02 : FACADE

RIA’s POV

“Are you okay, lady? “ The male voice struck powerfully but with peace.

My brows furrowed as I turned, glancing at the unfamiliar man in astonishment. I was motionless and didn't remember someone was holding me from falling.

“You were running and missed your steps. Is anything the matter with you?” His cold voice sent chills down my spine, and I blinked, focusing more on his captivating eyes.

The man standing by me was not more than thirty-two in age. I could see that ostensibly.

He has a well-sculpted and chiseled jawline with a beauty that commands attention. His eyes, though alluring, burned with a fire that could melt steel.

His intimidating height and large shoulders built attention, too, but his ruthless and aloof demeanor sent people at bay.

For three minutes, we glared at each other without interruption. He was silent. I was too. Only our heartbeat could explain to the universe what we both were thinking.

“Who are you?" His voice broke the pin silence that settled between us, bringing me back to my senses.

I jerked, glanced at him and jumped off his hands in a flash of frenzy.

“I'm so sorry?" I apologized, embarrassed at the same time.

The man did not avert his eyes from me but explained. “ I am Damien, Alex's uncle. I came for the burial of Alex’s father and Alex’s coronation as well.” His words hung and he asked again," Who are you?”

My lips suddenly dried up. "Damien? Alex's uncle?" I muttered to myself whilst shivering within.

Damien sounded just too ordinary for the man standing before me. He must be hiding his true identity from me because everyone in Alex’s lineage was never ordinary. They all were Alphas of different Packs and wealthy people.

After pondering on the name, I decided to just walk away. My head was banging from the shock earlier.

“I'm so sorry, sir, but I will just take my leave.” I refused to tell him my name but began to walk away, but he gripped me, pulling me back.

“You didn't tell me your name?" His burning gaze caused my heart to flutter.

Awkwardly, I pulled my hand off his and replied, “I am just a mere omega. My identity is nothing." My gaze dropped when I suddenly remembered my destitution.

He moved forward to me, each step carrying an air of authority in them.

His closeness caused me to take two steps backward, parting us wide.

Just as he was about to say a word, I heard Alex’s door suddenly bursting open with Alex swooshing out, roughly dressed in a pair of black leather trousers and a blue jacket.

“Ria! Please, wait." I heard Alex say.

Without hesitation, I ran downstairs, leaving both Alex and Damien, his uncle, to themselves.

Alex continued chasing after me, but I did not stop.

I ran outside to the garden with tears of betrayal brimming down my eyes and stood there. I was deeply hurt. How can Alex cheat on me with Maddie? They were supposed to be exes. Why now?

“Ria!"

Alex called again, gasping for air.

“Stay away from me!" I snapped, brimming in anger without turning to Alex.

“Ria, please. I'm sorry. Can you just hear me out? “His voice broke with guilt and remorse.

I swallowed hard, turned my tear-stained face to him, and replied brokenly,

"What is there to be sorry about? That I caught you cheating on me with your ex? Or that you returned from your trip and refused to give me a call? What is it exactly? “ My voice flattened to the weight of my hurt. I never saw this coming.

Four years of being loyal to Alex, this is all I get?

Alex walked towards me, overwhelmed by shame and guilt inside him.

“Stay far away from me! Don't… even come… any… closer,” I read those words haltingly, enunciating them deliberately for Alex to understand my level of hurt.

Suddenly, Alex fell on his knees right where he stood.

“I'm sorry," His voice flattened, "I hurt you and hurt myself too. I know you're pretty mad at me right now. I betrayed your love and trust for me but please hear me out. You know I won't hurt you deliberately.”

Alex’s words sparked more negative reactions in me.

"How long have you two been seeing each other?” I queried.

"Maddie and I are over, but what happened did for a reason. I planned it but not to hurt you. I didn't know you’d burst into us like that.” Alex stood up and walked slowly to me.

Alex's words were ambiguous to me no matter how I tried to understand them.

I was trying to be strong, but Alex's words were even hurting me the most. So, I burst into tears and turned my back on him.

“Honey, I'm sorry, but hear me out first." His soft voice pierced my ears.

Attempting to turn, I felt Alex’s soft hands wrapping around my waist. His sweet pungent scent filled my nose, causing the woman in me to die to his attraction.

Alex kissed my neck from the back. He held my shoulders and turned me to meet with his remorseful face.

“I'm sorry I hurt you. I only did what I did because of my coronation and for us."

He explained, and my heart dropped, but I allowed him to finish.

“Maddie was threatening to cause a fuss on my coronation day. She said I betrayed her in the past and that she was going to ensure I don't become the Alpha of Moonstone Pack if I didn't make love to her." He licked his lower's lips, causing a certain tension in the air.

“Ria," He called. “ You know how vicious Maddie is, right? I had to satisfy her this once to have a peaceful coronation, so I can officially announce you as my mate too. This marks the end of us too,” he paused, looking deep into my eyes.

Alex has never lied to me before. But right now, I was speechless and did not know what to make up for all that he had said.

“Let's part ways. I can't do this anymore." I replied in my brokenness.

“No…" he whispered. “I'm officially announcing you as my mate on your 20th birthday, which is my coronation day. I have waited long for this to happen.” He reached out for my fingers and kissed them.

“Forgive me, my love," he lifted his soft eyes that melted me completely.

Even though I was mad, I saw myself nodding foolishly, implying that I had forgiven Alex.

We hugged immediately, showing our reconciliation.

From Alex’s chest, I lifted my gaze and saw Maddie walk out of the main building, holding a big bag that contained a blue dress with a sinister smile on her face.