Ever since Fabian became Chief Editor, I stopped staying late at work.
I used to be the last one to leave, burying myself in reports and revisions until the cleaners came in. But now, the moment the clock struck six, I packed up and left. I didn't want to share the same air with him longer than necessary. I didn't trust my instincts around him anymore.
That evening, I took a cab back to the villa.
The moment I stepped inside, the quiet wrapped around me. I dropped onto the sofa, letting my body sink into the cushions. My cold wasn't fully gone. My muscles ached, and my head felt heavy. I closed my eyes for a second, just to breathe.
Footsteps.
No—not footsteps.
The soft, smooth roll of wheels across the floor.
I sat up quickly.
Finnick's wheelchair stopped beside me. He wasn't wearing his usual crisp white shirt. Instead, he had on a simple grey cardigan. It softened his sharp edges, but it did nothing to hide the strength beneath. Even seated, he carried himself like a born Alpha—calm, commanding, impossible to ignore.
"Why are you back so early?" I asked, surprised.
He studied me for a moment. His gaze lingered on my face, my slightly red eyes, the faint swelling around my bruise.
"The food is ready," he said evenly. "Come eat."
When I walked into the dining room, I froze.
The table was full—but not with the usual spicy dishes Finnick preferred. Instead, there were light soups, steamed vegetables, herbal broths, warm and mild dishes meant to soothe the body.
I blinked.
He loved bold flavors. Heat. Strong spices.
Why was everything so bland tonight?
I sat down slowly. Finnick poured a bowl of chicken soup and placed it in front of me.
"This will warm you up," he said.
It hit me then.
These dishes were for me.
Because of my cold.
A strange warmth spread through my chest, pushing aside the fatigue that had followed me all day. No one had adjusted their preferences for me in a very long time. No one had quietly changed a table full of food just to make sure I would feel better.
So this is what it feels like… to be cared for.
"What are you thinking about?" Finnick's voice cut gently through my thoughts.
"Nothing," I said quickly, smiling faintly.
Then I remembered. "Oh. I won't be home for dinner tomorrow night. I'm going to my father's place."
He nodded once. "Alright."
After a pause, he added, "When I'm free, I'll visit your parents too."
My heart skipped.
"There's no need," I blurted out too fast.
His eyebrow lifted slightly.
I realized how that must have sounded. I lowered my gaze and explained, "My parents… they don't really get along. My mother isn't in good health either. It's not a very… harmonious place."
That wasn't entirely a lie. Just not the full truth.
A faint smirk touched his lips, as if he saw through me but chose not to press.
"Is that so?" he said calmly. "When you're free, I'll bring you to meet my family."
I looked up in surprise. He had never mentioned them before.
"Your parents?" I asked carefully.
"They passed away years ago."
"I'm sorry," I said softly.
"It's fine." His tone remained steady. "You can meet my grandfather and my elder brother when you have time. My brother's son is getting married soon."
Another wedding.
I forced a small smile.
It felt like everyone was getting married lately. Forming alliances. Strengthening bloodlines. Tying packs together in the name of power.
"Okay," I said. As his mate, it was only right.
The next day, I left work right on time and took a cab to the Miller Residence.
The moment I stepped out, I saw Ashley rushing toward me in a bright yellow dress, glowing with excitement.
"Vivian! You're finally here!" She grabbed my hands, her smile wide and eager. "Come in! I can't wait to introduce you to my fiancé!"
I studied her carefully. She looked radiant. Proud.
"The grandson of the Norton family?" I asked lightly.
She looked startled, then smiled shyly. "So Dad told you already. But don't mention the Norton name in front of him, okay? He hates people focusing on his family background."
Even as she said that, her eyes shone with pride.
I only smiled.
Ashley had always liked status. Power. Wealth. She wouldn't miss the chance to show she had secured a strong alliance.
In Sunshine City, the most powerful packs were the Nortons, the Morrisons, and the Jacksons. Old bloodlines. Deep roots. Unlike the Millers, who had only recently risen in influence.
If I remembered correctly, Ashley's fiancé was the eldest grandson of the Norton pack's main branch. He had studied abroad for years. Few people knew much about him.
Ashley pulled me inside eagerly.
In the living room, a tall man sat on the sofa, his back facing us. Even without seeing his face, I felt something familiar. A scent. A presence.
Ashley tugged me closer, glowing. "Fabes, this is my sister. We don't share the same mother, but she's my biological sister."
Fabes?
My body went rigid.
The man turned.
And smiled.
"Oh," he said casually. "I didn't expect your sister to be someone I already know."
It was Fabian.
The world went silent.
For a second, I couldn't breathe. My ears rang as if thunder had struck right beside me.
Fabian.
Ashley's fiancé.
The grandson of the Norton family.
My past.
And my sister's future mate.