While He Played Love, I Played War Chapter 04
The message ended with a cute little emoji.
I stared at it for half a minute before replying: [Of course.]
Her response came almost immediately.
Thank you, Luna Madison. I was worried you might mind.
I typed back: [Not at all. Come.]
A voice message popped up seconds later. Her voice was sweet enough to make my teeth ache.
“Then maybe I’ll wear something loose. Otherwise, if everyone sees my belly… they might get the wrong idea, right?”
I listened to the recording three times.
Then saved it.
Finally, I replied: [They won’t.]
She dropped the act immediately.
[Madison, you’re such a good person. No wonder Alpha Derek always says you’re the most understanding.]
Understanding.
I’d been hearing that word for ten years. And I’m done.
I took a screenshot of her messages and sent them to Cassie.
Cassie replied instantly: [Luna, she’s unbelievably arrogant.]
[No rush,] I replied.
A moment later, Cassie sent another photo. Inside Derek’s car sat a red document folder.
Across the front were the words: [Marital Property Arrangement]
I immediately typed: [Can you photograph what’s inside?]
Cassie’s reply came after a short pause: [Tomorrow is Logan’s last day. We’ll take the risk.]
The next morning, the photos arrived.
Every page was clear.
The document wasn’t long.
Derek wanted me to sign an agreement.
Officially, it was for establishing a trust fund for a “new family member.”
In reality, it transferred our house and the remaining company dividends in my name to an unborn child.
Guardian of the child: Morgan Vaughn.
I laughed for a very long time after reading it.
Derek really had some nerve. He wanted to use my assets to support his mistress—and expected me to sign the paperwork myself.
That afternoon, Derek came home carrying the same red folder.
“Madison, I want to discuss something with you.”
I poured him a cup of coffee. “Go ahead.”
He slid the folder across the table.
“My mother is getting older. She’s always wanted a grandchild. A pack heir.”
He paused.
“No matter what people say, Morgan’s baby is innocent. I want to give the child some security.”
I opened the document, “Using my house and my dividends as that security?”
“They’re marital assets.”
His brows furrowed. “It’s not for someone else. It’s for the child.”
I looked him straight in the eye, “Will the child carry the Grayson name?”
“Will the child be the future Alpha and sole heir of the pack?”
He hesitated briefly, “Of course.”
“And when exactly did I agree to that?”
Derek clearly hadn’t expected the question.
He leaned back in his chair.
“Madison, don’t think too highly of yourself. You’re not the only person whose opinion matters in this pack.”
I closed the folder.
“We’ll discuss it at the birthday dinner.”
His expression sharpened immediately.
“What are you planning?”
I smiled, “If we’re discussing something this important, we should do it properly. In front of your mother.”
On the day of the birthday party, I wore a black dress. The moment Derek saw me, he frowned.
“It’s my mother’s birthday. You’re wearing black?”
“It makes me look slimmer.”
“Go change.”
“No.”
His jaw tightened, “Don’t cause trouble today.”
I stopped at the door and looked back.
“If you’re so afraid I’ll make a scene, why bring Morgan at all?”
His face darkened, “You already agreed.”
“I agreed she could attend.” I smiled faintly, “I never agreed she could walk all over me.”
Derek stepped closer and lowered his voice.
“Madison, don’t forget. Everything you eat and wear comes from me.”
I looked at him calmly.
“And don’t forget.”
“The first meal you ever ate after starting out? I paid for it.”
His expression instantly turned ugly.
By the time we arrived at the hotel, Luna Sienna was already greeting guests at the entrance.
The moment she saw me, her eyes swept over my dress before moving to my neck.
“Where’s the necklace Derek bought you? Why aren’t you wearing it?”
“Too cheap.”
Her eyes widened, “What did you just say?”
I smiled, “I didn’t want to embarrass you.”
She nearly choked.
Pack members, relatives, and allied Alphas were everywhere. She couldn’t explode in front of everyone.
Grinding her teeth, she snapped, “Go inside and help.”
I didn’t move.
“I’m the Luna of this pack. Not a waitress.”
Several nearby guests turned to look.
Luna Sienna’s face immediately stiffened. Derek walked over and pulled me aside.
“Did you take something before coming here?”
“No.”
“Then start acting normal.”
I pulled my arm away, “I am acting normal.”
Morgan arrived at eleven-thirty, wearing a flowing white dress.
Her pregnancy was obvious.
Derek personally went to greet her.
The second Luna Sienna saw Morgan, she broke into a delighted smile.
“Walk slowly. Be careful. Don’t tire yourself out.”
She practically escorted Morgan inside.
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Guests looked from me to Morgan’s stomach. Whispers spread across the room.
Morgan approached me with a sweet smile.
“Madison—”
She immediately corrected herself.
“I mean… Happy Birthday—oh no, not Happy Birthday. Happy Birthday to Luna Sienna.”
She laughed awkwardly, “I’m so nervous.”
Luna Sienna immediately came to her defense, “She’s pregnant. Pregnant women get forgetful. That’s normal.”
I nodded, “Of course.”
“Not enough blood reaching the brain.”
Morgan’s smile froze. Luna Sienna slammed her hand against the table.
“Madison! How could you say something like that?”
I lifted my water glass, “I’m only stating the facts.”
Derek strode over, “Madison Ramsey.”
This time he used my maiden name.
A clear warning.
I watched Morgan settle into a seat at the main table beside Luna Sienna. My own seat had been moved to the side.
In front of everyone, Luna Sienna announced:
“Madison, you’ll be more useful sitting over there and helping take care of the guests.”
I glanced at the chair.
Corner table. Back facing the giant screen.
Perfect.
It gave me the best view of the entire room.
I had barely sat down when Luna Sienna pulled out the red folder.
“Since everyone’s here, we have some wonderful news to announce.”
Derek’s expression changed instantly, “Mom—”
She ignored him, then looked directly at me.
“Madison.” She tossed a pen onto the table, “Sign this.”
“From now on, Morgan’s child will be half yours as well.”
Morgan lowered her head and gently rubbed her stomach.
Derek didn’t stop any of it, he simply watched me.
Waiting.
The pen sat in front of me.
“Sign.”
I picked it up.
Derek visibly relaxed.
Morgan couldn’t hide her smile.
Luna Sienna looked thoroughly pleased with herself.
I flipped to the last page.
Just before the pen touched paper, I looked toward the AV control booth.
Cassie stood there.
She met my eyes and gave me a small nod.
I slowly set the pen down.
Then I picked up the microphone from the table.
“If this is such wonderful news…”
I smiled.
“Then let’s make sure everyone hears the whole story.”
