Chapter 5 You May Not Want To Marry Me

• Observing Charlotte's youth and excessive thinness, which suggested malnutrition rather than mere slenderness, Hendrick's expression became one of deep concern.
• This marriage, though arranged by his now-deceased mother, left him bound by familial duty to uphold it. Yet, he had spread rumors of his lingering illness and supposed disability, hoping these tales would deter the Lanning family from pursuing the union.
• He struggled to accept the supposed family curse his mother, Elouise Gonzales, had spoken of, which dictated he marry this girl from the Lanning family. Now that his wolf had recognized its destined mate, he yearned to follow the Moon Goddess' guidance and be with Vivian, not Charlotte.
• However, to his dismay, the Lannings seemed unphased and showed no signs of withdrawing from the arrangement.
• As he remained silent, his face set in a stern mask, Gregory, misinterpreting his silence for displeasure, hastily interjected, “She's still young. With time, she'll certainly blossom into a striking beauty.”
• Hendrick scoffed inwardly at Gregory's optimism, finding little comfort in the situation. Despite his feigned disability, the Lannings were still eager to marry off their daughter to him.
• With a sardonic twist of his lips, he fabricated, “I had to travel for work and unfortunately sustained injuries. It seems I won't be able to walk or fulfill my duties as a husband—”
• “I don't mind,” Charlotte cut in quickly, her voice firm.
• Gregory had promised that marrying into the Zovkic family would ensure the return of her mother's possessions, including a critical antidote formula. Even if it meant marrying today and seeking divorce tomorrow, Charlotte was ready to accept the terms.
• At that moment, Charlotte fully understood the situation—Hendrick was capable of walking, yet he presented himself as wheelchair-bound to the Lannings, likely influenced by that woman—his supposed destined mate. He hoped the Lannings would call off the marriage themselves.
• But unfortunately, Gregory seemed prepared to sacrifice his distant daughter to uphold the agreement.
• Hendrick narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her closely.
• Charlotte felt a cold shiver under his intense stare, filled with a growing bitterness.
• Did I have a choice in marrying into the Zovkic family? If I didn't agree to this, how else could we return home and reclaim everything that rightfully belongs to us, including the antidote formula?
• With a strained smile that masked her inner turmoil, she declared, “We have been betrothed since childhood. Regardless of your condition, I am bound to marry you.”
• Hendrick's eyes darkened further, noting her words were cleverly chosen.
• Gregory, oblivious to the undercurrents, cautiously broached the subject, “About the wedding date...”
• Hendrick's demeanor shifted momentarily before settling into a semblance of calm. “Of course, we'll adhere to the agreement set long ago by our families. How could we possibly break such a tradition?”
• Charlotte looked down, gathering her thoughts, aware that Hendrick too was displeased with this forced match.
• “That's wonderful.” Gregory internally rejoiced at securing such a powerful alliance for his unremarkable daughter. “I've prepared dinner. Please, stay and eat before you leave,” he offered, bowing slightly.
• As the alpha of the most formidable pack, Thunderstorm Pack, the resources and influence that the Zovkic family wielded were unparalleled, far surpassing anything that Gregory's more modest Moon Shadow Pack could offer.
• Hendrick's brow furrowed at Gregory's shift from arrogance to obsequiousness, a behavior he found repulsive. “No need, I have other matters to attend to,” he declined, signaling his assistant, Jason Garrone, to push him toward the exit.
• As they passed by Charlotte, Hendrick raised his hand, stopping Jason. “Ms. Lanning, do you have a moment?” His tone made it clear it wasn't a mere request.
• Charlotte nodded, intuitively sensing that he had something significant to discuss—a sentiment she mirrored, having matters of her own to broach.
• Gregory, observing this exchange, shot Charlotte a cautionary look. “Show some restraint,” he warned under his breath. In his eyes, she was just an omega and should not step out of line with an alpha. His disdain for his daughter deepened, worrying that she might jeopardize a beneficial alliance.
• She's already offending him before they're married. Judging by Hendrick's demeanor, he's clearly displeased with Charlotte. Becoming in-laws with the Zovkics is beneficial to both our family and Moon Shadow Pack. I don't want Charlotte jeopardizing this marriage!
• Ignoring her father, Charlotte followed Jason outside, mulling over Gregory's motives and the misplaced confidence he seemed to have in her compliance post-marriage.
• Is he expecting me to comply just because he's my father? Did he ever act as a father should? Is he even aware of the hardships we've endured these past seven years?
• Absorbed in her thoughts, Charlotte inadvertently walked into Hendrick, who had unexpectedly stood up from his wheelchair—a stark confirmation of her suspicions about his feigned disability.
• The sudden proximity to him, his intense gaze bearing down on her, sent a chill through her spine. Keeping her composure, she confronted him, “You were pretending to be disabled on purpose, weren't you?”
• Hendrick's eyes narrowed, the air around him thickening with tension. “Why would you agree to marry me, knowing my supposed condition? What do you want—my wealth, my power? And don't you wish to find your destined mate?”
• Charlotte felt the chilling effect of his scrutiny. Despite this, maintaining a poised front, she countered, “I was betrothed to you when I was merely two years old. Could I possibly have understood the implications of wealth or power at such an age? Was it I who demanded our mothers arrange this marriage?”
• She paused, softening her tone slightly, “When I was just two, you were already ten—eight years my senior. Did I ever complain about your age?”
• Hendrick's expression revealed a mix of amusement and irritation at her audacity and eloquence. Despite her frail appearance and being a half-blood omega, she had the nerve to speak so boldly to him.
• The wolf within him stirred inexplicably, drawn to her spirit in a way he couldn't quite understand. The atmosphere around him cooled as his mood shifted.
• Realizing the precariousness of her position, Charlotte's voice grew more conciliatory. “Mr. Zovkic, I understand you may not wish to marry me, and I find that perfectly reasonable—”
• She paused strategically, observing him closely for any subtle reaction. “Let's strike a deal,” Charlotte proposed, seizing the opportunity to reshape the terms of their engagement.