Chapter 105: Engaged
Chapter 105: Engaged
(Olivia’s POV)
The car stopped steadily at the entrance of the Kane Family Gardens. The driver opened the door for me.
I stepped out and saw two women waiting at the entrance. One was older, elegant, with kind eyes. The other was young
and beautiful.
“Wow! You’re my brother’s mate!” the younger woman exclaimed.
My eyes widened in surprise. This was unexpected.
“I saw you at the Gilded Thorn Atelier this afternoon,” she continued excitedly. “You came out of the fitting room wearing this very ceremonial robe!”
Recognition dawned on me. It turned out to be the girl from the afternoon, and I never expected that she would actually
be Kaine’s sister.
“The dress is absolutely beautiful on you,” she said warmly. “It suits you perfectly.”
“Thank you,” I replied quietly.
The older woman stepped forward with a satisfied smile. “I’m Lady Isolde Kane, Matthew’s mother.”
She took my hands in hers. Her touch was warm and welcoming.
“Matthew is truly remarkable,” she said. “He has quietly found such a beautiful partner.”
The younger woman bounced slightly on her feet. “I’m Seraphina Kane, Matthew’s sister. I can’t believe how small the
world is!”
Her enthusiasm was infectious. I found myself relaxing slightly.
“It’s wonderful to meet you both,” I said.
Seraphina linked her arm through mine. “Come on, let’s go inside. Everyone’s waiting to meet you.”
My stomach dropped. “Everyone?”
Lady Isolde noticed my concern immediately. “Just old friends who often drop by, dear. No need for additional gifts.”
“But I only prepared gifts for the immediate family,” I said.
“That’s perfectly fine,” Lady Isolde assured me. “They’re practically family anyway.”
Seraphina laughed. “Mother just wants to show off her new daughter–in–law.”
“Seraphina!” Lady Isolde scolded, but she was smiling.
Their easy banter reminded me of my own mother. Lyra would have loved this kind of family warmth.
A flicker of sorrow touched my heart. I quickly pushed it away.
We entered a large room filled with guests. All eyes turned to me immediately.
“She’s even more beautiful than Matthew described,” someone whispered.
“Look at that grace,” another voice said.
I smiled politely as Lady Isolde introduced me to various relatives and friends. The names blurred together.
After what felt like hours of introductions, I excused myself to a small living room. I needed a moment to breathe.
I had just settled into a chair when footsteps approached.
“Hello.”
I looked up to see a stunning woman in a flowing white dress. Her smile was bright, but her eyes were calculating.
“I’m Cynthia Mooncrest,” she said. “Matthew’s former fiancée.”
The name struck a chord of familiarity. Where had I heard it before?
“Former fiancée?” I repeated carefully.
Cynthia’s smile widened. She sat down across from me without invitation.
“Matthew and I were in love ten years ago,” she said. “We only separated because of a small misunderstanding.”
My heart skipped a beat. This was news to me.
“Once it’s resolved, we will be together again,” Cynthia continued confidently.
I stared at her, trying to reconcile this information with the Matthew I knew. The stoic, reserved Alpha King who rarely showed emotion.
Then I remembered the rare moments of warmth he showed with Aurora. The gentle way he held our daughter.
Maybe there was more to his past than I realized.
“I’m the Miss of the Mooncrest Pack,” Cynthia said, establishing her social position. “What do your parents do?”
Her tone was subtly challenging. She was trying to establish dominance.
I met her gaze steadily. “Miss Mooncrest, regardless of what my parents do, Matthew and I are already engaged.”
We were more than engaged. We were already mated. But I didn’t need to share that detail.
Cynthia’s confident expression faltered slightly. “Engaged?”
“Yes,” I said with unwavering certainty.
“But his parents won’t approve,” Cynthia said weakly. “They don’t even know you.”
I stood up gracefully. “As long as Matthew knows, that’s enough.”
I walked away, leaving her sitting alone.
(Third–person’s POV)
Cynthia’s composure crumbled the moment Olivia left. Tears streamed down her face.
She didn’t notice the man who sat beside her until a cold voice cut through her grief. “Is that all you’ve got?”
Cynthia looked up, startled. Her brother Caelan sat beside her, his presence chilling.
His pale skin had a sickly cast. His eyes held a sharp, unnerving glint that made her shiver.
“Caelan,” she whispered, terrified. “When did you arrive?”
“I’ve been watching,” he said coldly. “You’re pathetic.”
“Matthew Kane and that woman are engaged,” Cynthia said desperately. “What can I do?”
Caelan’s laugh was like a rusty blade scraping metal. “They can reject the bond even if they’re mated, let alone just
engaged.”
His voice dropped to a hiss. “I’ve carefully cultivated you for so many years. The Alpha King will have to mark you.”
He looked toward the hall where Olivia stood. His gaze turned dark and menacing.
“Don’t worry,” he said softly. “I will take care of this woman.”
Meanwhile, Olivia was preparing to leave. She had said her goodbyes to Lady Isolde and thanked her for the warm
welcome.
A servant suddenly appeared at Seraphina’s side. “Miss, your distinguished guest has arrived.”
Seraphina’s face lit up with excitement. “He came!”
Olivia decided this was the perfect time to slip away. She didn’t want to intrude on Seraphina’s private meeting.
“Thank you for everything,” she told Lady Isolde. “It was wonderful meeting your family.”
“The pleasure was ours, dear,” Lady Isolde replied warmly.
As Olivia headed toward the exit, she heard urgent voices behind her.
“Do you know who arrived in a car with license plate number…” a man’s voice was asking frantically.
“A lady in a ceremonial robe?” the same voice continued.
The butler’s response was clear. “Yes, sir. The young lady’s guest arrived in that car, wearing formal attire.”
Olivia quickened her pace. Something about that voice made her uneasy.
She was almost at the door when footsteps rushed behind her.
Just as she was about to step outside, a familiar voice called out. The sound made her blood freeze.
“My love.”
