Chapter 1

Melissa's POV 

“I told you I was going to get her,” Ronan—my chosen mate and fiancée said, his voice echoed through the room and filled with pride like he had just won a trophy.

I froze.

My hand grew weak on the study's doorknob.

“You really did it, Man,” Silas—his best friend and soon-to-be Beta—replied. “I can't believe the mighty Princess Melissa of House Thornhart is now head over heels for you. Who could've thought you'd have her wrapped around your fingers.“

My heart beat increased. I quickly tightened my hand around the shopping bag threatening to slip off.

I was with him earlier. In fact we had just finished having sex when he told me his friends were stopping by and I should quickly help them get some drinks at the mall down the street.

“I won the bet, Lucien. You better pay up,” Ronan said. 

“Oh, chill man. You haven't married her yet,” Lucien says, followed by a laugh that did nothing but pierce into my heart. “The deal isn't sealed until she's wearing your ring.“

Oh…. Goddess. I was just a bet?! I bite down on my lower lips—hard—ignoring the metallic tang of blood that spilled in my mouth.

How could this be?

No…. This can't be happening, right?

“How did you even know she was the Princess of The Eclipse Pack of the North?“ Lucien asked, voice laced with curiosity. “I heard she has never been seen in public?“

“Of course, I will know the Princess. My father always take me along with him to the annual banquet. I had seen her from afar once. And you know, I have a really good memory.“

“Wow!” Silas exclaimed. “We've hit the jackpot. I can't believe we'll be in alliance with the biggest Pack in North America.“

“Father couldn't believe it too. And that's why he wants to make me the Alpha after the wedding. That way the alliance can be solidified,” Ronan says. 

“You should get her pregnant on your wedding night. That way she won't be able to leave you even if you take Zara as your mistress,” Silas suggested.

My body trembled.

Zara? I know her. But… Ronan told him she was his cousin. So she's his girlfriend ad he wants to take her as his mistress when we get married?“

“That's smart,” Ronan commended. “Do you think she would stay because of a child? You know her father and brothers spoiled her silly?“ 

“Yes… it's possible. She wouldn't want her child to grow up without his father,” Silas chipped in.

The air left my lungs. My knees almost buckled. Every word they spoke was a dagger carving up the lie I called love.

I'm Melissa Thornhart, twenty-two years old, the Princess of The Eclipse Pack of the North—the biggest pack in North America. My father, The Alpha Apex Lawrence is the most powerful Alpha king in the world. 

Six months ago, my father wants me to get married to a neighbouring pack prince for political and military alliance but I decided against. I told him I was going to marry for love. I was going to find my mate. Mother supported me, but father doesn't believe in love or mate, just survival and power.

Don't get me wrong. Father loves me and spoils me silly but he's more of a leader than a father. The Pack and it's wellbeing comes first before any other thing.

To convince Alpha Lawrence, I challenged him to give me six months to find my mate or someone who loves me, and if I don't, I will marry whosoever he chooses.

But the problem is, all my life, no one loves me for me. Friendships, relationships, everything has been fake. They lead me on, only for me to realise later on that I'm nothing but a means to an end—they are all with me because of the benefits promised.

So I went undercover. I changed my name, move away from my Pack to the Stormveil Pack—a small pack, where Ronan is the prince heir. 

I got a job at the local café where I worked as a waitress and that was where I met my knight in shinning armour. Ronan Vexley. 

Every male customers were attracted to me but I paid no attention to any of them.

The first time I saw Ronan I didn't pay much attention to him, but he stares at me like I was the only thing he could see in the café. I wasn't nice to him since I have had my own share of fake and manipulative people, but Ronan was sweet. 

Ronan pursued me for two months. Bringing flowers, gifts and romantic cards. He showed me what true love was and the day I said 'yes' to being his girlfriend was the happiest day of my life.

He proposed to me, last month and I said a solid 'yes'. I had told him my real identity. He was angry at first, but when I explained the reasons for my actions, he was quite understandable.

I have introduced him to my family. Alpha Lawrence wasn't that pleased with him but he couldn't refuse since It was what we agreed on.

The wedding plans was already in motion. In a week from now, I should be marrying him but not anymore.

How did I never sense this? 

Ronan already knew who I was long before he ever approached me?

I thought I had everything figured out, but jokes on me. He was the one playing me. Using me.

I was his personal ATM. His errand girl. I threw away all my pride just to fit into his world—dimming my light, silencing my instincts, just to be enough for someone who only saw me as a bet.

And the cruelest part? He never loved me.

Hot tears slide down my cheeks.

Ronan wasn't done yet. He continued. “After the wedding is done, I can finally drop the lovey dovey act. And I really can't wait to be with Zara again—since we've been laying low for the past three weeks now.“

Laughter echoed through the room. 

I contemplated if I should go in or not. If I should confront him or not. But did that really matters. I have heard enough, haven't I?

I wiped my tears with the back of my hands. I won't cry for this bastard. And I swear to the Moon, I'm going to make sure he regrets this.

I turned and walked quietly out of the corridor. I stepped out of the house, and removed the engagement ring, throwing it along with the shopping bag inside the trash can nearby.

“My keys,” I said in a hoarse voice, extending my hand towards Kael, my personal chauffeur. 

Fear flashed across Kael's face. “Did I do anything wrong, Princess?“ He asked, his voice almost seems that he wants to cry.

“No. I'm not firing you, Kael,” I said with a forced smile. “I just want to be alone for now.“ Then I added. “You should head back to The Eclipse park.“

Kael was still hesitant but he knows better than to argue with me. He reluctantly handed me the keys.

I slide into the driver's seat. Then I reached for my phone and typed out a message to Ronan.

“The wedding is off.“

Then I started the car and drove out of Ronan's mansion.