The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 27

Damon

I was in the middle of my work, surrounded by the grandeur of my office. The room was adorned with rich tapestries, and I was deep in thought, dealing with the pack's important matters.

Then, there was a sudden knock at my door. The interruption shattered my concentration. As I turned my attention toward the entrance, Rina walked in.

Her arrival instantly filled the room with a different kind of energy. She exuded a mix of elegance and allure, leaning suggestively against my desk. A subtle smile played on her lips, intentionally distracting me from my duties as I couldn't help but notice her presence.

"Your grace," she purred while playing with her hair, "I was thinking we could find a way to... unwind together." Her fingers traced a slow, deliberate path along the surface of my desk, and she shot me a sultry glance from beneath her long lashes.

I couldn't hide my unease, clearing my throat as I tried to maintain composure. "Rina, I appreciate your interest, but it's not the right time for that."

She pouted, her disappointment evident. "My future Alpha, you're always so serious. Can't we just enjoy ourselves for a while?" She moved closer, her hand reaching toward my shoulder.

I took a step back, putting some distance between us. "Rina, I told you, it's not a good idea right now."

Frustration flickered across her face, but she didn't give up easily. "Why do I get a feeling that you are ignoring me? What's changed?"

I sighed, realizing that I had to be firm. "Rina, it's not that. There are things you don't understand. A lot is flooding my mind. I know you’re bored but I simply don’t have time to spare. I’ve got so many things to do."

I wished I could tell her the truth—that I knew she was a fake, that I couldn't allow myself to get involved with her because of the secrets she was hiding. But that was a conversation for another time.

She left my office, clearly displeased and hurt by my rejection. Hours later, Mathilde, her mother, confronted me about it.

"Rina seems so upset," Mathilde lamented, her tone accusatory. "It's like you've lost interest in her."

I could see the anger in her eyes, and although every fiber of my being was disgusted by her presence, I forced myself to maintain a facade. "It's not like that," I insisted, my voice carefully measured. "I've simply had a lot on my mind, that's all."

Mathilde's penetrating gaze bore into me, her suspicion clearly growing. She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a hushed tone. "Forgive me for asking, but is there another woman, Alpha Heir?"

For a fleeting moment, I wanted to confess everything, to tell her that I knew Rina was pretending to be my Serena and that I knew Mathilde was the mastermind behind her deception. But I couldn't risk it. I couldn't let Mathilde suspect that I was onto her and her equally pretentious daughter until I found the whereabouts of the real Serena.

So, I masked my disgust with a composed facade and replied with a well-rehearsed lie, "No, Mathilde, there's no other woman. I assure you, it's the pressures of my role that occupy my thoughts."

Mathilde appeared to buy into my excuse, her tense shoulders relaxing. "Forgive my insolence, Alpha Heir," she began, her voice filled with remorse. "I was simply worried about my daughter. Rina has already lost her father, and she's still grieving what happened in Goldenridge. She's just afraid of losing you too. Oh, my poor daughter! Why does she have to endure such suffering?"

Mathilde's tears flowed freely, and inwardly, I couldn't help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction. She was a master manipulator, and I knew I had to play along until the right moment arrived to confront her despicable deeds.

So, I fought her lies with another carefully crafted half-truth. It was the only way to navigate this intricate web of deception.

"I'm sorry if Rina has been feeling this way," I responded with fake sincerity. "I promise to make it up to her soon. It was just hard for me to spend time with her because of my duties. But I will find time in my busy schedule to be with her."

Mathilde's face lit up with hope. "Really?"

"Of course," I declared, offering a forced smile. "Rina is my future wife, and I intend to ensure her happiness and satisfaction as the future Luna of Blood Rose. That includes taking care of her and her mother. You also deserve the best, just like she does.”

Mathilde protested gently, "You needn't go to such lengths,” she stated while pretending to be shy. “My happiness is to see my daughter happy and well taken care of.”

I nodded as I maintained my smile. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lot of work to attend to. I promise to visit Rina once I've finished my tasks, either later tonight or tomorrow."

"Of course," Mathilde said. "I will deliver the message to her myself."

With that, she left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I didn't know how much longer I could sustain this facade, but I hoped that the day of reckoning would come sooner rather than later.