Chapter 10

 

Evelyn's POV

Seth struggled to stand on his feet, but he almost dropped to the floor if I hadn't held him still. He cursed underneath his breath while I put an arm around his shoulder. “Should we start going?” I said loud enough for everyone to hear.

I had no intention of staying even a second longer here. Especially with the eyes that were focused on me. “Watch your steps,” I growled at him when he kept losing his balance.

“I'm trying!” He snapped at me, his face red.

“You and your husband really have a good relationship, but don’t forget that you still owe me something.” the Alpha King's voice made me halt to look at him. His hands were crossed over his chest and a sarcastic smile played on his lips.

“I understand that I owe…" I trailed off looking around and finding all eyes on me. They were patiently waiting for me to say something, I could see it in their eyes, the excitement to hear the side of the story and know what exactly I owe him.

However, I was equally confused. What exactly did I owe him? I already gave him the villa and also promised to double it for him. Perhaps this was an opportunity to twist the story then.

“I'm really sorry for the accident the other day. I didn't mean to hit you, but I already begged you in person, and you promised to let it go. But if you insist, I'll pay for the medical bills and provide other things that you may want,” I lied, adapting a soft tone and an innocent expression.

His lips twitched, and his eyes narrowed at me suspiciously. He seemed to think for a while but during the silence the crowd started their whispers.

“Oh, so they've met each other before,” someone pointed out.

“Is that perhaps why he refused to consider the Jupiter Pack? I never thought the Alpha King would be that petty. If she already offered to pay for the medical expenses, then I think it's only fair that he let it go,” the murmurs were growing within seconds.

Hearing their words, I lifted my chin defiantly before continuing. “I never actually thought that you'd still be hung up over it but if you really want to, I'll pay for it. I don't mind fair responsibility for my mistake,” I played the victim card for the first time in my life and I expected to see him angry, but instead a devilish smile curled his lips.

“She's been bullied by him. That's so unfair,” another added.

“Is that so? Your story is quite something Evelyn. I never knew you were good at twisting the truth,” he nodded slowly as if appreciating that fact.

I was about to respond when Seth suddenly slipped from my grip and rushed through the hall quickly, pulling a servant along to show him the restroom.

I was left standing there with the Alpha King. “Thank you again for inviting me to this special day. I must take my leave now,” I bowed slightly before walking through the crowds, in an attempt to avoid another awkward encounter with him.

I quickly found my way down the second floor and found a corner to sit. I didn't want more drama or attention than I already had.

Sitting alone, nestled in the shadows of the grand hall's corner, my thoughts adrift in a sea of sorrow. The soft glow of candelabras cast flickering silhouettes on the walls, echoing the turmoil within me.

The murmur of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the lilting music receded into the background as my mind wandered.

Suddenly, a presence invaded my solitude. And I turned to see Stella sauntered over, a saccharine smile spreading across her face.

“Oh, Evelyn, dear! I'm so sorry!” She exclaimed, her voice dripping with insincerity.

With a calculated movement, Stella tilted the wine goblet in her hand, allowing the crimson liquid to cascade onto my silk gown. The stain spread like a crimson flower, blossoming across the delicate fabric.

My gaze snapped back to reality, my eyes widening in shock. “What are you doing?!”

Her smile never wavered. “Oh, I'm such a butterfingers! I'm so terribly sorry!”

She offered her hollow apologies, her eyes sparkled with malice, betraying her feigned innocence. My cheeks flushed, humiliation and anger simmering beneath my composed exterior.

“Oh, mum. I didn't mean to stain her dress,” she added, and I realized Luna Naomi was already making her way towards us. Her eyes landed on my dress, but she seemed nonchalant.

“What happened?” She inquired.

“I accidentally stained her dress, but it was just a mere accident,” she explained, looking exaggeratedly sad.

“It's simply a dress. I'm sure that Evelyn wouldn't hold a grudge over it,” she shrugged, her indifferent expression only made my heart twist in pain.

“But that's not the case,” my voice was barely a whisper.

Stella's mother swooped in, her voice dripping with maternal indignation. “Oh, don't be ridiculous, Evelyn! Stella would never do such a thing intentionally. It was simply an accident.”

My gaze locked onto Luna's, her eyes flashing with suppressed anger. The incident had unleashed a torrent of memories, transporting me back to the day that changed everything.

The paternity test results.

The revelation that I wasn't Luna Naomi's biological daughter.

The slap that stung my cheek, delivered by Luna's trembling hand. “Evelyn, you're not my daughter. You're the daughter of that cheap woman.” Luna had whispered, her voice cracking. She wished I had died.

The words still seared my soul even after three years.

Luna Naomi coddling Stella's reignited pain. “You've always believed Stella's lies, haven't you?” I accused, my voice low and even.

Luna Naomi's expression turned icy. “How dare you. Stella would never deceive me.”

My laughter was tinged with bitterness. “You've never seen the truth. You've never wanted to.”

Stella's smile grew, her eyes glinting with triumph.

“We saw what happened, and we know it was intentional,” the familiar echoed and I turned to find the group of women that had asked for ingredients I used for the oil.

Their faces were contorted into a frown as they approached. “She might not be the biological daughter, but I think Stella is not entitled to be rude to her.”

“She's clearly supporting her biological daughter. Some people are harsh, but there's no need making it obvious that you disdain her by being publicly harsh to her. Evelyn did nothing wrong to begin with,” they said, looking displeased.

My throat tightened as I tried to fight back the tears that wet my eyes. I couldn't give my adoptive mother and her daughter the pleasure of seeing me cry. I needed to leave there immediately.

“Please excuse me, I need to go to the restroom,” I said politely, but my voice sounded hoarse as I pushed my way through the crowd and to the restroom. Once I got in, I leaned against the hall and tried to catch my breath.

The door to the restroom creaked open, but I didn't bother to look who it was and instead went to sink to brush off the stain of the red wine on my dress, but my attempts were futile.

“I can give you another dress if you like,” the voice was soft, gentle, and sweet. I shifted my gaze to the stranger in the room and my eyes widened when I saw the lady who I was sure was the sister of the Alpha King.

She looked amused by my expression but still went on. “If you don't mind,” she added when I remained silent.

“S-sure,” I stuttered, earning a smile from her.

I followed her through a long corridor and into a large room. Darting my gaze around, I already made a mental note to not be more fascinated than I already was because the place was just so beautiful.

Even the room I just walked into. “You can change into this. It's the only thing available right now,” she dropped a tank top and jeans dress on the bed before turning to me.

“Thank you,” I replied.

“I'll be downstairs if you need anything,” she looked at the dress again before nodding in satisfaction.

“I'll leave you then,” and with that, she was gone.

Snapping out of my trance, I started taking off my dress and was already halfway through when the door to the room was pushed open. I halted and rushed to cover myself.

“What are you doing here?” His eyebrow shot up confused.

“I’m here because I spilled red wine on my clothes.” I said in defense.

He took a step forward with an unreadable expression.

“Don’t you know this is my room?”