ManyWriters

The day my father injected me with suppressants, Derek helped me escape.
From that day on, I became his mate.
He lavished me with the utmost care; if I asked for the moon, he'd never offer me just the stars.
Everyone envied my good fortune, and even I believed it myself.
Until three years later, on the eve of our bonding ceremony, he, who was supposed to become my mate, instead delivered me right back into my father's hands.
"I've watched her for three years and ensured she didn't escape. Our agreement is fulfilled. Now, you should betroth Olivia to me, shouldn't you?"
Olivia, my younger sister.
My father nodded in satisfaction, yet he still seemed somewhat puzzled.
"You've lived with her for three years, and you haven't developed any feelings for her at all?"
Derek let out a cold laugh.
"Feelings? Every second I spent with her made me sick. If it weren't for Olivia, I would never have feigned any affection for her."
Since Derek treated me like trash, why should I bother treating him like a human being?

My Beta’s Three-Year Lie, My Alpha’s Forever Truth

The soundproofing in the punishment room wasn't very good; I could hear every word of the conversation outside.


Derek, usually so proud and insufferably arrogant in public, was actually kneeling before my father, his every word earnest, all to marry Olivia.


"I wish to marry Olivia. I've even picked the date—it's just a month from now."


It was I who had pursued him for three long years and proposed to him ninety-nine times.


And when I had finally, with great difficulty, secured his agreement, it had all come to nothing.


So, he could humble himself. He could propose. He could throw everything aside for someone.


He promised my father so much: thirty percent of his company's shares and his private properties.


My father ticked them off on his fingers, a grin spreading so wide he couldn't contain it.


"Excellent, excellent! My dear son-in-law!"


Their words from outside were like daggers twisting in my heart, each one a fatal blow.


At the mention of my name, the smile on my father’s lips dimmed.


"Aria is too rebellious, always trying to escape our pack. You managed her for three years, Derek, but the moment she was out from under your influence, she started acting out again."


"She’s always trying to run off. Olivia and I want her to stay close, we can’t risk her being led astray by those on the outside. So, I’ve locked her in her room. We’ll let her out when she learns to be more compliant."


To the outside world, Father always projected the image of a benevolent patriarch.


But in reality, I, currently in the punishment room, had been battered by the energy of the confinement array until I was unrecognizable.


I screamed with all my might, trying to get Derek's attention through the floor.


My father's face darkened, and Derek, who had been about to leave, suddenly halted.


"This old mansion has stood for many years; it's perfectly normal for the foundations to have settled and make a little noise."


Upon hearing this, Derek grew even more suspicious and pointed to the wedding gowns in the living room.


"Does Olivia know I intend to marry her? But I only came to discuss this with you today."


Those gowns were the ones my father had prepared for my arranged marriage.


True to his cunning nature as an old fox, he remained perfectly composed.


"Olivia doesn't know about our discussion today, but she has been eagerly looking forward to marrying you for a long time. Her gowns have been ready for quite some time as well."


"Speaking of which, Olivia mentioned just today that she wanted to see the new house. Aren't you going to go find her?"


At the mention of Olivia, Derek instantly cast aside all his earlier suspicions, his thoughts completely consumed by her.


Listening to the sound of his eager, retreating footsteps, my heart turned completely cold.


Chapter 2