Emma's POV

I held back my sobs and cleared my face. I couldn't afford to let him see me like this. So I sat up and opened the door anyway as if trying to steady my nerves.

Ethan peered at my face and his face softened. "Hey baby, is everything alright?" he kissed my forehead.

I put a smile on my face which I tried to fake. "Yes, I am fine."

But that wasn't the case either, I was hurt, injured. This man who stood before me had, in a way, broken me. Still, I didn't have the strength to face him. Did he mean what he said? Perhaps I was just being paranoid.

Ethan looked at me, confusion etched on his face. "Then why aren't you dressed?"

I frowned yet again and shook my head in confusion. What was he on about? "For what?"

"We had planned this evening, remember?" he reminded me, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Oh, yes. The party. I had completely forgotten. "Sorry, I forgot. I'll be ready soon."

I quickly got dressed, my mind racing with thoughts of what had happened earlier. I pushed them aside, not wanting to ruin the evening.

As we arrived at the party, I realized that it was Amanda's welcome banquet. The same Amanda his friends were talking about. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, and I felt a pang of insecurity. I knew I stood no chance against her.

But Ethan kept showering me with affectionate gestures, holding my hand, and whispering sweet nothings in my ear. I was confused, and unsure of what was going on.

Was he trying to make Amanda jealous or he truly didn't mean what he said earlier

But the latter was the case because I saw Amanda and Ethan arguing in the kitchen later that evening, and she ran out crying. I tried to ask him what was going on, but he pushed me aside, spilling hot soup all over me. He rushed after her in panic, leaving me standing there, feeling stupid and embarrassed.

Some of the people who witnessed the incident started laughing at me, and I felt my face heat up with shame. I quickly made my way out of the party, not wanting to draw any more attention to myself.

As I walked back to my room, I couldn't help but think about how stupid I had been. I had believed that Ethan Shaw, the hottest guy on campus truly cared for me, that he saw something in me that no one else did. But now, I realized that it was all just a lie.

I returned to my room, covered in spilled soup and burns. I thought about all that had happened that day, and I felt a wave of sadness wash over me. My heart turned to ash, and I picked up my phone and called my brother Adam.

The moment he picked up the call, I said, "Hi, brother, I've made up my mind about the arranged marriage. I agree."

I waited for my brother to answer holding my breath. The silence on his end of the phone felt like forever, and I could tell he was worried.

"Emma, did something happen?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

I forced a lighthearted smile, despite the bitterness rising in my throat. "No, I've come to realize that Dad just wants what's best for me, and this marriage seems like it's best for everyone."

I could almost hear Adam doubting me, but I kept going trying to sound sure of myself. "Plus, Dad knows what he's doing. Even if it's an arranged marriage, I know you all have done your research."

Adam had always been my rock, my confidant. He had always cared for me deeply, despite our father's hostile attitude towards me. After the attack on our pack that led to the death of my mother, Adam became even more protective of me, so when this marriage proposal came up, he was the first to object.

"Emma, I know you're trying to prove a point to Dad, but you don't have to do this," Adam said, his voice softening.

I took a deep breath, trying to reassure him. "Brother, no one is forcing me to do this, I promise."

Adam sighed, seeming to accept my decision. "I'm glad you came to this decision on your own. When are you coming back? Do you want to meet him before making the final decision?"

Emma's POV

Thinking of my future, I felt something tighten in my throat. Since my childhood, I have looked forward to having a family with Ethan. That all seemed unreal now, 'There is no need. The sooner, the better," I answered, fighting back the tears.

As I clung the phone to my ear, I couldn't help but think about how my life had changed. I remembered when my dad's beta, Ethan's father, had first brought up the proposed marriage from the famous Lycan king. My dad had been quick to accept, eager to ally with the powerful king even though the rumors about him weren't pleasant to the ears.

But I had been against it, refusing to accept a marriage that would be decided for me. My dad was furious with me, but Adam had intervened, making it clear that no one would force me into anything I didn't want.

Adam's voice brought me back to reality. "Okay then, By the way, do you still have contact with Ethan? I heard his girlfriend is finally back."

I felt a pang in my heart as the thought of Ethan came to mind, I had never suspected that he was just using me, no wonder he hid our relationship from my brother.

I lowered my gaze, trying to hide the pain. "I don't know, I don't care," I lied, trying to sound nonchalant. "I have to go, bye."

I ended the call and started sobbing. The wait was over, and I could no longer tolerate the ache. I collapsed onto the bed, sobs racking my body. I cursed my life, I cursed my destiny for giving me false hope which did not exist.

And at last, I slipped into slumber with teardrops still glistening on my cheek. However, I was well aware even in my sleep that nothing would be the same for me again

I slowly opened my eyes to find Bonnie standing over me, a look of concern etched on her face. "Emma? Emma, wake up!" she exclaimed, shaking me gently.

I jumped up immediately, my heart racing. I was sweating profusely, and my body ached all over. I looked around, trying to remember where I was.

"What happened to you?" Bonnie's worried face came into focus, and I tried to reassure her.

"I'm fine, Bonnie. Please don't make a big deal out of it," I begged, trying to brush off her concerns.

But Bonnie wasn't having it. "No, Emma, I'm taking you to the hospital. You look a mess," she said firmly, pulling me up from the bed.

As I stood up, a sharp pain shot through my arm, and I let out a loud cry. Bonnie's eyes widened in concern as she rolled up my sleeve, exposing a large burn mark on my arm.

"Oh shit!" I had forgotten all about it.

Bonnie's eyes turned red with anger immediately when she saw it. "Who did this to you?" she demanded, her voice low and menacing.

I knew I couldn't tell her the truth. I couldn't bring myself to admit that the person I loved had hurt me so badly. So I lied. "It was an accident. I fell and spilled hot soup on myself."

Bonnie's expression told me she didn't believe a word I said. "We'll talk about this later," she said firmly. "For now, let's get you to the school clinic." I nodded, feeling a mix of emotions although I was grateful for Bonnie's concern,

We arrived at the clinic, and the nurse tended to my burn. She scolded me for not coming in earlier, and I just nodded, feeling ashamed, she also gave me something for the fever.

As we left the clinic, we bumped into Ethan. He looked shocked to see me, and I knew why the moment I saw Amanda.

We stood in an awkward moment of silence before he broke it "Hi Emma, I looked for you yesterday...but you were nowhere to be found," Ethan said, his eyes scanning my body until they landed on the burn mark on my arm.

"Oh my goodness, what happened to your arm?" he asked, feigning concern.

If I was angry before now I am furious, How could he pretend to care when he had been the one to hurt me?

"Wait, you were with Ethan last night when it happened?" Bonnie asked, her eyes narrowing.

I nodded, my voice cold. "Yes, as a matter of fact, he was the one who pushed me."

Ethan shifted uncomfortably, but I didn't care. I wasn't done with him. "When were you going to tell her that I'm your girlfriend?" I asked pointing at Amanda who looked lost in the conversation, my voice devoid of emotion.

Amanda looked confused, and Ethan tried to shut me up. "Emma, please, not now," he begged.

But I wasn't having it. I stood tall, my eyes fixed on Amanda. "He told you I was his little sister, right? Well, that's a lie. I'm his girlfriend, and we've been dating for four years. Yesterday was our fourth anniversary, which I'm sure he didn't remember."

I turned to Ethan. "But all that doesn't matter now. I'm getting married to someone better. You can have him to yourself."

And then I walked away, feeling a sense of satisfaction. I had finally told Ethan the truth, and I had finally stood up for myself. I didn't know where I got the courage from, but I was glad I had finally found my voice.