Chapter 5

Bella’s pov

The Next Day.

Tonight, the king hosted a grand banquet, inviting members from various packs to attend. However, everyone knew that this was an opportunity for the king to choose a mate even if not fated. King Haydn, at the age of thirty, had yet to find his mate, which had left the three council elders deeply concerned. They feared that the kingdom might remain without an heir, posing a threat to the stability of the Kingdom of Celestia.

“Honey, you should choose the red gown; it suits you perfectly,” my mother insisted, doing her best to convince me to choose that dress. I knew she was hoping I would mingle with eligible young suitors.

“Mom, I prefer the white one,” I replied, not wanting to stand out too much. It’s simple, but elegant. I actively chose a moon-white gown. In the mirror, a young woman with black hair and deep green eyes stared back at me, not as flashy but charming in my own way. My mood had improved a little since last month.

“At least wear this magical necklace,” my mother took my unique Moonlight necklace from the wooden box and placed it around my neck. I didn’t refuse, hoping that the necklace might bring me some luck and help me navigate tonight’s banquet smoothly. If Barnett didn’t show up I would be grateful as well.

As I entered the banquet hall, I spotted two familiar faces—Clara Morris and Olivia Anderson—but I didn’t particularly like either of them.

Clara Morris was Barnett’s sister, and she had never been fond of me. She constantly tried to sow discord between Barnett and me, encouraging him to be with Theresa instead. Olivia Anderson was the daughter of the Alpha of the Maple Pack and had secretly harbored feelings for her pack’s Beta, Gray Norman, who happened to be my first mate. Olivia held a deep grudge against me because she believed Gray was meant to be hers and didn’t take kindly to my involvement with him. I never expected these two to become close friends.

I frowned, not wanting to interact with them. I avoided them and found my way to a small balcony. “Sorry, I didn’t see that someone was here…” I began to apologize but stopped short when I realized that the person in the corner was Gray Norman.

I immediately turned to leave, but a strong grip on my wrist pulled me back.

“Are you so averse to seeing me? I thought you would be happy. After all this time.” Gray raised an eyebrow at me. He was the epitome of a handsome man, with black hair, blue eyes, and a tall, muscular frame that had undoubtedly captured the hearts of many women. He seemed to enjoy his popularity, changing girlfriends as often as he changed clothes.

“I don’t understand,” I said, puzzled. Why was he saying such things now, after rejecting me before? It was him who had let me down, turning me away. Why was he making these statements now?

Gray took a slow sip of his drink and moved closer, whispering in my ear, “I heard you rejected Barnett.” He smirked.

His warm breath sent shivers down my spine, and I pulled away immediately.

“It’s none of your business,” I retorted, shooting him a defiant look. Gray’s blue eyes locked onto mine. “You’re single now, and so am I. Why not consider giving us a chance? I’m ready to settle down and I have always liked you.”

I couldn’t help but almost burst into laughter. This guy had once rejected me, and now he was hypocritically trying to win me over? Was this some kind of trendy prank these days? And did I really look like a fool?

“Do you think I’m foolish enough to believe your nonsense?” I said with a cold smile. “My memory is excellent, and I haven’t forgotten how you turned me down two years ago.”

Gray fell silent for a moment. He had indeed rejected Bella back then, thinking he wasn’t ready to settle down and start a family. But after rejecting Bella, he found himself dreaming of her every night and couldn’t help but pay attention to her whenever he heard news about her. When he learned that Bella was with Barnett, it filled him with jealousy and uncontrollable anger. Upon hearing about Bella and Barnett’s engagement, he had even smashed a table in frustration, contemplating crashing the wedding and take her away with him.

“I’m truly sorry,” Gray hesitated and continued, “but I’m serious. I believe the bond between us still exists.” Gray had stopped getting involved with other women; every time he tried to do something in bed, Bella’s face would appear before him, making his once-enthusiastic bedroom activities feel tasteless.

“Really? I haven’t felt a thing,” I replied dismissively, no longer paying attention to him. I turned and pushed past him, heading away.

“Bella, don’t leave. Please…” Gray reached out to grab me again, but I skillfully avoided him and gave him a sharp kick.

“Get off me!”  Seeing Gray hunched over in pain, clutching his stomach, I felt a sense of satisfaction; this was exactly what he deserved.

I quickened my pace to distance myself from Gray and found myself in a corridor. But one problem seemed to replace another. Clara and Olivia were unexpectedly here as well.

“Well, well, well, look who we have here,” Clara, in a red dress, blocked my path. “Just broke up with my brother, and now you’re cozying up to another man.” It seemed they had seen me with Gray earlier, and now they were deliberately cornering me.

“Do you not know that pursuing someone else’s boyfriend is a shameful act?” Olivia chimed in, her face dark with anger. She hadn’t expected Gray to still be interested in Bella. She was seething with jealousy.

“You two shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” I retorted, not hiding my annoyance. “As far as I know, Gray has never publicly declared that he has a girlfriend.” Olivia’s face changed suddenly; she had always claimed to be Gray’s girlfriend, even though Gray had never officially acknowledged her.

“Do you dare to talk back?” Clara attempted to slap me, but I grabbed her raised hand and forcefully pushed it away.

“Ah! My hand!” Clara screamed, clutching her injured hand and falling to the ground.

“Clara, are you alright?” Olivia helped Clara to her feet. “This is the king’s banquet, and you dare to act so recklessly. Guards, guards, someone here is intentionally causing harm; seize her!” Olivia shrieked.

Olivia astonishingly turned the tables and accused me.

Thud, thud, thud, the soldiers’ footsteps approached. I needed to find a way to prove my innocence.

“What’s going on?” A stern soldier inquired.

“She injured my friend,” Olivia pointed at me, a smug smile on her face.

“She was the one who tried to strike me first; I was merely defending myself,” I retorted boldly.

The soldier looked left and right.  These ladies were all from prominent families. He struggled to make a decision in fear of offending the wrong party. Just then, a familiar voice suddenly chimed in.

“Slandering an innocent lady’s innocence is hardly commendable behavior.”