Liora's POV

As soon as I said, "You." Selene's eyes widened.

"You...know him?"

Selene continued to dart her eyes from me directly to Darius.

A little chuckle left my lips, accompanied by a dismissive gesture, and sputtered, "I thought I was wrong, thinking I saw Mr. Darius Knight in person. The Darius Knight?"

Within a second, Darius's lips curved out in a smile. " In flesh and blood," he chuckled.

The totally oblivious, Selene wore a wide smile: "Meet Darius, the man I'm going to marry!" Taking my hand, she gave it a squeeze, looking down at our held hands as she moved them hesitantly toward Darius. "This here is Darius. My sister, Liora."

Something about the word 'sister' pierced through my heart, and I almost choked.

Darius put his hand out for a handshake, but I didn't notice till Selene gave me a gentle nudge.

"Hello...I'm Liora," I smiled sheepishly as I took his hand. The contact sent a jolt through me.

"I'm thrilled Selene finally found you," Darius smiled broadly. "She's needed you for so long. Always nice to know you're finally alive."

"Yes, life is so much simpler," I blurted out with the most mischievous, least truthful smile.

Selene beamed, her eyes full of laughter as she led us to the dining table. I took my seat while Selene sat next to Darius. "Liora, you will be my bridesmaid, won't you. I am sorry I have to ask you like this, but I need you at my side-tomorrow. Please.."

I looked at her with my fork held high in the air. "I... I am not so sure how to go about this. I have never been a bridesmaid before. I am not someone familiar with-" pointing around , "-this sort of stuff."

Selene reached over and held my hand. "Don't worry about that. All I want is for my sister to be with me. Right? Please?"

As for the words, they did indeed provide solace completely for me. There were probably few instances throughout my childhood where I wished I was a bridesmaid. I chuckled, half-amused. "All right, then. If you're certain things will go fine."

She grinned. "You won't mess up. I promise."

While Selene continued talking, Darius acted as a mere silent observer while I struggled to get rid of the intrusive thoughts in my head. The mate pull warred with my guilt, making every glance torture.

I tried to eat but the secret I carried inside of me made that hard. I forced the food into my mouth, forced myself to chew and swallow, but every mouthful turned to dust because there was simply so much noise in my head.

Midway through our lunch, Darius's phone rang, a frown was on his face and he picked up and took a few steps away. He came back and spoke after he apologized for the sudden call, "I have a meeting that I must go to. I'll be back for dinner."

"But.." Selene pouted, as he placed a kiss on her lips, silencing the rest of her words.

Darius looked at me and smiled again. "Pleasure to meet you, Liora."

I turned to him but quickly put my head down. "The player is all mine, Bye,"

Selene accompanied him to the door. I glared down at my salad while the two walked away.

"Seriously, universe," I mumbled. "I mean, out of countless guys, you had to make it him?"

At that instance, I heard footsteps. Selene came back, catching me muttering a sigh. "You seem worried. What's the matter?"

I got my hands down in quick time, forcing a weak smile. "Nothing. Just... wondering where your mom is. Haven't seen her anywhere."

For the first time since we met, Selene's friendly smile disappeared from her lips. "Oh, my mom. Um, she's... not here. I'll just say she got herself into a mess. Legal trouble. She can't come to the mating ceremony."

"Legal trouble?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, arrested," she said casually, as if she wasn't talking about her mother being in jail. "But don't worry, she's got some real good lawyers working her case. But she won't be making it here for the mating ceremony tomorrow."

I blinked, my eyes growing wide. "Sorry to hear all that. Must be so hard for you knowing she won't be here for your big day. I know how important moms are... I feel bad knowing she will miss her daughter's mating ceremony."

A small smile adorned her lips. "If only you knew who she really is, you would not have said this."

"What truth?" I asked.

Her smile dimmed again, growing into a grim sadness. "She's the reason you got pushed out with Dad. She is the reason you grew up in extreme poverty. Her hate for you and dad, is the reason we never got to see each other. Her pride ruined both of our childhoods."

I stared back at her, absorbing her words-but my grief was deeper than I ever thought I'd feel. The same woman who I was worried for, is the same woman who made my father's life hell, separated me from my family and made my whole childhood a living nightmare, the same woman who forced me into the arms of stripping.

Selene's eyes turned tender, and she gently tucked my hair behind my ear. "I'm sorry for all she did to you. You didn't deserve it. I want to undo it. I want you in my life. Even if it means I have to go against her."

Words of absolute love and kindness only made me feel guiltier. Her innocence seemed to remind me of her ignorance to my dark secrets. She had no idea the man she was getting married to cheated on her, and not just with anyone...the same girl she is willing to fight with her mother for. The same girl she is opening her doors and arms for.

"Selene...thank you. It means so much to hear that I have a sister, and that too one who cares me about me so much. But..."

My throat felt tight again.

"...but I have a confession," I whispered out.

Liora - POV

"I have to confess," I could barely manage to whisper.

Selene leaned in, curiosity written all over face. "What is it?"

As my chest tightened, I inhaled deeply. "You know I am a stripper."

Her face remained the same, so I continued. "Last night , I was going to do a private show. Oh boy, I was excited-had some bills due this week-and then my boss called. She apparently found another deal, and actually, a bigger one. One where some guy wants to send off a grand part of his life before he gets hitched." Dry throat, but I continued: "I went. I danced. He gave me a lot more than I've ever seen. And I.... I spend the night with him."

Selene's eyes widened, then cued her shock to turn into fear. "Liora, what do you mean?"

My stomach was burning and so I spat the truth: "The man....was Darius."

A thick blanket of silence fell over the room. Then Selene's chair screeched back as she giggled. "Oh,common stop joking."

"I wish I was," I said softly.

She slammed her fist on the table. "No. No! You couldn't be that sick. My sister-my own blood-sleeping with the man I'm going to marry?!"

"Selene--"

"Shut up!" she screamed. Her voice cracked with raw fury: "You have ruined everything! You think I wanted to track you down? You think I wanted to bring you back just for you to stab me in the back?"

I stood up, my legs shaking. "That was not planned. I did not know-"

And then she charged at me, fists hammering my shoulders. "This is why mother told me to avoid you! She was right! All you do is ruin happy lives!"

Her words cut deeper than her fists. I could feel the tears stinging in my eyes, but instead I held her wrists to try and stop her. "Selene I beg of you-"

She broke free, taking deep breaths. "I wish I'd never found you. I wish you still were gone. I wish I listened to mother."

Then she diverted her gaze onto the stool beside us. Seized it and raised it high over her head, aiming to connect it with my skull.

"Selene, don't!" I screamed.

The scream tore itself from my lungs.

I shot up in bed,my heart racing like a wild animal. I looked quickly around the room from corner to corner. White curtains. A polished mahogany dresser. A cute little vase holding some fresh flowers.

Not the dining room. No Selene or stool in sight.

This was the room that Selene had set aside for me.

I exhaled shakily and put my hand across my chest. "Moon goddess... it was just a dream."

Part relief, part dread. Dream or not, I knew what it meant. My guilt against killing me-worsened by the forbidden mate bond twisting inside my omega heart.

I recalled that I had chickened out last night. I told Selene that I was just worried that my history of stripping might tarnish her reputation and the family's reputation if I ever become associated with them. She laughed lightly and said to forget about it. Said she has enough money to buy me all the respect in the world.

Now here I am, lying flat on my back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering how long I can keep this secret bottled up in me.

Less than a second later, my alarm went off. I groaned and shut it off. Selene had insisted on an early wedding, one that began with the sunrise. At first, I had doubted her, but surprisingly she wasn't joking.

I dragged myself out of bed, took my bath and wore the dress Selene had given to me last night and quickly brushed my hair, adjusting the straps when there was a loud knock at the door that startled me.

I opened the door.

There stood Selene, pretty in her gown. Her hair was perfectly swept up in an elegant bun, veil cascading past her shoulders. She looked every inch like a princess stepping from a fairytale movie.

"Wow," I breathed. "You look... amazing."

Selene smiled, and her eyes sparkled. "Thank you, and you look beautiful too."

I managed a smile. "Not half as beautiful as you."

She laughed softly and waved her hand. "Come on. Time to go."

The two of us walked out together, but when we reached the altar, Selene made it clear she wished to walk down to the altar alone. I respected that.

I sit in front, heavy-hearted, hands clasped, fidgeting in my lap.

The ceremony began and the priest's voice laced itself along the rising music by the Choir . All eyes turned towards Selene, who walked down the aisle.

At that moment, Darius stood straight and stoic, like a statue on the altar, immaculate in that black suit, his eyes on her as a wide smile spread across his lips.

I could have sworn I saw tears in his eyes. "Crying for a lady you cheated on! Tsk, males."

Then the vows were exchanged too as they slipped rings onto each other's fingers. Selene swore to stand beside him all her life, and Darius promised to always be her rock, and never give her a reason to cry.

When they were pronounced mates , applause filled the room. Selene and Darius kissed, and I made myself clap, forced a wide smile.

But my heart broke within.

Then it was off to the reception in the palace. Just as Selene had said, it was much smaller than I had anticipated: a few relatives, a couple of friends, and some business associates. All were very polite and cheerful regarding their welcome-Blackwood pack allies mingling seamlessly in this modern celebration.

"Meet my sister, Liora!" Selene introduced me to almost everyone. She would say that with so much pride. And each time, I would nod and shake hands, trying not to crumble under the weight of my secret.

Eventually, I slipped away. My nerves were fraying. I moved into a quiet hallway, the music and chatter disappearing behind.

Leaning against the wall, I whispered to myself: "Okay, Liora. Say it. Just tell her. 'Selene, I messed up. Selene, I-'. "

A voice from behind me interrupted my rehearsal.

"Tell Selene what?"

Liora's- Pov

I keenly turned around with bright eyes. Did I think out loud? I felt a strong Hane firmly grip my wrist from where I crouched.

I curiously turned around to see that it was nobody but Darius, the shining knight. I shrugged my shoulder in disgust, freeing myself from his grasp.

"What? Do you want another one night stand? Maybe I should throw in a free lap dance this time. Wouldn't that make you feel better or are you still in the mood for some bachelorhood fun?" I grunted while glaring him from head to toe.

"Despicable man," I muttered under my and began to leave.

"You will do no such thing, Liora," he said with a bold tone.

I halted my movement and turned around in anger. Did I hear him right? My guilt had turned into anger as soon as I set eyes on his face. I pierced a sharp glance at his grey colored eyes.

"Selene doesn't need to know, this should stay between us. As long we're the only one who knows then there's no problem," he said with a frown on his face while trying to avoid eye contact.

"Oh, so you have the ability to feel guilt? I was about to ask you if you had any feelings in your heart for my sister before taking such a bold decision two days befure your own marriage. Have you no feelings for her at all? Have you no sympathy? Have you thought of how you'd feel in you were in her shoes?" I started throwing questions at him and at the same time harming myself with my own words.

"I'm in no mood to listen to a lecture of morals from someone like you. You claim that I have no shame and moral but what about about you? You're quick to judge someone character when we both made the mistake. Take a mirror and say this to yourself as well. You laid with your sister's husband two days before her wedding. If I'm despicable, so are you," Darius blurted out furiously. "I suggest we just come to an agreement to take this secret to our grave."

"I still have a heart that feels guilt and love.I just reunited with my sister and the foundation of our bond is already lying on deceit and betrayal. I'll have to tell Selene about this unless I won't be able to live with myself-"

"What is so important that you need to tell me else you won't feel comfortable in your skin and what's going on?" Selene asked with an obscure look on her face as she slowly walked into the room.

Oh moon goddess, this isn't the type of mood to reveal such a heartbreaking news.

My heart had began to pound rapidly as my chest tightened. It felt like the air in the room had been seized or was it my nose refusing to take in air?

Sweat had started to cover the surface of my forehead. I slowly but confidently stepped forward as my the dream I had this morning began to flash to me but I've gone too deep, I can't back down now.

"Selene-"

"Selene, you just ruined it!" Darius jumped in.

"Ruined it"?

"Yes, the surprise Liora and I had been planning for you. We both know you worry too much so you're bound to get suspicious and find out before we're even done with the surprise," Darius said with an uncomfortable smirk.

Why lie when you don't have the balls to? I shook my head in disgust.

"Oh my goodness! An after party surprise? Today's without a doubt the best day in my life!" Selene exclaimed excitedly and gave me a warm hug followed by a kiss on the cheek. "Bringing my closer was the best thing I've ever done. Of course she's kind hearted and caring, we're of the same boood after all."

Thinking of the injustice I've done to her and hearing her say all these things, I couldn't hold back my tears with this heavy heart. Tears started to run down my cheeks while my wore a cheerful smile.

There's no way I can carry this burden for a week let alone a lifetime. Selene is way too sweet to be betrayed like this.

"Aww, tears of joy. I'm happy as well, Liora. I'll get going to the reception. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise you both are planning for me," she winked at Darius and took off.

As soon as Selene had left, he let out a deep sigh and turned to vision to me. "Liora, I didn't mean to-"

I immediately left without hearing anymore of his nonsense. How could he still come up with excuses. We would've had a better chance of coming clean if the two of us had admitted the mistake and ask for forgiveness at that moment.

To think of it, revealing such heart breaking secret on her wedding day could destroy her. Worst case, she commits suicide. This definitely wasn't the perfect time to tell her.

I kept my head down the entire time in worry until I got to the reception. All this worry had started to take effects in my stomach so went to get food.

It got to my turn and the chef handed me a scanty plate. I gazed at the art piece on the plate before asking if it what was given to me was good. I spoonful of pasta, drawings with sauce on the sides and a tiny leaf.

I looked around me and everyone was served the same thing. A good number of them didn't even finish it.

"Why have this much money if my stomach isn't guaranteed to be filled?" I whispered to myself with a gloomy tone.

"Pardon?" The chef asked with an Italian accent while glaring at me from head to toe. "Did I perhaps serve too much pasta, madam?"

I'm here lamenting that this food can't even satisfy a house rat and he's here asking if I want it reduced. Tsk

Finally, I sat down because it was time for the couple to dance but only Darius was present. I could see the worry on the faces of the maids that wandered without destination.

Is Selene missing? Could she have found out the truth and harmed herself?