chapter 15

Chapter 15

Soft beams were cast across the walls in Azalea's room as the morning light filtered through the large windows. Lying in bed, she gazed at the ceiling, absorbed in thoughts about what lay ahead for her. The manor was suddenly filled with the reverberating sound of loud, joyous music coming from outside. She became rigid, understanding immediately the implication. Federico's bundle had been delivered.

Azalea abruptly sat up, her muscles tight, and cast the blankets aside. The beat of her heart quickened in her chest, and she sensed the usual surge of anxiety starting to rise within her. Today was the long-awaited day, the one she had been anxious about for weeks. The way she lived was going to be forever altered. With hardly any time to collect her thoughts, she saw the door to her room slowly open, and two maids entered with their heads down in deference.

"Miss Azalea, good morning," greeted one of the maids with a soft tone, exhibiting formality in her voice.

Azalea gave a tiny nod and looked over at them. "Have a nice morning."

"We are here to assist you in getting ready," the second maid said, while the first maid began arranging her brushes and accessories on the vanity table.

Azalea remained silent, standing motionless while the maids started assisting her in getting dressed. She was dressed in a modest yet stylish dress—appropriate for the event but less flashy than what was to follow. While they were working, she stayed silent, completely absorbed in thoughts unrelated to the task they were doing. It seemed like she was observing herself as a bystander in her own life, looking from afar.

After completing their task, the maids bowed once more before exiting the room, leaving her in silence once again. Azalea exhaled shakily and approached the mirror, gazing at her reflection. She hardly knew who she was. The woman gazing at herself appeared elegant, wearing lavish clothing, with her long hair styled impeccably. However, internally, she experienced total devastation.

When she reached out to the edge of the vanity table, she could hear footsteps coming closer from the hallway. Without warning, the door swung open and Mack entered the room, exuding an aura of power. Azalea felt her heart drop when she saw him. His sharp gaze evaluated her with a smug expression that ignited her anger.

"What's the reason for your presence here?" Azalea insisted, her voice tight as she stared at him. You ought not to be present. Go away, Mack."

Mack remained steadfast. Rather, he went deeper into the room and shut the door as he advanced. Leaning nonchalantly against the wall, he crossed his arms. "I am in the right place," he said confidently, his voice exuding assurance. "I wanted to remind you of what is required for today.”

Azalea tightened her jaw. "I don't want your reminders," she snapped, clenching her fists at her sides. "I am aware of the situation. I don't want you to brag.

Mack laughed, showing no signs of being affected by her anger. "This doesn't involve bragging, Azalea." It's important to realize that what is unfolding today is ultimately for the benefit of both yourself and the group. Regardless of your opinion, you will need to accept and deal with it.

She became furious and sneered with bitterness. "The top choice?" Do you believe this is the most suitable option for me? "Are you getting rid of me like a pawn in your game?" She spoke angrily, her voice getting louder. "I have no desire to be involved in this marriage, and you are aware of that fact."

Mack's countenance clouded, and he stood up straight, his face becoming icy. "You will follow instructions." I am still the leader of the pack, and you will follow my rules today. He spoke with a harsh tone, conveying the gravity of his power.

Azalea became still, the beating of her heart loud in her chest. The first letter of the Greek alphabet. The word was a blow to her stomach, bringing back memories of her stupidity. She had given him that title. She had enough trust in him to appoint him as Alpha, and now he was turning it against her. In what way could she have been so oblivious?

Mack observed as the recognition appeared on her face, a pleased smile forming on his lips. Do you now regret your decision?

Without replying, she was consumed by a whirlwind of anger, shame, and regret. She desired to explode, to shout at him, but she was rendered speechless. Instead of moving, she remained in place, her hands shaking by her side.

Prior to the tension worsening, Ophelia walked into the room, her eyes shining with contentment as she observed the situation.

"Enough, Mack," said Ophelia smoothly, approaching her sister with a calculated smile. "We want to avoid angering her greatly before the ceremony."

Mack looked at Ophelia, then at Azalea, before giving a nod. "You are correct. However, I believe she now comprehends her position.

Ophelia grinned even more, facing Azalea with a fake sweet tone. Azalea, I need to inform you of something crucial. You must conduct yourself appropriately today. Everyone in the group will be observing, and any actions you take will affect all of us negatively.

Azalea felt the pain caused by her words, but she was determined not to let it be visible. With defiance, she raised her chin and locked eyes with Ophelia. She coldly stated that you need to learn how to respect her. "I remain the firstborn daughter, and that fact will not be forgotten by you."

Ophelia's eyes sparkled with amusement. Oh, I see." The *firstborn* daughter. Moving nearer, her words were gentle yet laced with bitterness. Being Mack's Luna now puts me in front of you. Just because you were born first, does that hold any significance now?

Azalea felt a knot of anger and pain in her stomach, yet she stood her ground. "Sometime in the future, you will feel remorse for this," she murmured, her voice trembling with concealed anger. "You'll feel remorse for all of your actions."

Ophelia's smile stayed as she grabbed Mack's arm and gently guided him towards the door. "We will check on that," she said kindly. At the moment, concentrate solely on your behavior. In the end, this union benefits the group.

After the door closed with a click, Azalea's shoulders dropped. The weight of it all came crashing down on her, causing her to bite her inner cheek to suppress tears. Walking to the bed, she sat down and gazed emptily at the floor.

She felt a painful tightness in her chest from all the pent-up anger and grief she hadn't expressed. Both Ophelia and Mack had betrayed her in ways that she had never imagined. Her trusted sister and the man she once had faith in had shattered her world, now standing over her triumphantly.

Azalea squeezed her fists, her nails piercing the skin of her palms. She denied them access to witnessing her moment of weakness. She denied them the opportunity to feel pleased. However, in the depths of her being, the fissures in her heart were expanding, and she realized that without reclaiming her power soon, she would completely lose herself.

At the moment, the only thing she could do was cling to her hatred for the life that had been imposed on her, as it was the only source of her strength.