CHAPTER THREE
1024 Words
“What a terrible hairstyle you have, Jade. Your father doesn’t approve. You should change it.”
Despite being the Alpha King of one of the most powerful packs in the city, my father had an almost comical obsession with fashion. He couldn’t stand seeing anyone around him looking shabby or unkempt. That was one of the many reasons he and my mother were such a perfect match. Their marriage had been one of love, but it certainly helped that she was a world-renowned designer.
My mother ruled the fashion industry. Her designs were celebrated across the globe, and her achievements had earned her countless awards. To many, she was the very definition of elegance and style.
I ran my fingers through my hair. It felt dry, rough, and lifeless. The once-beautiful curls had been replaced by straight, uneven strands.
“I will, Dad. I’ll bring back my princess curls.”
His face lit up instantly. Seeing him smile like that warmed my heart. For a brief moment, everything felt right again. But the feeling was fleeting, quickly replaced by the familiar sting of guilt. Before I could dwell on it, Mom called us for dinner.
“Come on, my princess,” Dad said, taking my hand.
I still wasn’t used to hearing him call me that again. Yet in my father’s heart, I had always been—and would always be—his only princess.
We took our seats at the dining table while Nanny Lucy served the food. As I glanced around, I noticed an extra place setting.
“Are we expecting someone, Mom?”
“Yes,” she replied. “Sorry, we forgot to mention it. Amelia joins us for dinner every Sunday. Afterward, she and your father usually discuss business.”
I lowered my gaze. “Then this will be the last time she has to do that. I want to reclaim my position… if that’s alright with you.”
My voice softened at the end. After all, I had been the one to walk away, leaving Amelia to shoulder my responsibilities for over a year. I wasn’t sure my parents would agree.
“Of course you can, my princess,” Dad said immediately, his voice brimming with delight.
I looked up. Mom’s face glowed with happiness, while Dad looked as though he could barely contain his excitement.
“The kingdom is yours, Jade. It always has been.”
He quickly placed a generous helping of my favorite meat onto my plate.
“Eat well, dear. You’ll need your strength for work tomorrow.”
Then he paused, studying my expression.
“What? Is there something on my face?” I asked.
He chuckled. “Just remember, princess—there’s no taking back your words this time.”
Mom and I burst into laughter, and soon Dad joined in.
“Don’t worry, Dad,” I said with a smile. “This time, I’m here to stay.”
The pride on his face was unmistakable. Beside him, Mom was already fighting back tears.
“Don’t cry, Mom,” I said, gently rubbing her back.
“I’m not crying,” she insisted, though her sniffle betrayed her.
“Let’s eat,” Dad announced.
“Aren’t we waiting for Amelia?” I asked.
“She’ll join us when she arrives. I’m not about to let my princess go hungry.”
And so we began. The table soon filled with laughter, stories, and playful teasing. Even Nanny Lucy joined us, making the evening feel even warmer.
A few minutes later, Amelia arrived.
“Uncle, Aunt—I’m here!”
She entered with a bright smile, but the moment her eyes landed on me, it faltered. It returned almost instantly, polished and perfect, as though it had never slipped at all.
She took her seat, and Nanny Lucy served her dinner.
“What a feast,” she said.
“Well, of course,” Dad replied proudly, reaching for my hand. “My princess has returned home. A celebration is only fitting.”
I glanced at Amelia. Her smile remained in place, but her eyes told another story—one of resentment, anger, and barely concealed hostility. My sudden return was clearly not welcome.
And honestly, who would be pleased? No one likes the thought of losing power, status, wealth, or a position they’ve grown accustomed to.
“Welcome back, little cousin,” she said sweetly, though the sweetness never reached her eyes.
“Thank you, Amelia,” I replied.
The tension between us was sharp, though my parents—and even Nanny—seemed too overjoyed to notice.
Then Dad dropped the real bombshell.
“Amelia, Jade will be starting tomorrow as the new president of J-Union. I trust you’ll help her settle in and guide her where needed.”
“Yes, Uncle,” she said through clenched teeth.
She returned to her meal in silence, but I could practically feel the anger radiating from her.
“Wasn’t she already the president?” I asked.
“No,” Mom answered. “Your father kept that position vacant. He always believed you would return one day to claim what was yours. He never wanted anyone else to take your place.”
I turned to Amelia. “Then what position do you hold?”
“I’m the Executive Director,” she replied, her eyes fixed firmly on her plate.
I nodded and continued eating.
The table remained lively and full of joy, but Amelia’s happiness was nothing more than a carefully crafted performance.
My return threatened everything she had grown comfortable with. I knew, from this moment forward, I had become her enemy.
But I was ready.
I would fight for what belonged to me. Even if my opponent was my own cousin, I would not back down. If she wanted a battle, then I would gladly give her one.
People often mistook me for dull, fragile, even foolish. That was the mask I allowed them to see.
But a mask is only a mask.
And anyone reckless enough to push me too far would soon discover who I truly was.
I was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- Writer
