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Elena

As Xavier pulled me out of the grand hall, the murmur of the guests faded behind us. The heavy doors closed behind us, leaving us in the quiet of the dimly lit corridor.

Leaving my hand, he led me to the grand double staircase in the foyer, framed by gilded railings and dark walls. The black-gold marble floors mirrored the dramatic luxury while a huge chandelier cast a regal glow.

His long legs helped him to climb those large stairs effortlessly quite sooner than me. But as soon as he stepped on the second floor, he stood there.

When I got there, I almost ran back confronting a middle-aged woman with a stern expression on her face. Her silver hair was pulled back, and her eyes were a deeper shade of blue.

*Ivana is her name. She is his mother.* Sameera piped up, confirming my worst fear.

I swallowed my breath and instinctively moved closer to Xavier, half-hiding behind him. If he dragged me into this mess, he must explain it to them himself as well.

“Where is Amara?” was the first question she asked after scanning me from head to toe. She looked like she was ready to murder me. Maybe, she would have tried if he wasn’t here.

Xavier’s eyes met hers, unflinching. “She died.” He replied so simply, his tone devoid of emotion. “This morning.”

*Wow, he really didn't care about her, did he?* Sameera mused.

I mentally shook my head to Sameera’s inquiry. If he did, I wouldn’t have been here, replacing her. That much was certain.

Ivana’s face went white, the shock evident in the way her eyes widened and her lips parted slightly. For a moment, she seemed at a loss, her gaze ping-ponging between her son and me.

“What did you say?” She finally managed to whisper, her voice shaking just enough to betray the panic. “How… how on the earth did it happen?”

Xavier remained calm, almost too calm as he exhaled sharply. “I don't know.”

“You were supposed to meet her in the morning.” She almost shouted.

“I didn't go. Someone called me.”

“You—” Ivana breathed, “You really don't know what happened?”

He shrugged, “No one knows what happened. She was just lying there in her room, dead on the floor. No wounds, no signs of a struggle. Nothing.”

Ivana looked like the ground beneath her feet had been pulled out. Her eyes filled with despair for a fleeting moment. But she masked it well as her eyes shifted to me.

I felt my pulse quicken, every nerve in my body screaming at me to look away from her, but I couldn’t. It felt like if I broke the eye contact, I would be admitting to something—something I didn’t understand.

“And who is this?” Ivana voiced, her head tilting to get a better view of mine. “Why is she wearing the bridal gown?”

He slightly turned his head to me before replying to her, “Because she is my wife.” And with that, he stepped aside, revealing me entirely to his mother.

Warm flushes heated my cheeks. I lowered my gaze, biting my lip that trembled slightly.

“Amara just died in the morning. And not only did you find her replacement but also married her in the same venue.” Ivana’s voice rose, fury emitting from every word she said. “Do you think Amara can be replaced? This easily?”

He let out a soft sigh, rolling his eyes, “I replaced no one.”

She seemed to grit her teeth to stop herself from shouting. “Does her death mean nothing to you?”

I thought I saw him nod but before I could confirm it, she took a step toward me, “And who the hell is she? Does she even have any privilege?” This time, she shouted.

I almost jumped and immediately took a step back. As I stood at the edge of the floor, Xavier put his hand on my back, pushing me to a safer spot.

*Okay, he is not entirely an ass.* Sameera whispered.

“She is my mate.” He said, looking sternly into his mother’s eyes. “And I owe you no further explanation.”

She stared into my eyes, her glare intense, “She is an omega. You could have just rejected her.” She paused and for a second, I was sure she would throw something at me. “Do you even realize that you brought disgrace to this family? Amara was—”

“Amara was what?” He cut her words off, his voice irritated. “A pawn in your games? Mom, don’t pretend she was anything more to you than a tool.”

Her mouth parted and closed, words caught in her throat, “How dare you!”

By the expression on her face, I could tell she was taken aback just like me. A pawn in her games? What was that supposed to mean? And really? Was she really worried about my privileges? For Goddess’s sake, if he had rejected me, I would have accepted it within a breath.