03 : FATE

RIA’s POV

The soft music of love wrapped around me, and a confident smile spread across my face as I sat in the large elegant bouquet hall.

Today marked a significant moment for me: Alex's coronation, my birthday, and our long-awaited mating ceremony all happening at once.

Just two days ago, Alex had presented me with an exquisite piece of jewelry that was nothing short of a statement.

It felt like the perfect prelude to this monumental day. I couldn't be more grateful.

I was dressed in an elegant white flowing French designer gown Alex brought for me during his trip to Scotland. He got one for himself too.

We were supposed to dress alike because of our mating ceremony.

My looks, too, were exquisite. Everything was perfect, giving me a more polished exterior.

The party had begun already, but Alex and his mom were yet to arrive.

Traditionally, in the Moonstone Pack, for one to become the Alpha of the Pack, some rituals have to be made before he is successfully crowned.

But this is taking longer than I expected.

“ I can't wait," I chuckled, fanning myself with my hands even with the freezing air-conditioning in the place.

My excitement and joy caused a certain heat inside me.

However, all of these feelings died when I suddenly caught the gaze of Maddie coming my way, walking majestically with an intimidating confidence around her.

What is she doing here? Did Alex invite her? Why? My mind began to hoard with different thoughts.

Maddie was from a distant Pack. Her father was the Alpha of the Pack too.

Once, she had threatened to deal with me for taking Alex away from her but Alex has been a shield to me against her attack.

The fact that she's attending Alex's coronation made me a bit uncomfortable inside. Who knows what her agenda is this time around?

She slept with my boyfriend the other time, and now she suddenly showed up on this monumental day.

As Maddie approached me, I took my wine and sipped a little, slowly becoming unfazed about her presence.

“Wow! Look who we have here. Alpha Alex's mate. The future Luna of Moonstone pack," Maddie scorned and chuckled.

Slowly, I narrowed my gaze to her and gave a pleasant surprising smile.

"Oh, You’re here. Never knew you’d come. It must have been stressful for you, isn't it?" I replied to her calmly and put my glass down in a classy, attractive way.

She chuckled, pulled a seat in front of me, and sat.

Her gaze scanned my dress enviously. I guess it was way more expensive than she expected.

“Ria Rochester,” She hailed me and continued, "You know, I have always underestimated you because you were just nothing but a worthless omega. But I guessed I was all wrong; I mean, look at you now. You're all transformed from the slum." Her eyes flickered smugly.

Calmly, I chuckled and responded, “I guess you were never expecting it."

We laughed together as if being friends and Maddie interrupted again.

“Oh, I suddenly remembered something, Ria,” She pushed her seat closer.

"Oh? What is it?" I retorted, wondering what was on the vicious woman's mind.

"Aren't you concerned that I and Alex are still seeing each other? You must have been deceived by his sweet words, right?” She asked, glancing eagerly at me for an answer.

I hesitated a while, sipped a little of my wine, and replied, "I am not worried, Maddie. As long as Alex slept with you as one payoff, then it's fine by me. And I'm happy for you,” I chuckled slightly.

My words hit Maddie hard.

She gave a bashful sneer. “Ria? Did you say ‘Pay off?’ Oh, you gotta be kidding me right now. Wake up to reality, darling.”

"Oh, you are the one who needs to wake up to reality. After sleeping with Alex, you think he will love you like he used to?”

The pain of Maddie’s betrayal caused me to lose my composure a little. The girl has to be taught some manners.

Immediately, we heard the MC announce Alex and Luna Bella’s presence, interrupting our conversation.

Everyone in the hall stood up and clapped their hands as the new Alpha of Moonstone Pack Walked in his elegance.

Then, something unimaginable caught my attention.

Alex was wearing a light blue Tuxedo suit with glittering stones on it. We were supposed to be matching outfits. Why the change of plans?

Then something struck my mind, and I narrowed my eyes to Maddie, who stood cheering Alex as well.

Surprisedly, Maddie and Alex wore the same outfit. The designs were the same too.

“What’s happening?” Fear gripped my heart.

Then, Luna Bella began to walk towards me and Maddie. I could see her hate for me. Oh, she detests me badly.

When Maddie saw Luna approach from afar, she got up to me and kissed my cheeks.

“I told you, Ria. Don't get too surprised today." She smiled mischievously and walked to Luna.

Uncertainty clouded inside of me, making me shudder. Maddie’s firm words, the outfits; all send signals down to me. I tried to fight that fear but it kept resurfacing.

Then I watched Maddie. She and Luna Bella exchanged hugs before they separated from each and Luna walked straight up to me.

“M—Mother, you are here,” I stood up to greet, masking my fear.

Luna did not respond but glared disdainfully at me and walked to greet some of the elites that graced the occasion.

I slumped back on my seat and blew out air from my mouth in exhaustion.

Thirty minutes later, the mating ceremony and the most important moment I’d been waiting for, came.

Then, my heart raced three-sixty degrees. I didn't know what I should be expecting.

What if —?

“No, it can't happen. Alex loves me," I comforted myself with those words.

Every one of us watched as Alex was uniquely invited to the stage to take the microphone and announce his mate.

Reflexively, I stood up to the tension and fear. And once, Alex’s gaze and I met but he smiled at me and looked away with ease.

Grabbing the microphone, Alex's voice thrilled.

“It is an honor to have you all at my coronation today. Thanks for coming," He chuckled, somewhat flabbergasted at the crowd.

“Without wasting time, I will announce my mate and the future Luna to Moonstone to everyone.”

Our eyes met erroneously again, and my heart leaped in fear.

Alex smiled at the crowd and continued.

“Ladies and gentlemen, join me in celebrating the woman that I adore so much, she is none other than Maddie Clackson."