It was a Wednesday morning. Eliana prepared and went to a pilgrim medical centre. She didn’t tell Maria. Telling her any part of this, or even a twisted lie, would expose the truth. Eliana took the abortion and forgot Jack had ever happened.

Entering a gigantic building, the receptionist greeted Eliana. She was a slim lady with a pretty smile. She handed Eliana a medical history form to fill out. The laboratory work-up was done, including blood analysis, RH typing, and urinary test. A doctor with transparent glasses performed an ultrasound on her. Eliana was just six weeks pregnant. Then she entered a room where a female counsellor sat. The lady had light blonde hair and hazel eyes. Eliana guessed she would be in her mid-fifties and opened up to her with a smile.

“Sit down.” The counsellor offered, facing her squarely.

“Do you use contraception?”

“Yeah, condoms.”

“Have you ever considered other forms of contraception? Implants, pills...”

“I haven’t thought about it,” Eliana replied, calmly.

“And how many sexual partners do you have? Male or female?” The councillor raised, vividly rolling her eyes at Eliana.

“A couple in the past. I just have one right now and he’s a male.”

“And have you considered the possibility of adoption?”

“This child would end up being a nuisance. I don’t want an adoption, no.”

“Okay, fine.” She replied, scribbling something into her notepad. “A family, friend, or partner would have to bring you and pick you up after the abortion. Who do you think would be available?”

“No one.”

“Why, no one? What about your partner?” the counsellor gazed at Eliana through her transparent glasses. Adjusting it a little.

“He’s a cheat.”

“Your family?”

“It would kill my mum. She’s all I’ve got.” Eliana's voice cracked, close to tears.

“Then get a friend. This is an important policy and you must follow.”

Eliana couldn’t help but think about Lilah. She hoped to pay a visit even though Lilah was occupied with the wedding preparations.

“Okay, ma’am,” Eliana answered as they concluded the discussion.

Eliana stepped out of the centre into her rented jeep. Falling into the passenger seat, her phone rang. She checked the screen and saw the name Jack.

Her heart boiled while staring at her phone’s screen. Nothing would make her change her mind now. The call ended, and he dialled her contact again. She didn’t reply. Eliana hissed and kicked the car engines, zooming into the busy road.

She went to Wulfric’s mansion. Luckily, Lilah was home. She asked if Lilah could make it on Friday, which was the day fixed for the abortion. Although Lilah’s wedding was going to be held in two weeks, she agreed without second thoughts.

“What about Jack? Have you heard from him, yet? Did he call you or... Text?” Lilah brought it up.

“He called, Lee. I don’t plan to hear from him, ever.” Eliana replied in a flat tone.

“This is crushing. You shouldn’t have to go through these.”

“I know, it hurts.” Eliana nodded in agreement. “I feel so humiliated in his presence. I don’t want to face him.”

“You’ll be okay, Elie.” Lilah placed a comfy hand on hers. “Regret is the most painful thing one can experience in life.”

“Yeah. Sometimes, I wish life was like a book. So I could sneak a peep at the last few pages to make sure everything turns out well.”

“Yeah, but I feel-” Lilah stopped within the words.” Eliana pulled closer, interested.

“What do you feel?”

“I feel as if these are rushed. These. I mean, why are you in a hurry to get rid of this pregnancy? What’s the need, exactly? I thought you loved him.”

“I was so stupid, Lee! His love lasted for three days. When I thought he was a good guy, not anymore. I should have learned from my previous relationship that things do not get worse. The more I hold on, the riskier it becomes. Don’t you get it? I don’t want to spend another day carrying this bastard child... It reminds me of him. I hate getting flashbacks of things I don’t want to remember!”

Thinking about Eliana's words made Lilah remember Asher. She still finds it hard to eliminate the memories of him. ‘Was it because I was pregnant with him too?’

Eliana caught the flushed look on Lilah’s face.

“And about this wedding. Are you ready? I mean it’s been a long time waiting.” A half smile formed on Eliana's lips.

“Sure I am. Why do you ask?”

“I’m just concerned about you. You shouldn’t make the same mistake I did. We deserve the person who treats our hearts like a precious gem it is. Someone who brings peace to our lives, not chaos. Let’s not waste the rest of our lives wondering what would have been.”

Lilah faked a smile, pondering on her last words.

On Friday morning, Eliana picked up Lilah at her house as they drove to the clinic. There were other ladies as well, seated.

A nurse walked up to Eliana and handed her a form. Filling out medical paperwork, she waited outside an operating room, holding onto Lilah’s hand

“Don’t worry, you’ll be fine,” Lilah assured with a small smile. Eliana nodded, closing her eyes and taking out a heavy sigh.

After a while, they took Eliana to a room. They put her into a blue hospital gown, while she patiently waited.

Inside the operating room, Eliana slipped into a wheelchair. She got hooked up to a blood pressure machine and got injected with a sedative. After taking a deep breath, Lilah fell asleep. The nurses then placed a mask on her nose, connecting her to an oxygen machine.

Two hours later. Lilah helped Eliana out of the clinic and drove her home. Maria had no clue. She was busy in her fashion designing shop, creating a beautiful wedding dress for Lilah.

Days Later...

Lilah was checking out her wedding dress. It was an off-shoulder ball gown, embroidered with white lace, beads, and sparkling stones. She pats her hand down, looking at her reflection in the standing mirror. Eliana dropped it and hung around for a while.

‘Cork’ The door cried as Eliana barged in.

“What are you doing?” She brought up with a glass of wine at hand.

“Checking out my wedding gown. Why?” Lilah stretched her arm to the back, unzipping it.

“Don’t tell me you’re checking it out again.” Eliana rolled her eyes, bored. “It’s the third time today.”

“I just need to be sure it’s perfect. You know, in case of any adjustments.” Lilah dropped the dress, joining Eliana by the side of the bed. “I notice you’re depressed.”

Eliana wore a sarcastic look at her friend and rolled her eyes. Emptying the glass of red wine, clenched in her right hand.

Lilah watched her and continued. “You hardly smiled unlike before. I wish I could lighten your mood.”

‘Urrrrh!’

Eliana’s throat gurgles in a grumpy burp. Releasing the air from her stomach. It was the second bottle of wine she’d taken. Good enough, werewolves don’t get drunk. She swallowed the air in a stridor and giggled lightly, giving no reply.

“Should I read your palms and tell you about the future? It’s been a while.”

A small smile settled on Eliana’s lips. “You haven’t done that in a very long time. Your readings won’t change anything. Although, you’ve always predicted that my mate would be human. Now, look what I got myself into. I’ll date none of them again.”

“I haven’t met half of the guys you’ve dated.” Lilah pointed out. “Not even Jack, so please... Have a little faith. Let’s see if it’s still the same.”

Eliana closed her eyes and gently heaved on her breath. Sitting next to Lilah, she stretched her right palm forward for reading.

“Ice Moon.” Lilah raised her head to Eliana. “The ice moon means starting over. Everything bothering you would be gone soon. Your tears would melt and fade away like the ice under the moonbeam. Most of all, you will smile. It’s going to be genuine happiness. An everlasting one!”

Eliana quirked an eyebrow in disbelief.

“But...”

“But what?” She pulled forward in curiosity.

Lilah studied Eliana's fingerprints as if reading lines from an interesting romance novel. “There are two things involved. Either you start over with a new person or... Settle a misunderstanding with an old friend.”

“What do you mean, an old friend? Are you talking about my ex? Josh McCall?”

“I thought Jack was your ex. Whatever! You might start over with someone you already know or meet with a new, genuine partner.”

“Huh! How do I meet with someone new? How would I know it’s the person?” She pressured, more interested.

“I do not know... Sometimes, you need to wait and watch what destiny has got for you. Other times, you just have to accept it. I hardly read mine because, sometimes, it’s better not knowing.”

“Uh... It’s easy to say that. As if you haven’t been through a lot already.”

“We all have but, I need you to be happy being you. Whatever is meant for you will surely come to you.” Lilah encouraged. “This gown is a perfect fit. I’ll be getting married in 7 days to the love of my life and I feel I’m missing something out. What was it like before Asena’s death?”

“Fun... It was always fun with the three of us.” Eliana remembered, smiling a little.

“Yes, why don’t we go to the club? To dance a little and have fun. It’s been a while since I had a makeover.”

“Yeah, me too. Loving someone can be so messy. It’s as if I never learn. “ Eliana pouted her lips at the words. “I’m just disturbed. What if I barge into him again?”

“Are you scared or what? This guy hit you, he hurt you and you want to hide? Look, the world isn’t a flower field. You shouldn’t be good to people who beat you up. Those who throw punches don’t know how much it hurts, only those who take punches do. What if you meet him? Do you still care?”

“What about you? Don’t you care about the Alpha? Was that what it was?”

Lilah dropped her shoulders and sighed. “There you go again. Using your life to compare mine. Using your problems to compare mine. I’ve let bygone be bygones, dear.”

“Let’s change and go out. It’s boring in here.”

“Yes, I agree!” Eliana jerked out of the bed with excitement in her eyes.