On My Birthday, He Set Off Fireworks for His Ex-Girlfriend

On my 18th birthday, my mate—Alpha Jared Ortiz, set off dazzling fireworks not for me, but for his ex-girlfriend, Georgia Madden, who also happened to be his childhood friend.

To make things worse, he made a surprise birthday party for Georgia awith a grand gesture. My heart was heavy with disappointment; It seemed that he had forgotten about my birthday but remembered every detail of hers.

All of his friends even captured all the moments on video and uploaded online which quickly went viral on app, filled with an endless stream of well-wishes and praise for the ‘stunning couple.’

Frustrated, I destroyed the cake I had prepared, making a mess in the dining room.

Suddenly, one of his friends messaged me, "Your mate and Georgia are going viral, are you okay with it?"

I replied with a cold indifference, "I knew it, but what else could I do?"

Listening to the joyful laughter and watching the fireworks in the video felt like a mockery of my feelings. What was more, as the video spread like wildfire, the comment section continued to overflow with admiration for Jared and Georgia as a match.

I whispered to myself, tears stinging my eyes, “Right, they are perfect for each other. I’m the one who doesn’t belong.”

With a heavy heart, I packed my things, leaving Jared's house and our memories behind.

I was losing the real meaning of fighting after realizing that I gave my heart to someone who did not care for me at all.

I sent him a final message: [Break ties with me now!]

Chapter 1

That morning, I was filled with excitement. It was my second birthday with Jared, and after the surprises he had planned for me last year, I had high hopes.

At midnight, Jared was the first to wish me a happy birthday, but it was Thomas Nichols, my close friend and one of Jared's trusted Beta subordinates, who gave me a first gift in the morning.

As for Jared, he seemed indifferent when we did our breakfast, only promising to come home early to celebrate with me.

I thought perhaps he needed time to prepare a surprise, something grand like last year. But by evening, he called to say he had unexpected work to do and would be late.

I believed him, after all he was an Alpha of the High Moon Pack. So, after finishing my job, I picked up a cake that Jared had ordered months in advance by myself.

At that moment, I was still looking forward to celebrating with him; we had talked about it for so long indeed.

But as midnight approached, there was still no sign of him. So, I picked my phone to check if maybe he messaged me, since there was no mind-link coming to me.

However, the one who caught my eye was all his friends' Communication statuses. It was filled with videos of the fireworks, among them were Jared and Georgia.

My face darkened. It turned out his ‘work’ was to accompany Georgia, his childhood sweetheart, to set off fireworks.

How ironic.

In the video, Jared's usually aloof and cold expression was replaced by laughter, his eyes filled with a tenderness as he looked at Georgia. That was actually a look I had never received.

I had always thought he was not a smiling person, incapable of expressing affection, that was why I did not mind it. But then I realized if he could smile broadly in front of people he was close with.

Could it be he did not find me as a comfort zone, so that he would never show his true self?

What was I to him actually, so that after being in a relationship for almost 2 years, he still could not show me his true self?

Fury and sadness surged through me. I destroyed the cake in front of me, turning the dining table into a mess.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. I saw a message from George Madden, Georgia's twin and Jared's close friend, another of his trusted Betas. He had sent me a video link.

[George: Look at this! Jared and Georgia's firework video is going viral on Communication software. Are you okay with it?]

The video went viral in a minute, along with lovely comments saying that they were a perfect match.

I laughed bitterly, masking my pain with a forced smile, and replied coldly, [I've watched it. It's none of my business.]

My wolf, Serena, was just as emotional, urging me to call Jared and demand the truth, as she couldn't even mind-link him.

As a result, I quickly dialed his number.

He answered quickly, but his voice was as cold as ever when he asked, "What's up?"

I could hear the fireworks in the background. After a brief pause, I swallowed my tears and asked, "Where are you?"

Even though I had held back the emotions, apparently my voice was still shaking.

"My friends asked me to go to the bar after working late. What's the matter?" he replied, moving away from the noise. His tone was steady and calm, no hint of panic and no signs of a guilty conscience.

I glanced again at the video on my tablet, feeling a new wave of disinterest and hurt as I read the overflowing comments.

"Let's break the mate bond," I said, my voice trembling with anger, while my wolf protested my sudden decision.

"You're making a fuss again," Jared replied, his tone dismissive, echoing Serena's disappointment.

At that moment, it felt like no one in the world was on my side, not even my own wolf.

So, I sneered, "Browse the videos online more often, Mr. Internet Celebrity."

Then I hung up and went directly upstairs to pack my things.

‘Where are you going?’ Serena asked in my mind, but I did not answer her.

Serena said again, ‘Olivia, I know it disappoint you so much, me either. But please think about it again. If you really need to clear your mind, let’s go home, to your parents’ house. It is lovely to spend a birthday with them even if it is one day late, right?’

Right, my birthday was yesterday, while the next day was Georgia’s birthday. However, it still counted as my birthday, didn’t it?

So, after thinking about it, I set aside the luggage and just took my backpack to bring an important thing, as well as Thomas’ gift that was unopened yet.

As I was about to take the car key, my wolf said in my mind again, ‘How about sprinting there? It will decrease our sadness even a little bit.’

I smiled and just answered, “Why not?”

As a result, I ran back to my family home, a place I hadn't visited in a long time.

My parents' house was located not far from the city center of the High Moon Pack, though it sat on the border. Despite being on the border, the area was known for having warriors, one of whom was Thomas.

Thomas and I went to the city center together to study at Promise High, a special school for shifters in the High Moon Pack. After graduation, we both chose to stay in the city. I preferred its bustling atmosphere, and more importantly, it was where I met my mate, Jared.

On his 18th birthday, which also marked Jared's confirmation as the new Alpha, I received my wolf at the age of 16. That was the day our fates intertwined, marking us as destined mates.

But at the time, Jared was already dating Georgia, a Beta’s daughter. Her father was also a subordinate of the previous Alpha, Jared’s father. So, their relationship had been intertwined since a young age.

However, a month after Jared’s birthday, their relationship soon became strained, and that was when Jared decided to pursue me, his true mate.

As a result, we dated and after graduation, Jared asked me to move in with him. At that time, Thomas also registered as a Beta, which made me quite happy since I had a close friend who stayed in the city.

However, at the place where I thought will bring me happiness, slowly destroyed me instead, making me struggling between Jared’s relationship with Georgia. As a result, here I was, ran in daze until I was not aware if I had arrived at my parents' house.

I suddenly realized that the distance between the city center and the border was like the emotional distance between Jared and me. We appeared close, but our hearts felt oceans apart.

When I came in, I simply told my parents that I wanted to celebrate my birthday there. As a result, they didn’t ask for more details. I tidied up my room, washed up, and went to bed, seeking solace in the familiar surroundings.

The next morning, I found only a few messages on my phone. I had ignored Jared's mind-link and instructed my wolf to do the same all night long after all.

[Jared: What's the matter with you now?]

[Jared: Come back when you've calmed down. Don't be too willful.]

It seemed he came home last night and realized I was gone. But I didn’t care and just focused on my own business.

The atmosphere at the border was different from the ever-busy city. Everything there was calm and peaceful, so I hoped the tranquility would clear my mind

That was why in the afternoon, I helped my mother in the greenhouse; she loved growing vegetables as a hobby.

Actually, it was not the first time I became Jared’s second attention. Since Georgia always seemed to need Jared whenever something went wrong. She would even ask him to stay with her if she woke up in the middle of the night because of a thunderstorm.

I had questioned him about that many times, leading to countless arguments.

I understood that they were once in a relationship and had been friends for a long time, but I was his mate. I respected Jared’s desire to protect his childhood friend, but when it happened repeatedly, I felt like I was the best option that would never be prioritized.

So, even if I had endured it for the past two years, I could not do it anymore.

Chapter 2

To my surprise, as I stepped out of the greenhouse, I saw Jared standing outside, dressed in a suit, looking every bit the Alpha he was. Passersby could not help but show him respect when sensing him.

If it had been any other day, I would have rushed to him, urging him inside to keep others from staring. But that day, I just wanted to pretend I did not see him.

I walked toward the small shed near the greenhouse to put away my gardening tools, hoping he wouldn’t follow. But Jared quickly caught up with me.

He didn’t mention what had happened the night before. Instead, he spoke calmly, “It’s George and Georgia’s birthday today. They’ve invited us to dinner. Will you come with me?”

So, he came just to invite me to Georgia’s birthday celebration?

I couldn’t believe it. After barely acknowledging my birthday yesterday, he was ready to celebrate Georgia’s twice, once at midnight at the bar and then for dinner tonight at a restaurant. Did I deserve all the pain?

“Please, I can’t go alone,” he added when I didn’t respond, his voice almost pleading.

I stopped and looked at him. I knew if Jared always took me with him to their gatherings, so I sighed and just replied, “Sure,” though my heart wasn’t in it.

Suddenly, my mother called out from the house, “Olivia, it’s time for lunch. Please invite Alpha Jared to join us!”

“Yes, Mom,” I replied, turning back to Jared. “You heard her.”

“Sure, I love your mother’s cooking.”

When we walked to my house side to side, the wind blew gently, carrying with it a faint scent of jasmine. I couldn’t help but ask, “Do you like the smell of jasmine?”

Jared’s eyes flickered slightly before he replied, “Not really.”

I wondered to myself, ‘Then why have I always smelled this scent on you?’

I knew it was Georgia’s scent, but I had always assumed he liked it too. It seemed the more I understood, the more my heart sorrow. So, I chose to stay silent and did not continue the talk, neither did he.

At the dining table, Jared played the role of the perfect fiancé in front of my parents. Little did they know how much he hurt me every time.

My father broke the silence by saying, “We were surprised to see Olivia come home alone last night. But I suppose you were still busy. It’s understandable. Besides, you’ve come to pick her up now, right?”

Jared smiled politely and replied, “It’s been busy lately, Mr. Hatfield. But I never neglect my mate; she always comes first.”

What a lie. Since when was I ever your priority, Alpha?

“I’m so happy for you two,” my mother added cheerfully.

Jared directly held my hand, showing his affection to me, which made me forced to reply for the sake of my parents' happiness.

In the evening, I said goodbye to my parents and got into Jared's car. He drove us to the restaurant where Georgia’s birthday celebration was taking place.

As we entered together, I saw Georgia’s surprised expression. The same look mirrored on the faces of Jared’s other friends who were already gathered there.

George was the first to greet us, "Good evening, Jared, Olivia. We've been waiting for you."

I smiled indifferently and glanced at George before saying, "I'm sorry I came in a hurry and didn’t bring a gift."

"I’ve already given a gift on your behalf," Jared added quickly.

I sneered inwardly, 'Of course you did. Your gift went viral on Communication software after all.'

Jared led me to the table where two empty seats remained, opposite each other. I wondered if that had been arranged on purpose or not. But I took it lightly and just let go of his hand, walking to the seat across from him.

Jared’s expression shifted slightly, but he didn’t say anything and took the seat next to Georgia.

The atmosphere at dinner was tense, and I could sense what his friends were thinking. They had never approved of Jared and me being together and were always cold towards me.

In the past, I had tried to fit in, bringing them carefully selected gifts for every occasion. But I never saw anyone use what I gave them. It was clear they never wanted to accept me after all.

To them, I was just an unwelcome intrusion. How naive I had been not to see it sooner.

I said nothing and ate quietly. Jared, meanwhile, chatted with ease, peeling shrimp one after another.

I remembered his mother once mentioning that Jared never ate seafood unless someone peeled it for him; he found it too tedious. Yet there he was, peeling an entire plate of shrimp for Georgia, then wiping his hands carefully with a wet wipe.

Watching it, I felt a sharp pang of sadness. I wanted to be loved like that, but it seemed I would never receive that kind of affection from him.

George noticed Jared’s actions and, glancing at me, nudged Jared playfully. "Don’t play favorites. Peel some shrimp for your mate too," he said.

The others joined in, their voices teasing.

"Yeah, don’t make your mate jealous, Alpha."

"Alpha, how could you ignore her?"

Jared smiled awkwardly, looking at the empty plate in front of him and said, "I’ll order another plate."

I took a sip of my drink and replied calmly, "No, I don’t like shrimp."

One of his friends handed Jared another dish and said, "How about some fish, then?"

Before Jared could take it, I said, "Don’t bother. I don’t eat that either."

Jared’s eyes flickered to the table, a slight frown forming on his brow. "What about chicken?" he asked, still trying to appear considerate.

"I don’t like it either way," I said flatly.

He looked genuinely surprised, clearly not expecting my blunt refusal. Meeting his gaze, I calmly picked up a napkin, wiped my mouth, and added, "I don’t like anything prepared here."

"Olivia, are you angry?" George asked, clearly taken aback.

Georgia chimed in cautiously, "Why don’t you have some of this shrimp? Please, don’t be upset with Jared."

As soon as Georgia spoke, the expressions on Jared’s friends' faces turned cynical, their disdain thinly veiled.

Chapter 3

Georgia's expression made me look like a sinner.

That was why I forced a calm smile and said, "How could I be angry?

"Please, enjoy your meal. I'm feeling a bit unwell today, so I'll take my leave."

Then I picked up my bag, ready to go.

“Come on, are you still upset about Jared setting off fireworks for Georgia?” George remarked deliberately, his eyes filled with a provocative gleam.

I hated him, especially at that moment. He always seemed to enjoy stirring things up between me, Jared, and Georgia.

Sure enough, as soon as he spoke, the whispers among Jared's friends grew louder.

“Oh, you mean the one at the bar last night?”

“But we all had fun together.”

“Is she really mad about that? It's totally unnecessary, okay?”

Seeing the situation spiral, Georgia spoke up, her voice a blend of innocence and concern, "I'm sorry, Olivia. Last night, when my friends gave George and me a little surprise at the bar, I was in a mood. So, Jared lit some fireworks to cheer me up.

“Jared, you should explain and apologize to Olivia. Come on, do it."

Jared frowned at her words. "I just set off some fireworks. Why should I apologize?" he asked, genuinely confused.

His words made the room go still. As always, he failed to see his own mistakes. Jared thought he could just smooth things over with a few careless words and move on.

I could tolerate the jabs from George, Georgia, and Jared’s other friends, but hearing such words from Jared cut deeper than any of theirs ever could.

Why did the people I loved always hurt me more than those who hated me?

Even Serena, my wolf, was stunned that Jared was too blind to see my pain over something he thought was trivial.

Seeing Jared’s indifference, Georgia gave a subtle smile from the spot Jared could not see, a silent declaration that she had won.

Some of his friends also murmured again.

“But he doesn’t need to apologize, right?”

“Yeah, it’s normal to give a birthday surprise.”

“If she’s jealous over that, it’s too much.”

It was laughable, really. The one who caused the pain didn’t even realize he had done something wrong, and neither did the person standing beside him.

Even if Jared had hurt me to my core, I still forced a smile and replied, “Yes, you’re right. The fireworks were quite a spectacle. Be sure to keep it up next time.”

With that, I left the table without looking back.

As the door closed behind me, I heard Georgia’s voice. “Jared, go apologize quickly. Olivia is obviously angry.”

“Don’t mind her. She’ll be fine in a few days,” Jared said dismissively.

His words stabbed through me like a blade. What had I done to make him so sure of himself?

I walked out of the restaurant slowly, the cool breeze of the early autumn night brushing against my skin, refreshing and cold.

I strolled along the bustling streets, watching as couples passed by, their deep affection reminded me painfully of what I wanted in companionship and love.

After Jared found out I was his mate, he had been the one to approach me first. But I kept my distance, knowing he was still dating Georgia at the time.

However, a month later, news came that they had a big fight and broke up, then he pursued me after. At first, I wanted to refuse, but the mate bond between us was so strong that I got swept away by it.

At first, things were smooth. Jared even reduced the time he spent with his friends to avoid running into Georgia. But a few months ago, everything changed.

After working late, he and George always went to the bar, claiming he missed hanging out with his friends. I was fine at that time, since he might need to socialize with them.

But then I discovered, through his friends’ social media updates, including Georgia’s, that Jared and Georgia had reconciled.

I felt a heaviness and sadness, But what could I do? I had never been that important to him.

“Buy some ice cream. We’ve got 50% off today!”

Hearing the cheerful offer from an ice cream truck parked at the side of the road, I paused. On impulse, I bought an ice cream.

"I’ll have a chocolate, please," I said calmly, though my feelings were in chaos.

"Sure, here you go."

The moment I took the ice cream, Jared’s words echoed faintly in my mind, ‘You know you always get a stomachache from eating ice cream, but you just can’t resist it.’

I took a bite in a daze, but something tasted wrong. It was salty.

“Your ice cream tastes off,” I said to the vendor, my voice trembling.

The owner looked at me with gentle concern and handed me a tissue. He said, “Miss, maybe you need to wipe your tears first.”

I blinked, realizing my eyes were blurred with tears.

Since when have I been crying? I had been holding it in so hard since I was at the restaurant earlier. Maybe it had been unstoppable since the moment I started reminiscing about the past.

So, there they were, dripping onto my ice cream. No wonder it tasted salty.

“Thank you,” I said to the owner.

After wiping my tears and taking a deep breath to calm myself, I turned away and continued walking.

As I reached Jared’s house, I received a mind-link from him, ‘Have you arrived home?’

I ignored it and didn’t reply.

A moment later, he sent me a message, it read, [Everyone didn’t have a good meal because of you today. Let’s invite them to dinner another day.]

I stared at the message, my fingers hovering over the keyboard, but I had no intention of replying.

He seemed to lose patience and called me directly. But I set my phone aside, refusing to answer.

When I returned after washing up, my phone was silent. No more calls, no more messages.

Before going to bed, I scrolled through the statuses out of habit, and a post from Georgia appeared. It was posted just five minutes ago.

In the photo, George was driving with his mate beside him, while Jared and Georgia sat in the back seat of the car. Jared looked relaxed, his eyes closed as if he was resting, while Georgia leaned against him, her eyes shyly glancing at the camera.

The caption read: [It turns out I am still your first choice after so many years.]

I stared at the screen, a bitter smile tugging at my lips. With a self-mocking sigh, I typed a reply: [Oh my Goddess, I never noticed. Thank you for this brand-new, life-changing information.]