Chapter 2: Anniversary Gift
Vishiea’s POV
“Can you postpone your work tonight?” I asked him calmly while caressing his hair. He removed my hand from his hair and shook his head, “I can’t. I need to finish this before sunrise,” He replied without looking at me.
I close my mouth shut, “But…” He stopped what he was doing and stared at me. “Look. I’m busy, can’t you see?” I close my mouth again and sigh. I bit my inner lip, “But it’s us….” He glared at me.
“For God’s sake, Vishiea! Do you think I’m joking? I’m damn busy and can’t grant your wish now!” My jaw dropped. He changed. He had never yelled at me like this before.
I messed his hair and leaned back on his chair. “Look, I’m tired. I can’t take you out tonight or what.” Okay then. I slowly nodded and stood up.
“Take your time then,” I bowed and started to leave. When I reached the doorway, I looked back. He’s looking at me. I smiled at him and nodded, “I’m sorry.”
He didn’t say anything or even chase after me like he always did before. I took a deep breath and leaned on the wall. There’s no permanent in this world. Everything changes, even a person. I cheer myself up and smile, “Maybe, he’s just tired. I will talk to him again later. Or better, I should surprise him,” I murmured.
The royal guard bowed as soon he saw me. He opened the door, “You look so sad, my lady. Is there something wrong?” I shook my head.
“Oh, nothing. Can you look after the prince? Give him lunch later; he’s too busy,” I told him. He nodded, “Sure, my lady. Anything else?” I shrugged my shoulder.
“Nothing. I will go home now. I’ll come back later,” he nodded but still looked worried. I smiled at him before leaving. I got inside my car and drove back to our house.
I saw my father at the doorway. He seemed like he was waiting for me. “Hey, Dad,” I greeted him. He stared at me when he saw the expression on my face. I probably look sad right now.
“Are you okay, honey?” He asked me gently. I nodded. I’m not okay, but I don’t want him to worry. “Yes, Dad. What’s up?” I asked him. he placed his arm on my back, “Your mother wanted to see you,” he answered.
“Okay, that. Let’s go and see her,” I replied. He nodded and guided me to my mother’s room. She’s been bedridden for almost eight years because of a disease. She’s getting weaker every day but doing everything to survive.
To stay with us. We, my father, and I, were doing everything too. We don’t want to lose someone like her. I don’t want to lose my lovely mother. She’s the most incredible mother of all.
“Hey, Mom, how are you?” I gently asked her and embraced her lightly. She smiled widely when she heard my voice. Even if her body is weak, she still manages to pull me a hug.
“I miss you, my daughter,” She almost whispered. The smile on my lips widened, and I started to caress her hair.
“I miss you too, Mom. How is your day?” She closed her eyes and sighed. “It’s better now that I saw you,” my mother never failed to make me feel happy when I was down.
“Likewise, Mom.” She looked at me intently. “You look sad. Is there something wrong?” She asked me. I let out a sigh and sat down on the chair. I took one of her hands, “It’s our anniversary today,” I started.
“Then why are you sad? This day is supposed to be your happiest day,” I smiled sadly. That’s it. I should be happy today because this is our first anniversary. Darius and I have known each other since childhood since my father was his father’s beta.
We play together in their backyards most of the time until we grow up. And when we turned eighteen, we discovered that we were mates—one year together as mates and best friends for a lifetime.
“Honey?” I was snapped back into reality when I heard my father’s voice. “Oh. Yes, it’s our anniversary today. But he’s busy and can’t make it up tonight,” She looked at me sadly.
“That’s sad to hear, honey. Maybe, he’s just tired. You can go and talk to him later.” I will, Mom.
“Did you eat your lunch?” I asked to change the topic. She nodded, “Yes, your father fed me earlier. How about you?” She asked.
“I’ll eat later, Mom” She raised an eyebrow. “Not later. Eat now,” She empathically replied. I chuckled, “All right, Mom. I’ll go now and eat.”
“Good. Revisit me soon, okay.” I nodded. “I promise mom,” I stood up and kissed her forehead. I gave Dad a meaningful smile before leaving.
While eating, I decided that I would surprise him later. Suppose he’s busy and can’t make it up tonight. Maybe, I should be the one who will adjust. I smiled widely at that thought, right? I should be the one who will make some effort today.
I finished my meal quickly and went to my room. I planned what I should do and was done a few hours later. At precisely six in the evening, I returned to his place but was stopped by the royal guard.
“His Highness went out. I thought he was with you,” My brow furrowed in confusion. But I never saw him after I left this morning.
“No. Do you know where did he go?” I asked in curiosity.
He nodded, “He said that he’s done with his work so that he will meet someone. I assumed he went to your house,” what? Did he say that? I started to feel anxious.
“Thank you. I’ll go and look for him,” he bowed. “Sure, my lady.” I just nodded and went out. I got inside my car and drove off. A smile slowly formed into my lips. Maybe he was acting a while ago that he’s not busy and planning something for me.
Well, let’s make this day remarkable, then. If he’s planning to surprise me, I’ll surprise him instead. I went to the five-star hotel where we go before. Every time we have a special event, we always go there.
I was smiling widely while I was inside the elevator. He’s such a drama king yet romantic. He even acted as if he had forgotten our anniversary. When I was on the last floor, I stopped and sighed. I brought him the wine he loves.
I was about to push the doorbell when I noticed that the door was slightly open. Did he forget to close it, or he left it open on purpose? I shook my head because of his silliness. I fixed my hair before getting in.
“Hey---” My mouth was left hanging by the next scene I saw. I couldn’t process in my mind what the hell is this madness. I saw him naked with a random girl. They were kissing like crazy, touching each other’s bodies wildly.
Is this the reason why I felt anxious a while ago? I can’t seem to move or speak at all. I was standing dumbfounded while looking at them. They were both surprised by my sudden arrival. They didn’t expect me to be here.
This is the worst gift I ever get. Best anniversary gift ever.
“How could you do this to me?”
Chapter 3: The BetrayalVishiea’s POV“How could you do this to me?” I asked in disbelief and took a step back. The woman quickly pulled the blanket to cover her naked body. While he was on the other side, he just remained silent while looking at me.Why he’s not talking? Isn’t he guilty at all? I closed my fist tightly, “Talk to me. Explain this shit! What are you doing, Darius? Really? On our anniversary?” The girl’s eyes widened in terror. I glared at her. Everyone knows about our relationship. That Darius and I were mates. But she still agreed to hook up with him!I bit my bottom lips and tried to calm myself down. I didn’t think he could do this to me. I thought I was the only one he wanted to spend his life forever. I thought he would never hurt me.The woman attempted to leave, but I stopped her, “Hang on there. Don’t you fucking dare to leave!” I warned. She looked down and hid in a corner.I glared back at him. “Please, say something, Darius. Don’t make me upset like this,” W
Chapter 4: Farewell, MotherVishiea’s POV“Your father was held for trial, and your mother… she died,” I fall to the ground. My world seemed to crash when I heard him say that. What? I looked at him in disbelief. No, not my mother. I just saw her this afternoon. This can’t be real. None of this is real!“Vishiea!” I glare at Darius. I quickly stood up and left. I don’t want to hear anything from him.“My lady! Don’t drive!” Our butler worriedly stopped me. I looked back and shook my head, “No, I need to go home now. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe,” he couldn’t do anything but nod his head. I got inside my car and drove towards our house.When I arrived, I saw more than ten warriors escorting my father out of our house. His eyes were filled with tears. He is murmuring my mother’s name, “Cynthia”.I rushed towards their direction and hugged my father even if the warriors surrounded him. He cried hard when he saw me.“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Your mom…” He sobbed. He’s the bravest man I’ve e
Chapter 5: Her PromiseVishiea’s POVMy father placed his arm on my back and pulled me close. Today is my mother’s burial, and my father managed to attend, but the royal warriors surrounded him. This is the first time I have seen him since he got arrested a few days ago.The sky is dark and gloomy. It looks like it will rain. And I was not mistaken; the heavy rain poured after loud lightning and thunder. Tears kept falling as I looked down at my mother’s grave. Even on her last day, Darius did not show up.I wanted him to come and ask forgiveness for my mother. But I’m just hoping that something will never come true. He’s not even guilty at all for hurting me, cheating on me on the day of our anniversary. Another sigh escapes from my lips.After this, my father will return to the palace for his last trial. If he were proven guilty, the king would give his punishment. If not, he’ll remain as the Lycan beta of the kingdom.They will compensate him for the damage and ensure everyone know
Chapter 6: Her New Identity Vishiea’s POV “Vishiea? Are you ready? Miss Kiara wanted to see you now,” I heard someone say behind the door. I took a deep breath and sighed, “I’m ready; just wait for me there,” I replied and stood up from the chair. With one last glance at myself in the mirror, I approached the door and opened it. I saw Dylan’s face. I know he’s sad, but he’s masking his genuine emotion with his smile. I raised an eyebrow when I saw him only staring at me. “What?” I snapped. He grinned and was about to mess up my hair, but I stepped back. “Not my hair, idiot. Where is Mother Kiara?” I asked. He laughed softly, “All right, fury. She’s on her room’s balcony. Waiting for you,” He answered. I nodded, “All right then. I’ll go ahead and meet her,” He nodded. “Sure, but let me walk with you.” Even if I declined his offer, he still did what he wanted.
Chapter 7: Mainland Vishiea’s POV “Are you sure you don’t want me to accompany you?” Dylan asked me while helping me to pack my clothes. I shook my head, “No, I can manage. Just take care of her. Mother Kiara needs someone to look after her, and I can’t do that now,” I answered. He let out a sigh, “Okay then. Please be safe.” I will go back to the mainland tomorrow. Mother Kiara receives an invitation from the palace. They were celebrating the Blue Moon Festival—an annual festival I used to celebrate with my mate… oh, ex-mate before. “How long will you stay there?” He asked again. I stopped folding my dress and looked at him. I don’t know. The festival will start tomorrow and until next month. Which festival will consume three weeks, I think? But I will stay there longer if needed. “Vishiea?” “Oh, probably a month or more. Depending on the situation. If
Chapter 8: The Lycan King’s fiancée Vishiea’s POV A group of maids and warriors welcomed me in front of the grand door. I guess this palace’s rule and regulation hasn’t changed at all. That’s nice; at least there is one thing that doesn’t change in this place. “Welcome to the kingdom Miss Cullen,” someone greeted me and bowed. I frowned slightly as I checked her from head to toe. She looked familiar, oh, I remember now. She’s the only daughter of the head maid before. Her family is still working as maids in this place. All of them bowed, “All rise.” I commanded. The woman who welcomed me smiled widely. “Hello, my lady. I’m Yana, and I’m the one who will assist you today. Can we take your stuff now and guide you to your room?” She asked for my permission. I nodded, “Sure. You can take it now,” She nodded as well. She motioned to the men behind her to get
Chapter 9: Anastasia Cullen Vishiea’s POV “The king wanted to meet you and others today at eleven thirty,” My brow furrowed as I looked at her. “I mean, at luncheon. You are one of the VIPs, so you must be there,” she continued. I see. I nodded my head. “I’ll be there. Anyway, thank you for informing and helping me,” I said and smiled a little. She smiled back, “It’s my pleasure to help you, my lady.” She stood up and bowed, “I’ll take my leave then. I’ll see you around,” she said, turning her back on me. I watch her vanish in my vision. When she was gone, a sigh escaped from my lips, and I looked around. “This feels surreal. Now that I’m back, I’ll make them pay,” I murmured in the wind. A smirk slowly formed on my lips. It’s payback time. I got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to shower. I wanted to roam around the palace
Chapter 10: Duke WinstonVishiea’s POV“Let’s welcome. Lady Anastasia Cullen from Cullenfield!”I looked around with a confident smile on my lips. They were all looking at me. It seems like no one recognise me as the woman they exiled before.I started to come closer to the table. And I’ve noticed that the king is still not here. That’s great. One of the servants adjusted the chair for me. I nodded and murmured, “Thank you.”“My pleasure, my lady.” He replied and bowed. He moved away and went back to his fellow servant in a corner.“It’s nice to see you here, Miss Cullens,” I looked at the person who said that. It was a man in his late twenties. He looked handsome but not my type.“I’m happy to be here too, Mister---” His brow slightly furrowed when he realised I had no idea who he was. I’ve seen him before but never bothered to know him or his name.But the way he looks, it seems like he’s from the upper class—a duke or marquess. I don’t really care.“Oh, I’m Duke Kian Winston from V