Chapter 306
A small smile curved her lips. “I thought I’d never see you again.”
“I thought the same about you.” The words caught in my throat, heavy with unspoken meaning.
Rachel’s eyes searched mine. I’m glad we have this chance. To talk. Just the two of us.”
My heart twisted painfully. I knew what she wanted to talk about, what questions burned in her eyes.
But what was the point? Telling her I loved her now would only cause her more pain when she learned of my sacrifice.
Better to let her believe I never cared, to free her from any obligation to mourn me.
I offered my arm to help her down from the altar. “Shall we?”
She accepted, her small hand fitting perfectly in the crook of my elbow. We walked slowly toward the door, and I savored each step, the gentle pressure of her body against mine, the subtle floral scent of her hair.
I memorized these sensations, knowing they would be my last memories of her.
As we neared the doorway, Rachel took a breath. “Nathan-”
“Don’t,” I cut her off, afraid of what she might say. Afraid it would break my resolve.
My chest ached with thoughts of all the moments we’d never share–watching our son take his first steps, celebrating his achievements, standing beside Rachel at our wedding, growing old together, surrounded by grandchildren.
A future that now belonged only to her…
“Rachel…” I swallowed hard. “I… I’m sorry. For everything I’ve failed you in. For not being the man you needed me to be.”
She began to shake her head, but I continued, “From the beginning, I treated you wrong… Not seeing you for who you truly were from the moment I met you was the greatest mistake of my life.”
Tears welled in her eyes, but she blinked them back stubbornly
“I’m grateful the Moon Goddess gave me this chance to apologize, at least.”
Rachel looked up at me, her gaze unwavering despite the tears threatening to spill over. “Nathan…” Her voice trembled. “Answer me, just one question… Did you ever love me?”
We stood at the threshold of the temple, sunlight spilling around us. I stared down at her, my mouth opening but no sound emerging.
But even if she did love me now, that love would only bring her pain. She’d spend her life mourning what couldn’t be, rather than embracing the future she deserved.
I had to set her free, even if it shattered what remained of my own heart.
Looking into her tear–filled eyes, those beautiful eyes that once held nothing but joy when they met mine, I forced the words past my lips. “No. The single syllable felt like glass in my throat.
Rachel gasped, her hand flying to cover her mouth. The hope draining from her face was almost more than I could bear.
Sorry.
Chapter 306
I hardened my heart against the screaming voice inside me and delivered the final blow. “Never.” The lie tasted like poison.
Her sob tore through the silent temple, echoing off ancient walls that had witnessed countless heartbreaks before ours.
I steadied her with trembling hands on her shoulders as I pushed open the heavy wooden door, gently guiding her outside into the merciless sunlight that offered no place to hide my own tears.
“You’re free now, Rachel,” I told her softly, knowing I never would be.
She looked back at me, devastation etched across her beautiful features. “Nathan?…Nathan-!”
I allowed myself one last look at her face, committing every detail to memory, before closing the door between us with a final, decisive thud.
The moment the latch clicked into place, my composure shattered. Tears streamed down my face as I pressed my forehead against the cool wood.
“I’m sorry, Rachel,” I whispered through ragged breaths. “I love you. I’ve always loved you.”
With nothing left to give, I sank to the floor beside the altar, ready to let my soul dissolve into nothingness.
At least she would live. At least our son would have his mother.
It was enough.

Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
Summary & Review: By Werewolf