Years

mel

heading to the university where I had spent the past five years pouring my heart into

fter escaping the Moonstone Pack five years ago, I'd used my savings-hard-e

ce for the Pack. But none of it had mattered to him in the end. He cheated on me, discarded me for h

wasn't just any graduation-it was a turning point, a declaration that I had taken back control of my life. The thought brought

Just g

oughts wandered to the moment I decided to leave the Moonstone Pack. It was one of th

ken my heart, but h

renewed. Today wasn't just about the diploma-it was about proving to myself that I c

-

ger seat and slipping it on. The ceremony had already begun, and I could hear faint applause echoing f

y, sitting near the back. I quickly made my way t

, Lia?" Becky whispere

replied with an a

rd's speech. But don't worry-you're j

Alex Darlington is here

inned an

ical field, and my role model. I'd admired him from afar for years and had always h

on, one of the most celebrated and successful do

an stepped onto the stage. His presence commanded attention, his da

amiliar scent of lavender and strawberries

o.

ped excitedly in

lization hit-Alex Darlington, the

pening," I muttered under

brows furrowing in conc

h, I'm fine. Just... need so

I slipped out of my seat and hur

-

d cold water on my face, tryin

s what you've always wanted?" Ivy's voice

shot back. "After what I went through with A

before asking quietly, "So.

uses to acknowledge it, I'll leave. As long

exited the bathroom, determined to slip a

-

n made my way to the elevator. My plan was simple: leave now,

pped inside, pressing the button for the ground floor. I too

d them. The doors slid open again, and the scent of

mach c

same confident smile playing on his lips. Only now,

s voice smooth and teasing

ly backed up against the wall of the

" I stammered, my voice

widening. "No need to be form

know you don't want this Dr. Alex so just go on and reject m

is that wha

ightly, but his expre

e shook, but I

he repli

contin