(Dahlia POV)
I stared at my blank phone screen. Tears welled up in my eyes. It was my 22nd birthday and I had cleared out my day to spend time with my boyfriend, Sebastian. But he didn’t show up.
I have been planning this day for the last three months because Sebastian was a busy man, considering the nature of his job. He was the Alpha of The Black Crescent Pack. He stepped up two years ago when his father Alpha Leonardo De Angelo got killed in a rogue attack. I can understand that it wasn’t easy to handle everything at such a young age but he can’t ignore me in all his work.
I dialled his number again and again but it went straight to voice mail.
“Sh*t! I don’t want to be alone on this day,” I mumbled and looked towards my food. All the food turned cold and my favorite chocolate cake started melting. I rushed it to the refrigerator but my mind was stuck on him. I was worried about the nature of his job. He went to visit a nearby pack but the increasing rogue attacks did nothing but increase my worry. But part of the problem was, Ravena. Beta Jackson’s daughter, Ravena, was his former lover but she left him a few years ago to pursue her dreams but now, she has come back into the pack after becoming a famous model and heroine.
“Please, Sebastian! Pick up,” I dialed his number again but he ended the call. I furrowed my brows in confusion. He never did that before. I was pacing around my small apartment, trying to not focus on everything that could’ve gone wrong. I received an automated message and a tear rolled down my cheek.
‘Something urgent came up’
I took a deep breath to calm myself and sat on my couch. I looked towards my anxiety pills and gulped two of them with water. Dating An Alpha wasn’t as stress-free as I had thought but it was worth it in the end because I love him. He saved my life once in a rogue attack and since then I fell for him hard and fast. I picked up my phone and typed a message for him.
‘Will I see you today?’
I felt like I waited an eternity for his reply. My mind went back to all the dates which he had missed so far because of that damn beta’s daughter. Be it riding a bicycle ride or picnic in a park. It didn’t matter what kind of date it was or how little it seemed, Sebastian showed up before Ravena’s arrival but after her, everything started revolving around her.
On our last date, Sebastian promised to meet me at the ice cream shop. I waited for him to show up and he messaged me that he was around the corner. I waited 15 minutes for him but he was late. I called him only to find that he had to run to Ravena’s aid. She needed help moving her couch from one side to another side of her room. As an alpha, he can send someone to help her but he ran all the way to her home just to perform this trivial task.
“Is he ignoring me because I am nothing but an omega?” I asked myself but then shook my head. I was doing nothing but overthinking about everything.
“Today is my birthday, and Sebastian can’t do this with me. There's no need to think about that beta girl.” I gave myself a pep talk and opened Instagram. A notification popped up, which was enough to break my heart in several pieces.
‘Model Ravena Morelli got the best surprise from her doting boyfriend’
‘Ravena Morelli is enjoying the snow on Mount Fuji’
Tears rolled down my cheeks, and a broken sob escaped my lips. Ravena was standing with Sebastian on a snow-covered mountain with a small heart made of snow in her glove-covered hands. Sebastian had a doting smile on his face while his eyes were fixated on Ravena’s face as if she were the most beautiful thing on the face of the earth. I looked around and a ball of tears got stuck in my throat. I was sitting here alone in my apartment with all the windows closed because of those damn security reasons, according to that so-called Alpha’s protocol, while he was spending his time with his sweetheart.
“Who am I to him? Was I just a replacement for Ravena in her absence, or what? No! I can’t be someone’s second choice, no matter what!” I mumbled and angrily wiped my tears. They were playing with snow and I saw the video of them, then threw my phone aside.
I went to the refrigerator and picked up my cake. I started eating my cake all alone with tears rolling down my cheeks.
He never did something so extravagant for me. He always instructed me to be happy with what I have because most people can only wish to spend time with him. Although, He was right about it, I wasn't an extra option for someone. I know I was nothing but an omega for everyone, but I also have my self-respect. That video was playing in my mind again and again. How both of them were leaning and whispering in each other’s ear like a couple. It seems Sebastian turned into a completely changed man when it comes to Ravena. After finishing my cake, I picked up my phone to call him.
“Where are you, Sebastian?” I asked in a straight forward tone.
“Watch your tone, Dahlia! I am stuck in a meeting,” He lied without any hesitation.
“Don’t worry! Your meeting video is all over the internet, Mr. Alpha! I just called you to let you know that I have had enough of this bullsh*t. You and I are over,” My tone surprised him.
“What happened to you? How can you talk to me like this?” He asked.
“I am not your puppet, Alpha Sebastian! I have my own life, so it would be better if you don’t waste any more of my time than you have already wasted,” I said and ended the call.
Chapter 2(Dahlia POV)
I quickly wind up my work and leave my office earlier than usual. I looked around and noticed a familiar black car. Sebastian looked towards me but I ignored him and started walking towards the bus station. It was just a few minutes' walk, so I picked up my pace.
“Babe!” I heard his voice, but I didn’t turn and kept walking unbothered. He started to drive towards me, so I cut across the lawn, knowing he wouldn’t drive that way. My phone kept ringing and buzzing in my bag but I didn’t check. He sent me several messages through different social media apps and sent two bouquets of red roses through a delivery guy this morning. I ignored his messages and calls all day. Some of his friends also called to convince me, but I know everyone was with him at the end of the day.
I fished out my phone, and Sebastian was still calling me. I looked towards his car and then ended the call before entering the bus. He picked up the speed, and I turned towards the driver.
“Drive fast! He is stalking me.” My desperate plea worked, and he increased the speed of the bus. Sebastian hit the door with his car but due to fast speed, we soon left him behind. I thanked the heavens and settled in my seat. If he wanted Ravena then he can have her. I wouldn’t run behind him like some desperate, crazy girl. I thanked the driver and left the bus.
************
I got to my apartment and tried to hurry up in the staircase, knowing Sebastian would surely follow me there. I got to my door and stopped in my tracks because Alphha Sebastian was already standing there. A smirk appeared on his face and he arched his brow.
“Trying to escape me, Babe?” he asked.
“Leave me, Sebastian! Or I’ll…”
“Or what? You will do what, Ash?” He asked walking towards me. He tucked a few stray strands behind my ear.
“I don’t want to see you. Besides, what are you doing here? Your dear Ravena will be waiting for you in her apartment,” I taunted, and his smile fell. He pressed his lips in a thin line.
“I don’t want to talk about this. I want to talk about us,” He said ignoring my taunt.
“There is no ‘Us’ now,” I answered.
“Why weren’t you answering my calls?” He asked and I gritted my teeth in anger.
“I thought you were busy with work. I mean, Ravena,” A venomous smile appeared on my lips and I unlocked my apartment. He also followed me inside. Guess what! An Alpha can’t take a no for an answer. He was acting like a couple deep in love with her yesterday, while he never failed to hide me like some dirty secret.
“About yesterday…” He started.
“I’m not interested, Mr. Alpha! As you can see, I still have a lot of work to do.” I tried to walk around him, but he stopped me.
“I am trying to make up for yesterday but you’re not ready to even give me a chance,” He complained.
“Sorry! A birthday happens once a year. Try again next year or don’t. I don't care.”
“I got you a special gift,” He said and strapped the diamond bracelet around my wrist.
“I want to take you to dinner today,” He said, and I looked at his serious face. My fridge was empty and I only have one packet of ramen left in my kitchen, so it sounds like a good idea. After some convincing, I agreed.
“Okay, where?”
“I am not properly dressed,” I said and tried to change my dress, but he stopped me..
“We will be around friends,”
“Friends? Who? Will Ravena be there?” I asked, and he shook his head in no.
“It’s Kimberly’s birthday. And No! Everything is not about Ravena,” He answered and my heart bled. He couldn't miss his friend’s birthday, but easily missed mine.
“I think, We should reschedule,” I answered after hearing his explanation.
“We can’t! I can’t afford to miss this. And, I have a busy schedule ahead.” I was about to say no again, but he convinced me.
We entered, and everyone turned their attention towards us. Everyone was dressed from head to toe, only I was looking like a weirdo who came straight from work. The worst thing was that Ravena was present, too. In one of her exquisite dinner dresses. The atmosphere changed after our arrival and everyone looked towards me and then Ravena.
“Oh! You made it,” Ravena walked towards us and hugged Sebastian. Both of them ignored me.
“Oh, I wouldn’t think Dahlia would actually come,” She said before looking towards the last seat. Sebastian sat with Ravena while I was stuck in the last corner. It looked like Ravena and Sebastian were having their engagement party. I took a sip of my wine and raised my glass.
“Cheers to the birthday girl,” There were many murmurs about us but I ignored everything. Ravena started feeding our Alpha from her plate and my heart bled.
“Oh! I should thank you for yesterday,” Ravena turned her attention towards me.
“For what?” I answered.
“Lending me your boyfriend. The trip to Mount Fuji was really amazing. Hope you are not angry about it?” She asked, and I know she was purposely doing all this.
Everyone was waiting for my answer.