Chapter 4: The Banquet
1183 Words
Evangeline’s POV:
The red dress I had worn back then had made them angry because, apparently, it made me look like an old woman.
I inwardly sighed.
Maybe I should have worn that dress again. I really didn’t enjoy sitting here, smiling, and making polite conversation with these people.
We had already settled down—me next to Orion, Maria across from me, and Vladimir seated to her right.
“Oh, seriously, stop. I’m blushing.” Maria smiled after I complimented her on her baby-blue dress.
“How’s married life treating you?” Vladimir asked, his jolly personality taking over.
But he wasn’t some old, pudgy man.
No.
Even with his salt-and-pepper hair, his sharp square jawline, and the right hint of stubble, it was clear where Orion got his looks from. They shared the same towering six-foot frame, tattooed arms, and lethal presence.
I wasn’t stupid.
Underneath Vladimir’s smiles lay something dangerous. I had seen it. Experienced it, and knew he was an even bigger asshole than Orion.
“It’s been good,” Orion said, his voice flat as he continued eating, not bothering to look up.
I glanced at him. There was an awkward stiffness to him.
It wasn’t surprising.
I had known since childhood that Orion wasn’t a fan of his father.
And honestly, with the way his father switched personalities so easily, I wouldn’t want a parent like him either.
But I already had a shitty father myself, so who was I to pity him?
I reached for the jar of jam, my voice soft as I asked, “Orion, can you pass me the jam?”
The moment the words left my lips, I felt him tense beside me.
I frowned.
What? Did I do something wrong?
But no one said anything, and after a brief hesitation, he passed me the jar.
I silently spread the jam onto my toast, trying to ignore the strange tension in the air.
Breakfast continued without much conversation.
And then, finally, Maria cleared her throat.
I tensed, already knowing what was coming.
This was what I had been waiting for.
Maria placed her napkin on the table and smiled. “Since it has now been a month since your wedding, and we didn’t get the chance to hold a proper reception—” She cast a pointed glance at her son, who didn’t even acknowledge it, “—everyone is very excited to meet the new bride. We’ll be holding a banquet tomorrow night.”
And there it was.
The announcement I had been expecting.
But before I could react, Vladimir spoke up, his voice carrying a low warning.
“I do hope you won’t cause trouble this time,” he said. “Mind your manners, and make sure you present yourself properly.”
The words were a thinly veiled insult.
And Orion knew it too.
Without so much as a glance at his father, Orion set his utensils down and stood.
“Since breakfast is over, I am late for work and will be leaving soon,” he said flatly. Then, turning his cold gaze to me, he added, “See my parents out.”
I froze.
That... didn’t happen before.
I studied his expression, trying to read what he was thinking.
His brow arched slightly, waiting.
He wanted me to play the dutiful Omega wife.
I swallowed down my irritation and plastered on my best smile.
“Of course,” I said sweetly, tilting my head just so. “I would be happy to.”
And for the next fifteen minutes, I pretended to do just that.
I played the role of the sweet, loving daughter-in-law.
And the moment they left, I let out a slow, exhausted exhale.
God, I want to punch him.
Orion couldn’t even stand his own parents, yet he expected me to entertain them?
I shook my head, making my way back toward the dining hall.
“God, I’m starving.”
I had barely eaten anything—just a slice of toast and bitter black coffee.
No sugar. No cream.
Because, of course, as an Omega, my figure had to remain slim and perfect.
No sugar allowed.
But the moment I stepped into the dining hall—
The table was empty.
The maids had already cleared everything away.
I frowned.
Seriously?
“Is something the matter, Madam?”
The unexpected voice made me startle violently.
My foot twisted awkwardly in my wedges, my heart leaping to my throat.
Shit—don’t fall—
But before I could hit the floor, a strong arm wrapped around my waist.
I gasped as I was pulled upright.
I blinked up—straight into Hugo’s worried expression.
For a moment, I just stared at him.
Then, my stomach tightened in realization.
I can’t be careless.
I was pregnant now.
I had to be careful.
I bit my lip, swallowing down my frustration at myself. “No... it’s nothing—”
I stopped.
Wait.
Why was I stopping myself?
Wasn’t I just here to eat?
Why was I still thinking like the perfect little Omega wife that needed to maintain her weight?
It’s not like I would have a husband to impress for much longer.
Actually...
A small smirk tugged at my lips.
I looked up at Hugo through my lashes, lips parted slightly, and put on my most pitiful expression.
“I was... so anxious around Mother and Father that I didn’t eat anything,” I murmured, lowering my gaze like I was embarrassed. Then, looking up at him with wide, innocent eyes, I added, “And now... I’m starving.”
I blinked up at him.
Hugo was tall—just as tall as Orion.
And I knew that I had an effect on men when I looked at them a certain way.
Especially when I wanted something.
And more importantly—I knew Hugo was a good man.
In my past life, he had been one of the only ones who helped me.
He had gone against Orion’s orders. He was the guard that had fed me water when I fainted in the cells.
And now?
I was going to use that kindness.
Hugo stilled.
I saw his jaw tighten, his fingers clenching into fists.
Then, after a moment, he said, “Of course. I will ask the chef to prepare something for you.” A brief pause. “Would you like it served in your room?”
I beamed.
Clapping my hands together, I cheered. “That would be wonderful! Thank you, Hugo.”
He blinked before smiling softly, bowing his head slightly, and then turning toward the kitchen.
My smile immediately dropped as I watched him leave.
Hugo Moretti.
One of the few employees who had still been here a decade later.
Not because the others left.
Not because they had been fired.
But because most of them had been killed.
One way or another.
Some even by Orion’s own hands.
A shudder crept down my spine.
I need to get out of here.
And to do that—
I needed to speak to ‘him’.
- Writer
