CHAPTER 26%
I paced the hallway outside the grand ceremony room, checking my phone for the twentieth time. Still no response from Dominic
“Where the hell is he?” The Alpha coronation ceremony was scheduled to begin in less than an hour, and my supposed husband–to–be was nowhere to be found.
Mia rushed toward me. “Any word from him?”
I shook my head, “Nothing. I’ve called him ten times already. It just keeps going to voicemail.
“Don’t worry,” Mia squeezed my arm reassuringly, “He texted me earlier saying he had an urgent matter to handle, but promised he’d be back in time.“”
I tried calling my grandparents next, but got no answer there either. Something felt wrong.
“They’re not picking up either. What’s happening?:
Mia took my phone from my hands. “You need to calm down. They’re probably just busy with last–minute preparations. This is a huge event, remember?”
I leaned against the wall. Is this even the right decision, Mis? Revealing myself to everyone like this?”
It had been my idea, to appear as Evelyn at my own Alpha ceremony, not Alexandra. To finally unite both parts of myself publicly and reveal to everyone who I truly was
Mia stood in front of me, placing both hands on my shoulders. “Breath in. You’ve been waiting for this moment.”
A knock on the door interrupted us. An attendant peeked in, “Five minutes, Your Highness “1
I nodded, taking one final look in the mirror. “Let’s do this, I said to Mia
The grand hall was packed with dignitaries from every major pack.
The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers: “Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests from all territories, please welcome the heir of Blackthorn!”
As I entered, the crowd rose to their feet with confusion on their faces as I made my way to the ceremonial platform.
“That’s Lucas’s rejected mate!”
“What is she doing here?“?
“Where’s Alexandra?
I took my place at the center, waiting for the traditional music to stop before addressing the audience.
“I know many of you are confused. You were expecting to see Alexandra, but I am Evelyn Bennett, and I am also the Blackthorn heir
The whispers grew louder as I continued, “For those who don’t know me, I am the granddaughter of Thomas and Eleanor Bennett, direct descendants of the original Blackthorn Alpha line. I returned to claim my birthright after five years away.
I explained how I had disguised myself after retuming to Blackthorn, wanting to start fresh without the shadow of my past.
I was about to explain further when the doors at the back of the hall burst open with a bang. The crowd turned, and my blood ran cold. Lucas stood there, Clara by his side and both looked triumphant
“What a performance,” Lucas called out. “Bravo, Evelyn. Or should I say, imposter?”
Security guards moved toward them immediately, but Lucas raised his hand. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Not until you to say ”
what I have
he pointed at me.“–is not who she claims to be.”
I gripped the podium. “What are you doing here, Lucas? You were not invited.“) Lucas laughed. “No, I wasn’t. But I couldn’t let this farce continue. This woman The guards looked uncertain, waiting for orders that wouldn’t come without Dominic or my grandparents present.
“This woman is Evelyn Bennett, my rejected mate,” Lucas announced to the crowd. “She’s been posing as the Blackthorn heir for weeks now, all for revenge against me. The real Alexandra Blackthom has been missing since Evelyn arrived.”
Murmurs of confusion spread through the hall. I stepped forward, “That’s not true! I am both Evelyn and Alexandra. I disguised myself as
Alexandra to-
“To what?” Clara interrupted, stepping forward. “To trick everyone? To steal the Blackthom fortune and title?”
“She’s clearly delusional, Lucas said, addressing the crowd. “After I rejected her, she concocted this scheme, even going so far as to seduce Dominic Blackwood into believing her lies.“T
“That’s ridiculous,” Mia stepped forward, standing beside me. “Evelyn is the rightful heir”
Lucas pulled out a folder and held it up. “I have proof that the real Alexandra Blackthom was seen last week in a remote location, being held against her will Evelyn here is nothing but an imposter”
The crowd gasped, and I felt the room spinning around me. “That’s impossible.
“And that’s not all,” Lucas added, placing a hand on her pregnant belly. “She’s currently carrying Dominic Blackwood’s child, using pregnancy to manipulate him into supporting her claim.”
How did they know about my pregnancy? I had only just found out myself and I hadn’t told anyone except Dominic
“Is this true?” someone called out. “Are you pregnant with the Alpha King’s child?”
“He’s lying. The baby is his and I am the Blackthorn heir, My grandparents can confirm this-”
“Your grandparents?” Lucas laughed. “You mean the couple who conveniently disappeared right before this ceremony? Who no one has
been able to reach all day?!
“The timing is quite suspicious, don’t you think?” Clara addressed the crowd. “The real heir disappears, an imposter takes her place, and suddenly everyone who could expose the truth vanishes just before the coronation?”
The crowd was growing restless I could see doubt in their eyes
“This is absurd,” I said desperately. “I have documentation, birth records–“%
Torgeries,” Lucas cut me off. “All part of her scheme“:
Before I could respond, the doors opened again. I turned, expecting to see Dominic or my grandparents. Instead, police officers entered the hall, their expressions grim X
Evelyn Bennett? the lead officer called |
“Yes?” I answered weakly!
“You’re under arrest for identity thefl, conspiracy, and kidnapping Please come with us.
I stood in shock as they approached. “This is ridiculous! I am the heir!“)
“Where’s your proof? Lucas challenged again.
“Dominic-“I began
“We’ve been unable to locate them,” the officer cut in. “Their disappearance is also part of our investigation
Mia tried to intervene, “This is outrageous! You can’t do this!
“And you,” the detective nodded to another officer, “take her as well. Suspected accomplice”
“Where’s Dominic? I demanded as the cold metal cuffs closed around my wrists “Call Dominic Blackwood! He can explain everything (57)
Lucas smirked, stepping closer to me. “Dominic isn’t coming to save you, Evelyn. No one is “||
