Chapter 3: Outcast Under Neon Lights

"Everyone, remember this creep!"

The voice rang out, sharp and mocking. My head jerked up, blood in my eyes, as a crowd gathered. Phones everywhere, hungry for a show.

"He still struts around in that old leather jacket, acting like some hero. Next time you see him, run him out of town!"

That jacket was from Alpha, worn thin at the elbows. The only thing I had left that felt like home. Their words bounced off, but each one left a bruise.

"Look at the bruises and needle marks on his arms—what kind of normal person has so many?"

I yanked my sleeves down, suddenly ashamed. They didn’t care about the truth. To them, I was just another villain to boo.

Two TikTokers were livestreaming as five sharp-faced guys surrounded me with iron rods.

Their phones glowed in the dark, faces lit up with excitement. They wanted a show. I was the main event.

I’d just been beaten up by the Langleys’ security. Weak from their blows, I was pinned, cursed, and kicked.

Each kick landed harder than the last. My ribs screamed. My head spun. Copper in my mouth. I refused to cry out.

"Miss Langley used to get beaten half to death by her drunk adoptive dad. Then she had to put up with this sicko’s harassment. Let’s show him what it’s like!"

Their words twisted everything, made it ugly. I wanted to shout the truth—her dad was a good man—but I knew it wouldn’t matter here.

"Carter and Savannah have been together since college—they’re a perfect match. Country creeps like you should just leave!"

I’d heard it before. City folks looked down on us, thought we were backward. I used to laugh it off. Now, it just hurt.

"Miss Langley’s wedding is the biggest event in Maple Heights! The Carter family’s throwing a three-day lobster feast for everyone. Look at him, all ragged—what a joke…"

Lobster in Maple Heights. I almost laughed at how ridiculous it was. Nobody ever threw a party like that for me. I was just the guy who kept the lights on and the bills paid.

Curled up, I coughed up blood. The crowd got even more excited.

They jeered, egging each other on. My vision blurred. Still, I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me break.

In the haze of pain, I caught scattered bits of info.

Their voices blurred together, but certain words stuck—wedding, Ethan Carter, college sweethearts. My mind spun, trying to make sense of it all.

Savannah was marrying Ethan Carter! They’d been together since college?

The truth hit me like a truck. I felt sick, betrayed all over again. Had everything been a lie?

Then what about me? We had a real marriage license!

I fumbled for my wallet, the little blue card still tucked inside. It felt meaningless now—just another piece of paper.

And her adoptive father—he never drank or beat her! He was a simple man who, after hearing she wanted to start a business, worked construction in 100-degree heat. He died in a fall last year.

I remembered his rough hands, his gentle smile. He’d done everything for her, given up his own dreams. He deserved better than this.

Savannah had cried her heart out at his funeral—how could she let anyone slander him?

I remembered holding her as she sobbed, her whole body shaking. Now, hearing her let them trash his name, I felt something inside me die.

Besides, she hadn’t even divorced me before getting engaged to someone else. Was she actually committing bigamy?

The thought made my head spin. I’d never imagined she’d stoop this low. What else didn’t I know?

I sent my documents to a lawyer friend, asking him to draft a divorce agreement.

My hands shook as I typed out the email. It felt like closing a door I’d been trying to keep open for too long. I wanted to puke.

I had too many questions but didn’t want to chase them down anymore. I just wanted to leave this place and find my Alpha abroad…

I was done playing detective in my own life. Let the past stay buried. I just wanted out. Anywhere but here.