Bride of the cruel Lycan

LI

pull the coat tighter around me as I walk down the street. I need to see Evan. Our relationship is a secret. I've kept it from my father, Marianne, and especially Jane. They ruin everything good in my life, and I can't let them touch this. Evan is mine. He'll always be just mine. It doesn't take long to reach his penthouse in the city. It's a place where we can be alone, away from prying eyes. As I step into the building, I smile at Ben, the bald man at the front desk. He's always here, always polite. But today, something's off. He looks up at me, then quickly glances away like he doesn't want to meet my eyes. "Going up to Evan's," I say, my voice light. Ben nods, but there's a hesitation in his movements. I frown, wondering what's wrong, but decide not to press him as i walk to the penthouses' private lift. Maybe he's just having a bad day. As the elevator rises, butterflies flutter in my stomach. No matter how many times I see Evan, I always feel like this-nervous and excited all at once. He's everything I've ever wanted, and I can't wait to see him again. The doors slide open, and I step into the penthouse. But something immediately feels wrong. The first thing I notice is the lamp lying on its side, its shade crooked. Then there's the rug, bunched up like someone tripped over it. The decorative pillows from the couch scattered across the floor. My heart skips a beat as I take it all in. This isn't normal. Evan is meticulous, always keeping things tidy. Did something happen? "Evan?" I call out, my voice shaky. There's no answer. I step further inside, my eyes scanning the room. That's when I see them-his gray slacks, crumpled on the floor in front of his bedroom door. Next to them is a pink, frilly dress. My chest tightens, and I feel like I can't breathe. I try to tell myself it's not what it looks like. There has to be an explanation. Maybe he spilled something on his clothes and changed. Maybe the dress belongs to a friend. But then I hear it. Muffled noises coming from behind the closed bedroom door. My stomach churns as I take a shaky step forward. My hands tremble as I reach for the doorknob. I don't want to open it. I don't want to see. I twist the knob and push the door open. Time seems to freeze. There he is. Evan. In bed. With someone else. But it's not just anyone. As they pull apart and turn to look at me, I recognize her immediately. The blonde hair, the sharp features, the smug expression that never quite leaves her f