Mated to my sister’s ugly mate

As everyone sat in tense silence, Lisa rose from her seat, the weight of the situation heavy on her shoulders. “I shall instruct the servants to prepare dinner,” she declared, her voice wavering slightly.

Jessica, dismissive and weary, paid no attention to her mother’s words. With the video already leaked, there was no point in pretending their relations were harmonious. Exhaustion consumed her, making it impossible for her to play the role she was expected to play.

Jason, devoid of emotion, simply nodded in acknowledgement.

Lisa, feeling disheartened, didn’t press the matter further. The contents of the video had shaken the foundation of their family, leaving them all unsettled.

As she passed by Shadow, she halted abruptly and whispered urgently, “Come with me.”

Jason and Jessica, already seated at the other end of the study, leaned in close and conversed in hushed tones.

Shadow glanced at them briefly before following Lisa out of the study.

Once away from prying eyes, Lisa hurriedly led Shadow into her former bedroom. Closing the door behind them, Lisa grasped Shadow’s shoulders tightly, her gaze intense. “Did you have a hand in leaking the video?” she demanded.

Shadow was taken aback by the accusation. She had believed that by eliminating Jason, she could escape unscathed. She never expected her own mother would doubt her intentions – the same woman who had always belittled her intelligence.

In her mind, Lisa was a weak and indecisive woman who relied completely on Jason. She had always depended on him and placed all her hopes in him.

“No, Mother, I had nothing to do with it,” Shadow replied, shaking her head vigorously. Her eyes were clear and sincere.

Indeed, Lisa lacked the ability to make her own judgments and even if she did, she rarely voiced them. But Shadow was her biological daughter, and Lisa knew her better than anyone else. The situation felt more complicated than it seemed.

Lisa frowned, her tone grave. “Your father and sister trust you wholeheartedly. Do not deceive them.”

In her youth, Lisa had come from a poor background. She was accustomed to a life filled with hardships and disdain, yet her kindness and compassion for those around her had never wavered. That was what had attracted Jason to her.

Shadow had always believed that her mother had found her Prince Charming and gone on to live happily ever after. But as she grew older, she began to realize that Jason hadn’t married Lisa out of love. It was simply convenient for him to have a woman in his life, someone to take care of the two children his deceased wife had left behind.

In truth, Lisa was nothing more than a nanny who happened to sleep in Jason’s bed.

She couldn’t fathom what kind of hold Jason had over Lisa for her to be so devoted to him.

“I’m feeling a bit hungry,” Shadow said dismissively, not bothering to address her mother’s concerns. She lowered her head, unsure of what else to say.

Ever since Lisa had forced her to become a part of the Lances family, Shadow had grown to resent her little by little. Despite the blood connection between them, she could no longer stand being in Lisa’s presence.

Seeing the exhaustion and fear in Shadow’s eyes, Lisa began to regret her harsh words.

“Go downstairs first,” she said softly, watching Shadow closely.

“Thank you.” As Shadow walked out of the old bedroom, the timid expression on her face vanished completely. A hint of mockery and deceit flashed across her features.

Ever since she had married into the Lances family, Shadow had distanced herself from the Eden family. All she wanted was a peaceful life. Even though she had never met her husband, and his cousin was as infamous as he could be, it was still preferable to the resentment she faced within this household.

However, it seemed that the Eden family refused to let her go.

If that was the case, then they would soon see what she was capable of.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

…

As she passed by the study, Shadow noticed the door wide open and the room empty.

Had Jason and Jessica already gone downstairs?

Curiosity propelled her down the stairs, and as she entered the living room, she could hear voices. Apart from Jason and Jessica exchanging compliments, another distinct male voice echoed through the hall.

Someone had actually come to the Eden residence at this hour?

She descended the stairs, her curiosity piqued. When she caught sight of the man’s face, she felt her breath catch in her throat.

It was him!

Just as she was about to retreat and seek shelter in her old bedroom, Jason motioned for her to approach. His tone was unusually gentle, a far cry from his usual hardened demeanor when she was around. “Shadow, come here. Alpha Kilian sent his cousin to escort you.”

Shadow hadn’t anticipated ‘Justine’s’ presence in the Eden household, and she was stunned by the sight of him.

He was dressed in an expensive, perfectly-fitted suit that far exceeded the value of all her own clothes combined.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, he looked up at her and smiled. “Sister-in-law, Cousin Alpha Kilian asked me to fetch you.”

His smile and deep voice held a hint of ambiguity.

“Oh, I see,” Shadow replied, struggling to compose herself.

However, it seemed that Jessica had caught onto something suspicious in their interaction. She moved closer to Jason, whispering a few words while casting disdainful glances in Shadow’s direction.

She didn’t need to eavesdrop to know that Jessica’s words were anything but pleasant.

Alpha Kilian seized the opportunity to observe Shadow, his piercing gaze locked on her red and swollen face. Anger surged through him, causing his hands to unconsciously clench on the armrest of the sofa. Despite her ugliness, she was still his woman, and he would not tolerate anyone laying a hand on her.

Rage filled Alpha Kilian as he glanced over at Jason and Jessica, his eyes returning to Shadow. He patted the seat next to him, his voice deep and commanding. “Come here.”

At first, Shadow hesitated, terrified by Alpha Dominic’s imposing presence. She had no idea why he was here, but her fear compelled her to obey. Resisting the urge to recoil, Shadow cautiously made her way towards him.

Alpha Kilian was determined not to let anyone possess her. As Shadow settled behind him, he swiftly turned towards her, his voice carrying an odd tone. “Shadow, your face is so swollen that I can hardly recognize you.”

Only then did she recall the brutal slap she had received from Jessica. The pain was still fresh, her cheeks throbbing and blood staining her lips. The chaos of the past hour had momentarily made her forget the incident.

While Alpha Kilian spoke, he deliberately glanced towards Jessica and Jason. If looks could kill, Jessica would be buried six feet under. When Alpha Dominic had first arrived, his overwhelming aura had left her trembling. Now, with his question about Shadow’s swollen face, fear coursed through her veins, and she shot Shadow a warning glare.

Shadow, meeting Alpha Kilian’s gaze, displayed a chilling expression as she pursed her lips. She offered a feeble excuse to Alpha Dominic. “I just fell down accidentally.”

Such a feeble lie held no weight.

Squinting his eyes, Alpha Kilian leaned forward, his voice dripping with derision. “Is that so?”

Shadow dared not meet his gaze, bowing her head and murmuring, “Yes.”

Alpha Kilian sneered, his silence speaking volumes.

Although others would have taken this gesture at face value, Shadow understood the unspoken threat concealed within it. He seemed to say, ‘You truly do not grasp your place, do you?’ as he released his grip on her.

Alpha Dominic had come here under the pretense of collecting her. Looking at it from another angle, it indicated that Alpha Kilian held great importance for Shadow.

Regardless of whether Alpha Dominic was acting on her behalf, Shadow knew that if she were to tell him about Jessica’s assault, he would step up in her defense. The Lances family did not tolerate any mistreatment, regardless of her appearance.

Yet, Shadow remained silent. She felt capable of handling her own affairs within the Eden family, and Alpha Dominic himself was a dangerous figure. She did not wish to become too entangled with him.

Jason was satisfied with Shadow’s response, his tone softening. “Mr. Lances has traveled so far. Why don’t you join us for dinner before you leave?”

Alpha Kilian reclined on the sofa, responding casually. “Alright.”

Jason was taken aback by the unexpected agreement, but he was not disappointed. Although Alpha Dominic was merely a distant relative of the Lances family, it was still advantageous to curry favor with him. After all, any member of the Lances family held more power than they could ever imagine, and having one on their side would be a blessing.

Just as Jason was about to say more, the maid entered the room to inform him of a phone call. Jason excused himself to answer, leaving the intense atmosphere behind. Following suit, Jessica also made her exit, unable to bear the oppressive air in Alpha Dominic’s presence.

Now, only Shadow and Alpha Kilian remained in the living room.

Shadow surveyed her surroundings, a frown creasing her brow as she whispered, “What are you doing here?”