Only I knew—this time was different. This time, I was really leaving.
I left the Vernal mansion, got into a car, and headed for downtown, leaving behind the gilded cage that had imprisoned me for over half a year. Once, I hadn't hated it so much. I had thought of it as home, tried to fit in, tried to be accepted. But it had never truly accepted me.
Since that was the case, I was done trying to please them, done sacrificing myself for people who didn't care.
I walked forward with purpose, stepped into the warm sunlight, and never looked back.
CHAPTER 6
ELIAS VERNAL
Ibrought Liv to the Vernal Corporation headquarters. She seemed nervous. I could hear her heart pounding faster than usual.
That was understandable.
She still hadn't recovered her memories, yet I was already bringing her to work. Of course she would feel anxious and scared. But the doctors had said the best way to help her regain her memories was to have her re-experience her past.
"Do you remember this place?"
I led her into the elevator and asked softly as I pressed the button for the twenty-eighth floor. I noticed Liv's eyes fixed on the number, and a sense of pride rose in me. In this city, everyone knew the Vernal Corporation's standing. Every floor was a reminder of the immense wealth and power this pack commanded.
This was the empire my ancestors and I had built with blood and sweat.
The glory that belonged to the Vernal pack alone.
"I don't remember." Liv finally looked away and moved closer to me, her expression lost and vulnerable. "I'm sorry, Elias. I still can't recall anything."
"It's okay. The amnesia isn't your fault." My body stiffened for a moment. "As long as you're back, that's all that matters. We can start over."
After saying that, my mind drifted. Serenity's determined figure surfaced in my mind as she walked away yesterday.
Starting over with Liv meant keeping my distance from Serenity. Her leaving was an inevitable outcome. And yet I hadn't been able to sleep all night. Every time I closed my eyes, her silhouette was there like a smudge on glass that wouldn't wipe away. No matter how hard I tried not to think about her, she stood there, watching me with sad eyes.
Liv's voice broke through. She tugged at my sleeve, puzzled. "Elias? We’re here."
I forced the image away and managed a smile. "It's nothing. Let's go."
Stop thinking about her, Elias. She's just a traitor who deceived you. You should be glad she's gone, not unsettled and reluctant.
I kept repeating this to myself as I led Liv out of the elevator.
Before her amnesia, Liv had been my personal secretary. I wasn't sure how much her professional skills had been affected. To be safe, once we reached my office, I called Herman on the internal line.
He arrived quickly. The moment he pushed open the door and his gaze landed on Liv standing obediently beside me, his brow furrowed.
"Herman, let everyone know," I said directly. "From now on, Liv will be returning to work at the corporation. She'll resume her position."
Herman opened his mouth. "But Alpha," he finally spoke, his tone laced with concern, "Miss Liv just came back and has amnesia. I'm worried the secretary position is too demanding. It might worsen her condition."
His words sounded like concern for Liv, but I caught the underlying message. As my Beta, Herman had always been cautious. He was worried her amnesia might affect work efficiency and cause problems for the company.
But he didn't understand. Liv had saved my life. Repaying her was something I had to do.
Just as I was struggling with how to respond, Liv stepped forward. "It's okay. I'm not afraid of hard work. If there's something I don't know, I can learn. I'll study hard."
Her consideration put me at ease, and also made me pause.
This kind of thoughtfulness… Serenity used to give me that too. She ironed every piece of my clothing, remembered all my little habits, and prepared my favorite foods. That kind of care was something I'd never experienced while being groomed to become the pack Alpha…
