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Chapter 15: Repaying Debts
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 16: Redeeming Promises
*Seraphina*“You seriously expect me to hire a jailbird? What do you take this company for, Miss Lovelace? A joke?” I clenched my fists as the interviewer’s cruel words replayed again and again in my head as I walked out of the building. It’d been awful. Humiliating. I knew from before that it wouldn’t be easy to try and find a decent job after my stint in prison. As though my lack of degree wasn’t enough, people made so many assumptions about my character and morals. This interviewer had been no exception, echoing a version of James’s words to me the day I was released. I had to bite my tongue to keep from retaliating, bite my lip to keep from crying in front of the man who’d essentially laughed me out of his office. Archeron had been an ideal situation, a hole-in-the-wall pub whose patronage and staff could never dream of throwing stones at someone with a criminal record. But that didn’t represent the bigger world. And trying to find a half-decent job with my backgroun
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 17: Welcome Home
*Seraphina*“Uncle Garfield!” The young man who’d saved Alfred back at the bar climbed out of the driver’s seat and came running toward Alfred and Garfield before apparently remembering his place and slowing down. “I mean, my lord.”The older man laughed with endearment before waving the guy over. The newcomer bent down to hug Garfield, a show of such casual affection that it surprised me that the royals were capable of it in the first place. It made me realize just how little I still knew about this family despite my hours of study. Alfred looked amused, and I was lost until he finally introduced us.“Seraphina, this is Elliot. Son of Beta Williams and the royal pain in my ass since we were kids,” said Alfred, though there was a warmth in his words. Elliot laughed, clapping a hand on Alfred’s shoulder good-naturedly. “That’s his way of saying I’m the one that makes all of his good decisions for him,” he said. Then he turned to look at me. “I’m sorry, my idiotic best frien
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 18: Shopping Spree!
Seraphina’s POVThe purr of Alfred’s car was a soothing rhythm as we drove back to Caroline’s house. I stared out the window, trying to process the whirlwind of the past few days. The trees blurred into green streaks against the sky, and my thoughts spun faster than the car’s wheels. How did I end up here, living in the Vanderwood House, pretending to be Alfred’s cousin? It felt surreal, like a dream teetering on the edge of reality.When we arrived at Caroline’s place, the familiar scent of lavender greeted me. Caroline stood in the doorway, her eyes widening in surprise. "Seraphina! What’s going on?" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of excitement and confusion.I stepped out of the car and walked toward her, my heart pounding. “I’m moving into the Vanderwood House,” I said, trying to sound casual. “Just came to pack up my things.”Caroline’s face lit up with a smile. “OMG!! That’s incredible! I’m so happy for you!” She pulled me into a tight hug. “This is amazing, Seraphi
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 19: Tensions.
Seraphina’s POVI took a deep breath, bracing myself. “I… I guess I got a bit carried away,” I admitted, trying to keep my tone light.Alfred’s eyes narrowed. “This is excessive, Seraphina. You don’t need all of this.”I felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. “I know, but... it was my first time. I didn’t realize how much I was getting.”Elliot stepped in, his tone soothing. “Alfred, it’s not a big deal. She was just having some fun. It’s not every day you get to experience this kind of luxury.”Alfred raised a hand, stopping Elliot from speaking any further. The look on his face was stern and cold. Elliot’s eyes widened a bit before he collected himself, and with a bow, he left the two of us alone in the living room.The lingering excitement from my extravagant shopping trip quickly evaporated as Alfred’s expression grew darker. His earlier irritation had turned into a stormy silence that made the air feel heavy. I tried to ignore it, but I could feel his
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 20: The Banquet and the Past
Seraphina’s POVThe preparations for the banquet consumed my every waking moment. I knew there would be no room for remorse if I appeared at the event. The thought of being discovered as a "fake princess" terrified me, but I couldn’t share my worries with Alfred, not after our argument. So, I kept my fears to myself and focused on learning to dance and mastering social etiquette.“Wake up, princess. It’s time to start your training.”I groaned and rolled over in bed, pulling the covers over my head. “Alfred, it’s too early; five more minutes,” I mumbled.Alfred chuckled softly, his voice closer now. “We have a lot to cover if you’re going to be ready for the banquet. Up and at ’em.”Reluctantly, I threw off the blankets and sat up, rubbing my eyes. Alfred stood at the foot of my bed, looking impeccably put together as always.“Can’t this wait until after breakfast?” I say with a yawn. It doesn't take me long to realize that I'm still in my night clothes, my hair's m
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 21: The Banquet and the Past II
Seraphina’s POVI tried to catch my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. “I... I couldn’t face him, Alfred. Eric... he’s here. He’ll recognize me and ruin everything.”Alfred’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “You can’t just run away, Seraphina. You need to face this. You can't just back out, not now.”Tears welled up in my eyes as I shook my head. “I can’t. I’m not strong enough.”“Seraphina,” Alfred’s voice was calm and steady, cutting through my tumultuous thoughts like a beacon. His eyes were filled with a mix of concern and determination. “Tell me, what's this really about?”I turned to face him, my voice trembling. “I can’t do this, Alfred. I don’t belong here. It's only a matter of time before somebody finds out who I really am, and then what next? Do you know what the punishment for high treason is? The Vanderwoods aren't exactly known for their mercy. I’m just an ordinary girl.”Alfred stepped closer, his expression softening. “
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 22: The Night Never Ends
Seraphina’s POVAs Alfred and I stepped into the banquet hall, I felt the weight of a hundred eyes on me. Whispers and murmurs floated through the room, but I kept my head high. Alfred’s reassuring grip on my hand gave me the courage I needed to face the sea of curious faces.Garfield, seated in his wheelchair near the center of the room, beamed with excitement. His eyes sparkled as he made the announcement. “Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to introduce my long-lost niece, Seraphina. She has finally returned to us.” He reached out, taking my hand and leading me to stand beside him. His gesture made it clear to everyone that I held a special place in his heart.From my new vantage point, I scanned the room. My gaze landed on Eric, standing with his fiancée. The shock and disbelief on his face made a slight, victorious smile tug at my lips. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.The music started, and Alfred guided me to the dance floor. The room transformed as the
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 23: A Bad Misunderstanding
Seraphina’s POVI turned slowly to face him, keeping my expression neutral. “What do you want, Eric?”He looked different, almost haggard. His eyes, once full of confidence and charm, now seemed desperate. “I need to explain...” he said. “Explain everything.”I crossed my arms, not making it easy for him. “And should I have to listen to a word you say, all you've ever done is lie to me.”He looked at me squarely. "You don't have to believe me, Seraphina, But if the time we shared in the past meant even the slightest to you, You just have to listen, please."I just knew I was going to regret this. "Fine, go on then," I said.He took a deep breath, his gaze flickering to the ground before meeting mine again. "As you know, I'm recently engaged." I respond with a sigh and an eye roll.He gulped before continuing. “My fiancée, she’s the daughter of Alpha Austin. She’s my fated mate, Seraphina. It wasn't a decision I made, but I couldn’t resist the bond. It wasn’t
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Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 49: Web of Lies
Seraphina’s POVAs Alfred and I walked up the front steps of my Uncle Garfield’s grand estate, a heavy sense of dread settled in my stomach. The tall, imposing mansion loomed over us, its ornate windows and grand columns casting long shadows in the late afternoon sun. I wasn’t ready for what was coming, but I had to maintain my composure. Alfred had dropped me off after a day of learning new recipes from various chefs around town, but explaining that to Garfield would be tricky.When Garfield opened the door, his eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Seraphina, back so soon? I thought you had a full day planned.”Thinking quickly, I forced a smile and said, “The chef I was supposed to meet with fell ill, so we had to delay our plans. I thought it’d be nice to spend some extra time here.”Garfield’s eyes softened, and a broad smile spread across his face. “Well, that’s a pleasant surprise! I’m happy to have more time with my favorite niece. And Alfred, it’s good to see you again.”
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 48: Lovebirds
Alfred’s POVThe sunlight filtering through the curtains nudged me awake. My eyelids fluttered open, and for a moment, I was blissfully lost in the memory of last night. The passion, the closeness, the way Seraphina melted under my touch. Her cries for mercy still echoed in my mind, a sweet symphony that played over and over.I reached out, expecting to find her warm body next to mine, but my hand fell on an empty bed. Panic surged through me. Had she left? Had she decided to run away again?"Seraphina?" I called out, my voice thick with worry. There was no answer, only the silence of the room, which felt like a cold void.I jumped out of bed, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind raced with thoughts of losing her, of her slipping through my fingers once more. I could barely breathe as I hurriedly pulled on my clothes.But then, a sound reached my ears—the sizzle of something cooking. I followed the noise, my fear slowly being replaced with hope. I reached the kitchen,
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 47: Finding Happiness
*Seraphina*His words were the last thing I expected. All I’d known of Alfred until now was his stoic resolve, the coldness he usually wore like armor. Yes, there’d been glimpses of affection I thought I could see when he did things out of kindness or offered to help or protect me. But such an open declaration of his feelings had left me completely shaken down to the core. I didn’t think he was the kind of man who said these things to women. But there was such vulnerability in the way he talked to me and touched me that I knew he was sincere. It was like I could see the arrogance I’d first encountered back at Archeron evaporate before my very eyes. It felt like a lifetime ago that I’d strapped him down to that bed and teased him about saving his life. Even though I wanted nothing more than to return his affection and tell him the truth about my feelings, there was still too much that I couldn’t ignore. Madeline was genuinely in love with him, too, and she wasn’t
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 46: Sunset Confessions
*Seraphina*“Seraphina?”His voice was gentle, yet hit me full force with the strength of a wrecking ball. The walls I’d tried so hard to build up ever since I decided to accept that he deserved to be with Madeline started to crack. All the old feelings I’d bordered up behind those walls —the rush of attraction, pinpricks of desire, the longing, the fear —all came rushing through like a wave. I was overwhelmed. No, this was ridiculous. There was no way that was Alfred. Sure, it looked exactly like him, even down to the way he usually styled his hair and the way he carried out his unassumingly formal gait. Yes, I could’ve sworn that I heard him call my name. But it must’ve been my imagination because there was no way Alfred would’ve left Madeline to chase after a Welfare brat. Only a fool would trade in a superstar for a jailbird, and Alfred was no fool.It didn’t matter that my heart leaped at the thought that the part of me I tried hard to ignore hoped against hope th
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 45: Goodbye
Seraphina/ Alfred’s PovSeraphina’s Pov"This is it; I am really leaving this place," I thought to myself as I wandered the grand hallways of the Vanderwood castle. Each step echoed my footsteps, a soft reminder of my many years here.My first stop was the kitchen, where the clattering of pots and pans had always been a comforting sound. I could almost hear the laughter and chatter of late-night snack raids with Alfred. We’d sneak down, careful not to wake anyone, and argue who made the best sandwiches. Mine were, of course. Once, we made a towering sandwich with everything we could find and shared it while sitting on the counter, our feet swinging in the air. I dragged my fingers over the countertop as if bidding it a final farewell.Next, I wandered into the banquet hall. The chandeliers sparkled overhead, glowing warmly on the long, polished marble floors. I remembered my first dance with Alfred here. It was at a grand ball, and I had been so nervous. But Alfred had
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 44: I've Got to Tell Her
Alfred’s PovWhen I saw the notification on my phone, my heart skipped a beat. "Famous Pop star Madeline and Alpha King Alfred Vanderwood will hold a press conference at noon tomorrow to address some of the controversies regarding their relationship," the headline read. I had yet to be informed in advance. Panic surged through me as I immediately dialed Madeline's number, my hands trembling with urgency."Madeline, what on earth are you doing?" I demanded the moment she picked up. "Why wasn't I told about this press conference? Why are we even having a press conference to begin with?""Alfred, please understand," Madeline continued, her voice tinged with desperation. "I didn't want to blindside you, but the media's attention has been relentless. If we made it official, I thought it would take the pressure off both of us.""I thought you'd be used to that sort of thing by now," I said. Why's this any different?"Madeline's voice was soft, almost pleading. "Alfred, I'm s
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 43: The Weight of Silence
Alfred's /Seraphina’s POV Alfred’s POVI didn’t care what Madeline was thinking. My mind was consumed with Seraphina. As I carried her back to her bedroom, I could feel her weight shifting slightly, her head resting against my shoulder. Her vulnerability pierced through my own emotional barriers, and the walls I'd built to protect myself from the reality of my feelings started to crumble. Gently placing her on the bed, I watched her stir, her delicate features twisted in a troubled sleep. I fetched a wet towel and started to wipe her cheeks, my movements slow and careful. Each touch seemed to bring a semblance of peace to her distressed face, and I found myself lost in the moment, forgetting everything else. As I sat beside her, Seraphina mumbled in her sleep, her words incoherent at first, then growing clearer. “I don’t like Alfred... I hate him,” she whispered, her voice laced with a pain that cut through me like a knife. Tears began to roll down her cheeks, and I felt a pang o
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 42: Shadow of the Past, Hope for the Future
Alfred’s POVThe mansion was eerily quiet as I paced the length of the grand hall, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. The sunlight filtering through the tall windows did nothing to warm the cold knot in my chest. I had to talk to Seraphina, to explain myself, but every attempt I made was met with a wall of silence. She didn’t want to listen or understand and had left without a backward glance, leaving me standing alone with my unspoken words. I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. Understanding young women was beyond me. I could only discern that Seraphina seemed annoyed whenever I was near, as if my presence was a burden to her. It hurt, more than I cared to admit. Regardless of her feelings, she was still family, and I wanted nothing more than to see her happy—whether as a friend or cousin. Yet, seeing her frequently with Elliot stirred a bitterness within me that I struggled to swallow. They spent so much time together, disappearing on outings that she never cared to explain. T
Become Alpha King's Faked Cousin Chapter 41: The Roles We Play
Alfred’s PovThe day started like any other, with the sun rising over the lush forest surrounding our pack's territory. But by the end of the day, everything felt like a tornado had ravaged said forest. My heart was heavy as I drove Seraphina home, knowing that we had to face my father's anger.When we arrived, Garfield was already waiting, his face a mask of fury. He had definitely seen the news headline.He waited till we got out of the vehicle and approached the stairs leading up to the main entrance. "Alfred, what were you thinking?" he barked the moment we were within earshot. "Your relationship with Madeline could put Seraphina in the midst of all this drama!"Seraphina stepped forward, her expression calm despite the storm brewing around us. "Uncle, it's not Alfred's fault. It's all just a misunderstanding."Garfield's expression softened when he looked at Seraphina. "Do you really like Elliot?" he asked gently. "If you do, I would be happy to see you two together
