30
Shadow hurriedly made her way to the bathroom and took a look at her not-so-pretty reflection in the mirror. The foundation she had used on her cheeks was still clearly visible and the spots around her nose hadn’t disappeared. To anyone else, she probably looked really ugly, maybe even disgusting. But why was Alpha Dominic still flirting with her? Was he blind or something?
She had heard rumors about people in higher social circles being a bit strange. They had different habits and interests that most people would find weird. Maybe he had a thing for forbidden romances? Maybe the fact that she was his cousin’s wife made it even more exciting for him?
The thought sent chills down her spine and made her a little scared.
When she first met “Alpha Dominic,” she thought he was just a typical playboy who could have anyone and anything he wanted. She assumed he had a long list of women and plenty of money to spend on them. But his gunshot wound changed her perception of him completely.
Despite his good looks, his impressive family background, and his perseverance, Shadow was certain that he wasn’t as simple as people thought.
And yet, he still flirted with her.
Why?
Even as Shadow walked out of the bathroom and started cooking, she couldn’t stop thinking about him. She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice the smoke filling the air from her burning food.
It took her wasting two pieces of beef before she finally managed to push “Alpha Dominic” out of her mind. This wasn’t the time to think about him. She had more important things to focus on.
Still, she decided to believe him just this once and cook the dishes he had mentioned.
As soon as she finished cooking, she heard the sound of a car engine outside the front door. The headlights flashed through the dark windows, indicating that the car had just parked. Shadow paused.
Was Alpha Kilian back?
Could she finally see him?
The nervousness crept up on her, reminiscing how he never let her see his face before, despite her insistence that it didn’t matter. Would he finally allow her to see him now?
She took off her apron and walked out, only to see Frank. No matter how long she waited, Alpha Kilian didn’t make an appearance from the car. He didn’t even open the door for her.
Was he not in the car?
Frank was about to enter the hall with a box in his arms when he noticed Shadow standing by the doorway. Although taken aback, he quickly composed himself and nodded respectfully. “Young Madame, do you need any help?”
Shadow nodded back at him and asked, “Is Alpha Kilian back?”
“Young Master has already gone upstairs. He used the back entrance,” Frank replied, unsure why his boss was continuing this charade even after all this time. “Can I be of any assistance, Young Madame?”
“Thank you.”
…
Shadow didn’t keep him any longer. Frank breathed a sigh of relief and went to Alpha Kilian’s study with the box of documents.
Alpha Kilian was on the phone, discussing a business deal.
When he heard the door open behind him, he didn’t need to turn around to know it was Frank.
Once Alpha Kilian finished his call, he found Frank had already arranged the documents neatly on his desk. Contracts, invitations, all organized for him.
Seeing that Frank hadn’t left, he asked, “Is there something else you wanted to say?”
Frank hesitated before speaking up. “Young Madame mentioned that she cooked for you.”
Upon hearing this, Alpha Kilian remained silent for a moment. He absentmindedly twisted his finger and then responded, “I know.”
Frank couldn’t help but notice that Alpha Kilian’s behavior had changed since Shadow married him. He was always distant and cold to everyone, but whenever Shadow’s name came up, he seemed a bit different. There was a hint of stiffness in his demeanor. And whenever Frank saw them interact, it was as if Alpha Kilian had undergone a total transformation.
In the dining room, Shadow was pacing back and forth, anxiously awaiting Frank’s arrival from the study. But just as she was about to give up and head back to her room, she spotted Alpha Dominic coming down the stairs. He looked as arrogant as ever, dressed in the same outfit he had been wearing for hours.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.
Shadow eyed him warily and took a few steps back as a precaution. “Didn’t you say you had a dinner party to attend?” she asked cautiously.
“I did,” Alpha Kilian replied, walking past her and into the dining room without a care.
The table was filled with delicious-looking dishes, each one more enticing than the last. Despite the three dishes she had mentioned before, Shadow had also prepared chicken cubes with peppers. Although it may not have been restaurant-quality, there was something comforting about the food she had made.
Shadow frowned and followed him into the dining room. “Why don’t you leave now?”
“Did I say I wanted to go?” Alpha Kilian sat down at the table and gave her a sly look.
Even though he appeared emotionless, she could tell he was enjoying teasing her. It was like dealing with an immature child! She clenched her fists but stayed silent. As long as he didn’t touch the food, she would be fine.
But it seemed Alpha Kilian had other plans.
He hadn’t eaten much at her place earlier, and now his growling stomach couldn’t resist the sight of all the food in front of him. Without waiting for her reaction, he grabbed his chopsticks and began to eat.
Shadow rushed over and snatched the chopsticks from his hand. “Hey! This isn’t for you!”
Alpha Kilian had anticipated her move and raised his arm, causing her to lose her balance and fall forward. Instinctively, she reached out to protect her face and head, only to land in Alpha Dominic’s arms. Her body froze as his cold hands slid down her back. She heard him say, “Cousin Alpha Kilian is still here, yet you’re already throwing yourself at me like this. Do you want us to fight over you?”
Shadow finally lowered her hands and opened her eyes. It was only then that she noticed the faint smile on Alpha Dominic’s lips.
He was still sitting in his chair at the table while she was sitting on his lap, her whole body in his arms!
Their position was too intimate. If someone else saw them…
She struggled, her expression darkening immediately. But before she could break free from his hold, Frank had entered the dining room.
“Young Master said he…” Frank’s voice trailed off as he entered the room and witnessed the scene before him.
Realizing what he had stumbled upon, Frank quickly adjusted his expression. “Master said he isn’t hungry,” he said without another word before turning around and leaving.
What had he seen?
The master and lady in the dining room…
Wait!
But the Young Master’s identity right now wasn’t Alpha Kilian, but Alpha Dominic! Wasn’t Frank’s reaction too passive for a subordinate of Alpha Kilian? Shouldn’t he have been angry and immediately reported it to the ‘Young Master,’ even if they were the same person?
Should he go back? Forget it, he didn’t dare to. The boss would chew him out if he interrupted them at such an intimate moment… and it would only make things worse.
The atmosphere in the dining room went from confusing to downright puzzling.
Shadow watched as Frank entered and left without a word, completely dazed. She didn’t know if he was too shocked to speak or if he had become too anxious after seeing them.
Alpha Kilian observed the change in her expression, a hint of interest flickering in his eyes before quickly disappearing. He lowered his voice and whispered in her ear, “Do you think Frank will tell cousin about us?”
Shadow retorted, “We have nothing to do with each other.”
She continued to struggle against his grip, but he refused to let go. He didn’t seem to be using much force, but no matter what she did, she couldn’t break free.
Angry and anxious, Shadow’s ears turned red as she spoke out, “Alpha Dominic, you’ve gone too far!”
Alpha Kilian noticed her flushed ears, but her expression remained unchanged. He looked down in surprise and saw something on her face.
Curious, he wiped it with his finger. The area where he had wiped turned white, and the spots on her face disappeared!
Confusion evident on his face, Shadow finally managed to break free from his embrace. She stood by the wall, covering her face with her hands. She was frozen in fear, unable to move.
Alpha Kilian snapped back to reality.
He looked at his fingertip, seeing a layer of yellow powder. His eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing and intense. Slowly rising from his seat, he approached her.
He moved at a snail’s pace, each step making her heart race. She couldn’t help but step back.
Once her back hit the wall, she knew there was no escape.
Alpha Kilian held his finger in front of her and asked in a low voice, “What is this?”
Fear took hold of Shadow, causing her to raise her voice. “My makeup… don’t you know about foundation?”
But Alpha Kilian didn’t let it go so easily.
His eyes narrowed, a sneer forming on his lips. “You’re using such a dark shade of foundation, it’s ridiculous!”