Chapter 193

[ 922 words ]

Emilia’s POV

The building looked the same as always, glass and steel gleaming in the sunlight. But walking through those doors felt different now.

“Emmy!” Lily tackled me in the lobby. “You’re finally back from leave!”

I laughed and steadied us both. “Not exactly. Is Scott around?”

“In a meeting. Should wrap up soon.” She pulled back and studied my face, her head tilting. “You look… different. Good different.”

“A lot has happened.”

She hooked her arm through mine. “Come on. Coffee, break room. You’re telling me everything.”

The break room was empty. Lily nudged the door shut with her hip, set two cups down, and turned to me, eyes bright with expectation.

“So?” she prompted.

I drew the resignation letter out of my purse and laid it on the table between us. “Scott’s been back from his business trip a while now. It’s time.”

Lily’s face fell. She sank onto the edge of the counter. “Emmy… you’re really leaving?”

“I have to. It’s the right thing to do.”

“But Scott’s been so good to you.”

I met her eyes and held them. “I know he has. And I’m grateful for all of it. But Lily… it can’t ever be more than professional. Not when he feels the way he does about me.”

She looked down at her coffee, both hands wrapped around the cup like she needed something to hold. “I know.”

“Lily.” I waited until she looked up again. “I know you have feelings for him. If you like him, you should go for it.”

Her laugh came out thin and bitter. “Not everyone’s as brave as you, Emmy. You face your feelings head-on. You make a call and you don’t look back. I can’t do that.”

“That’s not true. I’m a coward about love too.” I thought of Sebastian, of every misunderstanding and every fight we’d clawed through to get here. “Me and Sebastian… it took so much. So many arguments, so many nights I cried before we finally understood each other. Everyone has fears, Lily. I’m not special. I just decided he was worth the risk.”

She was quiet for a long moment, turning the cup slowly in her hands. “If Scott can let go of his feelings for you… maybe I’ll think about it.”

I understood the hesitation. It only made my own decision clearer.

When his meeting finally ended, I made my way up to Scott’s office. He looked up the second I stepped in, and something in his face shifted, went still.

“Emilia.” He gestured to the chair across from his desk. “This is a surprise.”

I sat and slid the letter across the polished wood. “I’m sorry to do it this way. But it’s time.”

He stared at the envelope without touching it. His jaw tightened. “You’re really leaving.”

“Thank you for believing in me. For helping me grow. But I want to try a different path.”

“What has Sebastian promised you?” His voice stayed carefully level, but his fingers pressed flat against the desk. “Whatever it is, I can offer more.”

“Scott.” I kept my voice gentle but firm. “I’m married. I’m the Luna of the Silver Moon Pack. When I leave here, I’ll be working for the pack’s company.”

The light in his eyes dimmed. “So you’ve chosen him. All the way.” He leaned back. “What does he have that’s so special?”

I took a moment to find the words. “Alpha Scott. I saw the tension between you and Sebastian at the anniversary gala. I don’t know your history. But I need you to understand one thing. I’m not a trophy in some contest between the two of you.”

“You’ve got it wrong,” he said quickly, sitting forward again. “My problem with Sebastian goes back long before you ever married him. It has nothing to do with you.”

“I believe you. What I’m saying is… whether my mate is good or bad, that’s mine to judge. No one else’s.”

He went quiet. For a long moment he just looked at me, something working behind his eyes. Then he nodded, slow. “I’ll have HR process it.”

“Thank you, Scott. I really am grateful for my time here.”

“I hope you’re happy with your choice. But if you ever regret it… I’ll still be here. I’ll give you everything.”

I stood, sliding my purse onto my shoulder. “Then I hope you’ll wish me well instead.”

Outside his office, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, pulled out my phone, and texted Sebastian. Just handed in my resignation.

His reply came instantly. Best decision you’ve ever made. We’ll celebrate when I’m back.

I smiled and typed back. I’m unemployed now. What’s there to celebrate?

A second later an angry emoji popped up, followed by: Unemployed? Being Luna of the Silver Moon Pack is a lifetime position.

I was still smiling when I put the phone away.

Sebastian had said five days. I counted them down, itching for the sixth.

But on the sixth day, when I was practically vibrating with excitement, he called instead of walking through the door.

“I’m sorry, love.” His voice was tight with frustration. “Something came up. I need a few more days.”

I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice. “It’s okay. Work comes first.”

“I’ll make it up to you,” he said. “I swear.”

“I’ll hold you to that. Take care of yourself, okay?”

“I will. You too.”

But as I hung up, I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling settling into my chest.

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