Getting to Know Herself

Everleigh was left in bewilderment. Her life was turned upside down in a matter of minutes because of the revelation. She knew a little about Rufus; Rujan spoke of him in a limited way, and she didn’t pry, though the animosity between the two of them was obvious.

Rufus was famous in the business world, and he was on the front cover of the famous magazine last year and was interviewed a few times. Seeing him in person was different. His personality was striking and intimidating.

The business world considered him ruthless in his dealings. Some articles even insinuate that his other resources came from the underworld. Though the world knew that the Griswolds were ancient with old money, she went to the balcony and watched her boys play with their father on the field. They were happy and carefree. She never saw them this happy. They were always cautious, and they matured at an early age. Her heart breaks when she realizes how much they missed in their lives. Kids are supposed to be playing all the time and with their parents all the time. But Rujan was always out because of work.

Again, the realization hit her: Why was Rufus claiming that they had a relationship before? Why did Rujan lie about it? She remembered her family, but she can’t remember anything about them. Rujan told her that she has a father and a married younger sister. He also explained the risk of seeing them, and now that she was here, she wanted to meet her family.

If Rufus was telling the truth, she has all the reason to hate Rujan. She touched her chest; she couldn’t feel any hatred towards him. Rujan was with her through her ups and downs. She needed some explanation from him.

Besides, she happened to know Rujan’s secret. He saved her and the boys many times when the enemies appeared. She didn’t even know who the enemy was. They were hiding these past years and learned not to trust anyone.

Right, she can’t trust Rufus. She can’t believe what he said. He’s a cold businessman, and he worked for his advantage. She also can’t deny the fact that she needed his protection. She will play along with him and investigate. All she wanted was to live a normal life with her boys and Rujan.

Rufus looked up and saw her standing on the balcony, watching them. He grinned, but it was immediately replaced by a scowl and a loud growl. She frowned. Why had he changed his expression so suddenly? She noticed security personnel who were watching them also looked at her. Rufus’ gaze went to her body, and she gasped when she realized she was only wearing a flimsy nightgown Rufus chose for her.

She immediately turned and went back inside. Her heart was beating so fast, and she decided to go to the room assigned to her. She found Sonya cleaning her room. She wanted to confirm something.

“Is this my old room?" She asked, looking at the expensive clothes and bags in the closet.

Sonya’s eyes widened with surprise, but she pretended not to notice it. “How do you? I mean, yes, this is your room.”

“So, Rufus maintained this, hoping that I'd come back?" She asked, fishing for more answers.

“Yes, Alpha maintained everything, even the library and the garden. He meticulously cared for the plants you planted, and he even read books about gardening.”

“Gardening? I never had a chance to plant anything because I was so busy with the boys and from our daily struggle,” she told herself and sighed.

“Did I buy these things?," she asked again, referring to the luxury bags and shoes arranged inside the closet.

“No, Alpha bought these things for you. You only buy rare plants.”

“Did we happen to meet before? ”

“Yes, Lu... I mean yes, but I was in college at the time and someone was assisting you,” she said, and she frowned when she mentioned it.

“Is that someone here? ”

“No, Alpha kicked her out and punished her family for neglecting you.”

“That was harsh! ," she exclaimed. Sonya frowned, as if objecting to her comment.

“Did you go to college?" Why are you here, then? ”

Sonya smiled. “My ancestors have been working with Alpha’s family for centuries, and I am happy working with him. He’s generous and kind.”

She raised her brow at her; what she said was the opposite of her opinion of him. Then she suddenly felt sad. “Rujan said I was in college when I got pregnant and didn’t have the chance to graduate.”

“You can go back to school. Alpha owned the community college here.”

“I don’t think that will be my priority for now. I have kids, and I need to work for their education.”

Sonya gasped in disbelief. “You don’t need to work. Alpha will provide for all of you. He provided for all of us.”

“The boys will go to school tomorrow, and so will you. I already talked to the school director to let you know since you were a sophomore when you left.” Rujan interrupted them to their surprise.

“You can’t decide something big like that for us! ”she said angrily.

“I can decide everything about you and your future, Everleigh. I want you and my boys to live a normal life. You’ve been living like a rat for the past years, thanks to my hell of a brother.”

“You’re such a despicable person! You never respected me. You don’t own me! ", she said angrily. She was about to turn, but she swayed a little. Rufus was already beside her and scooped her.

“You and the kids are important to me, baby; remember that. Don’t fight me; I just granted your heart’s desire. You were great in school. You got high grades, and your professors were all singing praise for you. You are also famous with boys.” He growled when he mentioned it.

“I don’t remember anything about it or about you except that your smell was familiar.”

"That is because I am your mate,” he said, grinning and looking satisfied. “Now, let’s see our excited boys plan on you and them going to school tomorrow.”

"This is too much, Rufus," she protested lamely.

"Nothing is too much for you, baby.  Let me pamper you. Leave everything to me."

"Why did I leave you, Rufus? Did you do something that made me leave you?