The Day He Knelt, I Married a Don Novel

---- Chapter 8 Tessa couldn't be bothered to confront them. Arguing with them seemed pointless. She just wanted to leave as quickly as possible. Every additional minute in this place made her stomach churn. "The ship will arrive early this morning. Would you prefer to board later in the day or...?" Before the person could finish, Tessa quickly interrupted. "P1l go in the early hours." "Alright, we'll be waiting for you." With Ryan absent, there was little left to deal with. She packed up everything and had it sent off, leaving only Ryan's belongings behind.

The news of their mating ceremony had already spread throughout the packs. She received a flood of messages: "Congratulations on your wedding!" "Wishing you a happy marriage! Stay joyful!" "Pve always thought you and Alpha Ryan were meant to ---- Endless well-wishes-nothing more than polite formalities. Tessa stared at her phone, her eyes stinging. Wedding? Impossible. She couldn't bring herself to reply to a single one. She had never wanted to be Ryan's Luna. She visited the ceremony venue alone, her eyes scanning the extravagant floral decorations-something she had once dreamed of.

But the people standing next to her had changed a long time ago. She gazed at the photos on display, their smiles bright and radiant. Ina flash, she tore up one of the wedding photos. To the attendant nearby, she coldly instructed, "Take all these down. I don't want to see them." The attendant didn't ask any questions, merely assuming she was unhappy. "Why are you throwing a tantrum? You're about to become the Luna of a pack, you should act a little more ---- mature." Avoice came from behind her, and when Tessa turned, it was Audrey. Tessa remained silent.

From a young age, Audrey had always pressured her to be the perfect Luna, while Chloe got to be lively and carefree. Tessa had long since grown accustomed to Audrey's criticisms. Audrey scoffed, pulling a gift box from her purse. "This is your new mating ceremony gift." Tessa blinked in surprise. Had her mother ever given her anything before? Her emotions were conflicted, but she waited until Audrey left to open it. Inside was a dazzling diamond necklace. For amoment, she just stared at it, a cold smile frozen on her face. She recognized the necklace.

It had been given to Chloe on her fifth birthday by Audrey. And when Audrey had seen that Tessa liked it, she'd ---- promised to give it to her when she turned ten. But that promise had stretched on for over a decade. Chloe had gotten it effortlessly, while Tessa had to wait years. Yet, when Tessa earned her first paycheck as an adult, she bought it for herself. She stared at the necklace, her thoughts swirling. Finally, she threw it in the trash. She no longer needed it. And today-this would be the last time they ever met.

The day before the mating ceremony, Ryan and Tessa were not allowed to share a room, which conveniently made it easier for her to leave tonight. To her surprise, she received a message from Chloe. "Wishing you a happy wedding and a lifetime of happiness." Chloe must have sent it while lying in Ryan's arms. Of course, she was thrilled. Once the mating ceremony was over, their plans would be complete. Chloe would become the sole daughter of the Bloodmoon pack's Alpha, and Ryan would replace his brother, ---- becoming the true Alpha, with his Luna by his side, forming the perfect family.

Tessa smiled bitterly, glancing at the boxes around her. She replied, "Thank you for the wishes. I will." "By the way, I got you some gifts. You' ll get them tomorrow." She offered her hollow pleasantries. The gifts she had prepared for Chloe were handed over to the courier. On the day of the mating ceremony, when Chloe received her presents, Tessa would be far away. Once everything was packed and ready, Tessa took one final look at the house. There was no regret, no lingering attachment.

She grabbed her phone and typed out a message: "Sorry, but Ryan and I's mating ceremony has been canceled." "Please attend the ceremony for Ryan and Chloe instead." Attached were photos of Ryan and Chloe together- captured during their frequent meetings, easily arranged ---- through a discreet photographer. Once she was on the ship, the message would be sent automatically. It was her gift to them. Half an hour later, she stood before the cruise ship, identical to the model she had seen earlier.

"Miss, where would you like to go?" Tessa gazed out at the dark ocean, its depths hidden from view, but ahead, there was new life. "To Naples." As the ship drifted further away, she threw her phone's SIM card into the sea. She didn't want anyone to reach her. Her thoughts swirled. Her lashes trembled slightly. She would never return to this place again.