Chapter 19

[ 914 words ]

Emilia’s POV

I slipped the bangle off my wrist and held it out to Sebastian. The moonstone caught the light one last time before I dropped it into his palm.

“Remember,” I said quietly, “you must give a good performance.”

He closed his fingers around the bangle, a taunting smile playing at his lips. “How so? Are you going to show me? I’ve never accompanied any of my women back home before.”

My jaw tightened. His women. Like I was just another name on an endless list.

I lowered my voice, stepping closer. “You won’t need to do anything on purpose. Just put on a loving image of us. That will do.”

Sebastian’s smile turned absolutely vicious. “Looks like you not only take pride in yourself, you like boasting around just to keep your image as well.”

He leaned in, “How shameless it is to ask me to fake my love for you when I feel nothing for you at all.”

“We’re the same type of people,” I said simply, then turned back to my room.

I had work to do. My position at Hanson Group wasn’t just handed to me. I’d earned it through countless late nights and perfect performance. No matter what chaos Sebastian brought into my life, I wouldn’t let it derail everything I’d worked for.

At exactly 9:45 PM, I closed my work files and gathered my sleepwear. Routine and discipline had kept me sane through years of Dorothy’s abuse and Linda’s bullying. I wasn’t about to abandon them now.

I’d just turned toward the bathroom when Sebastian’s voice cut through the silence.

“Stop right there.”

I froze, then slowly turned to face him. He was sprawled on the bed.

“What’s wrong?”

“What are you doing?” he pressed.

“Taking a shower,” I answered calmly.

“Who told you you could use this bathroom?”

I stared at him, genuinely confused. “There’s only one bathroom in this room. Where else would I go?”

“Use the bathroom next door. Go.”

I said in disbelief, “In that case, shall I just move next door? That would save us both some trouble, and I won’t annoy you anymore.”

“Next door is the guest room.” Sebastian sat up, his expression dark. “Are you a guest?”

“I’m not, but in your eyes, I’m not even human, am I?”

Sebastian stood, stretching lazily. “Glad that you know it.”

I grabbed my clothes and headed for the guest room.

Standing under the showerhead, hot water streaming over my skin, I couldn’t help but wonder: if Sebastian hated women so much, why did he force himself to have one in his room?

The man was ridiculous. Unreasonable. Absolutely infuriating.

The weekend arrived faster than I wanted.

At breakfast, Mila smiled warmly at us both. “Emilia, I’ve asked the staff to prepare gifts for your family. If you’re not coming back tonight, just let me know.”

“Yes, Mila. Thank you.” I forced a smile, though my stomach was twisting with anxiety.

My gaze slid to Sebastian. His expression was darker than a storm cloud, absolutely terrifying.

I’d known the Simons family was wealthy. You didn’t run the Silver Moon Pack and Simons Imperial Group without serious money. But when I saw the gifts loaded into the car, I was genuinely stunned.

Expensive wines. Designer accessories. Luxury gift sets.

I could already picture Dorothy’s greedy face, her eyes practically turning into dollar signs.

The car began its journey, and Sebastian remained silent beside me. The tension was suffocating.

Halfway there, I couldn’t take it anymore. “Remember to be loving.”

“I’ll try my best,” he said, his tone making it clear he’d do no such thing.

My heart sank.

When we finally pulled up to The Frostridge Pack territory, I spotted them immediately.

Henry, Dorothy, and Linda stood at the entrance with what looked like every available pack member lined up behind them. Brandon stood among the welcoming crowd, positioned just behind Dorothy.

It was a majestic welcome, theatrical.

Everything Dorothy did was excessive.

“Oh my god! I’ve been waiting for this! Finally, my daughter returns!” Dorothy’s voice carried across the driveway, dripping with false affection.

I felt my stomach turn.

She rushed toward me, pulling me into an embrace. Her perfume was overwhelming, cloying and sweet.

“Welcome home, darling!”

I smiled, because that’s what was expected. But inside, disgust crawled through my veins like poison.

Brandon’s eyes locked onto mine, burning with an intensity that made my skin crawl. That familiar puppy-dog stare he used to give me, like I was the only woman in the world.

How pathetic that he thought it would still work.

I looked straight through him, my expression as cold as ice.

“Alpha Sebastian, welcome!” Henry practically threw himself forward, hand extended.

Dorothy immediately joined him, her praise flowing like a rehearsed script. How handsome Sebastian was. How successful. How lucky her daughter was to have married such an excellent man.

Her daughter.

I watched it all unfold, this grotesque performance, and felt something cold and bitter settle in my chest.

These were supposed to be my family. But not a single person here had ever truly cared for me.

And I was nothing to them now, except a means to an end.

A bridge to Sebastian’s wealth and power.

Sebastian responded to Henry’s obvious enthusiasm with coldness. In contrast, his attitude toward me suddenly shifted.

Sebastian’s hand slid around mine, his fingers lacing through my own. His palm was warm, almost burning against my suddenly clammy skin.

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