Dusk Snow Hides All Return (Rowan and Adrienne) novel Chapter 27

Sophia’s Story: Chapterl

Jason Winter cheated.

The irony is, he is the Head Warrior of the Pack. A few years ago, he swore to Luna Goddess that he would forever love me and remain loyal to his partner.

He fell for a vivacious college student and suggested we try an open bonding relationship. His voice was smooth, almost sickeningly so: “If you agree, I can see other female werewolves, and you can see other male werewolves. Our bond remains unchanged.”

I looked at his face, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on my lips.“Okay.”

He dared to suggest an open bonding relationship because he was certain I wouldn’t, certain I loved him, certain I was traditional. But he didn’t know I’d already made up my mind. My wolf couldn’t stand his betrayal anymore. There was no love between Jason and me for a long time.

After that day, I played it cool, deceptively calm. I got him to sign the Bonding Severance Agreement.

I stood outside the CEO’s office, a chilling coldness seeping into me, my black heels seeming to melt into the black marble floor. After a long moment, I raised my hand and knocked.

“Come in.” Jason’s low voice.

My fingers tightened around the file; I opened the door with a practiced ease. As I entered, I plastered on a thin smile. Busy? I have some urgent documents that need your signature.”

I asked if he was busy, but the files were already on his desk, even thoughtfully opened to the signature pages. Jason had returned that morning from a business trip to Switzerland. He’d gone straight to the office, and his usually sharp features were etched with fatigue. He signed without a second glance.

“Thank you,” he murmured.

I collected the signed documents.“Will you be home for dinner tonight?” I asked, the question almost a formality.

“I have plans tonight. Don’t wait up,” he replied, without looking up.

“Fine. I’ll be going then.”

I left, the smile melting into a chilling mockery as I turned away. Passing the adjacent break room, I heard faint sounds–like a small animal jumping off a bed. A quick glance revealed a mess: several bags of snacks, a half–drunk milkshake, and a lone, pale pink high heel lying on its side…

In that instant, I understood. A cold, gray ash settled over my heart.

r

Back in my office, the journey seemed to have drained every ounce of strength. I sat heavily, letting out a long, weary sigh.

From the pile of documents, I pulled out one–the Bonding Severance Agreement. I traced over Jason’s signature with a mocking flourish, images flashing through my mind: his fervent promises of bonding, my mother–in–law’s sneering warnings about men never truly loving only one woman, my naive belief that *we* were different….

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