#Chapter 64 - A Love We Can’t Leave Behind

Eloise’s POV

People used to say that “time heals all wounds,” but I was convinced that those people had never experienced a love like what I had.

Three months had passed after I had severed the mate bond with Xavier and my heart was still as shattered as ever. Despite that, I pushed through the days where I thought I was going to end my life sooner.

I decided that I was going to live up to my promise I made to the Moon Goddess, and to live out the rest of my days with love. So, I turned to taking up hobbies that I abandoned once I became Lady of the Leonards.

I spent more time with my family members, especially my mom and dad. My mom would take me out shopping to buy me beautiful clothes or to attend small parties.

During the afternoon hours, I would accompany my dad in the woods as he would go to take pictures of the wildlife for his research. We even saw a momma dear with her babies drinking from the river.

Then, I would go to my grandma’s house to pick up baking and cooking. She knew that one of my love languages revolved around food and her meals were always like home to me.

I was happy to have been able to celebrate my 18th birthday surrounded by my family, too, even though it meant I was fast approaching my death. Still, I tried to enjoy the memories I made with having cake smashed in my face!

I did everything I could to glue my heart back together but I knew that no amount would fill the void Xavier left.

One afternoon while I was out tending to the roses in our garden, a familiar face showed up at the castle. My heart squeezed when I saw his face.

“Sir Adrian,” I curtsied. “What brings you here to Witches Land?”

“My Lady.” His smile was gentle as he fisted his hand over his heart. “I’ve come bearing a letter from Lord Xavier.”

My heart stung at his name. “F-from Lord Xavier?”

His expression was bittersweet, though he nodded his head.

I took the envelope from his hand and opened the letter quickly. I scanned its contents and was shocked at what I read.

Lady Eloise,

I am writing you this letter to remind you of your duties to the Leonard family as Lady. Our divorce has not been finalized as it is still awaiting approval from the other members of my council.

During this time period, you are still expected to carry out your responsibilities as per our contract of marriage–this includes attending Leonard family events and social functions.

With this in mind, you are expected to attend the annual Luna Festival that is set to happen in 3 days.

Failure to uphold your obligations will mean causing a breach on the contract you’ve agreed to and will result in you being arrested by the Leonard family and tried within the court of law.

I expect you to do what is asked of you.

Lord Xavier.

His letter was so formal that it hurt me just to read it. Perhaps he’s moved on from me already… Good…

I looked up at Adrian and wiped away the tears I didn’t know formed. I smiled and nodded.

“I haven’t forgotten about my duties. When will we leave for Noah?”

“At your earliest convenience, my Lady.” Adrian smiled.

Nora and I packed lightly and made our way to the town of Noah. A part of me was excited to see Xavier again, even though I knew he hated me. As long as I got to see him and he was happy with his life now, that’s all that mattered.

———

It was the day before the Luna Festival when we arrived in the town of Noah. Adrian had to make a stop at the town of Lavender so I could get some proper rest and some medical care, otherwise we would’ve gotten to Noah in one day.

I was happy to be back here; it was my favorite Leonard territory. The warm weather, beautiful flowers, and friendly people were my favorite parts of the place.

Once we got to the castle, I opted to visit the rose gardens. Even though the rose bushes in Witches Land were beautiful, they paled in comparison to what Liam’s mother grew here.

Oh, how I’ve missed this place.

My moment of peace was ruined when I heard something from the shed that was just a few feet away. Or at least, I thought I did. I stood still and remained quiet, hoping to catch the noise again.

I heard it again but it wasn’t what I thought it was.

“Fuck…” I heard a low voice pant from behind the door.

“You feel so good…” The man basically growled.

My heart stopped as I thought back to when Xavier had explored my body in that very shed. Out of the countless times I visited the garden, I was always alone. No one else at the castle dared to be as risky as Xavier.

So, he really has moved on?

Breathy moans and the sounds of their skin slapping against one another was a lot louder than it should’ve been. I was almost hurt and enraged enough to fling the door open and expose his indecency.

But why? This is what I wanted! I wanted him to move on…

But maybe it was because I also wasn’t expecting to just blatantly hear him move on.

It was then that a woman’s voice exploded. “Oh, Xavier!”

“Wait, what?!” The man’s voice boomed.

A few moments later, a completely different man had emerged from the shed. He had short, blonde hair, and wasn’t nearly as muscular as Xavier. He was hastily putting on his pants as he marched away from the shed.

“Wait!” The red-headed woman pleaded as she straightened her skirt and ran after the man.

I carried myself behind a tree so I was out of sight. I watched as the pair left the garden before I let out a sigh of relief.

Well, at least it wasn’t Xavier and some random woman… But still…

I shook my head and made my way back to my room. I was far too tired to deal with anything else after having witnessed that.

So, I decided to just stay in my room for the rest of the day and rest for the more important encounter with Xavier at the Luna Festival.

Goddess… I hope tomorrow goes by smoothly.

———

The Luna Festival was as vibrant and lively as I remembered it being the year before. People were laughing, singing, and cheering as the next fight to determine the strongest werewolf was being prepared.

I took my seat on the throne that was next to Xavier’s. I assumed that no one in Noah knew of what happened between us since they all greeted me so kindly.

As time went on and Xavier didn’t show up, I wondered if he was going to actually fight again. It wouldn’t surprise me if he decided that he wanted to keep the title for himself again.

I giggled at the thought.

A man clearing their throat caught my attention as I stood up to see Xavier.

I couldn’t bring myself to smile as I was too shocked by his sudden appearance. At least I was able to move my body to curtsy and greet him.

“My Lord, it’s so good to see you…”

My words trailed as I saw a beautiful, familiar red-headed woman accompany Xavier. She stood too close to him as she leaned her chest on his arm.

“Lady Eloise,” she curtsied. “My name is Olivia. We haven’t met yet but I’m a maid for Lord Xavier.”

Olivia’s eyes settled on him and there was no mistaking the desire in her eyes.

Xavier never took his eyes off of me, despite there being no ounce of warmth or emotion on his face.

From what he showed, he wasn’t even remotely happy to see me.

So, we took our seats as the next fight began. Olivia sat next to Xavier and leaned against him once more.

It took every ounce of my being to not reach over and tear her arm off. I had to constantly remind myself that this was exactly what I wanted.

I’m going to die in a year. I’m glad he’s moved on! I just need to fight through today then I’ll get to go home…

Every so often I would take a peek over at Xavier. His face would remain facing forward but there were times I’d catch his eyes looking in my direction. I tried not to think too much of it, though.

However, when I took another peek, I looked over at Olivia, who had her hand placed on Xavier’s leg.

Anger began to rise in my chest as I watched Olivia trail her hand down to his knee and then back up his thigh. I couldn’t even tear my eyes away as she got closer and closer to his groin. She then leaned her chest forward to where her breasts were pressed against his arm.

Not once did Xavier push her away.

I couldn’t bear the pain of being humiliated and embarrassed out in public like this. I decided that I was just going to fling myself back into the bedroom and claim I was sick so I could just avoid being here.

However, when I got up, instead of a cement ground, it felt like I was walking on jello. My head was spinning like crazy and before I knew it, I fell to the floor and blacked out.