Chapter 4

Ariana's POV

“Madam, please come with us.” The maids came in quietly, eyes downcast as they led me into a luxurious room on the third floor.

It has to be the biggest I've ever seen in my life— the rooms at the Alpha's mansion can't even compare. The interior decoration and lighting, it all screamed old money.

“Master instructed that you must have a hot bath—”

“I— I'm okay with just a regular shower.”

“No. We have to follow the master's instructions and that includes you too.” The leading maid said with a note of finality.

I watched as they drew a bath in a marble tub big enough to drown in. Steam curled around the edges of the mirror as I sank into the water, trying not to cry, but every breath felt like breaking glass.

When I stepped out, they personally oiled my skin and helped me into a soft floral gown— white, comfy, and innocent. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I could easily pass for a princess— if not for the visible dark circles under my eyes.

The maids styled my hair into a beautiful bun and two braids, helped me apply soft make up and boom! Now I could pass for a princess.

While I admired my new looks, my mind suddenly raced to my Dad— questions filled my mind. How was he doing? Is he asleep already or is he still waiting for me to come home? How did he take Lucien's message?

“Dad… I'll make sure this whole thing settles down— for you.”

My line of thoughts was suddenly interrupted by the announcement that dinner was ready. Even though I'd refused it, they warned I had to eat because it was their “master's” order.

I took slow strides into the dinner room which was twice as luxurious as every other place in this mansion. Silver cutleries lined up with a glass of wine I didn't plan to touch, and a steaming cup of herbal tea that smelled faintly of mint and maybe sweet.

“He said it’ll keep you from catching a cold,” one of the maids murmured before leaving.

For a second, I stared at the tea. Why would he care if I get a cold or not?

Then I remembered the contract I'd signed— I belonged to him now and he wanted his new “property” to be healthy.

When I finally sat, my hands still shook. Lucien wasn’t there, but his absence filled the room like smoke.

I forced myself to eat, even though each bite felt like swallowing shame. The house was too quiet— until I heard two maids whispering at the end of the hall— towards the kitchen area.

“…heard she’s staying here for a while.”

“…She’s not even pretty. What did he see in her?”

“Probably a replacement for his late wife—they look alike.”

“Yeah, and she’s below his league. Must be her looks—remember he swore to find her killer?”

“I feel sorry for her. She’ll always live in another woman’s shadow.”

Replacement?

Their voices faded as they noticed I was staring their way, they quickly moved away but their words hung in the air.

I froze, the fork slipped from my fingers. Replacement.

Was that what I was to him?

A stand-in for a dead woman?

My stomach turned. I quickly dropped the fork and went to my room— a guard followed me closely until I entered, then he stood right outside my door.

“Ma'am, don't hesitate to call out if you need anything.” He said.

I just nodded, closed the door then slumped on the bed. It was so soft and cool—

It didn't take me long before sleep took over, guess I was extremely tired.

⁠✷✷✷⁠✷

I woke up to a knock on the door, it was morning already—

The guard walked in, tall and expressionless, holding a folded note.

“For you, miss.”

My hands trembled as I opened it.

It was from Lucien

“Get ready, you'll come with me to dinner tonight and you’ll come to me wearing nothing I didn’t pick for you.”

My breath caught.

“Couldn't he deliver this himself?” the words slipped out.

“He asked to apologize on his behalf, he was caught up in work last night and couldn't return home.”

Apologize? Did he really say that?

“Oh… he didn't have to explain himself though.” I stammered.

The guard left and almost immediately, the maids hurried in— and just like that, the day started. It moved in a blur that I couldn't even remember all I was doing until it was 4pm and I was getting dolled up for the dinner with Lucien.

As soon as I was done, a sleek black limousine came for me and soon, we were at the venue. The door slid open, as I alighted, an arm reached out to support— it was him, Lucien. Looking dashing in his black suit with silver accents.

“Are you going to admire me until my arm starts hurting?” he said, clearing his throat.

“I'm sorry…” I took his arm.

As I finally stepped out, his eyes traveled down my body. “I knew I made the right choice with this outfit,” He said proudly.

“Can we get this over with? Breathing the same air as you is already tiring.” I blurted out, expecting one of his deteriorating words but surprisingly, he said nothing.

He led me into the hall. As we walked side by side, all eyes turned to us. The hall, filled with men and women of power, stared at us as if in awe. Soon, men trooped forward to greet Lucien. He introduced them to me as “business partners” and when they asked who I was, he calmly said; I was his woman.

“My lady, may I have a moment? There’s an old bald man waiting for me upstairs.” Lucien pointed towards the stairs and I saw a short man in black suit— truly bald.

I was going to laugh but I suddenly remembered where I was so I had to pull myself together.

“I said that to make you laugh though and failed woefully— maybe I should practice my jokes a bit more.” He gently tucked the strands of hair behind my ear.

“I—”

“Chairman…” a voice called, cutting my statement short.

“That's my call— I'll be right back. Don't move,” I nodded as I watched him walk away with a guard.

I blinked— why was he being so sweet? Was this his approach? By the way, I needed to speak with him concerning my father— I just hope he comes back on time.

I took in a deep breath, sharp and nervous as I looked around. Eyes were still on me but they quickly looked away as they met mine.

“Hey… who do we have here? If it's not the disgraced mate herself—”

I turned to see Vivianne…

And

Elias!