01 : BITTERSWEET

RIA’S POV

Cutleries clinked against dishes, giving a harmonious sound of happiness.

“Maria, could you please hand me some of those Japanese dishes? Thank you." I stretched my hands, reaching out for the Japanese dishes in Maria’s hands. The dishes were a touch pricey. Luna Bella always has a knack for finer things.

“Here, you go," Maria handed the dishes to me with care.

Meticulously, I placed each dish, five of them on the table, all in the front of the chair, with a hue of gold on its top.

That special chair was Alex's, my mate.

He's been out on a business trip for three days and just called me a few hours ago to say that he was back in Paris.

We’ve been together for the whole of the four years and he didn't once rub mud on my face.

What more can I say other than being grateful to the man who picked me up from the slum?

His mom and the Pack members detest me, yet he stood by me, shielding and holding my hands with the sweet promises that he was never going to let anyone come in between us. Not even Luna Bella, his mom.

A sheepish smile escaped my lips as the sweet thoughts of Alex kept lingering in my mind.

“Umm, Ria," Maria interrupted my sweet thought.

I raised my face, holding that sweet smile. "Yes, Maria? Come on, hurry, Alex will be here soon. These should be ready before he gets home." I lowered my gaze back to the plates I was cleaning, not giving Maria, the maid, any attention. I didn't want Alex to come in and see me working. It will ruin the surprise.

“Umm, I was just wondering if you could leave the remaining tasks for myself and my other colleagues to handle. The boss, Alex, might walk in any time and—”

"It's okay, Maria. Trust me, I understand," I interrupted her with an ending smile on my face and continued putting the table in order.

“Gosh!" Maria expressed slightly in a fret of anger. She was burning inside.

Not minding Maria, I carefully and patiently set the table myself, giving it a professional look that could best explain the love I have for my mate, Alex.

Maria was entirely uncomfortable with me in the whole process but she couldn't walk out on me either. Trust Alex to kick her out if she does extend her insolence to me.

“It's done now, Maria. Once Alex returns, the meal can be served. Thank you for your effort so far."

“You don't need to thank me, Ria. I was just doing my job, goodness!" Maria snapped with a diminishing voice. I could barely hear her out. I guess she was scared not to toe the line and disrespect me because of Alex.

"Alright then, I’ll be in my room,” I gasped exhaustively and walked into my room.

Getting to the beautiful room Alex designed for me in case I visited the mansion, I quickly hurried to the bathroom to get a clean wash.

The day has been pretty stressful, making all of Alex’s favorite dishes, both intercontinental, just to please him.

He's been working hard lately, and now that his father, Alpha Tyrrell Moonstone, is dead, Alex will be stepping in as the next Alpha a few days from now after his father’s burial.

After a shower, I dressed up in an attractive silver nude dress and added light makeup to my face. Also, I packed my long midnight black hair in the most attractive way that was sure to keep Alex’s eyes glued to me.

As I glared at myself through the mirror, I couldn't help but blink twice.

My beauty was out of this age.

Chuckling from where I stood, I reached out for my phone and glanced at the time.

Unbelievable. It was already 3 pm.

Didn't Alex tell me that he would be here in two hours? It's more than two hours already, so he should be here.

Perplexity hovered over me and without hesitation, I dialed Alex’s phones. They were all disconnected.

Whack!

“What is going on?” I asked myself after countless trials.

Then, I rushed out of the room, frozen in fear but maintained a polished composure as I walked downstairs.

The living room was entirely lively. All the guards and domestic staff were all busy, putting one thing or the other in place.

Once my glimpse caught with that of one of the domestic staff coming my way, I pulled my elegant flowing gown and walked up to her.

“Excuse me, Kelly." I took some steps forward. “ Do you happen to know if Alpha Alex is back?" I asked cordially but burned nervously inside.

Kelly, the maid, gave me a surprise look that explained I should know better than herself since Alex was my boyfriend.

“Oh, You didn't know?" She arched her brows at me.

“Know what exactly?" I retorted, blinking uncharacteristically.

She pointed in the direction of Alex's room to me. “Alpha Alex arrived about an hour ago. He is in his chambers with Maddie,” The maid reported.

I felt a splash on my face like I had been a dummy all along.

“Thank you, Kelly. I’ll just take my leave." I hurriedly thanked the maid and dashed off.

Alex’s chamber was upstairs, so I returned upstairs, excited but feeling a certain way, too.

I couldn't just define the other feeling. Perhaps I was moody because Alex had returned to the pack, and he didn't bother to call me.

My attention was diverted from the real message the maid passed to me about Alex being with Maddie in his chambers.

Trust me, I had zero attention for that. My happiness was that Alex was back and that was all.

As I happily approached Alex’s chambers, I began to hear some sweet whispers of two adults from within.

I had wanted to burst inside but stopped at once.

Holding on to the door handle, I clung my ears firmly to the door to eavesdrop.

“Smash me hard! Come on! Aaah! Kill me!”

Those moans immediately filled my ears.

My heart stopped beating and my breath seized abruptly. Were those moans from a lady? I crashed in bewilderment.

Flushed in my curiosity, my shaky hands pulled the door handle and the door burst open abruptly.

Shockingly, I saw Alex screwing Maddie and moaning in pleasure.

“Oh my goodness!" I exclaimed,

Interrupting and Alex jerked.

Broken and without letting Alex speak, I shut the door, lifted my dress, and began to run away.

As I ran down the stairs, I lost my disposition and began to stagger to fall.

But then, I felt a strong rough hand holding my waist from behind.