Chapter 2 - Ten Million Dollars

Celia‘s POV My mind is nearly blank. …I'm a substitute. I'm nothing but a substitute lover. Is that why he always gave me white dresses and perfume? Because Bianca uses them, and he wanted me to be more like her…?! I know I should leave. But my feet feel frozen in place. I stand there, rigid, for a long time before finally forcing myself to return to the bedroom. And beyond the door, Soren’s voice—Bianca’s voice—still drifts through the silence. “…Back then, I noticed her appearance and scent were somewhat similar to yours, so I signed a love contract with her, hoping she would be of some use. But unfortunately, she was completely useless…” Soren sighs. I can almost picture him now. “Bianca, I need you, just like we once were. Only when I’m near you and can smell your scent do I feel a moment of relief.” …A moment of relief. I’ve always known something was wrong with Soren’s wolf—a secret only those closest to him would ever know. If an Alpha King goes too long without finding his fated mate, his wolf begins to spiral into madness. Because of this, Soren often suffers from headaches. He struggles to find any sense of peace. Has Soren been using me all along? Were his gifts and tokens of affection nothing more than a facade—one I was too blind to see through? “So, how are things working out now?” Bianca’s faint voice carries through the doorway. “As usual,” Soren mutters, rubbing his temples. “…After all these years, I’ve stopped expecting to find my mate.” “But Bianca, you’re special. Your scent soothes me. We may not be fated mates, but we are fated ‘chosen mates.’” Bianca’s response is too quiet to make out, but I can still hear her sharp, satisfied laughter. It haunts me. And then—Soren laughs along with her. It’s like I’m being ripped apart without even having a say. Then, Bianca seems to ask something. “…That wolfless lover of yours—do you think she loves you?” Soren’s chuckles die down, his voice turning serious. “Are you joking? She’s just a gold digger who can be bought with money.” I take a step back from the door, my chest tightening. I close my eyes, tears stinging behind my eyelids. Soren continues, “If she ever says otherwise, I’ll just double the price—to make sure she keeps her mouth shut about a relationship that ends today.” Silent tears stream down my cheeks. “After all,” he says smoothly, “she’s just a gold digger.” I stumble backward, the air in my lungs vanishing. I can’t breathe. I can’t think. Their voices seem so far away. For the past five years, I have rejected Soren’s attempts to give me money. I always said no and never took beyond the original one million dollars that was offered to me. He even didn't know why I sell my self is to save my grandma, he didn't care it at all! I only took what was written in the contract, I just wanted to save my grandma! Because I love him, even though I know I don't deserve it, I wanted to be on equal footing with him, to give him the same amount of love and affection that I hoped he would have shown me. After five years together, I am nothing but a simple pawn in his game to get Bianca back. ...A lowly substitute. Nothing more. Nothing less. Gold digger. Substitute. Replacement. Love contract. It’s a contracted relationship! How could I ever think that he would actually develop feelings of love for me? — I’m just a fool. I take a deep breath, wipe away my tears, unwilling to show even a hint of disgrace — and then I hear the sound of the doorknob turning. Soren’s Beta enters the bedroom, our eyes meeting. I straighten my posture and hold back the tears that threaten to fall, simply raising an eyebrow at him. The Beta bows his head at me and closes the distance, extending out his hand that holds a white envelope. I take it from him, slowly ripping open the seam, and slide out a check that sits on the inside of the envelope. “Soren has commanded me to tell you that you have earned a confidentiality fee as well as a breakup compensation,” the Beta stares at me. I tilt my head to the side and finally look down at the check. Five million dollars. Five million dollars is the price tag that Soren has put on our time together. I can’t help but laugh staring at the piece of paper. I look back up and bite the inside of my cheek, passing the check back to the Beta. “No, thank you. I refuse,” my voice is steady, calm. The Beta raises an eyebrow at me, taking the check back. “Ma’am?” He clears his throat, leaning in, “You…you refuse?” The bedroom door creaks open and Soren slides his phone into the pack pocket of his pants. He steps in from behind the door, towering over the Beta—taller, stronger, infinitely more attractive. Just looking at him nearly takes my breath away. Soren swipes the check from his Beta’s hands, looking down at the number, then turning to face me. “What’s wrong? Is the amount not good enough for you?” Soren’s brows furrow—cold, confused.“...I didn’t expect you to be so greedy.” I part my lips, but no words come out. My throat tightens, the ache unbearable. After a moment, I lower my head, only managing a broken whisper. “That’s… not it. I didn’t come here for this。” He holds up a hand, silencing me. I swallow the spit that’s inside my mouth and watch as he takes slow, deep breaths. Soren’s eyes leave mine and travel around the room. His gaze lands on the plate of cookies, and sighs. "...Fine." Soren says. “If this is what will satisfy you, then it’s alright. You’ve been playing the role of my life assistant for all these years, so giving you more wouldn’t hurt,” Soren turns to me. His eyes flicker between me and his Beta. His Beta nods, pulls out a pen and checkbook from his pocket, and hands them to Soren. I hear the sound of Soren signing his name on the paper. A moment later, a check with an even larger sum is placed in front of me. …Ten million dollars. An additional gift. A massive price for my body. Tears well up at the corners of my eyes, yet I almost want to laugh—laugh at myself. Soren watches me hesitate for too long, confusion flickering across his face. “…I assumed this amount would satisfy you.” I keep my head down, refusing to let him see my tears. “No, I refuse, sir.” “Why? Didn’t you do all of this for the money?” His brows knit together. “If not for the money, then why go beyond what was in the contract? There is no love between us. You took care of me, baked for me, helped me with my life—that’s what you deserve.” “…No.” Soren’s eyes narrow. “What?” “I said—I didn’t!” My tears break free. I slap the check away, lifting my gaze to meet Soren’s stunned eyes. The sharp crack of paper hitting the ground echoes through the silence, the check fluttering weightlessly to the floor—but I don’t spare it a single glance. I only look at Soren. “I don’t want it. I don’t want any of it…” “I did all of this because I love you, Soren!” Then, I see it—Soren’s eyes widen in pure shock.