Chapter 7 "Don't Run Away"

• Amelia’s Point of View
• I saw my son in his room, his eyes empty, gazing into the distance. I walked over with a smile, like a mother hen checking on her chick.
• "What's on your mind, son?" I asked.
• Ethan turned to me, looking unhappy. "I'm thinking about the party tomorrow."
• I raised my eyebrows, staying calm. "And what's bothering you specifically?"
• Ethan ran his hand through his hair, loosening his tie. "It's my sister's engagement."
• I couldn't help but smirk to myself. It was about my stepdaughter, just as I had expected.
• "Is Dad really gonna announce my sister's engagement to Alpha Alex in front of all the guests?" Ethan asked, clearly ticked off.
• I placed my hand on his shoulder, giving him a gentle tap like I was singing him a lullaby. "Ethan."
• Ethan glanced upwards. A sudden flash of lightning illuminated his face, with ominous clouds looming overhead.
• "Alpha Alex holds the key to our financial security. Your father is just struggling to get by. And Harriet is our way out," I reasoned, as Ethan interjected, "But..."
• I gently placed a finger on my son's lips, silencing him.
• "Hush, my dear boy..." I affectionately ruffled his hair as if calming a restless animal. "I understand what you're thinking. You don't want Harriet to wed Alex, do you?"
• "Don't misunderstand me, Mom," Ethan replied. "Alex is known for his aggressive behavior as an Alpha. I can't stand by and let my sister marry someone like him!"
• Ethan winced, a pained expression crossing his face.
• Maybe he couldn't believe he was using that excuse, especially since he had a history of hurting Harriet when he got annoyed.
• But I noticed and gave him a reassuring smile, silently letting him know he was doing the right thing.
• "You can take her away," I whispered.
• Ethan was surprised. "What do you mean?"
• "When we bring the company back to life, and you inherit your father's wealth, everything will be yours. You will be the Alpha," I explained.
• My son's eyes widened. "Mine?" he asked. "Not Alpha Alex's, but mine?"
• I embraced him and whispered, "Yes. Everything. The company, this house, the Pack, and even your sister."
• A glimmer of excitement sparked in my son’s eyes.
• Everything is going according to the plan.
• ** **
• Harriet’s Point of View
• I woke up feeling heavy-hearted, knowing that there would be a party going down at the mansion today.
• "Good morning, Miss Harriet," greeted the maid, Mary. "Luna Amelia said you're fasting today. She wants you to stay healthy and fit."
• I glanced at Marie, who seemed puzzled since I was already so thin. She probably couldn't comprehend why Amelia was so strict about my diet. But as a servant in this Alpha's household, she couldn't question my stepmother's orders.
• "I understand. You're free to leave. I wanted to be alone," I told the maid.
• "Of course, Miss."
• The maid left.
• I sighed and affectionately pet my cat.
• "She's always nagging me about watching my weight. But she won't notice if I indulge in that huge steak from last night. Right?"
• Without the barbecue Lucas gave me, I wouldn't have the stamina to make it through the day.
• Phew, I'm so relieved that I had a good meal last night. Now I don't have to worry about passing out in the middle of the party. Dad would be so angry if I caused a scene.
• Letting out a sigh, I glanced at the box sitting on the table nearby.
• Hold on a second.
• Is that the same box that Lucas gave me?
• "I remember dropping it earlier. How did it end up here in my room?"
• It must have been Lucas who brought it. Well, my mouth started watering as I approached the box and opened it.
• "Maybe if I just had one, Mom wouldn't even notice. Yeah, just one."
• I grabbed a dried Kalu fruit that Lucas had given me. As I took a bite, it brought me so much joy.
• “Now that I think about it, that werewolf was the only one who gave me food even when I said I couldn't eat.”
• I realized that the first person who cared about her was that rogue.
• "Is he alright? Did he cause any trouble with Alpha Alex last night?" I found myself worrying about him, although I couldn't understand why.
• "Nope, he's not foolish. Let's put him out of our minds and take a break before the tiring party begins."
• I tried my best to forget about Lucas, but his image lingered in my thoughts throughout the day.
• As evening approached, the clock struck 7 p.m. and the party commenced at the grand mansion. Guests started to arrive, and I emerged wearing a cream-colored dress that my stepmom had chosen for me. Unlike the other women's attire, mine exuded innocence and elegance. It was Amelia's way of portraying me as a pure lady.
• ‘Hah. She doesn’t know that I am not a pure wolf anymore.’
• I walked into the hall and immediately caught snippets of conversation from the guests.
• "Is that Alpha Connor’s daughter?"
• "Harriet. Yep, that's her."
• "She's stunning in person."
• "And her skin is so perfect!"
• "But seriously, what's the use of dressing up if you're just going to marry someone like Alpha Alex?"
• The women in the hall tried to suppress their giggles, but I pretended not to hear. I was used to this kind of ridicule by now.
• "I ain't gonna get anything out of starting drama with these ladies who are just looking for their mates," I mused. I decided to ignore the whispers around me. But then, I overheard a conversation that caught my attention.
• "OMG. Who's that hot guy?"
• "Wow, he's so attractive!"
• "Isn't that the wealthy Lucas Hayes?"
• My head snapped around, and in that moment, my eyes met Lucas's intense red gaze, which felt like it was peering into my soul.
• Dressed in a sharp black suit, Lucas exuded sophistication and elegance. His choice of a crisp white shirt and a bold red tie perfectly matched the striking color of his eyes. He was truly a sight to behold.
• "He seems fine," I whispered. "Which means Alex didn't hurt him. Thank goodness."
• Thank goodness?!
• Wait, why am I so relieved that Lucas is okay?
• "Why am I even concerned? Why am I wasting my time thinking about that troublemaker? I must be losing it." I averted my gaze from Lucas and stared off into the distance.
• But soon enough, a dark shadow loomed over me, causing me to jump in shock.
• "I was hurt that you ignored me earlier," Lucas declared, standing right in front of me, capturing the attention of everyone around.
• "If you've already seen me, you better not turn away."
• In front of all the guests, he took hold of my hand, leaned down, and gently kissed my pale knuckles.
• "Don't even think about looking away, Harriet."