any direction I choose. And he never took his eyes off of me, not even when ominous clouds passed across his face. He was able to lift my spirits even though I had lived a solitary life.

He embraced me more tightly. "Princess~" he muttered.

I questioned, "What would you do without me?" While giggling.

"I'd probably kill everyone in sight," he winked in response. His face crinkled as he smiled at my stunned expression. I teased him, and my heart melted at how adorable he could be. He bent forward and breathed in my vanilla and honey aroma, pressing his face into the cleft of my neck.

I pulled him in closer, encircling him in my arms so that his warm body remained close to mine. With a skip in my heartbeat, I cocked my head. My nose could feel his breath against my skin because we were so close. It gave off a faint tingle. However, I didn't think it disturbed him. Perhaps he was unaware of his ticklish places. Or was it just our physical resemblance that made it tickle? I realised that although I had always thought I looked different, we had the same soul. I was thus unquestionably a twin.

"Oz," he caressed my face, but what really made my eyes pop out of their sockets was what he said after that. "I want it to be my son’s name." I sat there in shock as he spoke in a calm, quiet voice. I tried to collect myself and find something to say, but nothing came out. What am I supposed to say? He laughed at my dumbfounded expression and gave me a gentle kiss on the forehead. He placed his palm on my wrist after running his hand the entire length of my arm.

"I'm in love with this name," I remarked once I collected myself. With a groan, he grasped my face in his big hands and gave me an intense kiss. In response to his passionate kiss, I encircled his neck with my arms right away. I felt his tongue, vying for supremacy, dart inside my mouth. I made no effort to resist. Willingly opening my mouth, I allowed him to trample my taste buds. I eagerly peered at him when he moved away to get some air, and I could tell he wasn't quite content. To encourage him to continue, I playfully licked his lips.

Breathlessly, he laughed and did so. As his fingers moved over my lips and down my jaw, pulling me into another passionate kiss, I hummed happily. His thumb caressed my upper lip in a seductive manner while rubbing my lower lip. The contact made me groan uncontrollably. His touch grew more passionate and less innocent, and I could feel myself blushing. He lifted my shirt to reveal my fair chest. He slid his hand up beneath my bra straps, making me shiver in anticipation. His scorching touch felt like it was burning me, and I couldn't contain my enthusiasm. He grabbed me up swiftly, and we headed to our bedroom.

[Present]

Why had he done this when he was so happy about our child? Why did he state that my touch bothered him? Why did he claim that being with me made him feel disgusted? Why did he turn me down? My heart aches knowing that I caused all of this. He was the first person to love me completely and he was also my first lover. How could he so casually let go of his feelings for me? How much longer will this hurt me? How long till my mind goes numb and I stop caring about anything?

I entered the park and took a seat on a bench to observe the people going by. With every breath I took, my bare legs trembled from the cold breeze. My eyes pinched with tears, which I brushed away without much delay. I inhaled deeply and then raised my gaze to the sky. The sunshine reflected in the azure sky, stinging my eyes with its brightness. Instinctively, I closed them hard and covered them, attempting to keep the light out.

"And if I become pregnant sooner? Would he turn me down still?" I asks my wolf. She laughs silently in return. "Who can say? Maybe he didn't like you at all. Perhaps he was always playing a bad game." With a snort, I open my eyes once again and gaze up at the sky. I don't know a whole lot about my ex-partner. I dry my eyes and get up with determination. I tell myself, "It's okay, Vivian, at least try to talk to him. Maybe he'll reconsider this divorce for our children." I inhale deeply to de-stress. I take another big breath of the clean, pure air before leaving the park.

A glimmer of hope flickers through me, and I head towards the Pack Hall. Liam would be working in his office at this time. Adjacent to our mansion and divided by a bronze fence is the Pack Hall. Our pack members reside across town, and this is the only location where they can gather together for meetings and other events. I go up the carpeted stairs, enter through the fingerprint scanner, and enter the code for the third floor. This is a rated member of the pack's floor, and nobody without a pin is allowed on it.

I get up the guts and stand up straight before going inside his office. My senses are overwhelmed by the faint aromas of minty toothpaste and coffee mixed with the fragrance of leather. I inhaled deeply and was ready to knock on the door when I heard laughter. It's Monalisa, none other than. My eyes narrow a little. It wouldn't sound this loud if they were having a serious conversation. Liam is seated behind his desk, facing her, and I can see her sitting on it when I carefully creak open the door.