Chapter 21
This matter had to be kept secret. So besides them, no one knew about the deal between Carmen and Evelynne. Their relationship seemed to have reverted to the way it was when Liora was still alive–they indulged in every intimate gesture without restraint.
They went to see the northern lights and took photos. Evelynne captioned one with, “The one by my side will always be you.” Carmen boldly shared it.
The meaning was clear, sparking a wave of gossip among the pack members. But instead of envy, this time it was mostly confusion.
“If I remember right, Carmen’s mate- our Luna–just passed away, right? And he’s already back with Evelynne so quickly?”
“You don’t understand. Carmen and Liora’s mate bond was just a political alliance, no real feelings. Plus, they were enemies. Now that Liora’s dead, Carmen can finally pursue his true love.”
“But Liora is still his Luna in name–the Luna of our pack. She’s barely cold in her grave, and he’s already found a new partner? That’s just immoral.”
Not only the pack members but even Carmen’s friends were baffled by his behavior. Just a few days ago, he had shown such love for Liora, as if losing her would tear him apart. But now Evelynne appeared, and he seemed to have completely forgotten her .Even if it was just an act, it hadn’t lasted three days.
How could he still claim to love Liora?
His friends scorned but didn’t want to misunderstand him. They called him out, but unexpectedly, Evelynne came along.
“Carmen, isn’t it a bit inappropriate for you to bring Evelynne here?” someone awkwardly said.
Evelynne smiled confidently, arm linked with Carmen’s.
“Is there anything I can’t hear? Didn’t I use to come out with Carmen too? Don’t treat me like an outsider.”
Even Carmen tacitly agreed, nodding to the group.
“That’s right. Evelynne is my lover. There’s no need to hide it.”
With Carmen himself saying so, no one pressed further. They had no choice but to ask bluntly.
“Carmen, we want to know who do you really love? Just days ago, you said you loved Liora and felt regretful after losing her. We all saw that. But now,
less than two days later, you’re back with Evelynne.”
“So who do you really love? If it’s Liora, we have no problem. But if it’s Evelynne…” The speaker frowned. Everyone in the bar knew well that if it was Evelynne, Carmen would lose all respect.
All eyes turned to Carmen. Even Evelynne smiled and squeezed his hand.
Carmen’s heart ached. He didn’t love Evelynne at all. Every second with her made him feel sick. But for Liora’s sake, he had to endure these five days.
He steadied himself, meeting his friends‘ expectant gaze, and spoke slowly.
“The past few days were just guilt over Liora, Now I’ve thought it through. I’ve always loved Evelynne. That won’t change. If anyone looks down on me for it, I don’t care. You can just leave. I won’t make things difficult. I have Evelynne, and that’s enough.”
The room erupted. No one expected Carmen to say something like that,
One or two left disappointed, then more followed, leaving the private room one by one. Even his best friend—his childhood friend–patted his shoulder
last.
“Carmen, I really feel sorry for Liora. But these aren’t my words to say. We’ve known each other a long time. I hope you won’t regret this.”
With that, he left. The bar was empty.
Carmen’s face was pale. He hadn’t expected his friends to turn their backs on him, but it didn’t matter. Just five days. After that, they’d all understand why he did this–and Liora would come back.
He promised himself he’d apologize and love her well from then on.
Clutching Evelynne’s hand tightly, Carmen comforted his aching heart.
Evelynne curled her lip in disgust, then snuggled up to him, purring.
“What a bunch of blind fools. How am I any less than Liora? Carmen, you know it, don’t you? You love me the most, right?”
The warm, petite figure in his arms felt ice cold to him. He spoke dryly,
“That’s right. You’re a hundred times better than Liora. I love you, Evelynne.”
Chapter 21
