I did not 4

Chapter 4 

Dorian did not know the claim had already been released. 

When he returned to the study, he only felt that something was wrong. 

The room was too quiet. 

When Vivienne had still been here, she would always stay with him. While he handled pack affairs at the desk, she worked on her sketches by the window. Over time, the study had been divided between them-half for his papers, half for her art. 

They both disliked anyone entering without permission. Even the housekeeper would not come unless informed. 

Dorian stood in the center of the room, staring at the bare shelves and walls. Suddenly, he remembered yesterday. 

Was this the place where Vivienne and Leo had argued? Did Leo make this mess? 

1 

He could not believe it. His papers were untouched, not a single one missing. Yet every piece destroyed during Leo’s play was Vivienne’s work. 

He called the housekeeper back into the study. 

“How much did Leo destroy yesterday? Why does it look like half the room has been cleared out?” 

The housekeeper sighed. 

“Sir, Leo destroyed half of Madam’s sketches. She took the rest with her.” 

“Took them?” 

“She said it wasn’t safe here.” 

Dorian froze. This was their territory, the place Vivienne had lived for three years. 

And she said it wasn’t safe. 

His wolf contracted in his chest. 

He had never imagined that the pup carrying his bloodline would do this. He finally understood why Vivienne had reacted that way in the study yesterday. 

He had been focused on protecting Leo and had completely ignored her feelings. 

Regret washed over him like cold water. Yet his work was far from done. Messages in the pack channel kept arriving, elders demanding explanations in increasingly stern tones. He did not even have time to think about apologizing to Vivienne. 

He told the housekeeper, “Have Seraphina take Leo to Vivienne and apologize.” 

Then he lowered his head and continued managing the flood of messages. 

Seraphina’s jaw clenched when she heard the instruction. 

Yesterday, she had been confident in front of Vivienne. Today, she had to apologize. 

She said to the housekeeper, “Understood.” After the housekeeper left, she pulled Leo close. 

“Leo, do you think you did something wrong yesterday?” 

Leo shook his head. He had enjoyed tearing things apart, and both his parents had defended him. How could he be at fault? 

Seraphina smiled. “Since Leo does not think he did wrong, we will not apologize. If your father asks, tell him the truth, understood?” 

1/2 

Chapter 4 

+25 BONUS 

She did not even open Vivienne’s chat. 

Apologize? She would wait until Dorian asked again. 

She settled into Dorian’s territory, unaware of the storm her actions had caused outside. 

Through the pack link, Dorian’s father, Alistair, contacted him. 

“Who allowed you to leave that woman’s pup in the territory?” the elder Alpha’s voice was ice-cold. “Are you out of your mind? Do you realize the damage this could cause to the Blackthorn Pack if word gets out?” 

“And what about Hale? How will you explain this to Vivienne’s father?” 

Dorian clenched his fists. 

“This is my personal matter. It will not affect the pack—” 

“Not affect?” Alistair sneered. “Many Alphas guard their mate status with absolute secrecy. Do you think it is for nothing? You cannot change that now. Vivienne has left, and the Hale family will not forgive this easily.” 

The connection ended. 

Dorian stared at the darkened screen. His wolf paced anxiously in his chest. 

He had to find Vivienne. He would take her to the Hale territory, apologize in front of Alistair, and arrange several public appearances to confirm their mate bond. That would calm the gossip. 

But where had Vivienne gone? 

2/2