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Chapter 9

While the rest of the partygoers reveled in the festivities, Crema began to experience a sense of discomfort. Her emotions started to shift subtly. She was certain she had only taken a small sip from her glass, yet something felt amiss. She attempted to soothe herself, but the drink had no calming effect, unlike the sedative King Dior had ordered the healer to use. Instead, she felt a growing restlessness, her gaze fixated on Janine, who was cheerfully flirting with the men in the hall.

Moments later, she witnessed Giovan approaching Janine and leading her away. Crema quickly trailed them. Her heart pounded as she observed them entering one of the hotel rooms typically used for their meetings. The door was closed, yet a small gap allowed Crema to witness and overhear the unfolding events within.

Giovan shoved Janine onto the bed, raising his voice at her. "Are you always this flirtatious and loose?" He gestured towards Janine's lower body.

"What are you implying? Didn't you choose Crema over me? Why are you jealous now? Don't I have the right to seek my own mate too? We'll see if my mate also belongs to the royal family!" Janine retorted, her voice filled with anger and hurt from Giovan's actions.

"So eager to find my replacement, are you?" Giovan swiftly closed the gap between them, kissing her passionately. Each of his actions sent a jolt of pain through Crema's heart. Overwhelmed with sorrow, she hastily exited the room.

She climbed into her car and drove towards the forest, where she transformed into her wolf form and ran to alleviate her emotional pain. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. If Giovan truly loved Janine, why had he agreed to marry Crema instead? He had the opportunity to reject the king's decision if he truly desired Janine. Why had he subjected Crema to this situation when he could have easily avoided it?

She ran far, her wolf's fatigue mounting, yet she had no intention of halting. She needed to exhaust herself to forget the excruciating pain. Her mother had cautioned her that being married to one of the highest alphas was no fairy tale. While she would be revered as the wife of a high alpha, she would also face trials. Her mother had stated that happiness would come if she married someone who respected their bond, but if not, the opposite would be true.

Crema had been prepared for all these possibilities. Her mother had reminded her that being part of the Royals didn't guarantee happiness. Despite having heard all this, experiencing the reality was different. The pain was insurmountable.

Meanwhile, after noticing Crema's departure, Giovan swiftly pushed Janine away. He abhorred the girl and couldn't bear to have her in bed, but he needed to hurt Crema for his mission. He couldn't allow his father to exploit him for revenge on Harbon. If he had to find a way to avenge his mother, he would.

Janine was taken aback by the sudden turn of events.She was emotionally charged and prepared for what was to come, but when Giovan pushed her away, she was taken aback. She couldn't comprehend Giovan's actions, oblivious to the fact that he was merely using her to hurt Crema.

"What are you doing, Giovan?" Janine attempted to draw Giovan back to bed, but he resisted. The strength with which he repelled her was overwhelming. "Have you lost your mind? What are you trying to prove here, Giovan?"

Janine yelled in fury. She was already embarrassed, as this was the first time a man had rejected her. Moreover, Giovan had initiated the encounter, suggesting they would become intimate, only to treat her like a repugnant rag. Janine fumed with anger and contemplated leaving, but she restrained herself, remembering her mission. Just the previous night, her mother had visited and reminded her of her duties.

Without uttering a word, Giovan exited the room and returned to the hall. He hoped to find Crema there, but his search was fruitless. After scouring every corner of the hall, he headed straight to the parking area and drove home. As he was about to get into his vehicle, King Dior intercepted him. "We need to talk."

"Not now, Father." Giovan's response was resolute. His sole focus was on finding his wife. He had no time for his father's trivialities.

Dior smiled, indicating that he would accompany Giovan, not the other way around. He quickly occupied the front seat of Giovan's car and waited for him to join. "Father, this is not the time for this; I told you. If you have something to say, save it for tomorrow. I have something to do." Giovan grumbled, irritated.

"Are you going to find your wife? Giovan, have you forgotten your mission?"

"Father. I will never, ever forget my mission. We're on the same side here. But I've already told you that I'll find my own way to avenge my mother. I won't do it your way."

"What will you do when you can't even balance your marital life? How could you let your wife see you take another woman into a room? Are you only focused on your flirtations?"

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