Cecilia
Early one morning, I rose from bed and stepped onto the balcony, stretching as | gazed out at the ocean view.
I hadn’t checked any comments or social media since posting the video. My phone remained turned off and buried in my bag.
But I could anticipate the outcome.
The internet was a place where once you understood the rules of the game, your opponents could play by those same rules. In the end, truth and lies became intertwined reality obscured by fog.
I’d driven all night two days ago, arriving at my grandmother’s home by morning. After eating something, I’d slept for an entire day.
Only this morning did I finally feel like myself again.
My grandmother lived in a fishing village, with the sea right outside her door. My parents had been staying here for several days-my father was out fishing with my uncle, while my mother was helping grandmother dry fish in the sun.
I stretched on the second-floor balcony, my muscles aching pleasantly from my morning workout. From up here, I could see my mother and grandmother by the fish-drying racks.
Their conversation had turned serious-Mom’s eyes reddened while Grandma’s expression grew stern. Whatever they were discussing had upset them both.
I headed downstairs, linking my arms through theirs as I joined them.
“Let me cook lunch today,” I announced cheerfully. “I learned this amazing beef recipe from a chef in Denver.”
Mom cupped my face in her hands. “Of course, let’s taste your cooking.”
Grandma playfully pinched my nose, her weathered hands gentle despite decades of hard work. “You little glutton, always experimenting with food. You’ll turn into a plump if you’re not careful.”
“Being plump would be perfect,” I laughed. “Id be cute enough to stay here forever with you.”
“As if you don’t already cling enough,” Grandma chuckled. “When you were little, your parents would come to take you home, and we’d have to coax you for hours.” At lunch, I prepared a feast with the seafood Dad and Uncle brought back from their fishing trip. When we were nearly finished eating, I decided it was time to address the elephant in the room.
“I’m getting divorced,” I announced, keeping my voice steady. “When I go back, we’ll finalize the paperwork.*
I looked at each of their concerned faces. The divorce was my idea. I don’t want to continue this marriage. And don’t worry about me being bullied-l’d never allow that.
Anyone who tries to hurt me gets it back tenfold.”
I spoke casually, as if discussing something as trivial as the weather.
My family responded exactly as expected-saying they supported whatever made me happy, whatever decision I made.
After spending three days in the fishing village, it was time to return. Alpha Sebastian had only given me five days off-days I’d practically begged for. If I stayed any longer, he might actually fire me.
I needed to return to Denver, but I convinced my parents to stay a few more days until everything with Xavier was completely resolved.
Before leaving, I turned on my phone to check the current state of the online debate. i hadn’t won, but neither had they. It was the outcome I’d expected.
Still, they’d suffered more damage than I had-they represented the Blood Moon and Shadow Packs. I only represented myself.
scrolling through my messages, I ignored the fake concern from people just fishing for gossip.
But when I saw a message from Jasmine, my former team leader from Project Group Three, I paused. It had been sent three days ago.


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