Rejected And Married To The Cruel Alpha

WE HAVE FOUND LADY XIMENA

MILDRED'S POV

The overhead bulb glared against the mirror, highlighting my stepmother's gorgeousness. She leaned closer, carefully dusting on another layer of rouge as if her beauty depended on it.

Molly, my half-sister, hummed excitedly as she wore her neck piece. She adjusted it carefully, still beaming like she was the bride-to-be.

"Mildred!" she called out with a snap, swirling to face me. "Come fix my dress quickly," she said, scanning me from head to toe, irritated.

I clenched my fingers around the broom handle, stifling a sigh. Of course. Tonight was the Supreme Alpha's wedding. An event that the entire kingdom of Selenia had been buzzing about. For Molly, it wasn't just about the celebration. It was her stage to show off.

"Yes, Molly," I muttered, lowering the broom against the wall. I moved quickly, because in this house, reluctance meant trouble.

I stepped behind her and tugged at the stubborn material of her dress. The crimson silk clung to her body like a second skin, refusing to obey. She had chosen it deliberately, something too tight, too daring, because Molly always wanted heads to turn when she walked past. An ultimate attention seeker.

"Be careful," she hissed, tilting her chin higher. "If you ruin this, I'll..."

Riiiiip.

The fabric tore. My vision blurred instantly. I froze. Only the Goddess could save me now.

Molly's shriek pierced the air. "MOTHER!" she screamed. "Mildred intentionally ripped my dress apart!" she added, crying.

Navaeh's reflection turned sharply in the mirror. Her eyes went cold as they fell on me, and my face burned with dread.

I was in trouble. Molly had been preparing this outfit since the wedding was announced. She planned to make heads turn, and I had just ruined it. There was no escape.

"Oh, of course," Navaeh spat, rising to her feet. "Who else could destroy such a beautiful gown but you, Millie? Bad luck follows you like a shadow."

"Mother... I... I didn't mean to..." I stammered.

Before I could finish, her hand struck my cheek. My vision darkened for a second before slowly returning.

"You never mean to. Just like you didn't mean to kill your mother when you were born?" Navaeh said coldly.

The familiar ache settled in my chest. I had long stopped defending myself, but her words still reopened old wounds.

"Please..." I whispered.

"Are you blind?" Molly snapped. "Don't you ever refer to her as your mother. Yours is dead. Learn the difference."

Navaeh smirked. "I can never be your mother. You didn't even give your real one a chance to live." She grabbed a fistful of my hair and yanked my head back. Tears sprang to my eyes.

"You are cursed," she hissed, shoving me aside. "If it were up to me, you'd never step in this house again. But your father pities you too much to banish you."

A dry laugh almost escaped me. Pity? Father didn't pity me. He despised me. To him, I was the reason his Luna was buried in the cold earth.

"Mom, what about my dress?" Molly whined. "We can't be late to the Supreme Alpha's wedding. Everyone will be watching."

"Don't cry, darling. You have dozens of gowns. But this one can still be saved." Navaeh's gaze slid back to me. "You. Fetch me a needle and thread. Now."

My stomach dropped. "B... but it's late. All the shops will be closed..."

"Do you think I care?" Her voice turned icy. "Fix this dress, or your father will hear you ruined it. Or do you want him to deal with you himself?"

Fear crawled down my spine. Father's punishments were far worse than Navaeh's slaps or Molly's insults.

"N... no ma'am," I mumbled, hurrying toward the door.

"Get out! And be quick," Molly snapped as I rushed away.

It was cold outside, yet the streets were alive.