I had just stepped out of my office, planning to head to the operating theatre to review the schedule for tomorrow. At the end of the corridor, a familiar figure stood waiting for me, Dr. Amanda. Her face looked pale, but her eyes were sharp, burning with intent. She took a few steps toward me as if she had been rehearsing what she wanted to say.

"Why did you come back to this hospital? Why did you come back into our lives?" she demanded.

I didn't answer right away. My lips curved slightly into a smile one that resembled mockery more than warmth. I could feel Amanda's anger radiating, and for some reason, I didn't want to diffuse the tension.

"I only came back to where I belong. This hospital is where I was born as a doctor. You have no right to question that, Dr. Amanda."

"You know you're only going to cause trouble. Do you really think that with your new status and Kael by your side, you can just walk in here as you please?"

I walked closer to her, my steps slow but full of confidence. When only half a meter separated us, I lowered my head slightly and smiled wider. "Why? Has Lucian rejected you already?"

Her expression shifted instantly. She held her breath, her jaw tightening, and without warning, she shoved my shoulder hard enough that I nearly lost my balance.

"How dare you speak to me like that? I am still the Luna of Howlshade!"

I raised my eyebrows, feigning surprise and amusement. A small laugh escaped my lips.

"Still Luna of Howlshade? If that's true, then why did Lucian ask me to come back to him?"

I saw it clearly her pupils widened, her face turned pale, her body frozen. For a moment, she couldn't even respond.

"Y-You're lying. That's impossible. Lucian would never..."

I leaned closer, my lips nearly brushing her ear, and whispered, "If you don't believe me, ask him yourself. Ask him who he truly wants."

Amanda stepped back, her face now stricken with panic. I could see deep pain in her eyes. Her hands clenched as if she wanted to slap me, but she stopped herself.

"No. He's with me. He chose me," she said firmly, trying to convince herself.

I straightened my posture, crossing my arms over my chest, and looked at her coldly. "You can keep living in that illusion. But the truth is, Lucian has never truly let me go."

"You think you've won just because he said your name once? You know nothing about what we've been through."

I lifted my chin slightly. "I don't need to know. What I know is that he came to me. I never went looking for him."

"I won't let you take back what's mine. Lucian is my Alpha, and I am Luna of Howlshade. No one will take that from me!"

I stood tall, giving her a cold smile. "Lucian already rejected you once that's a fact. And you know an Alpha can never lie to himself. If he's still looking for me, then tell me, who does he truly see as his real Luna?"

Then I walked away, confidence radiating in every step. Perhaps the downfall of Amanda the woman who had destroyed my marriage to Lucian would begin right here. I continued toward the operating theatre, trying to steady my breathing. Though I had shown confidence in front of Amanda, I couldn't deny that her words had stung. Claiming she was still Luna of Howlshade did she truly believe that, or was she just trying to convince herself?

But what disturbed me even more was the look of shock on her face when I told her Lucian wanted me back. For some reason, it made me feel pleased.

"Lucian still can't let me go completely," I whispered to myself, clenching the pocket of my white coat.

When I entered the operating room to check the schedule, a few nurses greeted me warmly. I smiled back at them.

"Doctor, the new equipment is ready to be installed for tomorrow's operation," one of the nurses said.

I nodded. "Good. Make sure everything is sterile and ready to use. We'll prove that these changes are truly for the benefit of the patients and the hospital."

The nurse smiled and walked away. I looked around the empty room, then took a deep breath. Deep inside, I knew the real trouble was just beginning.

I am a doctor. My duty is to save lives, not to serve anyone's ego not Lucian's, not Amanda's. If they dared to stand in my way, I was ready to face them.

"Lucian, I'm back and I will destroy you," I said with a faint smile.