After Refusing to be Luna, I Marked the Alpha's Shadow Chapter 6

Chloe stayed in the hospital for three days.

During these three days, I noticed Liam still accompanied me to and from school during the day.

But after school, he would rush off with various excuses.

That night, I saw Chloe's Instagram story.

"It's so nice to have a classmate who cares. He comes to the hospital to keep me company every day after school."

The picture showed a hand peeling an apple.

The owner's face wasn't in the shot, but how could I not recognize it?

That hand had supported me when I fell, held mine while wading through puddles in the rain.

Yesterday, it hooked pinkies with me, swearing he would always be Liam.

I gripped my phone tightly, slowly turning the screen off.

Liam, you betrayed my oath.

Luckily, I didn't need your oath anymore.

Just as I was about to put the phone away, my father, George, texted again.

"I've been to the Blackwood estate. Luna Maria agreed to break the engagement. It's too late for you to back out now."

My gaze paused. "Does Liam know?"

"Liam has been very busy these past few days and hasn't answered calls."

Of course, Liam was busy taking care of Chloe. It was normal he didn't have time to answer the phone.

On the call, my father reminded me again: "Remember your words. No regrets."

My tone was certain. "Don't worry. I won't regret it."

Hanging up, I checked the calendar.

68 days left until the selection trials.

Just wait another 68 days, and I can completely exit Liam's game.

Three days later, Chloe was finally discharged. That day happened to be my birthday.

The Evans family invited all the prominent werewolf families in the city for a grand birthday party.

It was just to tell everyone that even with me, the "outsider," added to the picture, Chloe was still the most favored daughter of the Evans family.

At the banquet, Father held Chloe's arm, announcing high-profile and affectionately:

"Chloe will always be my most precious princess, the future hope of our family."

Standing offstage, looking up at this scene, my ears were filled with the envious congratulations of my classmates.

No one in the Evans family remembered that today was also my birthday.

At such a huge birthday party, there was only one cake, and only one person receiving birthday wishes.

Even though I tried not to care, my chest still felt tight.

I turned to leave, but saw Liam walking toward me with a gift box.

I stopped involuntarily. A sliver of hope rose in my heart, and I clenched my hands secretly.

I held my breath, watching Liam walk to my side. Just as I was about to speak, Liam walked right past me, heading straight for Chloe.

I froze in place.

"Happy Birthday." Liam smiled, handing the gift box to Chloe. When he looked at me, tenderness almost spilled from his eyes—directed at her.

Chloe smiled and opened it. Lying in the box was a handmade camellia necklace I found incredibly familiar.

Chloe glanced at it and immediately thanked him sweetly. "Thank you."

Liam was overjoyed. Only when Chloe was called away by others did he notice I was there.

He walked over, comforting me like usual.

"Sorry, since it's Chloe's birthday, I gave the necklace to her first. I'll make you another one next time."

In the past, I would have said, "Okay."

But this time, I whispered, "No need."

"What?" Liam paused.

I looked into his eyes and said calmly, "I said, no need to give me one."

I didn't need his pity gifts. Never again.

This was the first time I rejected Liam so clearly. He frowned, about to speak.

Just then, classmates gathered around, discussing excitedly.

"Uncle George spoils Chloe so much. I guess he loves the one who's been by his side more."

Hearing this, Chloe smiled even sweeter, deliberately glancing at me.

"Actually, Dad treats me just okay. It's just a party for a birthday. If I wanted the stars in the sky, Dad wouldn't give them to me. If anyone plucked the stars for me one day, I would definitely marry him."

As soon as her voice fell, the banquet doors were suddenly pushed open.

I looked up and saw a man in a black suit leading a group of bodyguards in.

Everyone carried priceless gifts in their hands.

Someone recognized them as items from a recent European underground auction.

Million-dollar blood diamond necklaces, sensational rubies, and even an emerald tiara stored by the ancient werewolf royalty for nearly two hundred years!

Such extravagance stunned even the family heads present.

Then someone immediately recognized them: "These are the Blackwood family's Royal Guard!"

"The Blackwoods really live up to their royal status. What a grand display. Harper Evans is Liam's fiancée. Liam sending these must be to support her."

"Oh my god, I was just envying Chloe. Now it seems, what's the use of George spoiling her? It's better to marry well like Harper."

"Sending so many things before they're even mated. Chloe has already lost."

The discussions grew louder.

I subconsciously looked at Liam, only to see him gazing gently at Chloe.

The next moment, the man in the suit announced loudly:

"I am here on behalf of Liam, to present gifts to Miss Chloe."