Solara's POV

Lucas clenched his fists tightly, his eyes darkened and burned into mine with an intensity that made me take a shaky step back at the way his eyes almost look beastly.

For a moment, I feared he was going to hit. But instead, he dropped his hands from his red cheeks, took a step back and threw the envelope at my feet.

“Sign it, Lara,” he said, his voice softer than I'd hear and it struck a chord inside me. “Ashen would give you all the rewards I promised.“ Then he turned and move towards the couch, threw on his clothes.

Ashen is his Beta and best friend. He's also a very good friend of mine—he would always rescue me from the school bullies who believe a lowly Omega like me doesn't deserve to be here. He is one of the few people who knows about our relationship.

Without another word, he walked out of the room and slammed the door shut behind him.

I let out a shaky breath, walked towards the bed, and sat at the edge. I pressed my palms to my face and the tears I have been holding all this while finally slide down—hot against my cheeks. My chest clenched so tightly that it feels like I'm going to die from how painful it is.

“God….“ I whispered, my voice cracking with raw unfiltered pain.

I swear… I'm the biggest fool in the world. How could I have expected that such a young and handsome Alpha would actually want anything to do with me other than being his plaything.

I had dreamt too high for someone of my status. For someone who whose family never even loved. My family doesn't love me nor want me. They think a weak female child is a waste of time while my elder brother, Silas get all the love and attention.

My phone beeped, flashing Mira—my best friend and dorm mate. My trembling hands reached out, picked the phone and answered the call.

“Solara.“ Her excited voice echoed in my ears. “I just heard that the biggest masquerade ball is happening tonight at the new club in town. Would you be free? Maybe you and Lucas can attend, since we'll be using mask to conceal our identity.“

I didn't answer immediately. My throat is too tight to voice out any words.

“Sol, are you there?“

I swallowed hard, wiping off my tears. “Sure… I won't be attending.“

“Are you crying?“ She asked in a low but concerned tone.

I couldn't hold it in anymore. “Lucas.... broke the contract,” I sobbed out. “Nyra is coming back.“

“What?“ She snapped.

Mira knows about us too. A few times she had urged me to confess my feelings to him but I refused because I believe he would come to realise it when he sees my efforts.

“Yes…”

“That bastard,” she cursed, and I know her fists must have been clenched so tightly if I could see her. “That slut is getting back with him after she rejected him and that asshole is willing to take her back!“ She almost couldn't believe her ears.

I didn't respond. With the gleam in Lucas voice when he picked her call earlier, I guess… he loves her that much. He's willing to take her back with no questions asked.

She continued. “Where are you?“ She asked.

“In his penthouse.“

“Should I come over?“

I hesitated, my head spinning. “No, I'll come to the dorm instead,” I said, glancing around the place that had somehow become home. “There's nothing to do here anymore.“

“Fine, come back soon,” she replied and we ended the call.

I forced myself to stop crying and move into the ensuite bathroom. I threw cold water on my face, staring at my broken reflection in my mirror.

“You have to forget about him, Solara,” I whispered even though I know it won't be easy. I forced a smile on my face. “He doesn't love you, so you shouldn't love him anymore,” I said even though I can hear the voice whispering at the back of my head that I can't stop loving him. At least—not that easily.

I turned away, stepped back into the room and picked up the envelope. I dipped my hand inside and retrieved the parchment paper. It was a contract termination form with a pen. Oh, he's already prepared everything. He can't wait to get rid of me, can he?

My eyes scanned through it and the rules listed there just confirmed that I'm nothing to him.

1. I must never tell anyone we were once together, especially Nyra Brooks.

2. I shouldn't approach him ever again, unless it's absolutely necessary.

3. I shouldn't try to get more than the rewards he's offering.

Really?

This is all that he thinks of me, huh?

Six months and all he thinks is that I did it for the money.

I swear… I'll keep to these rules.

With barely restrained rage, I tried not to rip the paper apart—I quickly signed on it and threw it on the floor.

The room suddenly feels suffocating—feeks like a prison. I threw on my underwear and dress. I reached for my bag and retrieved the spare key card of the penthouse that he gave me—so I could come around anytime I want—and slammed it on the table.

I walked out of the house, my heart pounding. I held the doorknob and stared at the room one last time before slamming it shut.

Outside the gate, I slipped into the backseat of a taxi. “To the Mooncrest College.“

______

Mira told me I can't be sulking in bed over Lucas and forced me to come to the masquerade ball.

Everything happened quickly. One minute she was pulling into a embrace while muttering comforting words, and the next minute she was forcing me into a purple ball dress and here we are… standing at the entrance of the clubhouse—Howls and Fangs with a golden mask hugging my face perfectly and my best girl, Mira is holding my hands and squeezing it reassuringly.

I won't deny the fact that the whole process makes me feel better slightly.

My eyes dart around as I took in the extravagant clubhouse which is a den of mystery and allure. Velvet drapes swallowed the walls, gold light flickered from chandeliers, and the air hummed with soft, haunting music. Wolves moved through the room in elegant gowns and tailored suits, each face hidden behind intricate masks—some glittering, some carved into fearsome shapes. Laughter and whispers tangled in the air as people dance and flirt without holding back.

Through the silver mask, Mira winks at me, smiling. “This would be the best night ever, Sol.“ Then she lean forward, her breath warm against mine as she whispered, “And who knows? You might meet someone better than that asshole.“

I smiled back in response.

I can't count the number of times Mira has called Lucas asshole tonight. She is so protective of me and I like it.

But meeting someone better than Lucas?

I don't think so. He was the best man for me, if only he could love me back.

“Come on.“ She dragged me towards the dancing floor. “Let's go and mingle, my best girl.“

I followed her and started swaying to the soft music playing in the background.

If only I knew a masked man here would claim my night… and my fate.