Chapter 3: Divert the plan

Chapter  3: Divert the plan. 

Cora’s POV

Finding out that Clara didn’t want to marry Kael was something I had never expected. But regardless of how shocking the news was, I didn’t want my sister married to that jackass either.

Kael and I had history.

Not a good one, but it was a history that had stuck with me over the years.

We all used to be playmates—Clara, Jace, Zoey, Kael, and me. Back then, we spent so much time together that our parents barely had to worry about where we were. We were always somewhere, getting into trouble or coming up with ridiculous games to entertain ourselves.

Well, that was before Kael decided that the world revolved around him.

He had always been arrogant, even as a child. He hated being told no, and he expected everyone to do whatever he wanted. If things didn't go his way, he would sulk, throw a tantrum, or find a way to make everyone regret going against him.

And unfortunately for him, I had never been the kind of girl who enjoyed bowing to anyone's wishes.

We had one particularly ugly fight when we were younger. I couldn't remember every single detail anymore, but I remembered how angry he had been when I refused to give in to him. He had looked at me as though I had personally offended his entire bloodline simply because I wouldn't do what he wanted.

I thought it was ridiculous.

Looking back now, I sometimes wondered if that was the moment he decided which of the twins he preferred.

Even now, as I stood in front of all the alcohol I had been craving to drink when I became an adult, I had lost my thirst for it. I felt bad for Clara.

My sister had spent her entire life trying to make our parents proud. She had followed their rules, behaved herself, and done everything expected of her. She had practically perfected the art of being the daughter they wanted.

And what was her reward?

An arranged marriage to a man she didn't even want.

“Aren't you drinking?” Jace asked, and I just shoved him off. Clara and Zoey were approaching the drinks table, and I immediately had to change my expression so she wouldn't have to worry.

“Jace, pour a drink for Clara and me,” Zoey demanded.

Jace nodded and did exactly as he was told.

My eyes scanned the room for my father, and I found him chatting with Kael's father. Kael was seated beside them. Was he that stupid? Not even a birthday wish to his supposed betrothed?

“I am going to have a word with Father,” I said to Clara.

She tilted her head to her left, and I tilted mine to the right. It was our sign language.

She knew what I was going to do. I needed to talk to my father and, at the very least, convince him not to announce the engagement today until we came up with a plan.

“I will be back.”

I gulped down my drink.

“You want to talk to your father with alcohol reeking out of your mouth? In front of the Alpha?” Jace chuckled.

I just shrugged.

“Maybe that's why I'm the Rogue.”

I dropped the glass and headed for my father's table. My plan was simple. I needed to establish the idea that I might cause a scene if the announcement happened tonight. But to do that, I had to embarrass him in front of his future in-laws.

I didn't mind, as long as it made them uncomfortable, especially that jackass, Kael.

“Father!” I called out from a distance.

I immediately saw my father lower his head. My mother was supposedly looking around for my sister so she could put me in order, but as planned, Clara was outside with Zoey and Jace.

“Oh, Father! Mother! Helloooo!”

I twirled as I got to the table, calling out in the form of a song.

“Cora, what is the matter? Where is your sister?” my father asked. I could see his jaw clench.

“Are you drunk, you silly girl?” my mother asked as she stood up.

“I am not. I just came to say hello to my future in-laws and my brother-in-law, too. Kael, it's been a while.”

I forced a smile.

Kael rolled his eyes and just sipped his drink.

Such a rude brat.

I was only doing this for my sister.

“Cora, I can't seem to see your sister anywhere. Go and get her!” my father said.

I shook my head.

“Why? Is there something I should know? It's my big day, too, isn't it? Tell me... Tell me!”

I pressed on, trying to find a seat except the one next to Kael. When I looked around and saw there was nowhere else to sit, I simply stood.

“Still loud and lousy,” I heard Kael say under his breath.

I ignored him. I wasn't here for him.

“I see you haven't changed,” the Luna said.

I nodded.

“Yup! So, back to why I am here... A little bird told me that my sister's engagement will be announced today. Wow! Congratulations to the future couple!”

I clapped loudly. By now, my father's friends and business partners nearby were looking at me.

I was having so much fun with this.

“But... it's also my big day, like I said, Father. Unless you're also announcing my own engagement party, which, of course, I know isn't possible. It would be quite unfair to try to steal our day and give it all to Clara. Don't you all think so?”

“Cora! Are you drunk?” my father asked through gritted teeth.

I nodded.

“I am an adult now! I can drink. Now, imagine what drunken me would do when you announce that my sister will be getting married!”

Apparently, that was all my mother needed to hear. She stood up and immediately dragged me away from the table. Jace was unfortunately heading in our direction, so she handed me over to him.

“Take care of your friend! She is drunk! Do not let her out of your sight!”

She turned to me. I was still looking over at the table. Kael was giving me a deadly glare. I could tell he was irritated, and I loved it.

I didn't look away. I maintained that glare until Jace turned my head away from him.

“You are in big trouble, young lady,” my mother finally said before leaving me with Jace.

“What did you do?” he asked as we both sat at our usual spot outside, escaping the party I never wanted to be part of anyway.

“I had some fun. I left you with my sister. Where did she go?”

“I don't know. She's probably somewhere with Zoey. Lydia showed up, and we had a conversation. Turns out she's still crazy about me.”

We both sighed.

“Let me guess. She wants another chance?”

He nodded.

I shook my head. Lydia had been desperately begging Jace for another chance, but Jace wasn't having it.

We sat in silence for a long time until Jace stood up.

“I just got the craziest plan...”

“Is it crazier than me embarrassing myself because I wanted my dad to change my sis's engagement announcement day?”

“Even crazier...” He nodded.

“What is it?”

He moved closer.

“Promise you are not going to punch me in the face?”

“I can't make such promises..”

“What if you pretend to be my girlfriend so Lydia can finally decide to leave me alone? She hates being replaced! What if we fake-date?”