Chapter 3

(River's POV)

“What should I apologise for?” I screamed, determined to go against them. “I did nothing wrong so, why should I apologise to her?”

However as I said it, Zed became more infuriated and ordered his guards to hold me. 

I was taken aback as the two guards held me from two sides and put their legs on mine, forcing me to kneel.

I screamed in pain as my legs hurt but they didn't let go, instead, they tightened their grasp around my arms.

Pain surged through me but they didn't care.

“You won't listen the easy way. Now, apologise!” Zed said as he grabbed Amber’s arms, and made her sit on his lap.

“Zed… We shouldn't… we shouldn't do this…”

“I miss you, Amber… I don't want to separate a second from you…”

“But… you're married to River… We shouldn't be this close… She won't like it…”

Zed clenched his teeth. “It doesn't matter if she likes it or not. She separated us so, she should get punished for it.” And, then, turning towards me, he added, “What are you waiting for? Continue with apologising. Kowtow every time you say you're sorry.”

I gritted my teeth and yelled, “Why should I apologise when I did nothing wrong?”

Zed got furious and said, “You separated us and harmed Amber to that extent and you're questioning what you did wrong?”

I scoffed. “You could've easily figured out if the evidence was truth or a lie if you just investigated a little, but you clearly don't believe me. And, I separated you?” I let out a laugh as I sensed his anger rising. “You were engaged to me since birth, and you're forgetting that we're mates. But because both of you're in love, I never said anything. I never wanted to have you for myself, even until the day of our wedding. But it was because my sister was missing that I was forced to take her place by our families!” I paused for a moment before adding again, “If you ever looked clearly, you would've known why Amber left you.”

“Stop this, River. Otherwise, you'll regret it.” Zed warned, frustrated.

But I continued… “It was because you were weak. You were incapable. That was why she left you before the wedding. You're forgetting that I helped you these years, solidifying your Alpha position.”

Zed stormed towards me, and slapped hard across my cheeks, unable to bear it anymore.

My cheeks turned hot and it stung but all I could focus on was Zed and Amber.

Amber rushed towards us and took Zed away. “I just want her apology. Nothing more. Please don't hurt her.”

Zed sighed. “You're just too kind that you let yourself be bullied by your vile sister.”

As they turned around, I could see Amber’s triumphant smirk. She was enjoying this show. How long had she prepared all of this? Maybe since the day she ran away from the wedding.

It was still fresh in my mind how she wrote in her letter that she wanted me to take her place at the wedding in the letter. And, it was all because she wasn't sure about marrying him, and wanted more experience.

That was why even when I denied it, they forced me to marry Zed so roughly.

“How long are you going to keep us waiting? Guards, I think, she needs your help to apologise.”

As soon as Zed completed his words, the guards impatiently kicked me on my back and pressed against it until I was almost lying on the floor.

I screamed in pain and I tried to break free my arms to protect my baby in my stomach but it was futile.

Tears dropped as I apologized in defeat.

“That's how you should apologise. But it's not enough. You need to apologise more sincerely.”

I gritted my teeth, and barked at Amber, “Do you really think your plan is foolproof? Did you forget about the letter you left while you ran away from the wedding?”

Amber looked visibly displeased with my stubborn behaviour. “Sister, I know you don't like me but I didn't know you hated me this much. You're trying to frame me multiple times now. Fine, just let me call our parents and it'll be clear.”

“Why are you listening to her nuisance, Amber? You don't need to call them.”

“No. I don't want any misunderstandings, Zed. Let me call them.”

My heart throbbed anxiously as the phone rang. It didn't even take three seconds for them to pick it up.

“Amber, what's the matter, sweetheart? Do you need something?”

“No, Dad. I just wanted to ask if you remembered any letter I left before my wedding to Zed.”

“Of course not. You were in an accident, how could you?”

“Are you sure, dad? Do you need to ask my mom?”

“I'm sure. If it was a letter from you, I'd cherish it until the moment I died.”

“Thanks, Dad. This is it. I'm busy now, I'll call you later.”

I laughed aloud in disbelief. It turned out that all of them had schemed this against me. I was the only one who had no idea about this.

Why? Why would they? We were both their daughters so, why would they always prefer her over me? What did I ever do? 

I never wanted to compete with her or steal her limelight but why, why would they always force me into the corner as if I had done something horrible?

“Are you satisfied now?” Zed asked, disgust written over his face.

I looked away, laughing which infuriated him further. 

“It looks like you still haven't learnt your lesson. Guards, please help her again.”

This time I yanked myself away from them and shook my head before anything else. “There's no need. I'll do it myself.”

As I said it, I began kowtowing them and apologizing to her until my head started bleeding.

Soon my face was drenched in my blood. I was about to kowtow again when Amber cut in, “That's enough. Blood is unlucky. I don't want us to catch bad luck, and I forgive you.”

As I looked at her, she was smiling satisfied with my acknowledgement of defeat.

Zed rolled his eyes. “It was easy for her.”

Amber pulled his sleeves innocently when he kissed her right in front of me. 

“Can you please leave us alone for a moment? I want to talk with my sister.”

Zed put his hands around her and rushed to deny it. “Don't. That's dangerous. I don't know what this mad woman would do if you were left alone with her. I don't want to lose you again.”

“Relax. I'll be with my guards, and she can't do anything to me.”

Zed was still hesitant but gave in to her pressure. “Fine, I'll wait a few steps outside. If she dares to do anything, I'll send her right this instant.” He glared, warning me.

As he went outside, Amber laughed. “Did you miss me, sister?”