Temporary Luna, Permanent Heartbreak - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Today was their mating anniversary. Kai posted a lengthy tribute on Instagram right at the stroke of midnight, expressing his deep love and gratitude for her.
Within hours, it had garnered over ten million likes and shares. Electronic billboards throughout the city played Kai's personally edited romantic video on repeat, showing the world just how much he loved her.
A crowd had somehow gathered outside the pack house. They'd carpeted the entire driveway with 1,825 silver roses, with a massive crystal hollow ring placed at the center. Inside the ring were designer clothes and handbags from top brands' latest collections. A small music box sat on top, playing Kai's voice on repeat.
"Baby, happy anniversary. I love you."
Zara's expression remained blank. She closed her bedroom door and buried herself under the covers, as if none of this had anything to do with her.
Kai called, his voice full of guilt. "Baby, something urgent came up with the pack alliance. I can't make it home for our anniversary today, but I promise I'll make it up to you when I get back."
Listening to his pathetic lies, Zara suddenly laughed—a shaky, bitter sound. "It's fine."
"You're upset, aren't you baby?" Kai immediately picked up on her tone. "I've prepared so many surprises for you. I hope you love them."
"I'm not upset. Pack business comes first. I'm not feeling well, gonna take a nap." Zara hung up coldly.
She curled into a ball, fighting to contain the pain in her chest.
The spectacle outside continued. Kai's drones performed an aerial show, forming various shapes to express his love for Zara.
Reporters flocked to the scene, hoping to interview Zara and continue promoting their legendary love story.
Zara ignored it all. Her phone rang over and over again.
Seeing Kai's name on the screen, her vision blurred once more. She wanted to answer and demand why he'd broken his promises, why he'd fallen in love with another she-wolf.
Eventually, she simply turned off her phone and buried her head under the covers.
She didn't know how much time had passed when the covers were suddenly yanked away, harsh light flooding in and stinging her eyes.
Against the light, she saw Kai looking absolutely wrecked—hair messy, face pale as a ghost, amber eyes wild with panic and fear.
The moment he sensed Zara's distress, he'd rushed home. He'd called her the entire way, but she never answered.
The instant he saw her, he pulled her tightly into his arms, his voice hoarse and choked with emotion. "Thank the Moon Goddess you're home! Baby, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Kai's eyes were red, his body trembling uncontrollably. "I'll never leave you alone again. When you wouldn't pick up my calls, I thought I was gonna lose my mind."
"Nothing matters more than you. I came back to spend our anniversary together."
Zara said nothing. Thinking she was still angry, Kai dropped to one knee and pleaded, "Please, baby, promise me you'll always answer when I call. Don't ever shut me out like that again—I can't handle it."
His panic and fear seemed genuine. He did love her.
"You got back pretty fast." Zara's lips curved in a bitter smile. Kai's expression shifted slightly, guilt flashing across his face.
"You haven't eaten all day, have you? Let me take you to the revolving restaurant." Kai changed the subject, gently brushing the hair from her forehead.
"No." Zara shook her head firmly.
Panic flashed in Kai's amber eyes. "Then rest for a bit. I'll go downstairs and cook for you."
"Okay." Zara nodded coldly and turned away from him.
Thinking she was still angry, he took a deep breath and left the room.
About fifteen minutes later, commotion erupted from downstairs.
Zara went downstairs to find the living room full of Kai's friends, all helping to hang the freshly reprinted photos back on the walls.
When they saw Zara, they all started putting in good words for Kai.
"Zara, Kai was scared out of his mind. I've never seen him this freaked out."
"Next time you're pissed, just tell us and we'll teach him a lesson for you. But don't throw away photos or turn off your phone again—it'll literally kill the guy."
"If he'd come home and still couldn't find you, Kai would've completely lost his shit."
"Oh man, when he saw those bare walls, he nearly fainted! Then the crazy Alpha wanted to dig through the garbage."
"Alright, everyone stop!" Kai emerged from the kitRose wearing an apron, looking stern. "This is my fault. I hurt my Luna, so she has every right to punish me."
"Wow, Alpha Blackthorn, you're such an amazing mate. You'd throw away your dignity for Luna Zara. She's so lucky." Vixen stepped out from the crowd, her face full of envy.
Kai's expression remained calm as he smiled tenderly. "She's my Luna. Of course I'm going to spoil her."
Zara felt sick to her stomach at his hypocrisy.
But she didn't want to expose him.
"Don't bother hanging the photos. I want to repaint the walls." Zara said flatly.
Kai walked over and slipped his arm around her waist. "Forget the photos. My Luna's got the final say."
"Damn, you're such a mate guy." Someone teased, but Kai didn't care.
He helped Zara sit on the sofa, then went back to the kitRose.
Kai had made all of Zara's favorite dishes, but everything tasted like cardboard to her.
He kept serving her food with one hand while secretly holding Vixen's hand under the table with the other.
Zara suddenly felt utterly disgusted. She couldn't wait to get out of here, to get away from Kai.
After dinner, Kai didn't give Zara a chance to refuse. He knelt down to put on her shoes and socks, then carried her outside while his pack brothers cheered and whistled behind them.
Vixen laughed and joined in the teasing, but Zara caught the flash of venom and jealousy in her eyes.
Kai had arranged a fireworks show over the harbor just for Zara, and even hired her favorite band to perform.
Halfway through the performance, Kai excused himself to use the restroom.
Something compelled Zara to follow him.