Chapter 5

 

Evelyn's POV

Seth growled, his eyes searching mine for confirmation, but I kept a blank expression until he gave up. Taking off his shirt, he walked to the bathroom, dropping his clothes on the couch.

I stared at the bathroom door in silence before keeping the phone down at the nightstand. The conversation with the enigmatic stranger made me feel weird, but I tried to push the thought aside while standing up to fix the air conditioning to the lowest temperature.

Seth's parents could tolerate his behavior because he was the heir to the throne, but I couldn't say the same. The door to the bathroom opened and Seth stepped into the room with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“You can stare for long, but I doubt that's appropriate given the situation we are in. It might give the impression that you want more from me which might make things more awkward,” he eyed me, an amusing smile gracing his lips.

I rolled my eyes, wondering how dumb he must be to utter such nonsense without shame. My skin crawled just by thinking about his words.

“If you're done with your nonsense, then you should prepare for bed. I had a long day today and want nothing but to sleep,” I drew the duvet closer while he continued to stare at me.

I shut my eyes, praying inwardly that I get pulled into a deep slumber and wake up with him gone from the room. My eyes snapped open when I felt the bed dipped beside me.

“What are you doing?!” I propped myself up, all the colors drained from my face as Seth moved closer towards me on the bed.

“What does it look like I'm doing? I'm climbing my side of the bed,” he said as a matter-of-factly.

Pushing the duvet away, I pinned him with a look. “What side of the bed are you talking about? Because the last time I checked, you have no place in my room and definitely not on my bed,” I snapped, getting off the bed and glaring bullets at him.

“And where am I going to sleep if not the bed? Besides, the bed is big enough for the both of us,” he looked confused.

“You're not sleeping on my bed, Seth. I'd advise that you make yourself comfortable on the floor except you intend to give the impression that you want more from me which might make things more awkward between us,” I threw his words back at him, causing his eyes to widen in disbelief.

“You want me to sleep on the floor? Are you being serious, Evelyn?” He looked pale.

I chuckled darkly with a bored expression. “Does it look like I'm joking? Seth, I'm really exhausted today, so you need to find a comfortable spot on the floor and…" I reached for the pillow and threw it at him, but he caught it in midair. “Use that and retire for the night. The last thing I want is to dive into another argument with you,” I didn't spare him a glance as I laid in the middle of the bed.

“Evelyn, you don't expect me to sleep on the floor. For fuck’s sake, it's cold in here and a pillow will not be of much help, not to forget that you're with the only duvet,” he continued to rant, but I remained unaffected.

At the end, he cursed and searched for a comfortable spot on the floor. Pleased with the surrounding quietude, I finally fell into a deep slumber.

Early the next morning, I got up for work and caught a sight of Seth trembling on the floor while wrapping his arms tightly around his body. I smirked at the sight before leaving for work.

Working at the most prestigious TV station in our Pack is more of a hobby. I love interviewing guests and researching top news in the pack. As I pulled into the garage and took my purse, I stopped for a minutes and adjusted the tiny red that touched my teeth before heading into the four storey building.

“Good morning, you look beautiful in that lovely dress,” the female voice made me pause to give her a wink.

“Thank you,” my gaze traveled over her body. Pamela, my personal assistant wore a plain knee-length dress with flat shoes. “You look lovely, too,” I complimented.

“Oh, please,” she waved her hands. “Not as lovely as our well-known TV anchor in the whole Jupiter Pack,” she said timidly as a blush crept to her face.

She had always been sweet and timid among all my colleagues. She leaned forward as if about to tell a secret. “You know, I believe you'll win the competition for the prime-time hosting position,” she said with certainty.

I gave her a doubtful look and parted my lips to reply when a manly voice echoed from behind. “Evelyn! You're early as always. We're starting thirty minutes from now, so let's fix everything,” he paused to give me a once-over and a satisfied smile appeared on his face before he ushered me into the room.

Work started immediately and for the next several hours I was buried in work. I drove back home, changed into the evening gown and stared at my reflection in the mirror. My fingers traced the dress, its revealing cut accentuating my curves and contours. The tight, fitted bodice showcased my toned physique, while the short, flared skirt teased with a glimpse of my legs.

“We should head out now,” Seth said while standing at the doorsteps. Picking up my bag, I pushed the strands of my hair off my shoulder as I walked past him and into the car.

The drive to the estate was awkward and exhausting, but thankfully we arrived at the luxurious estate. The estate, nestled amidst lush greenery, sprawled across acres of meticulously manicured lawns and vibrant gardens. Majestic stone pillars flanked the entrance, leading to a grand, sweeping driveway. The estate's facade boasted elegant architecture, blending classic sophistication with modern luxury.

The estate gate opened automatically, and we drove further, and my jaw dropped the moment the estate came into full view.

A sparkling infinity pool and outdoor entertainment area overlooked a tranquil lake, while a private tennis court and stables complemented the estate's recreational offerings. Discreetly positioned staff quarters and state-of-the-art security ensured seamless functionality.

There were royalty and high society figures, including the rich omegas and nobles, all gathered around the place. Inside, opulent chandeliers illuminated spacious rooms adorned with rich wood paneling, plush carpets, and exquisite artwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

People were already filing themselves in a single line that led to the middle of the hall, where the Alpha King's mother sat.

“Wow, so much for a secret estate,” Seth said, and I could hear the disbelief in his tone.

We shortly joined the line, but we were the last in line and judging by the people around, it'd definitely take longer to reach the front of the line. My gaze darted around until my gaze landed on my mother, Luna of the Orion Pack with someone beside her.

I noticed the genuine smile on her face as she took the gift from the girl while presenting it to the Alpha King's mother. I felt a pang of pain as I watched my mother wrap her arms around her biological daughter.

****

Seth's POV

I couldn't shake the thoughts of Evelyn actually having a boyfriend. She might claim to have one, but I knew her too well to know that it was all a lie to get me upset due to my long call with Veronica. Plus, that would mean we could finally end the marriage, and I'd finally be free.

“Hello?” I put the phone on speaker as I exited the car.

“Where are you?” Veronica's voice came from the other end of the phone. I had promised to make it up to her last night, but I knew I still had to explain things to her.

“I'm currently outside the hotel, I'll be with you shortly,” I responded before ending the call. I caught a cold last night because of the room temperature that had suddenly dropped last night.

As I walked into the hotel, I finally pushed the thought of Evelyn aside, knowing very well that she would never leave me after everything she had been through.

After a few knocks, the door of the hotel room opened, revealing a pissed Veronica in her nightwear. “What took you so long?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

My gaze fell on her stomach as I pulled her in for a hug while she struggled to free herself from my hold. “I'm sorry, I wanted to rush back here last night but like I told you on the phone, my father and I had business to discuss and as the heir to the throne, I had to oblige,” I repeated the same lie.

She took three steps back and studied me in silence. “So you didn't stay back because of Evelyn?” She raised a brow, looking unconvinced.

“Never. Why would I leave you here alone just to be with Evelyn? My love, I'd never do that to you,” I replied almost immediately, trying to coax her.

I spent the remaining hours making it up to her and soothing her before she reluctantly gave in. Once it clocked five o'clock, I made my way back to the Pack house.

Opening the door to Evelyn's room, I froze in place, taking in the sight of her. She was a statuesque beauty with long, raven-black hair and piercing emerald eyes, and wore a dazzling red gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. The fitted, floor-length dress featured a daring thigh-high slit and a plunging neckline, showcasing her flawless skin and toned physique.

I parted my lips to compliment her, but quickly stopped myself. Instead, I let out a growl of frustration before asking her to finish up.

Once we got into the car, I finally broke the silence. “Don't bother playing any tricks on me because I'll never fall for you again, even if you are the last woman on earth,” I warned sharply.