Chapter 6

 

Evelyn's POV

“How long is this line going to take?” Seth growled behind me, but my gaze was focused on two figures. My mother– Luna of the Orion Pack and her biological daughter– Stella.

Stella smiled back at my mother, Luna Naomi who smiled back at her, looking proud and satisfied. I tried to suppress the feeling that weighed on my chest, but it suddenly became suffocating. I couldn't remember the last time my mother ever smiled at me like that.

“Greetings to the powerful lady of the Silver Universe, happy birthday. We'd like to present our gifts to you, your Grace,” Stella placed the gift in front of the Alpha King’s mother, who calmly accepted it. The whole place was filled with expensive gifts and there were still more coming from the guests.

The Luna sat poised in the grand hall, surrounded by opulent furnishings and crystal chandeliers. Soft, golden light danced across her porcelain skin, highlighting her delicate features and radiant complexion.

“It's an expensive jewelry made by the well-known and mysterious designer named MK. Only two of it were made, and I got them both for you, your Grace. The pieces are worth ten million and above, so I hope your Grace accepts the gifts as it would enhance the elegant beauty of your Grace,” she said with a pride smile on her face.

Luna Naomi nodded in agreement. While someone took the gifts from Stella.

“Thank you for the wonderful gift, I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” She accepted it with a kind smile while the servant ushered Stella and Luna Naomi aside.

The line slowly shrunk with other guests bringing in their gift. “Accept our gifts, your Grace,” another guest said as they brought more gifts towards her.

The servants took all the gifts, but the line was still piling up. Looking at the Alpha King's mother, I noticed the faint look of stress on her face, a telltale sign that she hadn't gotten enough sleep before today.

“Your Grace, it might not be worth ten million, but it definitely can enhance your elegance,” the guest mocked, as he gave Stella a weird look.

“That's true, your Grace. We only brought forth what we can offer and although it wasn't crafted by the famous and mysterious designer, this gem was difficult to find,” another cut in as they presented their gifts.

A chuckle followed as a girl leaned down to whisper something to the person next to her while staring at Stella the whole time. They were all bringing their luxurious gifts and seemed confident that the celebrant was pleased with it.

It finally got to our turn and I brought out the gifts. “Long may be your reign, your Grace,” I bowed in respect. Lifting my head up, I got sight of a lady who had a striking resemblance to the Alpha King's mother. Her chin was raised and her eyes sharp, which showed she had much power as well. Although there was a pleasant smile on her face as she glanced around the room.

The gift was a specially crafted aromatherapy oil, housed in a crystal bottle intricately adorned with carved gemstones. I had specifically picked the gift for her, knowing very well that the properties it contained would be significant to her.

“It's a unique oil made with special properties to help with sleeping disorders, and it improves vitality. Your Grace's health is important,” I explained while the servants reached for the gifts.

“That's very lovely of you my dear,” she said, her smile brightened, reaching her eyes as she nodded in approval.

“I think she loved the gifts,” Seth, who had become quiet throughout the ordeal, finally muttered close to me.

I stared at the Alpha King's mother with a soft smile, trying to confirm if she was greatly pleased with it. However, the lady beside her who was definitely the Alpha King's sister spoke up.

“We appreciate your gift, and we're pleased with how thoughtful you're to think of her health before presenting the gifts,” the lady said, her chin still lifted, but her eyes filled with warmth and gratitude.

She was beautiful, and her silk purple dress accentuated her curves, making her breathtakingly gorgeous. She nodded at me in approval.

“An oil? That's the lamest thing someone could ever give, Alpha King's mother. Among all the luxurious things in the world, you chose an oil for her. Look around, everyone here brought something of value, if the oil is as powerful as you claim, then I believe Alpha King's mother already has something like that. Besides, boosting vitality should be your Grace priority,” the voice was laced with annoyance.

Turning to the source, I found Stella looking back at me with a sneer. She turned to her mother, who seemed rather supporting her statement. “Mother, can you imagine that?” She raised a brow in disbelief as she scoffed.

Luna Naomi nodded in response, and Stella took it as a go-ahead. “I believe I can ask someone, maybe a famous beautician, who can vouch that this oil is not really worth the value you claim. It would be rather disappointing knowing you brought something of low value,” she said, looking around with a satisfied expression.

“Say's the lady who did a whole advertisement for jewelry. She must think this is the first time the Alpha King's mother is seeing jewelry in her lifetime. Bragging about it as if the world would end just because she bought jewelry worth ten million,” the whispers broke the tension in the air even before I could counter back.

“Seriously, it's very embarrassing how these young ladies think everything is all about wealth, forgetting about a stable and a sound mind,” another whispered back, but it was getting louder than just a mere whisper.

They turned to Stella, their eyes beaming with amusement, while she stared in shock. “You know this isn't the first time either for your Grace to see jewelry. Openly talking about its worth isn't going to add the value of it either, so next time refrain from doing such,” an elderly lady said straightforwardly, her scowling deepening as she eyed Stella.

“What did you say? Careful with your tone,” Luna Naomi confronted while keeping her voice neutral.

“I think it's inevitable for someone to point out a child's wrong when necessary. Every gift is appreciated and welcomed by the celebrant but shaming other gifts just to praise yours…" The lady trailed off while shaking her head in disappointment.

I watched the whole ordeal, unable to wrap my head around the conversation. “You know, she's actually the daughter of Luna Naomi,” someone said promptly.

“Are you sure?” Another asked curiously.

“You think I carry fake news around? I heard Stella is the real daughter of Orion Pack’s Alpha.” She pointed out this time as she gave me a sympathetic look that made my stomach churned. I had long accepted my fate as the unluckiest person.

From getting betrayed to getting despised by my mother. I had forced myself to believe that everything was happening the way they were meant to be. It still hurts like a fresh wound being reopened every time.

The least I wanted right now was gaining sympathy for whatever happened to me. Today wasn't the day to be vulnerable in front of so many people.

“Really? It's a shame that she has such a bad attitude. She's so tacky and crude, and that's definitely not a good thing for the Orion Pack. She's very uncultured and vain, bragging about jewelry like it could define a man,” the other person replied.

“Guess she was never raised with manners.” The elderly lady spoke again.

“What did you just say?” The words hung in the air and I slowly turned to see Stella looking flustered and in rage.