The OMEGA'S RIVAL

ELOWEN’S POV

The halls of the estate were alive with the echoes of voices that filled the hallway.

The faint strains of music trailed down the pathway leading to the courtyard where everyone was seated gracefully.

The pack was celebrating, unaware of the tension building inside me. 

Tonight was not only about the celebration for me, but it was the one chance I had to see my mate, Cyrus. 

Our relationship dynamic has withered a lot of storms but can't seem to survive either of them. It was against my wish when I got mated and betrothed to him due to my brother's greedy self, he wanted to have an alliance with a powerful kingdom and Alpha, assisting in his affairs and businesses.

I stood in front of the mirror at the corner of the room, my shaky hand over my hair for the hundredth time as I subconsciously counted the seconds before my door would finally be let open.

Tonight marked the sixth year anniversary of Cyrus being the Alpha, and that was the sole reason I was being left out. His reasons were, he wanted to show the world how beautiful of a wife he has and fuel his ego.

It had been over a year since I’d been locked in this gilded cage, my sole purpose reduced to bearing children for the Alpha. He never saw me as a person, all I was to him is a baby factory who produces children whenever he wants.

To Cyrus, I was nothing more than a pawn who he got as a freebie from a deal he had with his business partner. Ever since I came here, my life has changed completely. 

Not for good, but for worse.

The word felt almost meaningless now, far from what I'd once believed it to be.

I ran my hand over the linen fabric on my stomach. It has been two months, and I have not gotten the chance to tell him. 

Honestly, I hoped to tell him in person but ever since he abruptly stopped visiting and completely turned cold and weird towards me, I had not gotten the chance to.

It's been eight weeks of silence torture. I was happy and at the same sad, he stopped visiting me often. Whenever he came, it was always about sex and ramming his dick in me. And when he stopped frequently coming for his usual appointments, I felt relieved for a while. 

My relief was shortened when I figured out I had missed my period for two consecutive months. I was dumbfounded and in disbelief, I struggled to grasp my internal thoughts to process myself. 

Fortunately, I had the opportunity to get my hands on a pregnancy kit which I told one of my trusted maids to get for me. 

Sadly, my greatest fear came to pass.

I was pregnant. I was currently carrying a baby for a man who doesn't love me, and instead, sees me as an object of usage. 

Tonight was my only chance. I decided that I must tell Cyrus about this, regardless of having no access to my personal bank details. I thought, hoped, that maybe, this news would change someone in him. 

Maybe, this news about having a baby might change the way he felt about me. Maybe he would finally see me as a person, and not just an object he owned. Maybe, he'll acknowledge our bond and me as being his mate. 

The sharp turn of keys jolted me back to reality. I guess I've been delusional enough, like how Cyrus always said whenever I brought up the topic of being let out and not held captive. 

His exact words were, “Elowen, I'm sorry but that's an impossible request you ask of me. You're my mate and partner, and you're only permitted to see me and do whatever I tell you to. Got it?”

The door creaked open, and Lia, the pack's head maid, gracefully stepped in. I couldn't have been more relieved to see her. 

She was modestly dressed as she gracefully walked into the room. This was a big celebration for Cyrus and his board of team and members, and his instructions were clear to everyone.

“You dare not make me look bad to everyone else. Got it?” He had ordered, which prompted everyone to dress moderately even though they were not part of his high class. 

What he wants is to give them the impression of being a nice and caring boss, which is quite the opposite of what he truly is.

“It is almost time.” She informed me, gave me a small knowing smile and bowed her head slightly. She walked slowly towards me, grabbed a piece of scissors to cut the hem of my dress.

“The Alpha wants you to look exceptionally sexy tonight. I'm sorry, but I had to.”

“It's fine.” I assured, knowing fully well that no one dares to go against Cyrus's order. 

“You look beautiful. Exceptionally stunning and lovely!” 

“Uhm…thank you.” I muttered, as a pink blush appeared on my cheeks. This was the first time in years someone had actually looked at me to appreciate my beauty. 

Cyrus never cared to tell me nor appreciate me. All he wants is for me to look pretty, sexy and have children for him. 

“You look beautiful too, Lia.” I added, smiling softly at her. “The color suits your skin perfectly!”

“Oh! Thank you ma'am!” She said, chuckles softly. “Are you still anxious…about telling him?”

“A bit.” 

“You don't have to be anxious or nervous about this.” She assured me, “This is the perfect time to tell this beautiful news. Babies are gifts from heaven. The Alpha will definitely be happy if he knows about this, he's been wanting a child for the longest time now!”

“You really think so?” 

“Yes.” She affirmed, “It is going to go well. Be rest assured, and do not worry about anything.”

“I really hope it goes well, Lia.”

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. 

Without another word, I quickly brushed past her, the hem of my dress sweeping the floor.

 My heart pounded with a mix of hope and dread.

As I neared the grand staircase, I paused. 

A familiar voice drifted from one of the side rooms, low and commanding. Cyrus.

I shouldn’t have stopped. I knew better not be present nor linger where I wasn’t wanted. But something in his tone made me freeze, my feet rooted to the spot. Then I heard him say words that shattered the little hope I had clung to.