Erin's POV - Sibling rivalry
I stood there, listening to their conversation. Initially, I was shocked to see my one-night stand again; he was more handsome than I remembered. On another occasion, I might have recalled everything that happened that night happily, but not this time.
I still had feelings for Kevin. However, the fact that he had been cheating on me for who knows how long, and that he wanted to use me to strengthen his position for the Alpha role, made me despise him as well. Therefore, I needed to focus on my revenge, while also worrying that my one-night stand might reveal that we had already met, potentially ruining everything.
These thoughts filled my mind, making it hard to concentrate on what was happening around me. My attention finally shifted back to the room when Ronald revealed that he and Kevin were half-brothers.
Listening to their conversation, I realised their relationship wasn't perfect. Ronald was mocking Kevin, but I wasn't sure at first if I was mistaken.
When Zoe joined the conversation, my mood soured. She acted as though she were Kevin's mate, making me feel invisible, which really annoyed me. However, when Ronald mistook her for me, I was about to step in to correct him, but Zoe reacted more quickly.
Her annoying laughter filled the room before she covered her mouth. "Oh, Mr Fred, I know I would be a stunning partner for the future Alpha, but I’m afraid you are mistaken." She pointed at me. "Erin is Kevin's girlfriend, and she is the one trying on that obviously gorgeous gown."
At that moment, Ronald raised his eyebrows and looked at me in surprise. Somehow, it felt wrong that he now knew I wasn't single, especially not as the partner of his half-brother.
"Oh, Miss Laurie, please accept my deepest apologies. It's just that this lady here looks more like Kevin's partner than you do." I was about to respond, but Zoe's annoying laughter filled the room once again.
"Erin is the best surgeon in town, and unfortunately, the years she spent mostly in the hospital made her lose her sense of fashion. That’s why I needed to come with them—to help them decide."
"What a pity," Ronald said, turning to me. "And please, Miss Laurie, don't take this as an offence." He then turned back to Zoe and Kevin. "Even if this lady looks quite weak to be the Alpha's partner, she matches Kevin more than you do." Zoe's smile only widened at that, but Ronald continued, "It's hard to believe my brother has changed so much that he has learned the true value of a woman. I bet he walks around with his chin up, proud to have a partner known for her healing skills." Ronald laughed, and my lips curled into a smile—not entirely because of his compliment, but because I saw Zoe’s expression change. She looked angry, and I took pleasure in that. However, Ronald didn’t stop there. He stepped next to Kevin and patted him on the upper arm.
"I'm sorry, Kev, but I can't hold this back." Ronald leaned closer, as if he wanted to whisper something in Kevin's ear, trying to avoid us hearing it. But finally, he whispered loud enough to address his speech to everyone in the room: "Kev, I didn’t know you had become such a playboy, having a partner and a mistress too."
Kevin's face turned red several times since Ronald arrived to greet us, but this time, I genuinely worried he might start a fight. However, Ronald took a step back, clearly enjoying seeing his brother in this state. He glanced at us once more.
"Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you. I'll let my assistant know that you're ready for the fitting. Please, sit back comfortably and enjoy your refreshments until she comes to take you to the changing rooms." He nodded at us and left the room, walking out elegantly, as if satisfied with the chaos he had caused.
Even if he was pleased, it was the mess he left behind that we now had to deal with. Kevin picked up a brochure and slammed it to the floor.
"How dare he treat me like this?" he growled, clearly ready to confront Ronald. Zoe took a step toward him, but I was quicker. I positioned myself in front of him and placed my hands on his shoulders.
"Kevin, look at me." I gently shook him to get him to focus. "Kevin, it’s not worth it. We’re only here to buy the gowns, remember?"
His gaze shifted to me, but a moment later, Zoe stepped in beside him. Although her expression showed concern, I could see how much she relished the drama.
"Kevin, Erin is right. Just calm down and get through the fitting. Ignore him. You don’t have to see him again if you don’t want to."
Zoe's words seemed to calm him, though it pained me to see him ignore my attempt to help. I released him, heartbroken that in my absence, he might have found comfort in Zoe’s presence instead. Yet, I reminded myself again that I couldn't break. I couldn’t afford to show my disappointment. I had 17 days until the ceremony, and then my revenge would give me satisfaction, help me forget about Kevin, and allow me to return to my everyday life.
"Mr Jackson and Miss Laurie!" All of us turned toward the kind woman's voice. "Please follow me to the exhibition rooms to check on the gowns and suits, and then I will take you both to the fitting rooms."
Kevin took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to regain his composure. Though his frustration was still evident, he followed the woman, Zoe, and me.
Although it was a pleasant surprise to see Ronald again, I hoped not to encounter him while we were in the boutique. I was concerned that his apparent dislike for Kevin might jeopardise all my plans. I decided to follow them and prayed to the Moon Goddess that we would get through this fitting without any issues.