He Treated Me like A Servant Before Divorce and Now He Regrets It novel
I served them with all my heart and soul, almost forgetting myself.
But this morning, after catching my reflection in the mirror, with tired eyes, gray strands in my hair, and the face of a woman who looked more like a servant than a Luna, I decided I wanted something.
Just once, something for myself.
Today was my mating anniversary with Adrian. For the first time in years, I wanted to speak to him not as his Luna, not as the Alphas wife, but as his mate.
I found him in his office, surrounded by paper and the sharp scent of ink. He didnt even look up when I entered.
"Do you remember Anna and Kayleigh?" I asked softly. "My best friends in high school."
Adrian kept his eyes on the documents, seemingly uncaring of my arrival. But I knew he was listening, so I continued.
Well we havent seen each other for fifteen years. Anna invited me over for a reunion. I was hoping
Didnt you see them ten years ago? His tone was flat, irritated.
Yes, for a few hours after Kayleigh gave birth. But that was
He finally looked at me, and the curve of his lips was anything but kind. "So, what are you really saying, Clara?"
I steadied myself. "I was thinking after everything Ive done here in the pack, maybe I could take a short break. Just a few days with them. To breathe. To feel like myself again."
He leaned back in his chair, amber eyes cold and hard. "Clara, you know what comes with your position. You know you cant leave your place without any notice."
"I am giving you notice. Besides, Im not leaving, Adrian. Im just taking a few days off, just a vacation."
He dropped the pen onto the desk with a sharp click. "Vacation? Is that what you call it? So now you think Im overworking you? That Im not giving you enough?"
"Thats not what I said," I whispered.
Then what? His voice rose, sharp as claws. "Youve had everything here. A high status, security, comfort. Do you even hear yourself? Acting like youre suffering? You sound ungrateful."
"I never said I was suffering," I murmured. "I only wanted"
You always want. He cut me off, his voice biting. "Its always about what you want. You are very selfish, not even considering the people working hard around you. Youre very much unlike Lyanna, who always thinks about the pack before making decisions."
The name pierced me deeper than any blade. Lyanna was my cousin, and she had always been everyones ideal woman. She was beautiful, smart, and brave.
The woman they all whispered should have been Luna.
My father, Marcus, heard Adrians voice and looked into the room. His sudden appearance startled me, and I accidentally tipped the glass near Adrians table.
Adrian exclaimed, Clara, what are you doing? These are important documents! You
Im sorry. I
Adrian pushed me away as he salvaged the remaining dry documents.
"Clumsy," Marcus spat. "Just a simple thing and you make a mess like this. And you call yourself Luna? What a disgrace."
Since Adrian wouldnt let me get close to him, I went to clean the glass shards. I bent down to pick up the pieces, but my hands shook so badly the shards dug into my skin. Blood spilled fast, pooling on the gray stone.
Neither of them moved.
Adrian only mocked. "You cant even do proper cleaning, and now youve bloodied the floor. You better go out and call a servant. They do a better job than you, and they never ask for a holiday."
Marcus scoffed. "Shes always been like this. Dead weight. I told you years ago, Adrian, you should have chosen Lyanna. Youd have a Luna who commands respect, not one who hides in the shadows."
Lyanna. Always Lyanna. The daughter Marcus wished he had. The Luna Adrian secretly wished to marry.
I pressed the broken shard into my palm until the numbness drowned out the pain.
At the sink, I rinsed the blood away. The water ran red, then faded. In the darkened window, my reflection stared back with bent shoulders and lifeless eyes, a stranger I barely recognized.
A knock echoed through the den. It was firm and confident.
Marcuss face lit up with sudden approval. Adrians lips curled into something close to relief.
I didnt need to open the door to know who it was.
Lyanna entered the den as though it were her own home.
Her stride was confident, graceful, and deliberate, each step carrying the weight of someone who had always been the object of admiration.
Marcuss sour demeanor shifted almost instantly as his stern features softened into something close to pride. Adrian stood as well, his lips curving into a smile I hadnt seen directed at me in years.
Lyanna, my father greeted warmly. Youre here.
Welcome, Adrian added, his voice low but threaded with approval. You didnt even say you were coming.
I sat in silence as they exchanged greetings and embraced, nearly swallowed by the shadows of the room. Their joy and warmth barely brushed past me, as though I had become part of the furniture.
As if I am just an object to be ignored rather than a woman to be seen.
The sound of hurried footsteps broke the moment. My son, Jeremy, came darting from his room, his eyes alight with excitement as he rushed toward Lyanna.
Aunt Lyanna! He cried, flinging his small arms around her waist.
Lyannas laugh rang out, light and musical. She bent down to gather him into her arms, brushing her fingers through his hair with tenderness.
Jeremy, youve grown so much. What a fine young man you are becoming.
His eyes sparkled with pride at her words, and something inside me twisted painfully. My son had never greeted me that way, not even after days apart.
At that moment, they looked more like mother and child than I did with him, though I was his true mother.
Lyanna straightened, glowing beneath their adoration. Then, as if only just noticing me, she let her smile soften.
Clara, she said sweetly. How are you?
I forced my voice steady. Im fine.
She tilted her head, feigning concern as her gaze lingered on me. Are you sure? You dont sound fine.
Her words hung in the air like bait, and Adrian seized them without hesitation. He set aside the papers in his hand, his amber eyes narrowing in irritation.
Of course, she isnt fine, he said sharply. Shes been talking about taking a vacation, complaining about being overworked.
My fathers scoff cut deeper than claws. His disappointment was sharp and merciless. A vacation? From what, exactly? From cleaning up her own messes? From pretending to be Luna when she can barely carry herself as one?
Heat burned along my neck and ears. My hands curled into fists at my sides, though my voice barely carried beyond a whisper. I wasnt complaining
Lyanna lifted her hand gently, silencing me with practiced grace.
I think Clara does deserve a little break, she said lightly, her tone carrying a false generosity. Dont you? I can take over her responsibilities while she enjoys herself for once.
Adrians bitter laugh cut her suggestion to pieces.
You? Take over her duties? He shook his head, his voice hardening. Lyanna, if anyone deserves a break, its you. Youve been working harder than anyone.
Marcus nodded firmly, his voice laden with approval. Adrians right. Clara barely manages the simplest tasks, but Lyanna commands respect. She puts the pack before herself. You should be the one resting, not her.
Lyanna lowered her lashes, her smile modest but calculated.
Its not hard work if you love it, she murmured softly. I dont even think of it as work at all.
Their admiration filled the room like a chorus. Marcus showered her with praise, Adrian added his approval, and Jeremy clung to her hand as though she were a goddess made flesh.
And me? I remained where I was, a shadow against the wall.
Lyanna glanced at her wristwatch before clapping her hands together lightly.
Speaking of work, she said brightly, I reserved a restaurant for tonight. Why dont we all go out for dinner?
Marcus raised an eyebrow. Whats the occasion?
Her eyes glittered as she announced, Ive just been promoted. And with an increased salary.
The room erupted with joy.
Adrian turned to me, his tone clipped and final. Were going out for dinner.
Panic surged through me, my heart racing as I stepped forward quickly, the words spilling out before I could stop them.
Adrian, wait. Today is our mating anniversary. I prepared a feast for us at home. Just for us.
Lyanna gasped, covering her mouth in feigned surprise.
Oh, I didnt realize! she exclaimed gently. Then Ill go alone tonight. We can celebrate together next time.
Her voice dripped with false sweetness, her posture radiating the air of someone making a noble sacrifice.
Adrians brow furrowed, his lips pressed into a thin, displeased line.
Marcus scoffed harshly. A feast? Dont make me laugh. Clara cant even cook properly. Whatever she made probably tastes like garbage. Its better we go out with Lyanna than waste our time here.
The words cracked against me like whips, each one sharper than the last.
Adrians gaze settled on me, cold as stone, his voice merciless. Get ready, Clara. Or well leave you behind.
The restaurant was more luxurious than I expected.
From the moment we walked in, I felt out of place. The scent of wine and roasted meat filled the air, but instead of stirring hunger, it knotted my stomach tighter.
Miss Lyanna, the hostess greeted with an eager smile, bowing slightly as though she had been expecting her. What an honor. Your table is ready.
Thank you, Lyanna replied, her voice lilting like music.
Marcus and Adrian both straightened at her side, their faces proud, as if they were the ones being honored. I walked behind them, nothing more than a shadow trailing after the people who should have been my family.
Jeremy clung to Lyannas hand, tugging her along with boyish excitement. His laughter rang out, drawing affectionate glances from strangers at nearby tables.
When we reached the table, the staff pulled out chairs with practiced grace. One for Marcus, one for Adrian, one for Lyanna. They seated her between the two of them, as though she were the centerpiece of our group. Jeremy scrambled into the chair beside her before I could even move closer.
That left me at the far end of the table, across from no one, half-hidden in the shadows of the candles. The chair scraped against the floor as I pulled it out myself, the sound sharp and lonely.
The waiter arrived, tall and professional, notepad in hand. His gaze settled immediately on Lyanna.
Shall I bring the wine list? he asked.
Yes, please, she said warmly. Something smooth and rich, dont you think, Adrian?
Adrian chuckled, leaning closer to her. Ill trust your judgment, Lyanna. Youve always had exquisite taste.
Marcus nodded at once, as though Lyanna had spoken some profound wisdom. I stayed quiet, though a voice inside me longed to say something.
Maybe I wanted a lighter drink. But before I could speak, Adrian waved his hand dismissively.
Lyanna will order for everyone. She knows whats best.
The words sank into me like a stone sinking into cold water.
When the waiter asked about food, I tried again. Could we add a simple chicken dish
That wont suit the evening, Marcus cut in sharply. Dont ruin the celebration with something so plain.
Lyanna leaned forward with a soft laugh. I was thinking of the lobster. Its always been my favorite here.
My chest tightened.
I cant eat shellfish, I whispered, my voice barely audible. It makes me sick.
But Adrian gave me a hard look, his lips pressed thin. Dont start this again, Clara. Stop making everything about yourself.
Marcus sighed, visibly annoyed. Youll be fine if you dont overreact. Youve always exaggerated these little things.
Lyanna tilted her head, her expression the picture of innocence. Oh dear, I didnt realize. Are you sure its that serious?
Yes, it is
Adrian cut me off, sharp. Youll eat something else, then. The rest of us will have the lobster.
The waiter glanced at me briefly, uncertainty flickering in his eyes, but when no one else spoke up for me, he nodded and wrote the order.
I sat back in my chair, my stomach twisting.
They had just ordered the very thing that could harm me, dismissing my words as if I were nothing more than a petty inconvenience. The humiliation burned deeper than hunger ever could.
When the first round of wine arrived, the table bloomed with conversation. Lyanna spoke about her promotion, about the responsibilities she had taken on with such grace and dedication.
It wasnt easy, she admitted modestly, lowering her lashes. But I tried my best, and it seems it has been rewarded.
Marcuss face softened into admiration. Youre an inspiration, Lyanna. Truly. The pack is lucky to have you.
Jeremy piped up eagerly. Aunt Lyanna, youre amazing!
The three of them laughed, warmth glowing in their eyes, pride flowing freely. I sat in silence at the edge of the table, clutching my glass with both hands to hide the trembling in my fingers.
Every word of praise heaped on her carved another wound in me, another reminder of how little I mattered.
When the waiter returned with the main dishes, the scent of lobster filled the air, buttery and rich. Plates gleamed with shells and lemon wedges, steaming and perfect.
Only my dish was different.
It was a plain salad, hastily arranged, set in front of me like an afterthought. There was not even a hint of chicken on it.
Jeremy scrunched his nose. Why arent you eating the same as us, Mama? Didnt you want lobster?
Before I could answer, Marcus scoffed. Shes just being difficult again. Dont pay it any mind.
Lyanna reached over, placing a gentle hand on Jeremys. Your mother just has different tastes, darling. Dont worry.
Her words werent kindness.
They were pity wrapped in sweetness, designed to make her shine brighter while highlighting my failures. My cheeks burned as Jeremy nodded, still clinging to her hand more than mine.
The laughter, the clinking of glasses, the endless praise for Lyanna filled the night.
When dessert arrived, it came with sparklers and clapping from the staff. A small cake, topped with cream, was placed proudly in front of Lyanna.
Congratulations on your promotion! the waiter announced cheerfully.
The table erupted again with joy. Lyanna leaned close to Jeremy, pulling him toward her with a radiant smile.
Help me blow out the candle, Jeremy, she whispered.
He did. His small breath joined hers, the flame snuffed out in perfect unison, a picture of mother and son.
I could not move.
My fork lay useless in my hand as I watched, my heart shattering with every cheer, every laugh, every congratulation that did not belong to me. No one remembered that tonight was supposed to be my mating anniversary.
The feast I had prepared sat at home, waiting for a family who never intended to come.
When the applause quieted, Adrian raised his glass toward Lyanna.
Thank you, he said, his voice carrying the weight of sincerity I hadnt heard from him in years. For bringing us all together tonight.
The wine burned as I swallowed it down, bitter and sharp, but it was nothing compared to the bitterness lodged in my chest.
Thats when I felt a sudden fire in my throat as I started to choke.
I looked down at the dish in front of me.
There wasnt any seafood that I could see, but I knew immediately that it was my allergy acting up. My throat tightened, constricting with every breath.
I coughed hard, over and over, my chest rattling with each desperate gasp.
At first, Adrian ignored me. But as my coughing grew louder, he turned his head, irritation flashing in his eyes.
For the love of the Moon, Clara, he snapped. Can you not sit still for once? Drink some water. Why cant you do that by yourself?
I shook my head, unable to form words. I tried to say it was my allergy, that something was wrong, but my throat closed further. My voice simply wouldnt come.
Adrian frowned, leaning back in his chair. Unbelievable. Always something with you.
Marcus leaned back with a scowl, his voice loud enough for nearby tables to hear.
Shes doing it again. Always putting on a performance. Honestly, Clara, youll fake anything for attention.
My chest heaved, the coughing tearing at my lungs.
Tears blurred my sight. I raised a trembling hand toward my throat, but Adrian rolled his eyes.
Dont start this again, he hissed. Every time its Lyannas moment, you find some way to ruin it.
Lyanna gasped softly, her hand covering her mouth. Her eyes widened with practiced concern.
Oh dear, she doesnt look well. Adrian, maybe we should take her to the hospital. Just in case?
Marcus let out a sharp laugh. Hospital? Dont be ridiculous. Shes been pulling stunts like this for years. Its pathetic.
Adrian shook his head, his lip curling with disgust.
Exactly. Shes jealous. Thats all this is. You cant even let us celebrate Lyannas success without making it about yourself, can you, Clara?
My chest burned with each cough, but his words hurt even worse. I tried to protest, to tell them I wasnt pretending, but nothing came out.
Only a rasp of air.
Lyanna leaned forward, her tone dripping with false sweetness. What if shes really sick, though? We wouldnt want to regret not helping her.
Marcus sneered. If shes really sick, then its her own fault. Stop babying her. She thrives on this kind of pity.
Lyanna sighed delicately, lowering her lashes as though burdened by compassion. I only suggested it out of concern.
My coughing grew harsher, louder, and soon nearby guests began to glance over. Their murmurs carried embarrassment like a sting.
Marcus groaned, shaking his head.
Listen to her, coughing like shes about to die. Always so dramatic. Cant you stop, Clara? Youre humiliating us.
Stop? How could I stop when my throat was closing, when each breath felt like it was cutting me open from the inside?
Adrians voice snapped through my haze of panic.
Enough! I wont let you ruin this dinner. Youve had your fun, Clara. He raised his hand and gestured sharply to a waiter. Take her outside. Shes disturbing everyone.
I froze, disbelief gripping me tighter than my swollen throat.
Take me outside? Abandon me here when I could barely breathe?
My lips parted, but no sound came. I was helpless.
The waiter hurried over and tugged me to my feet.
This way, maam, he muttered, irritation in his tone. As he dragged me toward the door, I heard Adrians voice one last time.
She always pulls these stunts, he said coldly. Dont waste your sympathy on her.
The waiter pushed me out into the night air and let go of me like I was filth. His voice was low, but the disdain was clear. What an actress. Trying to ruin a family dinner pathetic.
He left me there, discarded like trash.
I collapsed by the side of the building, my back pressed against the cold wall, coughing and crying at once. My chest burned, my breaths shallow and desperate.
Helplessness wrapped around me tighter than the pain.
I could still hear their laughter faintly through the restaurants walls. The clinking of glasses, the cheerful voices, the celebration that went on as if nothing had happened.
They looked more like a family with her than they ever did with me, even though I was the real family.
A bitter, broken laugh slipped out between coughs. My tears blurred the glow of the streetlights above me. As my lungs screamed for air, I could only feel regret.
Regret that I wasnt enough. Regret that I tried so hard, only to be cast aside like nothing.
Perhaps this was the break I had been waiting for. The end to the suffering, the silence to all the noise. If death was what awaited me in this dark corner, then maybe
At last, I could rest.
I woke up in a hospital, the white ceiling above me unfamiliar and glaring under the fluorescent lights.
My body felt heavy, my throat raw, as though I had been clawing for air for hours. A doctor stood beside me, checking my vitals with calm precision.
When he noticed my eyes flutter open, relief softened his expression.
Youre awake, he said gently. You had a severe allergic reaction. You nearly died from respiratory failure. Fortunately, someone brought you here in time. Any later, and it would have been too late.
The words sank into me like stones dropped into deep water. I swallowed, the ache in my throat sharp, and whispered hoarsely, Who who brought me here?
He glanced at his notes before answering.
They didnt leave a name. They just said they saw you collapse outside and rushed you here. A passerby, it seems. A stranger.
A stranger.
I forced a small smile and whispered my thanks, but inside, something broke.
Why had I expected it to be my family? Why had I hoped it was Adrian, rushing through the night to save me?
I should have known better.
My chest tightened as memories surfaced unbidden of the early days when Adrian courted me, when his voice was soft and filled with promises.
He had sung songs of love to me, painted visions of a future where we would build a family, raise children, and grow old in happiness. I thought we were meant for forever.
But now, looking back, it all felt like pretense.
Perhaps he had never really seen me at all. Maybe Lyanna had always been the shadow in his heart. After all, we shared similarities with some features a resemblance in our younger years.
Maybe every smile at the table, every night we shared the same bed, every dream I thought was ours had been borrowed from his longing for her.
And I, foolish enough, had assumed I was the one he loved.
The door creaked open, pulling me from my thoughts.
A man stepped into the room. His presence filled the space immediately. His smile was charming, his aura calm yet commanding.
There was something in the way he carried himself, something formidable, that reminded me of the Alphas I had lived beside.
He approached the bed slowly, his gaze steady. Youre awake, he said.
You are A thought suddenly came to me. I tried to sit up, but my body protested. You were the one who helped me?
He nodded once, casually, as if it had been nothing.
Why did you help me? I asked.
He looked at me, and his gaze seemed to hold something peculiar.
I only did it because I pitied you. I was dining at the restaurant. I saw what happened.
Shame burned my skin. I gave a self-deprecating smile, trying to hide how hollow I felt.
It must have been disgraceful to see me like that coughing, crying, being dragged out like a nuisance.
He didnt answer right away. His eyes studied me, quiet and calculating. Then his voice lowered, steady but piercing. Do you want revenge?
The question stunned me. I blinked, trying to make sense of it. Revenge? What are you talking about?
He leaned closer, his expression unwavering. I took a fancy to you.
My heart stumbled. I shook my head quickly. No, you dont understand. Im married. I have a child.
His lips curved faintly, though his eyes remained sharp.
Married? He gave a short laugh, quiet and dismissive. Is that what you call it? Because what I saw wasnt a wife. You looked more like a servant than anything else.
The truth of his words cut deep. I wanted to deny it, but I couldnt.
He was right.
That was exactly what I had become, an outsider in my own home, a shadow in my own family.
He straightened, his voice turning deliberate.
I am looking for a Luna. Not in the traditional sense, but as a substitute. Someone to stand beside me, to pretend as my wife. In exchange, I will give you wealth, security, and most importantly, your worth back. No one will treat you like a shadow under my side.
I stared at him, breath caught in my chest. His offer dangled in front of me like a poisoned fruit. It was dangerous, tempting, impossible to ignore.
But, he continued firmly, you will have to leave your family behind. Your Alpha. Your child. Everything. So I ask you are you willing?
When I arrived home, the first thing I noticed was the mess.
Bags were scattered across the living room floor, clothes spilling from open drawers, shoes lined up as if waiting to march out the door.
Everyone was packing.
Jeremy spotted me first. He came rushing over, and for a moment, my heart lifted, thinking he would throw his arms around me.
Instead, he shoved a half-filled bag into my hands.
Fold my clothes, Mama. And bring my toys too, he ordered with childish authority, already turning back toward his pile of things.
I blinked, confused. Why should I pack your toys and clothes?
Because Im going on vacation! He shouted over his shoulder, his voice brimming with excitement.
Vacation? I repeated, stunned.
Just then Adrian stepped out of our bedroom, his brow furrowed as soon as he saw me.
Where have you been?
I I was in the hospital, I answered honestly, still gripping Jeremys bag.
His frown deepened. Hospital? For what?
Before I could explain, Marcuss voice rang from the other room, sharp and cutting.
Was it really worth it to run to the hospital for just a cough? Honestly, Clara, you embarrassed us at the restaurant last night, and now youre playing pitiful again?
My lips parted, but I couldnt get a word out before another voice chimed in.
Lyanna stepped out of my room as if she belonged there, her dress perfectly pressed, her hair cascading like silk.
Is everyone ready to go? she asked brightly, then stopped short, her brows lifting in feigned surprise when her eyes landed on me. Oh, Clara. I didnt realize you were here.
It was my house. My room she had just walked out of. Yet she looked at me as though I were the intruder.
Grinding my teeth behind a forced smile, I asked, Where is everyone going?
Jeremy darted to her side, clinging to her hand like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Were going on vacation with Aunt Lyanna! He announced with pride.
This time, I asked louder, so they could all hear me. Where exactly are you going?
Adrians eyes narrowed. Do you have to shout, Clara? If you want to ask something, say it properly.
I held his gaze, refusing to lower my voice. Then tell me whats happening.
Marcus emerged from the hall with a bag slung over his shoulder.
Were going on a trip with Lyanna, he said curtly.
Where? I pressed.
He shot me a disdainful look. Why do you need to know?
Adrian sighed, clearly impatient. Lyanna invited us on vacation. Its her treat, a reward for her promotion. Thats where were going.
Im coming too, I said quickly, desperate not to be left behind again.
Lyanna bit her lip delicately, her expression apologetic.
Oh, Clara Im so sorry, but the prize was only for four people. She paused, as if thinking hard. Unless I could try asking my boss for another slot
Adrian cut her off at once, his voice firm. No. Dont. That would make you look bad. You dont need to go out of your way for her.
Then he turned to me, his eyes like steel.
Clara, youll stay here. Since you cant come, you can at least fulfill your duties while were away.
Something inside me snapped.
I want to come too, I said again, louder this time.
Adrians expression darkened. Enough. You will stay. Stop making this about you.
With that, he tossed his bag at my feet. Marcus followed suit, dropping his own. Lyanna didnt stop them, only lowered her eyes modestly as if she pitied me. Even Jeremy shoved his little backpack into my arms before running back to her side.
Pack properly, Adrian ordered coldly.
That afternoon, they left without a second glance. Their laughter trailed out the door as they walked to the car, chatting merrily about their trip.
No one said goodbye.
No one looked back.
The house fell silent, the emptiness pressing down on me like a weight.
And then I remembered the man who saved me. His words echoed in my mind, steady and sharp.
Do you want revenge?
Do you want Fame, wealth, and respect?
I thought of the years I had given to this family, of the woman I had become.
I am less than a wife, less a mother, more a servant.
I thought of the dinners where my seat was empty even when I sat at the table, of the countless times my voice was drowned out, dismissed, mocked.
I was tired.
Tired of being treated as less than nothing. Tired of being invisible. Tired of being useless.
I pulled out my phone. His number was still there, glowing on the screen, waiting. My thumb hovered for only a moment before I pressed call.
The line rang once, twice, and then his voice came through. Clara.
For a moment, I couldnt breathe. My throat ached, my chest shook, but I forced the words out.
Im accepting your offer.
There was a pause. Then, a low chuckle vibrated through the receiver. Good.
That night, I also packed my bags and whatever little belongings I have. I didn't look back, not even leaving a message.
I simply walked away leaving everything, leaving my past behind, going to the future where nobody will look down at me.
This time, they will be the one to bow down to me.
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