The Gamma’s Regret Chapter 01

The Gamma’s Regret Chapter 01

In my past life, I had a seemingly perfect marriage with my fated mate, Arthur, for thirty years.

On my fiftieth birthday, he confessed he had fallen for a young warrior, Clara Voss. I thought it was just a phase and refused to sign the dissolution papers.

When Clara left and bonded with someone else, Arthur got distracted during training and ended up crippled. I stayed and took care of him for fifteen years.

But on his deathbed, he held my hand and said,

“My biggest regret was bonding with you. If I had another chance, I’d be braver.”

After that, my children blamed me for everything. When I became paralyzed, they threw me into a low-tier nursing home. After I died, they dumped my ashes like trash.

“If it weren’t for you, Dad and Clara would’ve been happy.”

Then I woke up, back to the day he asked to end our bond.

This time, I chose first.

I filed for dissolution and kicked him and the kids out.

Gamma Arthur, go live your perfect life with her.

**

I’d been working since six in the morning.

Alone in the open kitchen, prepping the dinner party. Salad. Venison pie. Truffle mashed potatoes. Moonberry cake. Everything made and plated by my own hands.

I was stuck in that kitchen all day. My back ached so badly I couldn’t stand straight.

My mate was either training in the underground fighting ring or studying his chess games out on the balcony.

My son arrived first. He brought a box of premium tea and ten top-shelf cigars for his father.

Then he handed me a plastic bag full of rotten fruit.

“Bought too much during the New Year sale. Lily said we couldn’t finish it. Seemed wasteful to toss it. So here. For you.”

He said it with a smile. Like it was perfectly normal.

I said nothing. I took the fruit to the kitchen.

My daughter showed up not long after.

Black truffle veal shank simmered on the stove. Afternoon sunlight flooded the living room.

The kids gathered around their father. Laughing. Chatting.

In that warm family scene, I was the only one who felt like an outsider.

Soon, the food hit the table.

My son raised his glass first.

“Dad, here’s to you! Without you as my role model, I never would’ve made it this far in my career. You’re not

just my father. You’re my greatest mentor.”

My daughter stood too. “Dad, without you, this family would be nothing. I’m toasting you too.”

She downed her drink and took a bite of steak. Her brow furrowed.

“Mom, this is way too salty. Can’t you cook anything right?”

They all seemed to forget that we were here to celebrate my 50th birthday.

“I have something to say.”

My mate downed his third glass of wine and slammed it on the table like he’d finally made up his mind.

“Elaine. I have to be honest. I’m in love with someone else. A warrior under my command.”

“We’ve been together a long time. She’s young. Insecure. I want… to give her a proper place.”

I gripped my chopsticks so tight my knuckles went white.

Before I could speak, my son burst out, thrilled.

“Dad, you finally said it! Seriously, not everyone has that kind of courage. Whatever happens, your son’s got your back.”

My daughter clapped. “Dad, congrats on your second spring! Let’s toast to this true love that crosses class

boundaries!”

The three of them raised their glasses and drank.

Only I stayed silent. Head bowed. The outsider.

“Mom, don’t be such a buzzkill.”

“Yeah, Dad found his true love. Shouldn’t you be happy for him?”

Their eyes were full of reproach. Like I was the one being childish and unreasonable.

I stared at the cold food on the table and let out a bitter laugh.

Then I pulled a crumpled mate dissolution agreement from my pocket.

“Fine. I’ll let you go.”