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Chapter - 1: Funeral For A Birthday.

(Taylor's POV)

“Where's Mrs. Catherine?” I flinched at the sudden question while someone rested her hand on my shoulders.

I was dumbfounded for a while, fearing I had been caught when she repeated again. “Where's Mrs. Catherine?”

“Mrs. Catherine Jones?” I sighed out of relief as I rubbed the tear dripping down my cheeks before turning towards her.

“Yes, the Beta’s wife.”

I smiled and pointed at the distance toward my mom. “Over there.”

“Thank you, Miss…”

“Taylor,” I replied, giving her a polite smile as she nodded and made her way towards my mother. “Taylor Jones,” I murmured, glancing at her as she walked away.

I continued to force a smile while I helped the guests settle down, trying to keep myself busy in this commotion as if I was trying hard to forget about everything.

My eyes glistened with tears as I looked at everyone around me. Everyone was dressed in black, and looked gloomy while some even wailed in silence.

Today was my birthday, my 16th birthday. And, this was supposed to be my birthday celebration. But, now, it has turned into a funeral. The funeral of my older sister, Odette, the favorite child of my parents, and the apple of the pack members’ eyes. Meanwhile, I, the youngest daughter of Beta Elliott, had been forgotten. None of them even remembered my existence, just like that guest.

We were both the Beta’s daughters. I was the youngest daughter but I’ve lived my life like a dead person. We were both their daughters, but I was always ignored while she had always been the center of attention and the heart of the pack. I had always been her shadow.

No one in the pack, and even in this home even remembered the youngest daughter of the Beta, Taylor. It was as if Odette was the main character and I was the supporting character which made her shine.

My birthday was never celebrated, forgotten every time as if I never existed here. This was the first time my birthday was going to be celebrated. And, it was all thanks to my sister, Odette’s engagement. Odette was soon going to be engaged so I was finally allowed to have a celebration. It was going to be the first time but now… Everything has changed. All the decorations and food have been changed and repurposed for my sister's funeral. No one even remembered today was my birthday as well. And, like every other year, even my parents have forgotten about it.

She was the eldest and my parents’ pride and joy but… “What about me?” My thoughts escaped and I unconsciously said it aloud.

My parents turned a strange look around me, raising their eyebrows and frowned.

“What's the matter?”

My lips widened but words kept stuck in my head. My mom frowned, with displeasure written in her face.

“I… Today…” My father crooked his eyebrows when I paused and shook my head, looking down. “It's nothing… Take care of yourself, today.” I murmured when my father turned away, disinterested.

My mother pulled me by my shoulder, looking sternly and warned, “Behave yourself today. Don't cause any trouble. Today is your sister's funeral day.”

“Mom…”

Her gaze turned colder upon hearing me call her. “Remember why this happened to your sister. It's all because of you. Now, just behave yourself well.” Mom warned me for the last time before she turned away and left.

I bit my lips and went away from there to the corner while my mom's words kept repeating in my mind.

A tear escaped from my eyes uncontrollably. My chest felt stuffy, looking at everyone around me. Everyone came here on the day of my birthday but this was for my sister's funeral. Never once has anyone ever celebrated my birthday. It was as if no one ever wished I was born.

My sister was the one who was always looked upto, loved and respected. She was widely recognised to be the mate of the Alpha's son — Killian. She was to-be the future Luna of our pack.

Even though they weren't mated as Odette was yet to turn 20 but everyone assumed she was going to be the future Luna, mated to Killian as if it was very natural. After all, who else except Odette could be the future Luna? Everyone was already preparing for their engagement even before she left for college.

I looked down while recalling Odette’s face. She… Was she really going to be the pack’s Luna, Killian’s future mate? I sighed. Even though no one knew how Odette really was, I knew her well. She… wasn't simple.

I bit my lips as I rubbed my tears off my face. I knew it was pretty to think about all of these at her funeral but even before, when she was here, no one cared for me. And, no one still cares even now.

I frowned, taking a deep breath while I tugged my hair beside my ear. My heart thumped, feeling impatient and frustrated. I looked at everyone coming for my sister's funeral. It was going to be even bigger than the birthday celebration my parents set up for me. Though they even forgot it was my birthday today.

I released a deep breath, trying to hold onto my tears. I didn't want to be this unreasonable and make a scene.

Maybe, just maybe, anyone would still remember that it was my birthday today. Especially my parents. This time they were going to celebrate my birthday. So, they might remember it this time.

“Even if they forget about it this time, it's just because of Odette's death… She was their favorite after all… It's normal if they forgot about it in their sorrows…” I whispered to myself while clenching my fists, trying to sooth myself.

I shouldn't be petty. Today was my sister's funeral.

I put on a painful smile, shaking off my thoughts as I focused on the guests entering.

“I can't let anyone badmouth my parents for my behavior…” I murmured, nodding to myself. This time there were many present, both from the pack and also from other packs. I had to behave for my parents and my pack. And, I can't let my parents worry about me while they're still disheartened…

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