Chapter 4

CLARA

The ride to the blackwood's mansion took a long hour, almost two hours gone and the driver pulled up on the walkway of the mansion after driving into the villa for some minutes.

He opened the door, bowing a little politely while asking me to come out. With his hands ready to receive me.

“Ma'am, please this way” he said calmly and I followed. Upon entering the mansion, the cold wind brushed my hair backwards, sending chills down my spine.

I walked into the mansion with fear, my chest palpitated faster as we made our way through the dimly lit passageways.

I couldn't stop thinking about how life was going to be with me from now on. Meeting my husband earlier, he didn't look like a nice person or that he wanted me. I wasn't his mate, but my sister.

What if he finds out and realizes that we were switched? How would he react? Would he kill me? I asked myself so many rhetorical questions as Mr Axel led me upstairs to my bedroom.

A king-sized bed was placed in the middle of the gigantic bedroom, and it was the first thing I noticed the moment I stepped inside. The room was designed in a simple way, and there was a nondescript painting on the wall. Alongside another painting containing the image of a white wolf.

“Ma'am, this will be your bedroom from now on. Soon, a maiden assigned to you will come by to attend to your needs.” He explained.

I simply nodded and then focused on staring at the painting. The werewolf in the image looks so real, the furs on her skin, her deep blue eyes, her large fangs exuded power and dominance.

“Here, take this.” Axel called out my attention and I turned to him. I took the mobile phone he gave me. “My phone number is there. And of course, the number of the alpha is there too. In case you need anything.” he explained.

“T.. thank you” I responded politely and took the phone.

I focused on the painting once more, before I heard the door shut behind me.

He left.. Finally,

I let out a sigh of relief, realizing that I'd been holding my breath for so long.

I never wanted this marriage, my husband is nowhere to be found… Maybe I could use this opportunity to escape… I thought to myself as I deviated my attention from the painting heading towards the door.

I placed my ear, listening closely. There was a dead silence outside the bedroom. Axel was obviously gone. I didn't think that they'd expect my escape, which was a very good opportunity for me.

Alpha Asher was never a good man, I'd heard a lot of things about him. His first mate and wife died due to his negligence. There were rumours that he killed her because he was jealous.. She was beautiful and admired by many men.

He wanted her only to himself so he had her eliminated. What if he does the same thing to me?

I moved closer to the huge bedroom mirror, admiring my body and face. I was beautiful, But I didn't match the status of his previous wife. Would he kill me for the same cause as well?

I asked myself many numerous questions before I finally decided to push through with my escape.

The door was not locked so I could easily head outside. I didn't know my way around the mansion, but I recognized the route Axel brought me in through.. It was.. that way. I pointed, still feeling so unsure.

I heard the sounds of footsteps coming from that direction, I couldn't wait, I didn't want the guards to catch up to me, I took to my heels, taking the second hallway route.

ASHER BLACKWOOD

I sat down in my study room, my legs placed on my desk as I watched the CCTV footage of my new wife leaving her bedroom. I tightened my fist on the tablet, almost crushing it…

How dare she? I spent so much money in order to get married to her? How dare she try to escape? The more I saw her trying to find her way, the more anger I felt inside of me.

I picked up my mobile phone to call Axel, wanting to ask him to secure the whole place and put some guards outside the backdoor. A brief knock sounded on my door and I quickly responded. It turned out to be Axel..

“What are you doing here? Do you know that she escaped yet?” I asked him immediately.

Axel stared at me transfixed at my utterances.

“Escaped?” He asked me…

“Here” I placed the tablet on my desk, signaling him to take it. He did immediately..

“W- what? I'll get her back right now, Alpha!” He declared, turning away…

“Wait, Axel.” I stopped him..

“Y- yes Alpha? Do you have other plans?” He questioned me with a calm demeanor..

I wasn't too sure of my plans but I nodded at him. “You know I clearly married that woman in order to get back at Alpha Mookes, right?” I asked Axel. He knew my plans more than anyone else. He nodded immediately.

“Y.. yes, I do know that!”

“Send a message to her father about her attempt to escape. Tell him I might withdraw my investment in his company. I will handle the rest” I ordered him.

“Yes, Alpha. I'll do that right away!” Axel responded, making his way out of my study room while I also stood up.

According to the CCTV, Claire Mookes was making her way towards the North-wing. The forbidden part of the mansion. The same place where my ex-wife’s belongings are kept..

My fingers tightened into a fist, this was the height of it. First, she couldn't respect the contract and stay where she is supposed to. Now, she's snooping around my ex-wife's former bedroom…

I won't let this slide…. Claire Mookes must pay for her actions.