Sleepless Alone

After cancelling my engagement to my arch-nemesis

I finally got my wish: I married his uncle, Arthur Marston. For three years, I curbed my rebellious streak, playing the dutiful Mrs. Marston. Even when he forgot my birthday, I swore Id melt his heart.

Then came our anniversary.

Id booked a yacht, hired a line of male models, and video-called Arthur. His face remained impassive, despite the lavish scene on my end. Something wrong? he asked. The next second, I heard a womans voice from his side.

Arthur, whos calling?

Before I could press for details, the call ended. Simultaneously, a tipster sent a photo. In it, Arthur was smiling gently, tenderly draping his jacket over his college sweetheart. Just then, a text popped up from my arch-nemesis.

Auntie Evelyn, are you getting a divorce this month?

Usually, Id snap back, calling him crazy. But this time, I was finally going to give him what he wanted.

I typed two words into the chatbox: Lets do it. The moment I hit send, all my excitement drained away. Alright, everyone, thats a wrap. Youll all be paid.

The male models exchanged glances, then discreetly headed into the cabin, clutching their tips. My best friend, Serena Hayes, slid onto the seat beside me, offering a glass of warm water. Evie, are you actually serious this time? She looked at me, as if struggling to believe Id truly let go.

I sighed. Three years. Even if Arthur Marston were a stone, cradled against my heart, it should have warmed by now.

I used to believe that hearts were made of flesh and blood. For him, Id risked being labeled a betrayer, breaking off my engagement to Julian Marston. It all stemmed from that kidnapping seven years ago. Trapped in a dark, damp abandoned warehouse, Id despaired, convinced I was going to die. It was Arthur who burst in, bloodied, taking a fatal knife blow for me. In that moment, I knew he was my soulmate.

And he hadn't always been this cold.

I was Evelyn Sterling, the rebellious heiress of the Sterling family. Car racing, boxingI dabbled in everything. At family gatherings, the elders would passive-aggressively criticize my lack of ladylike charm, shaming the family name. Only Arthur would quietly defend me.

Evelyns fine the way she is. Besides, the Sterling family doesnt need an heir whos just for show, does it?

Those words sealed my fate. I plunged headfirst into a marriage destined for heartbreak. What I didnt realize was that his tenderness and protection would vanish the moment I insisted on marrying him. After the wedding, Arthur was a changed man. Distant, cold, like a machine programmed only to fulfill obligations. No matter how much I tried to rein in my temper for him, learned to cook his favorite dishes, or even ditched my beloved racing gear for demure outfits he preferred, he never noticed.

Then, Julian told me about Laura Kennedy. A girl from a humble background, she was his college sweetheart, his "white moonlight." The Marston family matriarch disapproved of her origins. Coincidentally, I was also clamoring to marry into the Marston family. So, with a sum of money and a plane ticket, Laura was forced to leave the country. To avoid a family rupture, Arthur reluctantly married me. But he blamed me for everything. He believed I had bullied his beloved away. I tried to explain, but all I got was his icy stare.

Evelyn, I already agreed to marry you. What more do you want?

It wasn't until today, seeing it with my own eyes, that I truly understood: all his warmth was reserved for Laura. In the photo, he gently took off his coat and draped it over Lauras shoulders. The tenderness in his eyes was something I wouldn't dare dream of.

I admit it, I lost. It turns out that relentlessly pursuing a dead end only leads to a broken spirit.

My phone vibrated suddenly. It was Julians reply.

I could almost picture him, on the other side of the world, raising an eyebrow at my message. My thoughts drifted back to the day I broke off our engagement. Julian tossed me the keys to his limited-edition Bugatti, a playful smirk on his face, though his eyes held no real warmth.

Evelyn, are you absolutely sure? hed asked. You know, forcing a relationship never ends well.

At the time, my heart was so full of Arthur, I couldnt hear a word he said.

Mind your own business! Id rather die in his hands!

Julian stared at me for a long moment, then let out a scoff. Alright, dont come crying to me later.

Despite his harsh words, for the past three years, his texts had arrived like clockwork at the beginning of each month.

Still not divorced?

This month? Yes or no?

Id always call him insane, but he seemed immune, repeating the pattern the next month. One time, furious at Arthurs cold shoulder, I went back to my family home and ran into Julian. He was leaning against his car, smoking, his voice a little hoarse through the hazy smoke.

Evelyn, just say the word.

Even if the sky falls, Ill hold it up for you, and youll walk out of the Marston family clean.

Now, I wondered if I should have turned back sooner.

My phone vibrated again, two new messages from Julian:

One week, tops.

Ill be back to handle the paperwork myself.

Serena glanced at my screen, her brow furrowed. A family alliance like ours is a complex thing. If news of a divorce gets out, both family stocks will plummet. Walking away clean wont be easy.

I forced a bitter smile, draining my wine glass. That night, I was practically carried home, utterly drunk. By Arthurs schedule, hed be long asleep by now. I stumbled into the villa, but then a strange feeling crept over me. Usually, Arthurs wolf, Fang, loved to rest here. It gave no quarter to anyone but Arthur. Even if I offered it the freshest meat, it would only bare its teeth and growl at me.

But now, its custom-made kennel was empty. I sobered up instantly. Fang was Arthurs beloved pet. If it ran off, or got hit by a car It was still a living creature, no matter what. Even if I was getting divorced, I didnt want anything to happen to Fang.

Fang are you around? I whispered, searching through the bushes, stumbling over my feet. Finally, behind a thick patch of grass, I saw those glowing green eyes. It watched me warily, a low, warning growl rumbling in its throat.

Thank goodness, it was Fang. I sighed in relief, squatting down, cautiously extending my hand. Dont be scared, come back with me

The next second, it lunged, its fangs savagely embedding themselves in the web of my hand. I cried out, blood gushing instantly. After that bite, it turned and darted deeper into the garden. Ignoring the pain in my hand, I stumbled after it.

The main house garden, which should have been dark, was now lit by several warm, yellow floor lamps. I chased, breathless, about to call for help to catch the wolf. But when I saw the scene before me, the words caught in my throat.

On a garden bench, Arthur and Laura sat side by side. Fang, who had just been so aggressive towards me, was now docilely lying at Lauras feet, as obedient as a house dog. Laura bent down, her eyes wide with surprise, and embraced it.

Fang, is that really you? I cant believe youve grown so big, and you still remember your mama!

I froze. How did she know Fang? Laura looked up at Arthur, a hint of nostalgia in her voice. Arthur, I thought this wolf we rescued had been sent away long ago. I cant believe you brought him home and raised him so well.

Listening to her reminisce, Arthur nodded. He really does still like you. These past few years at home, he wouldnt let anyone touch him but me.

No wonder. For three years, no matter how hard I tried to approach it, I was met only with coldness and suspicion. It turned out this wolf was just like its owner. Its heart had already chosen someone. I felt like a clown, endlessly trying to warm up to someone who couldnt care less. Thinking of this, I couldnt help but let out a bitter laugh.

Laura seemed to suddenly notice someone else was there. She gasped, shrinking into Arthurs embrace as if startled. Arthur, whos that?