Charles' POV:

After Selena declared she was breaking our fated mate bond, I was devastated, coughing up blood as if my life was draining away. If it hadn’t been for Dr. Jonny’s care, I might not have survived. But, honestly, the physical injury was nothing compared to the pain of Selena’s unwavering decision to leave.

I knew she was hurting too. While she recovered, I instructed Billy to ease up on visibly watching her, but secretly, I had someone keep an eye on her. I wanted to know what she’d do when no one was holding her back.

Deep down, I hoped she’d have a change of heart. But one...