3

It wasn’t easy for Helena to take in what she just heard. Does this mean she has to marry someone she didn’t know?

Alpha Harold spoke for his daughter, “Father, Helena just woke up from a five-year slumber. I think it is too early for her to be engaged and have a mate,”

Alpha Leon waved his hand in response. “That’s nonsense. This had been pushed for so long. And I think that’s actually a good reason for Helena to be married now. She’s of the right age now. She already missed a lot. Besides, this is an agreement that has long been arranged between our families,”

Ingrid was so quick to back up her father, the envy she was feeling inside was slowly consuming her, “But grandfather, Helena lost a few of her memories. I think it’s best for her to recuperate first instead of jumping into something that she isn’t ready yet,”

Whoever heard Ingrid would think that she was sincerely concerned for the wellbeing of her sister but the truth is, there were so many things that were running on her mind. Not only has her wedding been postponed, but she also just found out that she could have had the chance to marry Alpha Louis Montville, the most dashing alpha there is in Emerald Ville.

Everybody wants him. Ingrid once saw Alpha Louis in a gathering and was attracted to the man. The fact that she could have married him if she wasn’t engaged right now to Darren was making her go crazy.

‘That could have been me instead of Helena! Why does Helena have to be married to him? Alpha Louis is out of her league! If there is anyone that could be by his side, that should be me!

Ingrid was cursing inside her head but she tried her best not to show not to let that show on her face.

“A promise is a promise. The union between our families is inevitable so a marriage needed to happen, whether you like it or not,” Alpha Leon answered with heavy authority.

Ingrid was desperate. Before she knew what she was doing, she already spoke, “Then I will marry him!” she exclaimed.

Helena’s eyes landed in her direction and so was everyone else.

Ingrid panicked as she also saw how Alpha Louis looked in her direction. She tried to make herself look like she was doing Helena a favor and that she was concerned for her.

“I am the oldest of the Asher’s so I should bear this responsibility for our family. Helena doesn’t deserve to be thrown into a situation where she isn’t ready. She just got her life back and I don’t want to trap her into something that will take away her freedom…”

Helena wanted to laugh at what Ingrid just said. Everyone must think that Ingrid has pure intentions but Helena could see through her. This is when she realized something.

‘How cunning, Ingrid. You are already engaged to Darren and yet here you are throwing yourself like garbage in the pretense that you care for me when in fact, it was obvious that you have a different intention. You are such a despicable woman! I promise I will make sure that everybody sees the real you!’

Helena knew Ingrid had a plan and she had to stop it. But before she could say anything, her mouth was kept shut after she heard a deep voice laced with coldness and power.

“I heard that the eldest of the Asher’s was engaged to be married,” Alpha Louis spoke. Ingrid’s eyes widened at that. “Do you have that much devotion to your family that you are willing to throw away your own marriage for your sister? If I was your fiancé, I would be disappointed,”

Ingrid felt like she was frozen in place and Helena was in awe. Luna Patricia and Alpha Harold were embarrassed.

Alpha Louis didn’t even show any emotion on his face. “I am not judging your devotion to your family, Lady Asher but as an alpha and the head of our pack, I am not someone who would take away a woman that was already mated to another man. I came here for Miss Helena Asher. So, either I marry her, or I don’t marry anyone at all,”

Ingrid bows her head in humiliation and Alpha Harold wanted to scold his daughter for being careless.

Helena tried her best not to laugh and Ingrid’s state. She was glad that Alpha Louis didn’t seem like someone that Ingrid could manipulate, though Helena was still unsure how his presence would help her.

“How about we let Louis and Helena talk in the garden so they can get to know each other?” Alpha Loen offered and all the adults agreed.

As one of the maids led Alpha Louis to the garden, Luna Patricia pulled Helena to the corner before she could follow.

“Helena, you need to understand the power and influence of the Montville family,” she cautioned, her voice low but tinged with a hint of fear. “You must be careful around Alpha Louis. He is not someone our family could afford to offend,”

The fact that even her mother who was known to be arrogant about their status seemed to be afraid to offend the Montville’s, Helena was able to gain a clearer understanding of the formidable presence that the Montvilles held.

This was no ordinary alliance. She had entered into a world of power and politics she had never anticipated.

As she was finally alone with Louis, Helena took a deep breath, her heart pounding.

Louis, standing before her, did not seem particularly interested in their impending union.

He got straight to the point, his voice cool and matter-of-fact. “Helena, let’s not beat around the bush. I’m marrying you because of a promise made by our grandfathers. I won’t back out of this arrangement; the Montvilles keep their word.”

Helena felt a twinge of intimidation but maintained her composure. This man in front of her was obviously in power. And she will not deny that he was very attractive. But Helena also knows that she is not in a position to make drastic decisions that could affect her plans.

She nodded and tried her best to look at him straight in the eyes, “I understand, Alpha Louis,” she replied, her voice steady. “I have no objections to that. I also have a responsibility as an Asher so I will follow my grandfather’s words.”

She recognized the potential power this alliance could bring to her own hidden agenda, the opportunity to uncover the truth about her family’s betrayals and exact the revenge she craved.

Being associated with the Montville name would offer her a level of influence she had never possessed before.

That very same night, Alpha Clarence Montville, Louis’s grandfather, made a surprising proposal. “Helena, I believe it would be best if you lived with Louis,” he suggested. “We have an elder healer in our pack who can help you recover fully. I want you to be in the best health for the wedding.”

In the end, Helena didn’t have a choice but to agree. Even her parents don’t have the courage to deny old Montville’s wishes. They knew that they were far more powerful than their family and this union would elevate their status in the community.

Ingrid stayed on the corner. She tried to show a poker face and pretended that what happened earlier didn’t affect her. But the thought that it could have been her that was in Helena’s place right now fueled her hatred for her younger sister.

Every glance, every word exchanged between Helena and Louis, further ignited Ingrid’s resentment, as she stewed in her own jealousy and frustration.

And Helena could see all that.

‘This is just the start Ingrid. I will make sure to take everything from you. You will pay for what you did,’ Helena told to herself.