Chapter #72

After a soft conversation I thought how much I speak lie to everyone? why it is only happening in my life?

I was staring the empty roads and thinking about him that how I will end this, feeling a surge of nausea. How did I end up in this mess? I never wanted to lie to anyone, especially not to my family and friends. But if I don't sign this paper, I'll lose everything I've worked for. My job, my apartment, my savings. All gone in a blink of an eye.

Archard watches me with a smug smile, his eyes cold and calculating. He knows he has me cornered. He's the one who orchestrated this whole scheme, blackmailing me into pretending to be his wife for six months. He says it's to appease his dying grandfather, who wants to see him settled down before he passes away. But I know it's more than that. Archard has a hidden agenda, and I'm just a pawn in his game.

I hate him. I hate him for putting me in this position, for making me lie to everyone I care about, for making me feel things I shouldn't feel. He's so mean, so cruel, so arrogant. He treats me like dirt, like I'm nothing to him. And yet, sometimes he looks at me with a different expression, one that makes my heart skip a beat. A look that says he wants me, that he needs me, that he feels something for me.

But it's all a lie. A big, fat lie. And I'm the biggest liar of them all. I don't known what should I do? what am I doing?

After few minutes to drive we reached out to the parking lot and parked the car.

I was thinking that may be I should have to understand the depth of situation. He is missing and I'm the reason behind it.

I have to find him as soon as possible, We entered the club with James, hoping to find Archard before it was too late. The music was loud and the lights were flashing, creating a chaotic atmosphere. We could feel the bass thumping in our chests and the sweat dripping from our foreheads. We pushed our way through the crowd, scanning the faces for any sign of our target. But he was nowhere to be seen.

We checked the bar, where people were drinking and laughing, oblivious to our mission. We checked the dance floor, where bodies were moving and grinding, unaware of our urgency. We checked the VIP area, where security guards were guarding the entrance, suspicious of our presence. But nothing. I found nothing which was quite shocking for me. I saw James was constantly asking from people's about him .

I walked into the club counter area, feeling the bass thumping in my chest. The place was packed with people dancing, drinking, and flirting. I made my way to the bar, hoping to find some answers. I had been looking for Archard for, but he was always one step ahead of me. I known he is just punishing me so I will agreed on her wishes.

I spotted a familiar face behind the counter. It was Jake, the bartender who had been working here for years. He knew everyone and everything that happened in this club. If anyone could tell me where Archard was, it was him.

"Hey, Jake," I said, leaning on the bar. "Can I get a drink?"

"Sure thing," he said, smiling. "What'll it be?"

"Something strong," I said. "And something else."

He raised an eyebrow. "What else?"

I lowered my voice and looked around. "Information."

He frowned. "About what?"

"About Archard," I said. "You know him, right?"

He shook his head. "Sorry, pal. I don't know what you're talking about."

"Don't play dumb with me, Jake," I said, grabbing his arm. "You know exactly who I'm talking about. Archard he was here? "

I quickly screamed James name," James come here. "

he quickly came towards me and said," What happened to you? what happened! "

" See him he is working here for so long ask him where is archard I'm sure he saw him. "

" What Tell you.... " James Looked towards me and asked for his name." JACK! HIS NAME IS JACK? "

" Yeah jack tell me what you see where is he? "

" I seriously don't known I was not here! I was not here. My shift is constantly changing. "

" ohhH please tell us where is he ? "

" I swear I don't known anything about him. "

Jack was getting loud and put pressure on them. I was thinking that why he is not using his power's. I poke him and said, " Why are you not using your powers?"

He said," I can't wait a minute I'm dealing with it. "

" Okay sure!.."

I felt a surge of relief as James pulled me out of the club. The music was too loud, the lights were too bright, and the people were too many. I didn't belong there. I just wanted to go home and curl up in my bed but without archard? how it gonna work ? I have to give answer to his family that where is he? ohhh God please help us.

We walked across the parking lot, dodging cars and drunk people. I saw a familiar red sedan parked near the exit. It was Archer's car.

"Hey, are you okay?" James asked me, noticing my expression.

I forced a smile and nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine see here is the Archard car you were right. He is here ."

I hoped he didn't see through my lie. I hoped he didn't see Archer's car. I hoped he didn't see how much it hurt me.

I felt a surge of adrenaline as I spotted his car in the parking lot. It was unmistakable, the sleek black sedan with the silver rims and the license plate that read "ARCHARD". He was here. But where? I scanned the area, looking for any sign of him or his companions. Nothing. The car was parked in a secluded spot, away from the main entrance and the security cameras. Was he hiding? Waiting for me? Or had he left in a hurry, leaving his car behind? I didn't know what to do. Should I approach the car, or stay away? What if he was inside, armed and ready to shoot? What if he had planted a bomb, or a tracker, or something worse? I felt a cold sweat on my forehead, and my heart pounded in my chest. I wanted to find him, to confront him, to end this once and for all. But I also wanted to run, to get as far away from him as possible, to forget he ever existed. I was torn between fear and anger, between curiosity and caution. I stood there, frozen, staring at his car, hoping for a clue, a sound, a movement. Anything that would tell me where he was, and what he wanted from me.

He looked forward to me and asked, " stay good we will find him asiling don't worry about him."

James looked at me with a serious expression. He held my hand and squeezed it gently. " Listen, I need you to go back to the mansion. It's not safe for you here. Archard is still missing out there and he won't stop until he finds you." He said in a low voice.

I felt a surge of fear and panic. I didn't want to leave him alone. I wanted to stay by his side and help him fight Archard. "But James, I can't just leave you. You need me to find him otherwise how you will do it. We're in this together." I protested.

He was so shocked "You're the best thing. he love you more than anything. But I can't risk losing you. You have to trust me. I'll find Archard and I'll end this once and for all. But I need you to be safe. Please, go back to the mansion and wait for me there." He pleaded.

I looked into his eyes and saw the determination and love for his brother. I knew he was right. He was doing this for me, for us. I nodded and agreed with him " James. Be careful, okay? Come back to me soon." I whispered.

He said, "I will, I promise. Now go, before it's too late." He said and pushed me gently towards the car. He handed me the keys and waved goodbye. I got in the car and drove away, hoping and praying that he would be okay.

I was thinking that may be I should have to rethink about it but I guess he is right.

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as I drove towards the mansion. The sun was setting behind the hills, casting a reddish glow over the landscape. I felt a surge of anger and frustration as I thought about Archard. Where was he? Why did he leave me without a word? What did he have to do with the mysterious letter I received this morning?

The letter was still in my pocket, burning a hole in my mind. It was written in a familiar handwriting, but it didn't have a signature. It only said: "Meet me at the old mansion on the hill. There's something you need to know. Come alone." I recognized the address as the place where Archard and I used to play as kids. It was an abandoned property that belonged to his family, but they never lived there. It was our secret hideout, where we shared our dreams and secrets.

But that was a long time ago. Archard and I had grown apart over the years, especially after he moved away to pursue his career as a journalist. He rarely contacted me, and when he did, it was always brief and vague. He never told me what he was working on, or where he was going. He always said it was too dangerous to reveal anything.

I wondered if he was in trouble. Maybe he had uncovered some scandal or conspiracy that put him in danger. Maybe he needed my help. Or maybe he wanted to apologize for his absence and silence. Or maybe he wanted to say goodbye. I was worry but silent I was hopping that may be he already messed up. I known there is something happened to him ? May be James will find him out. I known it sounds crazy that I'm caring for him but I am actually caring for him. I was hopping that James find out him.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I didn't know what to expect, but I had to find out. I had to see him again, even if it was for the last time.

I reached the gate of the mansion, which was rusty and creaky. I pushed it open and drove up the driveway, which was overgrown with weeds and vines. The mansion loomed ahead of me, dark and silent. It looked like a haunted house from a horror movie, like I thought that may be something is happened with me? I known archard family is not less than a gost who really wanted to help us out.

I parked my car in front of the main entrance and got out. I took a deep breath and walked towards the door, clutching the letter in my hand. I hoped Archard was inside, waiting for me.

But as I reached for the doorknob, I felt a surge of anxiety as I approached the mansion. I had not heard from Archard since our fight last night, when he stormed out of the house and slammed the door behind him. He had been so rude and harsh with me, accusing me of things I never did and saying things he would regret later. I wondered if he was still angry, or if he had calmed down and realized his mistake. I hoped he was safe and sound, wherever he was.

I knocked on the door, hoping to hear his voice or see his face. But there was no answer. I knocked again, louder this time, feeling a pang of worry in my chest. Maybe he was not home ohh asiling how he would be here? tell me when he is angry since from last night than how will he react. Maybe he had gone somewhere else, to a friend's place or a hotel. Maybe he did not want to see me at all.

I reached for the doorknob, hoping it was unlocked. To my surprise, it turned easily and the door opened. I stepped inside, calling out his name. "Archard? Archard, are you here? "

I walked through the hallway, looking for any sign of him. The mension was silent and dark, as if no one had been there. I entered inside and asked from servent, " Where is everyone?"

" They all are in there rooms. "

As I can see no one care for them. I was thinking that may be I should have to tell everyone about archard that he is missing but than I remind the words of james that he said to me that stay to mension and don't tell anyone anything about archard till he found him.

I was thinking that may be I should have understand the depth of my situation.

I walk down the spiral staircase, admiring the elegant architecture and the intricate carvings on the walls. The marble steps are smooth and polished, reflecting the light from the chandelier above. I feel a sense of awe and wonder as I descend, feeling like I'm in a fairy tale. The staircase leads me to his room. I was hopping that he will be inside and I will say sorry to him but how it will be happen.

I opened the door and stepped into the room, expecting to find it empty. To my surprise, I saw Archard standing there, looking at me with a smile. I gasped, feeling a rush of emotions. I felt like I don't seen him for a years. I was worry about him. I felt shocked but happy to see him, wondering how he found me and what he was doing here.

I ran towards him, throwing my arms around him. He hugged me back, laughing and whispering my name. I felt his warmth and his heartbeat, feeling like I was dreaming. He pulled back and looked into my eyes, his expression serious. " What just happened to you ? what happened?"

" PLEASE TELL ME THAT ARE YOU OKAY? TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU? PLEASE SAY ME."

" I'M FINE ASILING DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME. "

" I LOOKED FOR YOU EVERYWHERE I TRIED HARD TO FIND YOU PLEASE DON'T DO IT AGAIN. I'M SORRY ON MY WORDS WHICH HURT YOU BUT PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME. "

" WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU."

" NOTHING I AM FINE ASILING DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME. "

" I'M WORRY ABOUT YOU! "

" I THINK SOME ONE REALLY CARES FOR ME ?

" I care about you why you can't understand it."

" But why ? tell me reason?"

I was thinking that why should I care for him? what just happened to me? He again asked from me, " WHAT HAPPENED TELL ME AS I KNOWN THAT YOU HATE ME? SO WHY THIS CARE? WHY YOU WERE SCARED IN MY ABSENCE?"

" I DON'T KNOWN AND PLEASE DON'T ASK ME? I DON'T WANT TO TELL YOU ANYTHING."

I smiled and went to the bathroom, he was already in doubt that may be I like him.

I fill the tub with hot water, adding some lavender bubble bath. I light some candles and dim the lights. I need to unwind after a long and tiring day. I need to forget about everything for a while.

I strip off my clothes and step into the tub, feeling the water envelop me. I sigh with pleasure as the bubbles tickle my skin. I close my eyes and breathe in the soothing aroma of lavender. I let go of all the tension in my muscles, and just relax.

I think about Archard, the man who has captured my heart. He's been so kind and attentive to me, always making me feel special and appreciated. He's not like anyone else I've ever met. He's smart, funny, handsome, and gentle.

But does he love me? Does he feel the same way I do? He's never said it, but sometimes I catch him looking at me with a soft and tender expression in his eyes. Sometimes he holds my hand a little longer than necessary, or brushes his lips against my cheek. Sometimes he whispers my name in a way that makes my heart skip a beat.

I want to tell him how I feel, but I'm afraid of ruining what we have. What if he doesn't love me back? What if he only sees me as a friend? What if he rejects me and breaks my heart?

I open my eyes and stare at the ceiling. The bubbles are starting to pop and fade away, just like my hopes and dreams. I sigh and wonder what to do. Should I take a risk and confess my feelings? Or should I keep them to myself and hope for the best?

I don't know what to do. All I know is that I love him more than anything in the world. Maybe he loves me too. Maybe he's waiting for me to make the first move. Maybe he's afraid of losing me as well. Maybe we're both fools. Maybe we're both in love.

I known he is waiting for my answer but I don't want to come out. I don't want to face his questions. I was thinking that it same happened with me when I fall for azalaic. I gets same feeling of care, emotions, love, attractiveness, like I do for archard now.

I get out of the tub and wrap myself in a towel. I blow out the candles and turn on the lights. I look at myself in the mirror and wonder what Archard sees in me. Am I pretty enough for him? Am I smart enough for him? Am I good enough for him?

I remember my past bond with azalaic that how I we saw each other. We were at his apartment, watching a movie on his couch. He was holding me close, his arm around my shoulder, his hand playing with my hair. He smelled so good, like cologne and mint. He kissed me softly on the forehead, and then looked into my eyes.

He said, "You know, you're amazing, right?"

I blushed and smiled, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest. I said, "Thank you. You're amazing too."

He smiled back, and then said, "Can I ask you something?"

I nodded, feeling a pang of nervousness in my stomach. I said, "Sure. Anything."

He took a deep breath, and then said, "How do you feel about me?"

I froze, feeling my heart race. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell him the truth, but I was afraid of his reaction. I wanted to kiss him, but I was afraid of his rejection. I wanted to run away, but I was afraid of losing him.

He waited for my answer, his eyes full of hope and fear. He said, "Please, be honest with me."

I opened my mouth, but no words came out. I looked away, feeling tears sting my eyes. He sighed and let go of me. He said, "I see. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked."

He got up and walked to the door. He said, "I'll see you around."

He left without looking back. I cried. That was two days ago. I haven't heard from him since. I don't know what to do but later he choose me as his mate. I was the one who always faced bullied from

my pack but time changed when azalaic hold me hand and choose me as his mate. Now the time is again came and Archard hold me hand to accept me as his mate but it was a fake marriage I don't known what should I do?.

VALINTINA ( POV )

I lay on my bed, feeling tired and bored. I had nothing to do and nowhere to go. I stared at the ceiling, counting the cracks and stains. I listened to the sounds of the street, the cars and horns and sirens. I felt the heat of the sun, the sweat on my skin, the itch of the sheets.

I can't believe what just happened. How could he do this to me? How could he choose her over me? We were supposed to be mates, destined for each other. We grew up together, we trained together, we fought together. We shared everything, our dreams, our fears, our secrets. He was my best friend, my partner, my lover. He was the alpha of our pack, and I was his loyal beta. He promised me that he would always be there for me, that he would never hurt me, that he loved me.

But he lied. He betrayed me. He humiliated me in front of everyone. He rejected me in the ceremony, the most sacred and important moment of our lives. He said he didn't want me as his mate, that he had found someone else. Someone better. Someone more worthy. Someone like Asiling.

Asiling. The name makes me want to vomit. She is the mate of azalaic our enemy, the leader of the rogue wolves who have been attacking our territory for years. He was the traitor, a spy, a murderer. he is the reason why so many of our pack members have died or been injured. he is the reason why we live in fear and danger. he is the reason why he broke my heart. And now his ultimate mate when leave her than archard give her a shoulder of sampathy.

He said he loved her. He said she was his true mate, his soulmate, his everything. He said she had changed him, made him a better person, made him happy. He said he wanted to make her his queen, his mate, his alpha female. No archard you can't get her as your mate. You have to accept me as my mate.

He said all that with a smile on his face, a sparkle in his eyes, a ring on his finger. He said all that while holding her hand, while kissing her cheek, while looking at her with adoration and devotion. He said all that while ignoring me, while hurting me, while breaking me.

He said all that and I couldn't say anything. I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think. I just stood there, frozen, numb, shattered. I felt everyone's eyes on me, everyone's pity, everyone's shock, everyone's disgust. I felt their whispers, their questions, their judgments. I felt their sympathy, their anger, their disappointment.

But most of all, I felt his rejection. His rejection that cut through my soul like a knife. His rejection that burned my skin like fire. His rejection that crushed my heart like ice.

His rejection that made me realize that I had lost everything. his rejection that made me wish I was dead.

But then, a glimmer of hope. A faint, foolish, desperate hope. A hope that maybe, just maybe, he would change his mind. Maybe he would realize his mistake, his folly, his madness. Maybe he would see her for what she really was, a liar, a manipulator, a monster. Maybe he would remember me, remember us, remember our love. Maybe he would come back to me, apologize to me, beg me for forgiveness. Maybe he would reject her, like he rejected me. Maybe he would choose me, like he should have.

But that hope was quickly dashed. As soon as the ceremony was over, he whisked her away to his room, to his bed, to his arms. He didn't spare me a glance, a word, a thought. He didn't care about me, about my feelings, about my pain. He only cared about her, about her happiness, about her pleasure. He only wanted her, wanted to be with her, wanted to make her his.

I heard them through the walls. I heard their laughter, their moans, their screams. I heard their vows, their promises, their declarations. I heard their love, their passion, their ecstasy.

I heard them and I hated them. I hated him for betraying me, for hurting me, for forgetting me. I hated her for stealing him from me, for seducing him from me, for destroying me.

I hated them and I wanted them to suffer. I wanted them to feel what I felt, to know what I knew, to lose what I lost. I wanted them to die.

But they didn't die. They lived. They lived and they thrived. They lived and they ruled. They lived and they loved. They lived and they left me behind. They left me alone.

They left me broken. Now it is the playback time. I known what I done and what will pay them. I have a video which can ruined there relationship.

I watch as Archard walks away from me, his face cold and distant. He doesn't look back, not even once. I feel a surge of pain and despair in my chest, as if he has ripped out my heart and taken it with him. How could he do this to me? How could he reject me after everything we've been through? We were supposed to be together, to face the world as one. He was the only one who understood me, who made me feel alive. He was my soulmate, my best friend, my lover. And now he's gone, leaving me alone and broken.

I sink to the ground, unable to stand. Tears stream down my face, blurring my vision. I clutch my chest, trying to ease the ache. But it's useless. Nothing can fill the void he has left in me. Nothing can make me whole again. I'm shattered, like a glass vase that has fallen from a great height. I can't be fixed, I can't be saved. I'm doomed to live in this misery, this emptiness, this darkness.

I don't know how long I sit there, crying and sobbing. Time has no meaning for me anymore. All I can think of is him, his voice, his smile, his touch. All I can feel is his absence, his betrayal, his rejection. All I can hear is his final words, echoing in my mind: "I'm sorry, Asiling. But I don't love you anymore."

I hear the door slam behind me, and I know it's Aria. She's Archard's step sister and she doesn't known about it and my best friend. Or at least, she used to be. Before I ruined everything.

She storms into the room, her eyes blazing with anger. She doesn't bother to knock, or to ask if I'm okay. She just barges in, ready to unleash her fury on me.