Chapter 231: Chapter 231

Chapter 231 Third POV Ruby’s breath hitched as she took another step back, her voice trembling “W–What did you just say? Love her?”

She couldn’t believe it. Kane had actually admitted–out loud that he loved Selene.

For years, she had done everything in her power to keep that woman from even crossing Kane’s mind How could he suddenly say he loved her now?

Shaking her head in disbelief, she surged forward, grabbing his collar and yanking him down to her level.

“Tell me you’re lying,” she pleaded, her fingers clutching the fabric tightly. “You love me, not her. This is just some twisted joke, right? Did I do something wrong? Have I ever stopped you from doing anything?”

Kane’s sharp gaze rested on Ruby, his usual frown softening as he took in the paleness of her face.

Without a word, he pried her hands off his collar, straightening to his full height. His voice was steady as he responded.

“I’m not lying. It would be better for you to move on–just like I told you to years ago.”

Ruby’s eyes widened at his words. He was bringing up that night–almost six years ago–when Selene had divorced him and vanished from the pack.

Back then, she had thought her chance had finally come. Kane was alone, broken, and vulnerable. But her happiness had been short–lived.

A month after Selene left, Ruby had tried to get closer to him. Even when he was drunk, he had pushed her away. Even in his most intoxicated state, he would call out for Selene, demanding her return.

“Selene, how dare you leave me? I’ll make you pay. Come back to me.”

She had stood there, helpless, as he drowned in his own torment. That night, she had no choice but to walk away.

But after that, she had planned to go even further–to finally have him, even if he was too drunk to resist.

Yet, even in his most impaired state, he never let her close. It was as if, no matter how lost he was in alcohol, he could still feel Selene’s absence, still remember her touch.

One time, she had thought he was too drunk to know what was happening–but he had been perfectly sober. That was the night he had told her the truth.

“I don’t love you, Ruby. We should end this.”

From that moment on, she had resorted to emotional manipulation.

She would always wear sleeveless dresses, ensuring that his gaze would land on the scar on her arm -a constant reminder of his past. A reminder of the debt he owed her.

For years, it had worked.

06.04 Everything had been going so well.

So how had he suddenly found the strength to break free?

* Main A cold wave of fear washed over her. For the first time, she was truly terrified. She was losing him.

Her fingers curled into fists as she took a determined step closer.

“I don’t care,” she declared. “I won’t let you break up with me.”

She lifted herself onto her toes, looping her arms around his neck, tilting her head as she moved in to kiss him.

From a distance, it would have looked intimate–like a lovers‘ embrace.

But just as her lips were about to press against his, Kane turned his head.

Her lips landed on his chin instead.

A second later, he shoved her away, his grip tightening around her wrist.

Ruby froze.

There was no visible anger on his face, but she knew him well enough to recognize the signs. His silence was far more dangerous than rage.

Without another word, Kane dragged her toward her car.

“You’ve lost your mind,” he muttered. “Before you do something you’ll regret, go home.”

“No,” she choked out, her body trembling. “Please, Kane. Don’t do this to me. I’ll die without you.”

Kane yanked open the car door.

“If you stay with me, you’ll die every single day.”

Before she could argue, the sound of approaching vehicles filled the air. Several cars pulled up in front of the house, stopping beside Ruby’s.

The car doors opened, and from one of them, Theta Gideon stepped out.

He was dragging a young woman behind him.

He looked directly at Kane and gave a curt nod.

“Alpha, we brought the woman to you.”

9.08.04