Chapter 5

OLIVIA

My heart pounded relentlessly as Dante slumped, unconscious and bleeding. Fear gripped me, and my mind raced with questions. Why was he bleeding? Was it an illness or something more sinister?

I couldn't get the main reason why, I found it difficult to think so straight as my brain was bluntly inactive to decipher what exactly had just occurred. Uncertainty tightened its grip around me as I watched, helpless, hoping for any sign that he would be okay.

I watched his assistant carry him, running like if he hadn't left that spot at the moment, the young man would be a dead figure.

As the guards escorted me out of the cell, I found it hard to get over with the thoughts of his collapse, it haunted my thoughts like I had a hand to it, leaving me with a gnawing anxiety.

Even as I felt a little freedom, I wasn't at ease. I can't count how long I've been pacing the room, my brain pounding against my head. The weather is getting dark, and yet...each passing moment spoke how curious I was.

Why haven't I heard anything about his condition? Does it mean his condition is critical? Will he be alright? Will he survive the trauma?

Fuck it, Olivia! I cursed.

I couldn't help but be startled by the unfamiliar emotions growing within me. I found myself questioning my own transformation. It was unlike me to feel such anxiety for someone, especially someone I had just encountered.

Why did I care so deeply for someone I had just met? Was it merely empathy, or was there more to this connection than I could comprehend?

However, it only made matters worse.

I hesitated as I stood before the door to the room I discerned was Dante's room, my heart pounding against my chest as I knocked gently. The door creaked open, revealing his stern-faced assistant. A frown etched across his face.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned my presence. "You shouldn't be here."

"I just wanted to check if he's alright," I explained, my tone held sincerity. His disapproving gaze lingered, skeptical of my intentions, more like he had doubts in my words.

"What right do you have to care?" he retorted, his words laced with a harsh edge.

I was beginning to feel frustrated with his annoying questions and silly attitude of trying to play the best guard man ever. What the heck do you think you are? Of what right are you to act tough to me?

I cursed within myself but I dared not to voice it out.

The threat of being thrown into that cell is one I doubt I can overcome. I bit my lips, ignoring him for a moment.

I turned my attention to the helpless figure laying on the bed. "Doctor, is he going to be alright?" I asked, at the sight of a doctor who stood beside his king-sized bed, concern evident in my eyes.

Dante sat up, looking up with his piercing eyes assessing me. I couldn't tell how I felt at the moment, if I was just being worried or a bit excited to see he was getting better.

"You don't have to worry about me, I'll be fine." He assured me but I still couldn't tell if he was lying or not. "Come one, we've got a wedding to attend."

Wedding?

Does he still think about the wedding when his condition isn't fit for him?

"Like I said, I'll be fine." He said, like he knew what I was thinking. Hold on, did he just read my mind? "Get dressed, it's just me and you."

I hesitated, but however, if I did want my freedom, playing foolish was the best way to have it. I glared at his assistant who wasn't making any attempt to wear off the ugly look on his face, did it matter anyway?

I headed back to the room, surprisingly, there was a maid there and she was picking new clothes from the wardrobe. "Excuse me?" I called, she turned, staring at me with a soft smile on her face.

"The alpha ordered me to help you out with something to wear."

Okay. One minute I was with him and there was no maid with us, the next...he had ordered her to help pick new clothes?

I let her do her job, and she helped me pick a better outfit. It's saddening I ain't a fan of long gowns. "Can I get a trouser instead?" I requested.

She smiled again. "I'm sorry, Miss, it's inappropriate to escort the Alpha King to an important occasion in casual wear."

I had no choice. Not like I had one though.

—

We drove to a familiar environment, one I haven't forgotten yet. I wondered why we were heading towards the same mansion I had been taken from, but I didn't ask.

On reaching the alpha quarters, there were countless cars already parked in the compound. Dante stepped out of the car and so did I. I felt my heart beating heavily, fear gripping me.

I didn't realize he had noticed until he asked. "Is everything alright?" He asked, throwing a concern looking at me.

"Yeah. Yeah, of course. Just nervous."

We walked into the mansion, I tried my best to avoid the familiar faces I had once left behind so no one would have to notice me. I followed the man with me wherever he was going since he seemed to know better.

I felt my adrenaline rise as we walked towards the direction of the groom and his bride. They were backing us, but from the stature of the groom, I don't need anyone to tell me who it was.

Mateo County...my ex fiance.

"Congratulations, Mateo." He said, causing both Mateo and his bride to turn to our side.

My eyes widened upon seeing Charlotte, my best friend as the bride. The smile on her face quickly faded off upon seeing me. So this is it. She is the reason why Mateo broke our engagement. She is the reason Mateo isn't getting married to me.

All along while I thought she was a better figure in my life, little did I know she was nothing but a snitch. And to make matters even worse, Mateo said; "Hello, uncle. It's been a long time."

Uncle? Did he just call Dante, Uncle?