Episode 3

Selena POV

I felt all eyes on me from every direction on the stage. I could also see my parents' confused expressions from where I stood...

Oh no! Is this wedding going to be the biggest mistake of my life? I barely know anything about my soon to be husband...

If looks could kill, I'd be dead by now.

My heart was racing.

There was no turning back.

To avoid looking like a five-year-old who just lost her lollipop while staring at Rufus, I lowered my gaze and decided not to look at him again.

The wedding ceremony was simplified a lot. There were no elaborate proposals, no heartfelt confessions, no witness speeches, etc.

After a simple vow and exchange of rings, the priest took the microphone and said.

"Groom, you may now kiss your bride."

I was taken aback.

Was he going to kiss me?

But this is my first kiss!

My mind was in chaos. The man standing in front of me suddenly leaned in, and his warm hand didn't lift my chin. Instead, he cupped my cheek.

The warm palm pressed gently against my cheek, and the heat made my cheeks blush.

My eyes widened as I watched him lower his head, and his lips met mine...

I was stunned for a moment, and my mind went blank.

After the wedding ceremony...

My grandmother sat on the couch in a green cheongsam. She looked frail due to illness. She gazed at Rufus sitting beside her with intense eyes.

I cleared my throat and spoke softly.

"Grandmother, I'm sorry... Williams and I may be mate... but I don't love him, the person I love is..."

I paused, looked at Rufus, and said briefly.

"It's Rufus..."

Grandmother's eyes softened as she gazed at me with a soft smile.

She then asked, "Do you really love him? Is your wolf okay with this? How long have you known him? Why haven't I heard of him before?"

"Uh.. Yeah, Meeka is fine with it..." I replied softly, hearing the faint growl of my wolf. It seemed like she didn't approve of the relationship...

"We've been friends for a long time," I continued. Worried that Grandmother might doubt me, I quickly added, "He and Ava are best friends. Ava introduced us to each other. If you don't believe me, you can ask Ava."

I glanced at Ava, only to receive a death glare in return.

"Ava!"

Grandmother said to Ava sternly.

Ava looked up and nervously said, "Grandma..."

"Is what your sister said true?"

Ava looked at me earnestly, and i silently pleaded for her help in resolving the situation.

"Yes, grandma! Let her marry the one she loves and be happy," Ava chimed in.

Upon hearing Ava's words, Grandmother turned to Rufus, her tone serious as she asked, "Rufus, do you love my girl too?"

I was taken aback when Rufus didn't respond immediately, instead, he gazed at me with his intense eyes.

Rufus hesitated for a moment before nodding calmly and softly saying, "Yes."

He then gently wiped his mouth and continued, "Yes... I love your little girl too, grandmother."

A faint smile played on his lips as he looked at me, his eyes filled with affection.

I let out a sigh of relief quietly. When our eyes met, my heart skipped a beat and I instinctively looked away.

His gaze was intense, as if he truly cared.

But it was just all an act.

Grandmother paused for a moment and whispered softly, "Well, since you like my little girl, the engagement with the Cobbler family should be canceled. I will inform Mr. Cobbler personally later." Grandmother said and I nervously gripped the edge of my dress.

I glanced at Ava, who caught on and quickly spoke up.

"Grandmother, father will handle this situation with the Cobbler family. You don't have to stress yourself about that.."

Grandmother reluctantly nodded at Ava, then turned to Rufus, "Rufus, from now on my girl will be under your care."

Rufus's smile tightened at the corners of his mouth.

His expression was calm, devoid of any emotion, as he replied with a neither humble nor arrogant tone.

"Grandmother, rest assured, I will take care of it."

Upon hearing Rufus's words, my eyes widened in shock and my jaw dropped in disbelief.

Wow! How good of an actor could he possibly be?

Grandma seemed a bit tired after the wedding. Ava took her back to the pack hospital. Her ongoing health relies on the careful attention of doctors and nurses.

Interestingly, only Rufus and I were left in the huge mansion, and the atmosphere was calm and awkward.

My eyelashes fluttered for a few moments, then I looked up at him, my eyes clear but slightly uncomfortable. "Thank you for everything."

"No problem," Rufus replied, his voice cold.

Perhaps because the wedding was over and people had left, his demeanor had changed. He became cold and distant, not even looking at me.

I knew that everything he did today was because of his sister, but I was still very grateful that he was willing to help me in front of my grandmother.

"Rufus, I will save your sister, but I have another something else to ask for!"

His eyelashes fluttered and his eyes turned cold, as if he was looking down on me.

I bit my lip and spoke softly, "Can I move into your house?"

His pale and bruised eyes fixed on me, but he still didn't respond.

I seemed anxious that he would reject me, so I quickly added, "Don't worry, I'll stay in the guest room! We can't afford to give the pack members a reason to stay on..." I swallowed and then added.. " I can pay for the rent..."

I accidentally bit my tongue as Rufus kept giving me quick glances. Did I say something dumb?