Crippled Luna's Farewell: Half A Life Without My Alpha's Deadly Deception

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Sarah wanted to say it aloud: *I don’t want to be this Luna anymore.*

In truth, even without today’s humiliation, she had been ready to leave long ago.

But what would be the point of saying it now? Arnold had never cared for her words, never listened to her explanations.

To him, her voice had always been white noise, easily dismissed.

Her burnt fingers betrayed her resolve, and the tray slipped from her trembling hands. The delicate cups shattered against the floor, the silver liquid pooling like spilled tears across the tiles.

Arnold’s expression darkened as his gaze bore into her. “Are you losing your temper with me?” he demanded, his voice sharp

with irritation.

Before Sarah could respond, Linda, ever the picture of composure, stepped forward with a saccharine smile.

“Now, now, dear,” she cooed, placing a calming hand on Arnold’s arm. “I’m sure she didn’t mean it. Don’t be angry…”

Sarah’s lips curled into a pale, brittle smile, one that barely concealed the bitterness simmering beneath. Her voice was steady, each word deliberate and clear.

“No, I didn’t mean to lose my temper,” she said, her tone devoid of warmth. “I just don’t think you two deserve the tea I made.”

Arnold’s glare sharpened, but before he could respond, Sarah turned on her heel.

Without waiting for the fallout, she walked to the elevator, ignoring the furious murmurs that followed her.

Inside the restroom, Sarah ran her burned fingers under the cold stream of water.

The sting of the injury was nothing compared to the ache constricting her chest.

She reached into her bag, pulled out a small tube of ointment, and began tending to her wounds with practiced efficiency.

Once, her life had been filled with creative pursuits..studying diplomacy, sketching intricate designs for clothing.

She’d been far from a domestic expert. But marriage had demanded a different version of herself.

To gain Arnold’s approval, and that of his family, she had transformed from a spirited teenager into a dutiful wife, mastering every household chore.

bore the scars of that transformation: needle pricks from embroidery, burns from cooking. Yet none

around her

on the adhesive tugged at her

first–aid supplies

coyote, was always full of energy

22:24

Luna’s Farewell, Half A Life

16.9%

spent countless nights bandaging his wounds, soothing

And yet, he

yet, he would only remember her as heavy–handed and unkind.

so much gentler,” Alex would whimper, favoring the woman who

cleaned his wounds properly, leading to infections that left Sarah

saw that side of the story. He only saw Alex’s tears and blamed her for them. “You’re careless,” he’d snap, berating her for

now,* Sarah thought, her heart hardening.

restroom, her steps firm. She reached the elevator and waited, staring

doors.

a group of staff members suddenly pushed past

of the way!” one of them barked. “Our future Luna

stepped aside

of them said in an excited whisper. “It’s rumored that Alpha is already engaged to

her once,” another chimed in. “She really is gorgeous. Although… doesn’t she look a

off as his gaze fell on Sarah, his brow furrowing as he studied her face.

elevator doors opened with a soft

her beauty drawing every eye

the adoring staff, she glided past, her

unwilling to draw attention. Yet one staff

a little more! Don’t get too close

noticed Sarah then. Their eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, Linda’s confident

no

corridor, one of the staff members sighed dreamily.

isn’t she? It’s like the Moon Goddess herself blessed her. Don’t you think

silence only deepened the curiosity of

he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully, “you look a bit like her.

kept her expression neutral. *If only you knew, she

was her sister by blood, the illegitimate daughter