Chapter 4 Four

• Veronica POV...
• "Alpha and Luna, good morning," I courteously greeted them, yet their response remained silent, as it always did. So, without a word, I made my way to the table and proceeded to serve coffee to Uncle Thomas and his wife, Katrina. Afterward, I placed Sara's favorite pancake in front of her and delivered Lara's favorite scrambled eggs to her disdainful gaze. Returning to my designated spot, I positioned myself next to Sophia.
• "Katrina." Addressing his wife, Uncle Thomas called out while I stood with lowered eyes.
• "Yes, alpha," Katrina responded, her lips curving in a smile. As per usual, her deep red lipstick intensified her fearsome expression.
• "I will be heading to the Haethon Kingdom for a meeting. It might take more than a day. I trust you with the pack's welfare during my absence. I shall endeavor to return as soon as possible. If we secure this deal, I will elevate our pack to great heights, just like Alpha Jeon, my elder brother."
• Upon hearing my father's name, my eyes welled up. Father Jeon always dedicated himself to the pack's growth, earnestly addressing the concerns of the pack members. He was an exceptional leader who lived as a humble alpha. There were few who could compare to my father in this world.
• "Don't worry, Alpha." I won't give you any reason to complain. Just ensure your niece behaves, does her duties diligently, and stays away from my daughters."
• I wondered if Aunt Katrina's behavior would ever change. I kept my head lowered, attentively listening to her words. Knowing she was a deceiver, I found solace in remaining silent rather than speaking out.
• "Katrina, I handed you the responsibility of this omega long ago. Carry out what you must with it, but do not bring your grievances to me. I have other matters to attend to."
• As always, his tone dripped with bitterness, and his eyes radiated hatred. I pondered when my uncle would return to his former self, when he would listen to me, or when he would endeavor to uncover the truth. Uncle Thomas wiped his lips with a napkin, then rose from his seat, bidding farewell to everyone before departing with his guards.
• Once my uncle was gone, I remained standing in the same spot. I glanced over at Sara, who was engrossed in her phone. Sara resembled Aunt Katrina with her slender nose, long hair, big eyes, and thin lips. She, too, possessed a delicate appearance. In contrast, Lara had small eyes, not-so-voluminous hair, full lips, a wheatish complexion, and the same height as her father. One characteristic they shared was their wicked way of thinking.
• Water was requested by Lara from me. On the side of the table, I filled a glass with water and handed it to Lara. Unexpectedly, the glass slipped from my grasp and fell onto Lara's expensive dress. Fear overwhelmed me, causing my eyes to widen. Initially, I inspected Lara's dress, then shifted my gaze to her face, where her eyes displayed anger, tinged with red. In a fit of outrage, she rose from her seat and tightly grabbed my hair with her fist.
• "You are utterly oblivious. My entire dress is ruined. Mother, behold what she has done. You are well aware of its value; even your earnings for an entire year couldn't afford it."
• Lara showcased her damp attire to her mother. Sophie approached me, notifying me, "Veronica, your hand is bleeding." Sophia attempted to continue, but Katrina's words silenced her. Rising from her chair, Katrina proceeded towards Sophia, who consistently kept her eyes fixed on the ground.
• "Who are you to utter something in front of the proprietor?" Sophia remained silent.
• Katrina forcefully tugged at her hair. "A slave possesses no right to voice anything in front of their master, Sophia. If you or anyone else dares to speak out of sympathy for that unfortunate omega, I will not dismiss you. Do you comprehend?" Tears streamed down Sophia's face as pain caused her to wince, and she nodded her head. "Well, good girl." Sophia retreated.
• Now, it is my turn. Katrina began her approach toward me. I was aware that today I would endure humiliation amidst everyone's presence, as Uncle was absent for lunch due to a business meeting. When Uncle is not in the palace, it serves as an opportune moment for me to be subjected to humiliation in front of the servants.
• Auntie never misses such opportunities. Hence, I patiently awaited my turn. She clutched my arms, urging me to stand. Her gaze fixated on me, filled with an intense hatred. I cannot fathom why she perpetually despises me. "Does it hurt a lot?" she inquired, and I shook my head in negation.
• A devilish smile formed on her face as she led me to the table, grabbed a bottle of salt, sprinkled it onto my wounds, and forcibly rubbed it in. Excruciating pain caused me to scream and struggle to release my hand, but my feebleness hindered me. After some time, she tossed me back onto the floor and proceeded to beat me.
• Desperation crept over me. I yearned for someone to come to my aid. Lara and Sara filmed a video of my torment, then... I glanced at the other slaves; they stood with their heads lowered. My eyes were tightly shut. This has become unbearable.
• "If only you had perished at birth, you wretched creature. You are the bane of our existence, a punishment we brought upon ourselves by adopting you. You are an adversary to my daughters and a threat to my tranquility. Had you met the same fate as your parents, it would have been for the best. Should you dare to harm my daughter or engage in any wrongdoing, I shall end your life and cast your body as a feast for the animals."
• Subsequently, when her heart was content with the act of chastising me, she commanded the sentry to escort me back to my abode. Within mere seconds, darkness engulfed my sight. Perhaps this shall be my final day in this realm, and perhaps, henceforth, I shall attain peace.
• *
• Night..
• As I commenced my meal, Sophia abruptly raced towards me, her demeanor filled with dismay. "What is the matter, Sophia?"
• She beheld my presence and replied, "The Alpha called you to his office."
• Fear gripped me. "I thought he were to return tomorrow."
• "I am unaware of such matters. Hurry Veronica." And thus, a few moments later, I stood at the entrance to the Alpha's sanctum.
• "Alpha, you called me." With my head bowed, I stood within the Alpha's office.
• "Yes... Tomorrow, a very special visitor will grace our pack. They will stay here for several days. It falls upon you to cleanse the entirety of the palace by noon, including the secluded room situated in the corner. Our esteemed guest shall occupy that space. I have called upon various chefs, and you shall assist them."
• The corner room... That very space belonged to my departed parents. How could my uncle allow an unknown individual to inhabit the sanctum of my parents? Hesitantly, I queried, "Alpha, the corner room belongs to my parents. You have never even set foot inside, so how can you suddenly make their room available to a stranger?" After a year, I summoned the courage to speak before my uncle. Fear gnawed at my core, yet I felt compelled to ask.
• "You have forfeited the right to question, Veronica. The room shall be cleansed, and the guest shall stay there, you understand."
• I observed my uncle, taken aback by his response. He proceeded to type something on his phone. Tears welled up in my eyes. Not once did my uncle cast a glance at me; he simply issued his commands. "You have stripped me of everything. Now, all I have left is the room where my parents reside, where I can sense their presence. I implore you, do not rob me of that solace."
• On my knees before him, hands clasped, I pleaded. Perhaps today he will take pity on me, yet my uncle's gaze remained fixed on his phone. Turning his back to me, he dismissed me, saying, "Leave and carry out my instructions." I stood up, wiped away my tears, and averted my gaze. Numerous questions plagued my mind, but I knew they would go unanswered.
• Thus, I departed silently. I directed my attention towards my uncle, hopeful for his agreement. However, he responded, "When the guests arrive at the palace, do not leave the kitchen. Once they reach their rooms, you should go back to your own house."
• After that, he resumed his busy conversation on the phone. A profound feeling of insignificance overcame me. I acknowledged my own pathetic existence. "As you wish, Alpha." With a humble bow, I exited the office at a steady pace.
• Leaning against the wall, I took a deep breath. I was an omega with no strength, destined to a life of servitude.
• *
• Next day…
• I proceeded to clean the palace and my late parents' room, which had remained sealed since their passing. By the way, when I occasionally visited my parents' room, it was nearly spotless. Additionally, I assisted the chef in the kitchen and followed the given instructions. The guests' arrival was imminent, and all preparations were complete. Adjacent to the kitchen, there was a door leading to the garden.
• I opened it and settled myself on the grass. After some time, I discerned the sound of a car horn, signifying the guests' arrival. Promptly, I rose to my feet and discreetly peered from behind the trees. My uncle and his wife extended their greetings to the guests, who were accompanied by numerous guards burdened with gift boxes.
• "It seems quite rich. I mean, they brought an abundance of boxes," I overheard a voice behind me. Turning around, I saw Sophia standing there.
• "Who are they, Sophia?" I inquired, my gaze fixed on the guests.
• "I don't know, but my mother informed me that they are businessmen. Alpha Alexander from the Haethon Kingdom."
• "Oh." The two of us directed our attention towards the guests.
• "I wish I were the leader of Mariana's pack, able to welcome guests at my uncle's residence, I lamented, glancing at my attire. But here I am, a slave within my own pack." Tears streamed down my palms.
• "Veronica." Prior to Sophia attempting to provide me with false hope once again, I wiped away my tears and stood up.
• "Today, we have much work to do, so let's get to it." We hastily made our way inside.
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