Mistaking Friends with Benefits for Forever

Sitting in Yuri's living room with my parents, I felt uncomfortable for the first time.

I used to play around with Yuri here, even making up excuses to sneak into his bedroom to make out.

But now…

"My Luna," Yuri's father said with a wide smile, "You wouldn't believe how much effort Yuri has put into winning Lucia's heart."

He said, "He could've pursued her directly, but insisted on getting our approval to court her with mate bond in mind. He even asked me to visit her father ahead of time and prepare everything properly before he met her as her future mate."

I looked around the carefully decorated living room that was filled with vibrant roses.

The table was set with high-end delicacies for guests. Even the little pet dog had been dressed up with a cute bowtie.

Yuri stood in front of the mirror, straightening his collar and fixing his hair over and over again, refusing to allow a single flaw in his appearance.

The irony was suffocating. Just yesterday, we had been together in bed. His hands were all over my body, and he had kissed the mole on my waist with such passion.

Even the underwear he was wearing right now had been bought by me.

The Luna let out a sigh and, holding my mother's hand, said with regret, "What a shame about Yuri and Ophelia. We thought they'd form mate bond when they were still pups! They've always been so close, and I believed…"

The Luna continued, "Ophelia is so beautiful, kind, and gentle. I've always adored her, but I guess they're not meant to be mate to each other.

I kept my head down and said nothing.

I was afraid my tears would fall in front of everyone if I got too emotional.

Yuri frowned and said impatiently, "Mom! I've always seen Ophelia as a close friend, don't overthink it. Besides, that was just a joke from childhood; it doesn't mean anything. Don't let Lucia hear about this. What if she misunderstands and gets upset?"

He had no regard for the dignity of his elders.

His gaze shifted to me, as if I had somehow asked the Luna to favor me, and said coldly, "Ophelia, where's that heirloom bracelet my mother gave you?"

When I stayed silent, he walked straight over and yanked my arm roughly. "That bracelet was meant for my mate. Give it back…"

Before he could finish, the expressions on everyone's faces changed.

In an instant, the atmosphere turned tense.

My mother was just about to stand up to stop Yuri when the Luna got there first. She rushed to my side and shoved Yuri away.

"Yuri, how could you treat her like this?" she snapped. "You're not even officially with Lucia yet! Don't forget that you begged and pleaded with Ophelia to wear that bracelet when you were 17!"

Yuri froze in place. His mind went blank for a second as long-buried memories resurfaced.

When I was 18, someone began aggressively courting me.

He had gotten drunk when he heard it. That night, he stole the family heirloom bracelet that was originally only meant to be worn by the pack Luna and staggered to my doorstep, slurring my name.

He had said in a low voice, nearly in tears, "Put it on. Please, you can only belong to me."

Back in the present, he took a deep breath, loosened his tie, and smiled. "Forget it. It's just a bracelet. I don't believe in taking back gifts. Keep it, Ophelia."

I stood up and cut him off. "No need. I'll return it. Just give me a moment to go get it."

Before anyone could stop me, I quickly turned around and walked away.

I pressed my lips together, praying they wouldn't betray the chaos beneath.