Veronica’s POVDuring my first marriage, it was my stepmother who decided everything about my wedding.Whether it was my gown, the flowers, the theme, the cake, and even the invited guests. I had no choice but to follow her anyway. I didn't want to start any issues back then and I wanted her to be happy. After all, I went through that marriage for her. Just to please her. Because she told me it is what's best for our family.I still regret it until today.“I think I’ll pick the off-shoulder sweetheart neck gown,” I bit my lower lip as I pointed to the design shown to me. “Wonderful choice, Miss!” The lady smiled at me and bookmarked the page.Browsing the catalog was overwhelming and I was so indecisive. All the gowns were beautiful, I wish I could wear them all at least once. Although I just kept that last thought to myself. If Sebastian gets wind of it, it might start giving him ideas of holding a wedding over and over until I have worn everything shown to me.I almost laughed to m
Veronica’s POVI prepared myself for some disapproving reactions from the Helios pack.It just makes sense that they would be wary of me and might even dislike that I was chosen. I guess it didn't really sink in to me as much outside my awareness because I was in a bubble of people who respect and like me here. I was under Sebastian’s protection.Now that he is not around, I could notice a bit of resentment and grudges towards me.Of course they cannot act on it though, especially as I am guarded all the time. Maybe this is why Sebastian fully assigned Isolde and Soren to me.It started as subtle as a slightly askewed plate on the dining table. Barely noticeable that I simply thought that it was a mistake. After all, the dishes served to me were perfect and with a lot of choices. I was dining alone. Isolde was out checking the staff and people that would accompany us to Eviera tomorrow. Soren was tasked to inspect the carriages we will use while Analynn prepared my clothings and other
Veronica’s POVI have lived many lives for other people.There was this crave for approval that has always weighed on my shoulders. I have always felt like people tolerating me is only conditional. I have to be useful and I have to offer something to them so that they would keep me around. I don't know where it started. I don't know when it could end, I still carry it with me until today.Back when my father was still alive, our relationship was okay. We were a bit closer before Jadeline and Ruby. Somehow we stopped being as close after his second marriage.I didn't wanna harbor anything against him. I liked that I would have a mother around and a sister too. But after all this, sometimes I wonder whether he just wanted to replace my mom and me.During his second marriage, father became busy with pack matters I still cannot fully understand back then. All I know is that it was important to him. So important that it consumed his time.I wanted to enter that world of his. That's why eve
Veronica’s POVHome sweet home— or so I’d like to say.The entrance to the Eviera territory was decorated with an arch. There were a lot of people around, guests from the other packs and more. They probably invited everyone in the North. It's a tradition. An Alpha and Luna’s wedding must be grand. It tells the status of their pack and their political power at the same time.It almost takes me back to my first wedding. The decorations are quite exactly the same, it's a little unnerving if I dwell on it.Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice whispers in me that it's as if the only thing they changed this time was the bride.Sebastian’s arm around my waist tightened and pulled me back from my observations. He leaned towards my ear and whispered, “You okay?”I leaned on him and hummed, “Hm, yeah. I’m doing good.”I didn't reciprocate his gaze and it's not like he can meet mine with what I’m wearing. I had to hide my identity for now, since the wedding had a short window of waiting for
Veronica’s POVThe wedding march sounded like a funeral song during both times I stood in front of the chapel door.In Eviera, there is a church where weddings of the Alpha and Luna are always to be held. It was a tradition in the pack so naturally, this is where the ceremony will happen. While standing outside, my mind keeps going back and forth between the past and the present.My first wedding was filled with nothing but a sense of duty. My hand was stiff around the bouquet, back straight with how tight the corset of my gown is. I had a veil over my face. I could only take deep breaths back then, calming myself and convincing myself that this is for the best. I want to do this.“Make me proud, Veronica.”Mother, as I used to call her, and her words kept on echoing in my mind in each passing second the walk to the altar came near. Standing here now, at the same spot, felt like deja vu. It’s like a parallel time of the nerve-wracking experience. I am less nervous now. It is ironic,
Veronica’s POV “Did I make you proud, Mother?” The question pierced through the tense air at the chapel. The guests and audience were feeding on the drama unfolding right before their eyes. But this is all between us. I turned to Sebastian for a second before meeting her stunned eyes again, “I traded for a better husband and a stronger Alpha,” I tapped my hand on his chest and beamed at her. The worst thing for them is that it was true. There is no Alpha in the North that could match Sebastian. He is in his own league. She has always wanted to use me for power and status, make me climb the ranks and bag a good Alpha that would benefit her. I just surpassed her expectations this time. I wonder what she must be feeling right now, “It’s all thanks to you.” Jadeline was lost for words. It all came down to her at once. I bet her mind is racing, trying to grasp this situation. Ruby is still deeply confused and humiliated. I think she might cry in frustration. Meanwhile Colton hasn'
Veronica’s POV Life in Helios became easier and harder at the same time after we got back from Eviera. The pack welcomed our arrival— or just Sebastian, actually. It’s an etiquette when their king is back. They were a bit more civil to me now. Not entirely accepted by the majority but less skeptic than last time. I’m sure it's probably because they heard how Sebastian treats and dotes on me. Apparently word gets around really fast here. By night time of our first day back in the territory, the wedding shenanigans were known to the whole pack. Lots of rumors have been swirling around. I wasn't sure how they would judge me for it. Whether it made my reputation better or worse, I had no time to overthink it. Even if I was still elated by everything that transpired in Eviera, and how it all fell to my favor, I knew I couldn't stay too complacent. One thing I know about Jadeline is she bites back, harder. She wouldn't just give up. I have to be ready. But again, I currently don't
Veronica’s POV The wedding day arrived in a blink of an eye. I was sitting in front of the mirror while the servants were rushing to get me ready. Someone was putting makeup on my face and styling my hair. It was a busy day for everyone. Big event too, especially for the entire Helios pack. The other night, I knew the Rozeiros family arrived. I asked Sebastian about it when we met for breakfast the morning after. “Your family is here?” I interrogated before taking a sip from my morning coffee. I saw him halt for a split second before he continued eating like he didn't hear it even if I noticed he did. He acted lost while not meeting my eyes, “What?” “I heard the trumpet last night,” I said with a stoic expression. Something doesn't feel right. “Ah,” he was still looking at his plate. He knew he couldn't deny it now, “Yeah. They heard about our wedding,” he shrugged before continuing to eat. He still doesn't look my way. “Of course, you'll be getting married so they'd know