1095.

Sun-Young's POV:

Sun-Young always had a great sense of understanding regarding her surroundings and everything else that was going around her. Sometimes she even prided herself on her presence of mind. Maybe that was what led her to be overconfident at times and made her believe she was in control.

The first time she realized something was terribly wrong was when everything was taken away from her hands. One morning she headed to the pack Headquarters as the Head Omega, and five minutes later, she was told she was now retired. Perhaps that was a sign.

Sun-Young was very well aware of what would happen once Jungkook was in control. She thought her mantle was safe as long as he remained unmated. As a Head Omega, his marriage license would have to go through her but she didn't expect Jinwan to drop a bomb that rattled her entire world.

That day at the office was still in her mind. One moment she had everything, and the next, nothing. Once she was home after putting her useless daughter in her place, she resorted to thinking. She backtracked on everything she had done in the past years and knew exactly what would happen now.

Jungkook was clever and painfully like his mom in every aspect. He always put the pack first, and Sun-Young knew he would always give his one-hundred percent. When she realized he'd soon found out about the unauthorized use of funds and privileges, she'd had a weak moment and allowed Seoyeon to do something one last time in a desperate attempt to throw him off their tails.

Then she'd gotten that call. Seoyeon's suggestion of sending Jungkook's compromising photos and videos to the media was an excellent plan if it had worked out. For a Head Omega, a maternal figure of the pack and the most respected individual blessed by the moon herself, reputation was everything.

The day Sohee announced that she sent the package to the media, Sun-Young waited on pins and needles. It was their last chance. She'd paced the living room all night, gaze glued to the television and ears straining to hear that one news she desperately sought.

The moment she heard the word scandal, her heart jumped and fists clenched in anticipation but the name that followed was Boram and some actress who went by the name, Dawn. There was no word of Jeon Jungkook or the Jeon pack. Right that moment, in her heart, she knew they had lost their game.

Boram was a noticeable personality, but Jungkook was the moment. He was the ruler of one of the most significant packs of South Korea. The government was only there to ensure order among the packs and it had no rights over the pack affairs.

So if someone prioritized Boram's news over Jungkook, then it only meant one thing. Someone had intervened. Did Jinwan find out? But how? They moved in silence, talking about it only when they met in person. Even if he did, Jinwan had no control over the news outlets that were in the territory of the Park and the Song packs. They were never in good relationship with the Jeon pack. So she was sure their plan was failsafe.

A few weeks later, Sun-Young's most trusted source met her in secret. The man had been avoiding her calls for days before he answered. The older beta was sweating buckets and kept wiping his face. He worked for a most popular TV channel, where Alpha Song and Alpha Kwang were investors and partners in business.

On that fateful day, she waited for her source in an old coffee shop, where they always met discreetly. The owners owed her a debt and always kept her visits a secret. This was where she conducted most of her unofficial negotiations.

The private booth was located at the back and was silent. Unlike the other days, today, the silence was ominous for some reason. Perhaps she felt that way because of the looming dark clouds and the slight hint of moisture in the air. She was never a fan of rain.

Every two minutes, she checked her watch. She was early as usual, but couldn't wait to hit the road before the rain. Im Myung-Soo was a beta, who traded secrets for money. He was more of a gossip train and worked for a notable media agency. He sold intel to people, who needed it for a decent amount.

Myung-Soo was late than usual and dropped on the seat in front of her with a heavy sigh. Outside the thunder cracked with a flash of lightning, hinting the impending rain at any moment now.

"What happened to the news?" Sun-Young hissed, leaning over the coffee table. "I gave you a gold mine, but you ran that bullshit news that's useless to anyone. Their marriage is loveless. She married him for his money and everyone knows that. Who cares what happens to Boram?"

The beta shook his head. He eyes her as if he knew something she didn't. "You have no idea what would have happened if we ran with that news." He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his forehead. "He would have killed us. He put the Vice President in a coma."

"What?" Sun-Young frowned, head reeling with the new found information. So she was right. Someone intervened. "Who? Jinwan?"

As scary as Jeon Jinwan was, she didn't think he would beat up someone and put them in a coma. That wasn't his personality. He would rather try to negotiate with the concerned parties and would have bought their silence.

The beta shook his head again. "Alpha Park."

"Alpha Park?" Her frown deepened. "You mean Jihyun?"

The beta swallowed thickly. "Someone worse than Jihyun."

He looked pale as if he'd seen a ghost. Foreboding churned her gut and she didn't like the sound of it. Who could it have been if not Jihyun? His second son was useless.

"Who?"

"His son, Park Jimin." He gulped the water and wiped his face again.

Sun-Young let that information sink in. It didn't make sense. Why would Park Jimin get involved with Jeon pack affairs? Did Jinwan pay him to do his dirty job now? Jimin worked for him after all.

She scoffed. "So he's his hired muscle? That still doesn't explain why he would beat someone up?"

"No. You don't understand. He is the H-Head Alpha," the beta stuttered. "H-He challenged the president when he refused to hand him the package a-and beat him up in o-our territory. T-Then h-he warned us. He said he'll kill us and throw our families on the street if we don't shut our mouths." His hands trembled.

Sun-Young pushed the water toward him. "Drink. What do you mean he's the Head Alpha? How could a Park pack wolf challenge your Vice President over a Jeon pack affair?"

Fat droplets of rain hit the glass windows, and the outdoor plants swayed with the force of the wind.

The beta stared at her incredulously. Then he laughed. "You don't even know who your Head Alpha is?" he scoffed. Then he grabbed his hand kerchief and stood. "Right. I should have realized you were booted off. I'd stay away if I were you. Whatever you're planning to do, stop. Stop everything and pray for mercy. Pray he doesn't come for you."

Sun-Young sat frozen in her seat, staring at the beta in disbelief. Her thoughts raced. What did he mean by that?

"Park Jimin has another name in our circle. Alpha Savage. Don't let his easy going smile or calm appearance fool you. Behind that sweet face is a monster you want to avoid at all costs. If I had known he was Head Omega Jeon's alpha, I'd have never agreed to this. Leave the country if possible. He isn't the forgiving type."

His words left her speechless. She watched him leave in a hurry and didn't even realize her jaw had gone slack.

Sun-Young couldn't move a muscle for several minutes even after the beta left. That day she knew she already lost the game.

Park Jimin had a pup. If he was Jungkook's alpha, then... Jungkook was the omega parent. The Jeon pack already had an heir. No one would be able to touch Jungkook. No wonder Jinwan was so quiet all these years.

That night Sun-Young returned home to her bedroom and her legs gave out. She slid to the floor, sitting there for hours. The news left her reeling.

No one could have predicted this outcome. Once her initial shock wore off, she calculated the timeline and everything fit perfectly.

Jungkook went MIA right after he left for Seoul. He must have been hiding because he gave birth and wanted no one to find out. It was also the same time she heard there was something going on between the Parks and their eldest son.

Now it all made sense. If Jimin was dating Jungkook, he would have to leave the Park pack that would leave them vulnerable. She swallowed thickly.

They were doomed from the start and she just didn't know it. Sun-Young burst out laughing and she laughed until tears ran down her cheeks. There was no one around her to see her breaking down.

Years and years of planning and all that yearning for power. It all went down like a stack of cards in just one moment. Jungkook was sneaky. She had no clue what he was upto behind her back.

Why would Jungkook even tell her anything after what she tried to pull at him the last time? She continued to laugh and eventually erupted into tears. If only she hadn't raised her hand at him. If only she hadn't said those things and stayed unbiased.

Now she would have to lie down in the grave she dug for herself.

***

[The day she received her verdict]

Sun-Young sat in the garden, sipping her tea. The omega was very well aware her days were numbered and Jinwan wouldn't let her stay here much longer. The noose around her neck was tightening.

The recently planted seasonal plants were in full bloom and she took her time to admire them. Something she never did before. She savored the sweet fragrance they spread in the air. It was a nice evening. Why didn't she enjoy these things before?

Drinking tea here has always been a formal affair. Every evening she was expected to join her late mate for tea and snacks. Most of the time, she joined out of a sense of duty as his wife not because she wanted to.

"I'm dying."One day he told her. "Marrying you was a mistake. I think we both can agree on that."

Sun-Young had clenched her jaw. It was a marriage of convenience. Her family benefited a lot from that arrangement. They all now had a stable job, wealth and assets. Thanks to her sacrifice.

When her father told her she was getting married, she agreed because she didn't want to become the next Head Omega. But soon, she realized her high ambitions alone weren't enough to lead the life as she wanted.

Her late husband treated her respectfully, gave everything she could ever ask for and more. She had full freedom over finance. Sun-Young was no longer a window shopper. However, the more she received the more she wanted.

Perhaps it was because the Head Alpha was still in love with his late wife. Or it was because her wolf rejected his pup. Maybe it was because her wolf saw Jinwan as an obstacle.

Sun-Young didn't know which started first. She remembered feeling bitter whenever she saw the father and son bonding.

Maybe she shouldn't have utilized her husband's weak moments to conceive Seoyeon. If they were treading over egg shells until then, he had completely cut her off after that, going as far as banning her from his bedroom and private quarters.

It's unfortunate your wolf rejected my pup, but I was really trying to accommodate you in every aspect of my life. I wanted to open my heart to you with time. Instead of communicating your needs with me, you took advantage of my vulnerable state.I'll never forgive you for that. Now thatI'm counting my days, I wanted to give you one more chance. But yourheart's not in the right place and you only keep proving me right"

She had stayed silent because she knew he was right in every sense.

"Know your place, 're leading your daughter astray and setting her up in the path of destruction. When are you going to see the wrong in your ways? When are you going to see your greed is ruining it all"

Her scent soured but shedidn't bother reasoning with him. She was so close to becoming the Head Omega afterHyewa's untimely death. She was riding high on exhilaration and shewon't allow anyone to take that away from her.

"The butler said Seoyeondidn't come home last night. Are you even monitoring her"

"She was at herfriend's place. Stop pretending as if you care" She had stood."I or my daughter is not your concern" Sun-Young stormed the place with fury licking her veins.

Less than a month later, when Seoyeon announced she was pregnant and engaged, Sun-Young felt the world tilting on its axis. She had high hopes for her daughter. Her status as the HeadAlpha's daughter alone would have brought tons of proposals.

However, Seoyeon had chosen nobody, and it was too late to do anything. She ignored herhusband's meaningful glance and sucked it all in. Later when the asshole she married proved to be a gambler, her husband banned them from entering the Jeon mansion.

Itwasn't until after his death Seoyeon was allowed to come back. With her daughter out of the picture, Sun-Young wanted to train her granddaughter, but Sohee proved the appledoesn't fall too far from the tree at a young age.

Perhaps she should have just given up and accepted failure. At least she would have lived the rest of her life with dignity.

"Omega Sun-Young."

Not Head Omega anymore. Sun-Young swallowed thickly upon hearing the butler's voice.

"Yes?"

"We have a word from the Head Alpha. You're demoted, and all your rights as the former Head Omega are stripped," the butler announced."Please pack your things. We are instructed to drive you to the elderly home, where you will spend the rest of your life."

Of course. What else? She didn't bother asking. After all, she still had some dignity left. Or so she thought.

When she came outside, she saw Seoyeon being dragged away by the security. Her daughter kicked and screamed, but she had it coming. Sun-Young just watched her being dragged away.

She spent years protecting her useless spawn. Now she was just tired. She was exhausted from everything. Seoyeon took everything for granted and never listened. What was the point in even trying?

Sun-Young wordlessly climbed inside the car waiting for her and sat with her head held high.

There's one more thing," the butler said right before he closed the door. "Head Alpha wanted me to inform you that along with everything, you also lost the rights to be buried with your late mate. You can request your family for a place and if they don't accept, you will be buried in the common burial ground after your death."

The door closed, leaving Sun-Young in a stupor. Soon the mansion disappeared from her wide gaze as the car took her to her new living place.

***

[Present]

"Mrs. Jeon, you have a guest."

Sun-Young glanced over her shoulder, frowning for a moment. Who would want to see her anymore? Even Seoyeon or Sohee didn't bother. She lost contact with them after she left the Jeon mansion. She no longer had her phone either. Everything she owned had been taken away from her and she was only allowed to keep things like photos and similar things.

She put down the sweater she was knitting and stood, running her hands down the skirt of her cheap cotton dress. Old habits die hard. The old omega took a moment to fix her appearance before going out.

Hands clasped on the front, she walked with her head held high. Her steps were light and elegant. There were murmurs whenever she passed someone. She heard her name being whispered a few times and ignored it.

This was her new life. The one she'd be living. Everything she held dear was long gone and now felt like a distant memory. The people here knew exactly what she had done and no longer respected her.

For Sun-Young, respect and reputation meant everything. She thrived in the rush that came with the power of her past position. The omega had always been a by-stander of such power. So when it fell on her lap, she got intoxicated and forgot who she was before that.

Now reality slapped her hard and proved no matter how high she flew; she'd never become a hawk. What was the point in crying over spilled milk?

She lost her respect and dignity. They even revoked her rights to be buried with her mate. Her family wanted nothing to do with her and all her requests to be buried with her family went unanswered.

Sun-Young didn't think it could get any worse than this. She caused this, and she'd have to live with that knowledge. She only wanted her daughter to be acknowledged and have a good life like the others. But things didn't always go as planned, did they?

Her daughter was so spoiled and useless that she took everything for granted. Sun-Young had no one but to blame herself. If only Seoyeon listened to her at least once

Lost in thoughts, she entered the visitor's room, wondering who the guest was. Surprise washed over her to see Park Mina, the Head Omega of the Park Pack. .

"Sun-Young," Mina greeted with a smile. "Looks like you have quickly adapted to your new life."

Sun-Young frowned. "What are you doing here?"

"My son asked me to deliver a message," she said. "Six years ago, you gave something to my son-in-law. I'm here to return that."

Sun-Young didn't even have time to anticipate what came next. A stinging pain erupted from her cheek and her head whipped to the right.

"The Park family doesn't like to hold onto things that don't belong to us," Mina continued. Another slap followed and it left her disoriented. Her head whipped to the left. "That's the interest for the past six years. It's not enough but it'll do."

Sun-Young clenched her jaw, knowing exactly well what this was for.

"Hope you'll never know a day of peace until you take your last breath and that you'll remember everything you did."

With that, Mina brushed past her shoulder, leaving without a second look. Once the sound of her footsteps faded, laughter erupted in the hallways. It echoed all around her and it was only then she realised that she left the door open.

Right that moment, she felt the remnants of her dignity leave her. She'd never felt so humiliated in her entire life. When she exited the visitor's room after some time, she hung her head in order to hide her flaming cheeks from the onlookers. Her eyes refused to meet anyone and her feet all but ran to close the distance toward her room.

The room with empty walls and bare minimum of things she allowed to have greeted her and it seemed to mock her.

Welcome to your reality.

An unknown emotion balled in her throat. This was now her life. No respect, no power and nothing. And sadly, she knew she deserved it all.

***

A/N: I'm still out of town and busy with work. Hope you enjoy this update. I'll try to be back soon.