Novel & Cerita Modern Family Series 4

"You're just too kind. We're so lucky to have you. You're the Moon Goddess' greatest gift to our family. Alright, we'll do as you say. Let's just focus on your recovery." The golden sunset poured through the healing center's windows, wrapping the four of them in warm light. Watching that perfect family scene, I felt like nothing more than an outsider. I was never a part of this family. I didn't belong in that warmth. I tried to speak, but no one could hear me. I wanted to run, but my soul was still bound to Mom. I could only watch in silence as they repeatedly shamed me.

She stood there blankly but the robot dog in her arms was still barking, so the sight was strangely funny. Her face pale, she unconsciously stepped back, trying to escape this chaotic vortex. "Stop!" A hoarse roar came from Dad. His eyes were bloodshot as he stared fixedly at my already cold corpse on the operating table. Then, he looked at his wife struggling on the floor and his son howling with his head in his hands. He suddenly charged at Carrie and grabbed her throat, his voice filled with endless regret and madness. "It's your fault! It's all your fault! You ruined our family! Give me back my Jasmine!"

My sister Mia and I both had a crush on Alpha Felix. But Mia was sweet and knew exactly how to act cute. Felix only had eyes for her—just like our parents. Even when Mia and I competed for the position of Chief Beta, Felix chose her without a second thought. So, I left the pack in a fit of anger, determined to make a name for myself. Six years later, I became the strongest female Alpha in North America, leading the Crimson Pack. But my family and Felix knew none of this. That is, until I heard that Felix’s Crescent Pack was facing a severe financial crisis and desperately needed a powerful ally to survive. I looked at my schedule and let out a soft smirk. The name written next to the 10:00 A

"I think you've all done pretty well. And I'm honored to be here with you guys today." Hensley patted my shoulder and then gave it a gentle squeeze. "She's right. We've weathered a lot of storms, but today marks the day that you and Jude get to start your happily ever after." "It's not a fairy tale, Mom." A tear made a sudden appearance and danced down her cheek. She swiped at it with the back of her fingers. Love and joy radiated from kind eyes. "I disagree. And I don't know two people who deserve it more."

Emma clung to our mother, sobbing, “Mom, Sophia’s been dead for years! I’m your only daughter!” Our mother wrenched her hand free. Her eyes were cold. “What did you just say? You’re nothing but an abandoned baby I picked up at a refugee camp! I took you in and fed you, yet you actually think you're a lady of this house?” Emma’s face went blank with shock. For the first time in ten years, our mother had torn off the mask. Our father's voice rose, trembling with rage. “You’re just a stand-in. You’ll never be Sophia. Chief, we want a test. We demand a bloodline test!”

“But I won’t apologize for wanting to see my little girl happy. You know, like Dimitri and me. Now, I admit that I haven’t been able to give you the best impression of romance over the years but now that I’ve found my happy ending, I’m more confident than ever that this is exactly what you need… A good man in your life.” I bit my lip. Trying to figure out a way to change the subject. “Don’t worry, honey,” Mom continued. “I understand how important your job is to you. And it seems like there is an abundance of eligible men who really like a modern woman these days. Like that Carson. He’s so handsome. And he has really taken a shine to you.” “Mother… Carson is a colleague,” I said stiffly.

“Mya. Stop. You don’t have to explain yourself to us. Not anymore.” She blinked, startled by the simple finality in his tone. Casey leaned across the table, eyes shining with mischief. “You don’t get it yet, do you? You don’t owe him anything. Or anyone.” Mya frowned, confused. “What do you mean?” Cameron leaned in, his voice carrying both warmth and gravity. “We’re the Cross family, Mya. Billionaires. Our father built an empire, and we’ve carried it forward. Everything he left—the businesses, the properties, the legacy—it belongs to us. To all of us.”

“It’s fine, Naomi. You seem to have a problem with me now that you are a part of this family.” Though stunned, I quickly got a grip on myself and declined the suggestion. To my surprise, Keith agreed without getting my consensus. I was disgruntled. It was absurd enough that I had to share a bed with my mother-in-law on my wedding night, but she took up the space between me and my husband too. Whitney glanced at me before sprawling herself across the sanctity of my bed. “A good wife shouldn’t be so petty. You should be kind to your husband’s family.”

"Don't be hard on her. This is the first time she's gone out in four years, since her husband died. So what if she got a bit naughty? Good for her." Jen couldn't help a little teasing. "Did you get a little naughty with her, Mom?" Mom grinned. "I didn't lose my bra, if that's what you're asking. I'm going to miss those panties, though. They matched the bra. Goodnight, kids." I sat with my mouth open while Jen rolled around on the floor.