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"Emily, you finally said yes! I've been holding this role for you!"
"I know it! With you, this film is guaranteed to win some major awards!"
Before her mating, Daniel's mother, the former Luna, had demanded Emily give up her acting career to focus on pack life.
For three years, aside from occasional appearances with Daniel at necessary functions, she had completely vanished from the public eye.
Emily had almost forgotten what it felt like to be that young actress, clutching an Oscar trophy just three years ago.
But in one month, she would have her certificate of dissolution and could finally return to the career she loved.
"Emily, when can you get to the UK? I can't wait to start!"
Emily glanced at a calendar.
"How about the 6th of next month?"
That was the day her one-month cooling-off period ended, the day of her final bond-severing ceremony.
The moment the ceremony was over, she would be on a flight to London.
After discussing the role with Michael, Emily hung up.
She had just gotten into her car when her phone buzzed with the special notification tone she had set for Daniel.
Emily tapped the screen, and Daniel's latest Instagram post popped up.
[I would do anything, as long as you agree to be with me.]
The caption was accompanied by a photo of the rejection agreement and another picture of his hand intertwined with Sophia's.
Daniel had created his Instagram account seven years ago.
He had only ever made three posts.
The first was a public declaration to the world when Emily agreed to be his mate.
The second was a message of congratulations when she won Best Actress.
The third was a lavish display of his love on the day of their mating ceremony.
Now, all three of those posts were gone.
Only this new one remained.
In the comments, Sophia's followers were celebrating wildly.
[OMG, our Alpha and the new goddess! They're perfect together!]
[Sophia deserves the best! That washed-up old Luna should have been kicked out ages ago!]
...
Suddenly, the name "Emily Vance" was trending on Twitter for the first time in years.
FormerLunaEmilyRejected, Kicked Out of Black Moon Pack!#
SHOCKING!
Once-Perfect Mates Split After Three Years!#
When she had mated with Daniel, Emily never imagined they would end up here.
They had survived the pack elders' strongest opposition, only to be torn apart by Daniel's infidelity.
Emily swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat and left a comment on Daniel's post.
[Congratulations to the Alpha on his new love.]
Just as she hit send, her former agent, Jessica, called.
"Emily, you and Daniel..."
Jessica had watched her rise from a newcomer to an Oscar-winning actress.
Even after Emily retired, they remained the best of friends.
Hearing the hesitation in her voice, Emily spoke first.
"Jessica, it's true. Daniel and I have signed the rejection agreement."
Jessica was silent for a moment, her voice filled with a deep sigh.
"I saw how he loved you back then. I really thought he was different from those other arrogant Alphas."
When she first mated with Daniel, she too thought he was a rare, faithful Alpha.
Looking back now, Daniel was probably just a very good actor.
If he had pursued acting, he would have been an Oscar-winning legend.
After all, his performance had fooled even her.
"Anyway, let's not talk about that. Don't forget to be on time for the Golden Film Awards tonight. I'm already here."
Before their mating, Emily had starred in one last film, The Unending.
Due to a massive amount of post-production work, it was only released last year, but it had already won several international awards.
Her role in the film had earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Film Awards.
The ceremony was tonight.
After hanging up, Emily drove straight to the venue.
She had just found her seat when a commotion erupted at the entrance.
Emily looked over and saw Sophia on Daniel's arm as they walked in.
Reporters swarmed them, microphones thrust forward.
"Alpha Blackwood, your three-year mating with Ms. Vance has ended just like that. Do you have any regrets?"
"Ms. Summers, Mr. Blackwood rejected his Luna for you. Do you feel your actions were in any way immoral?"
Faced with the sharp questions, Sophia lifted her chin, a bright smile on her face.
"I, Sophia Summers, would never stoop to breaking up a relationship. Daniel and I officially got together after he rejected his former Luna. Their mating had problems long before I came along. That's not my fault."
Daniel looked at the woman beside him with adoration.
"No regrets. If there's no love between two people, a mate bond is nothing but a cage. Ending it is a relief for both of us."
