Episode 10

I turn around, facing the voice.

I see a tall, skinny woman, blonde, with a disgusted look on her face...

She stands with her nose in the air...

Even the way this woman breathes is arrogant...

She approaches with purposeful steps, her eyes sparkling with contained rage.

She stops right in front of me, looking at me with disdain.

"So you're the new darling of Adrian?" she spits the words with contempt. "For a DNA partner, you don't seem all that special to me."

DNA partner?

Besides that, who does this creature think she is to talk to me like that?

But I won’t let her try to dominate me.

I stand tall, my expression neutral and firm.

"Life moves on, Melany. Maybe it's time for you to do the same, especially since if you were truly Adrian's chosen one, he would have proposed to you a long time ago..." Anne says with a hint of mockery.

"Melany, that’s enough. Let’s not create an unnecessary scandal here," Zade warns firmly.

Melany laughs, a bitter, scornful sound.

"Do you really think you have any chance against me? You don't even know who you're dealing with," she taunts, her smug smile growing wider.

"I don't need to compete with you, Melany. And believe me, I'm not here to satisfy your bruised ego," I assert firmly.

She looks me up and down with disgust.

"He certainly knows how to choose, doesn’t he? After all, a woman like me deserves a man like him, not those inferior types," she continues, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Really, he doesn't know how to choose... that's why he was with you before," I say with a slight mocking smile.

She glares at me for a moment, her eyes sparkling with a mix of rage and sorrow. Then, with a sharp gesture, she tips her drink over and throws it directly at me, the cold, sticky liquid splattering across my face and clothes.

The collective gasp of surprise from the people around us is almost comical.

But for me, that's the last straw.

"How dare you?" I growl.

With a quick, precise movement, I grab Melany’s hair and, at the same time, sweep her legs out from under her, knocking her hard to the ground. She lets out a cry of surprise and pain as Anne and Zade watch the scene, unable to hide their smirks of satisfaction.

I crouch down, looking her straight in the eyes...

"You’re the one who doesn't stand a chance against me, Melany. You have no idea who you're messing with." My voice is low and threatening.

Then I get back up.

"Let’s go..." I say to Anne.

We grab our bags and leave, along with Zade.

Anne hands me a handkerchief to wipe my face...

As we walk away, Anne starts laughing softly.

I look at her and notice Zade is holding back his laughter, and then the two of them burst into laughter.

"What’s so funny?" I ask, confused.

"What’s funny? You just made not only my entire life but the next three hundred years totally worth it," she says, making me chuckle lightly.

"I didn't like her from the start. What a condescending woman... Does she think she can just say whatever she wants without even knowing me? Has no one ever thought of putting her in her place?" I ask.

"Never... First, she’s the daughter of the Alpha of the council; second, she always shadowed Adrian..." Zade replies.

"Will this come back to haunt Adrian?" I ask, more worried about Dark than Adrian himself.

"It won’t... no one’s above him, except the Supremes... but since we don’t have any Supremes... Look... I have to admit that despite everything, Dark knew how to choose... I guess it wasn’t for nothing... You’re as fierce as a she-wolf," Zade says.

"Thanks... I think..." I say, giving a light laugh.

"This was so satisfying... tonight I’ll sleep like I’m hibernating," Anne says, still laughing.

"I think half the village will..." Zade adds.

"If she was that unbearable, why was Adrian with her?" I ask.

"Just because... she has a high status... pressure from her father... her persistence... and she offered something that Adrian wanted, if you know what I mean..." Zade explains, and I nod in acknowledgment.

"Well, after that you deserve a wonderful lunch. I want you to have lunch at our place with us," Anne says.

"I don't want to intrude... I've already disrupted your entire morning..."

"Are you kidding me? You made my day so much better! I might just wake up in the middle of the night laughing, just thinking about the ridiculous face she made when you knocked her down on the floor," Anne says, making me laugh.

"Thanks for the invite..." I reply with a slight smile.

"It will be a pleasure for me," she answers as we head to her house.

The atmosphere there is warm and familiar, and Anne makes me feel welcome instantly.

I help her in the kitchen, and while we chat, we share laughs...

I was feeling good... it was so strange, but in a very good way...

Anne made me feel comfortable in a different way, in a familiar way, as if I had known her for many years...

"Anne... do you know what Melany meant by DNA partner?"

I needed to hear Anne's answer; I had to know how much she knew.

Then she starts to explain what a DNA partner is... in summary, they are people destined to be together...

When they touch, their lobes understand that they belong to each other and tell their bearers...

But that was impossible, wasn't it?

It has to be....

"But why would she say something like that?" I ask.

"Because Adrian must have said that to validate your fake engagement... to lend it more credibility so that no one would question it..."

Why do I feel like I'm left in the dark?....

The rest of the afternoon passes calmly, and I end up getting to know Anne better.

On top of everything else, I discover that she is an incredible seamstress...

The dresses she makes are perfect...

When it’s time, I walk with her to the school to pick up Kyle.

On the way back, I say goodbye to her and head home.

When I walk in, I see that Adrian hasn’t arrived...

I drop my bags on the bed and organize everything in the bathroom that’s in my room...

I take a shower and head down to the kitchen to eat...

I think for a moment....

I could make dinner for both of us...

Even though he can be unbearable... he is paying for my things...

I guess I could at least do something to show my appreciation...

I look in the fridge and grab a few items to start preparing....

I search for seasonings, pots, and everything else I would need.

In a short time, everything is on the stove.

While the food finishes cooking, I set the table, trying to make it look as presentable as possible...

"Hmmm..." I grab the wine bottle and uncork it, sniffing a bit. "This one’s good."

I place it on the table and set out two glasses... I think I might be putting in a bit more effort than necessary... would he misinterpret my intentions?

Dinner is ready, and just as I finish setting the table, I hear the door open...

Somehow, my heart races, a bit anxious to know if he will like it...

"Ayla!" I hear him call... somewhat harshly...

"I'm in the kitchen," I say.

He walks in right after, looking displeased, as if he's going to give me a serious lecture...

Is it because I spent too much?

"What the hell was that in the center, Ayla?" he asks, his voice laced with irritation. "You can't draw attention like that, especially not treat Melany that way!"

I look at him in disbelief.

"What?"

"Don't play dumb! She told me you hit her! Have you lost your mind?"

I scoff in mockery.

"I can't believe this... Did she even tell you the reason I 'hit' her? Because if I had actually hit her, she wouldn't be in a position to tell you about it."

"Oh, she told me! She talked about how you treated her badly and how you wanted to humiliate her for now being my fiancee!" He continues to rant, and I calmly walk over to the sink, fill a glass, and walk toward him with the same calmness. "I won't allow you to—"

I throw the water in his face, making him stop instantly.

He looks at me in shock, his eyes wide open, completely incredulous at what I just did, as the water drips from his face and falls onto his shirt.

"Irritating, isn't it?" I say, calmly placing the glass on the table. "That’s exactly what your dear Melany did to me earlier, before I threw her to the ground. But of course... you’re not interested in my version. You only care about that spoiled brat's perspective... SHE IS EXACTLY WHAT YOU DESERVE, YOU IMBECILE! You don’t know what it feels like to be judged and humiliated by someone you barely know. SO DON’T COME AT ME WITH YOUR MORALITY LECTURE!" Without giving him a chance to respond, I leave the kitchen, heading to the living room, grabbing my jacket, and stepping out.

My breathing was heavy, and the smoke escaping my mouth reminded me of how cold it was.

I felt an overwhelming urge to cry, a desire to scream, to run away and simply go back home... but how could I do that?

A knot formed in my throat with each step I took...

He didn’t even care to find out what happened, how I felt...

That jerk... if he thinks I’m just going to stand there, swallowing everything, he’s sorely mistaken.

I walked until I reached the center...

Most of the shops were closed when I spotted a place that looked tidy and welcoming...

Bar... that was what was written above the door...

As soon as I walked in, everyone turned to look at me...

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of their stares...

I lowered my head, huddling a bit into my coat, and sat in the corner in front of the counter...

I stayed there with my head down.

“Good evening... can I help you?” A man behind the counter asked.

I lifted my head slightly.

“Just a water, please...” I requested.

“Wait... are you Adrian's fiancee?” he asked.

I arrived practically yesterday, and it seems like everyone already knows I’m his “fiancee”...

“The news travels fast...” I murmured.

“Yes, the gossip here spreads like the wind, but I recognized you because of the beating you gave that spoiled girl,” he said with a light chuckle, as if he was enjoying just remembering it.

I guess nobody likes that spoiled brat, only that idiot Adrian...

“Just for that, today’s on the house. I’ll prepare something special for you,” he said, and I felt too embarrassed to refuse.

Something I noticed earlier while shopping with Anne was how hospitable people are...

If I didn’t feel like an intruder, I would really enjoy living here...

A short time later, he returned with a small round glass.

“This here is the house special; it’s the best we have in the whole South village,” he said.

It was a liquid of an amber color with an extremely strong aroma...

I took a sip and felt it burn, making my face contort into a grimace.

But as soon as the sting passed, I tasted several different flavors...

Orange, nuts, a smoky taste at the back...

It was good... very good...

“Really, it’s very good...” I said.

“I knew you would like it. A strong woman like you would surely appreciate something unique. Drink as much as you want,” he said with a gentle smile.

“Thank you so much for this,” I replied.

I sat there drinking and thinking...

Thinking about the argument with Adrian...

Why did I feel worse with him fighting with me than I did with that spoiled girl...?

He... didn’t even care about how I was feeling, about how everything has been difficult for me...

I propped my elbow on the counter and rested my face in my hand...

Oh, Dad...

I needed you here...

I needed to know what to do; I... I don’t know...

I’m scared...

What if everything goes wrong? What if I can’t do it?

“Hello... are you new here?” I heard a male voice ask.

I turned my face to see a man standing next to me.

He had short, dark blond hair.

He had beautiful features and a beard the same color as his hair.

“I am...” I said.

“Nice to meet you, Taylor,” he said, extending his hand.

I glanced around and saw that everyone was watching me, as if expecting my reaction...

“Ayla,” I said without shaking his hand, diverting my gaze back to my glass.

He looked at me for a moment and then withdrew his hand.

“May I sit here?” he asked, pointing to the chair next to mine.

“Sit wherever you want; it’s not reserved,” I said, and he let out a light laugh at my response.

"Then you are Ayla... Your name has been running wild throughout the village, but I didn't think you would be much more interesting than the rumors." He says with a mischievous smile.

I didn't like him.

Every instinct within me warned me to keep my distance from him, and the reactions of those around us only confirmed that feeling.

"So, what is a woman like you doing here all alone? This doesn't seem like the kind of place a beautiful lady like you would frequent."

"That's none of your business." I reply.

"Oh, forgive me if I seem intrusive. I'm just curious to get to know a woman as intriguing as you."

His eyes roam over my face, searching for some reaction. I resist the urge to recoil, keeping my posture firm.

I wanted to find out what was wrong with the people here... Is it the water they drink?

"Curious or invasive?" I ask.

"Just curious. And perhaps a bit admiring. You really stood out when you gave Melany that beating. A woman with attitude is much more attractive, I must admit."

His voice has a soft, almost persuasive tone, but there's something in it that keeps me on alert. I can't shake the feeling that there's more behind his words.

"I'm not here to please anyone, that includes you." I say tersely.

"Ah, a determined woman. I like that. But don't worry, I'm not like other men. I'm different, special."

"I'm not interested in men like you." I murmur.

"Oh, don't be so quick to judge. You still don't know me. Who knows what we can discover about each other?"

"What part of me being engaged do you not understand? I've already said I'm not interested." I respond firmly.

He then leans in, placing his hand on the back of my chair.

"Oh, but I insist on making an effort to change your mind. After all, Adrian is very lucky to have you by his side. Perhaps it's time you consider someone like me; we could be good friends..."

Before I could respond, I hear footsteps and feel an imposing presence behind me.

I didn't even need to turn around to know who it was...

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