He Chose My Sister, I Married The Cursed Alpha

Chapter 2

After the banquet ended, Adrian personally opened the car door for Lydia. My father and stepmother got into another vehicle, leaving me standing alone on the club steps.

Just like before, they didn't care enough to offer me a ride home. The difference was that this time, I didn't shed a single tear in the cold night air.

I replied to the unknown number.

Layla: I'm willing to. But the engagement agreement must state clearly that this is a marriage alliance I chose, not a sacrifice handed over by the Silvermoon Pack.

The reply came almost instantly.

Unknown Number: Agreed. What else do you need?

I thought for a moment.

Layla: An independent account, the freedom to leave whenever I want, and all engagement assets must be registered under my name.

One minute later, the response arrived.

Unknown Number: Agreed to all.

The next day, the Moonshadow Alpha's lawyer and engagement envoy arrived at the Silvermoon Manor together.

The betrothal gifts weren't the few boxes of jewelry my father had imagined. They were 10 boxes of moon silver, profit rights from three mines, and an independent fund from the Northlands Trust. Every beneficiary listed on the documents was my name.

My father stared at the papers, his breathing becoming heavier. My stepmother smiled and placed her hand over the contract. "We're family. Letting your parents manage these things first would be the safest option."

"No need." I pulled the documents away from beneath her hand. "The lawyer will register everything under my name."

Her smile stiffened. "Layla, we raised you for three years..."

"I lived on the border for 20 years, and you never spent a single cent on me." I looked straight at her. "After I was brought back, I slept in the storage room and ate leftovers. Do you want me to ask the lawyer to calculate exactly what those three years cost?"

The living room fell silent.

Lydia came downstairs wearing the diamond necklace Adrian had given her. She looked through the engagement list, and the smile on her face slowly faded. "Layla is only marrying in my place for the Silvermoon Pack. Why would the Moonshadow Alpha give her so much?"

The envoy politely corrected her. "Ms. Reed isn't replacing anyone. Our alpha personally chose her."

Everyone's expression darkened, as if someone like me didn't deserve such treatment.

But my wolf spirit had slept for 23 years, and the moment those words fell, it stirred for the first time, giving a faint pulse against my chest. It was as if the beast within had finally awakened.

My stepmother whispered under her breath, "He's just a cursed alpha, and he still thinks he's above everyone else."

Her voice was low, but I caught every word.

That evening, my stepmother brought out a plate of strawberries and placed them right in front of Lydia herself.

"Layla, have some too. Don't always make others ask."

"I'm severely allergic to strawberries."

She paused for two seconds before casually saying, "Then don't eat them. Lydia loves them. Don't spoil her fun."

In my previous life, I had accidentally eaten strawberry jam and struggled to breathe, nearly going into anaphylactic shock. I had walked two miles alone to find a doctor. No one in this family ever found out.

I got up and went back to my room. My phone buzzed again. It was the same number.

Unknown Number: The lawyer said you insisted on putting the assets under your own name. You handled it well.

Another message followed right away.

Unknown Number: There is one final question about the engagement. Layla, are you certain this is what you want?

I stared at the screen for a long time before replying with a single word.

Layla: Yes.

The typing indicator appeared, vanished, then appeared again.

Unknown Number: Then wait for me. I'll bring you home.