The Crippled Wife They Tried to Erase - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

The Xavier I once knew would never have let me leave the pack gathering alone. He would have insisted on pushing my wheelchair himself, murmuring comforting words in my ear the whole way.
But that man was gone.
Ever since Celeste returned, it was like I'd become invisible.
She'd been away for ten years studying medicine overseas, and when she came back? Perfect. Stunning, accomplished, effortlessly charming.
At first, Xavier was just polite. Then his attention shifted—slowly, subtly, but unmistakably.
"Celeste is so thoughtful," he'd remarked one evening after dinner. "Did you know she's planning to open a free clinic for the pack? Incredible."
I'd forced a smile, pretending it didn't sting. But it was always Celeste this, Celeste that.
Then the excuses started. Too busy for dinner with me, but always free to give Celeste a tour of the territory. Too tired to talk, yet staying up late to help her with mysterious "projects."
The change was gradual but undeniable. I wasn't his priority anymore.
Now, alone in my room, I felt like the world's biggest fool. How hadn't I seen this coming?
"Lyra," I whispered, my voice shaking. "You're nothing to him now. Just a burden."
The tears wouldn't stop. My chest ached, my head pounded, but the heartbreak was the worst of all.
I'd given him everything—my love, my trust, my future. And he'd handed it all to Celeste.
Not long after the gathering, Celeste moved into the mansion. What used to be my sanctuary now felt like a prison. Every corner screamed how much had changed, how everything I thought was mine was slipping through my fingers.
I tried to pretend everything was fine. Put on a brave face, smiled through the pain whenever they were near. But inside? I was shattering. I could feel it with every breath.
The worst part? Xavier was completely wrapped around her finger. He could barely look at me without that icy detachment, but his eyes lit up whenever she entered the room. And it wasn't just his gaze—it was how he orbited around her, making her the sun in his universe.
Then, just weeks after Celeste moved in, the final blow came.
She was pregnant.
The pack went wild.
There were celebrations, toasts, endless congratulations. Everyone fawning over Xavier and Celeste while I stood there with a plastered-on smile, dying inside. I wanted to scream. To hurl my wine glass at them. Instead, I just stood there, the weight of my failure crushing me.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Celeste cooed, rubbing her stomach with that sickeningly sweet voice. "Xavier and I are going to give the pack the future it deserves."
I nearly choked on the bile rising in my throat. The future they deserved? What about my future? The promises Xavier had made to me? The dreams we'd built—the ones that didn't include my sister stealing everything from me?
I kept my composure, but as days passed, it got harder. Celeste flaunted her growing belly, constantly touching it, reminding everyone—especially me—of what I'd lost.
"How's your therapy going, Lyra?" she'd ask with fake concern, eyes gleaming with triumph. "I do hope you're improving. Wouldn't want you to miss the baby shower."
I gritted my teeth. "It's fine, thanks."
But it wasn't fine. I was pushing myself harder than ever in secret—relentless physical therapy sessions when no one was around. The pain was excruciating, but I couldn't stop. I had to walk again, if only for myself.
Celeste could have Xavier. She could have his child. But I refused to let her have the satisfaction of seeing me broken. I wasn't just some useless woman in a wheelchair.
Still, it hurt. Every glance at Xavier showed me the ghost of the man who'd once loved me—a man who no longer existed.
Then one evening, after dinner, I overheard them talking in the hallway. Their voices were hushed but clear.
"Xavier, I know this is for the pack, but I want more," Celeste said, that familiar steel in her tone.
"I know," Xavier replied, sounding almost bored. "We've been over this."
"I want to be Luna. Your true mate." My heart stopped. "It's not just about the heir. It's about us—what we can build together. You need to make this permanent. I should be the one standing beside you."
My face went numb. Was she really demanding this? To replace me completely?
Then again, why was I surprised? I was just the broken wife in a wheelchair.
But Xavier's next words hit me like a knife to the chest:
"Celeste... Once the baby's born, we'll announce it."
I froze.
Official mate. He was going to marry her.