The Mate He Hates

Alpha Edward’s POV

As she left, I had the urge to go after her, to plead and ask her to forgive me, but just as she had said, sorry was never enough. Romantic dinners and presents would never match up to the terrible things I did to her. Inhaling deeply, I left the rooftop and went back to my room. As I paced around with a glass of whiskey in my hand, my thoughts turned to memories. I could still recall all the painful things I did to her, and just the memories of them were driving me insane. I couldn’t believe how I had turned into such a beast. How could I have allowed my pain to turn me into such a monster? What was I thinking, doing all those unimaginable things? Why didn’t I regain my senses and stop? Why couldn’t I control my pain and anger?

Guilt and pain consumed me, and I wished I could turn back the hands of time; I would have done so many things differently. A knock landed on my door, and when I allowed the person in, I realized it was a guard.

“Alpha, your cousin is here, and he is badly injured,” the guard announced, and I furrowed my brow. “Levi?” I asked, confused.

“Yes, Alpha, he is downstairs.”

Immediately, I rushed out of my room, descended the stairs, and arrived at the sitting room. There, I found Levi badly injured, his right arm wrapped in bandages. “What happened to you?” I asked as I approached him.

“Just get me a healer,” he pleaded, and I gestured for a guard to fetch one. “What trouble have you gotten involved in this time?” I asked, knowing Levi’s penchant for trouble.

He didn’t respond, instead gritting his teeth with pain until the healer arrived. Fortunately, she was able to tend to his wounds, but his arm was already broken and would take a while to heal.

“How long will it take for his broken arm to heal?” I asked the healer after she was done.

“A maximum of three weeks,” she responded before departing.

After she left, I glanced at Levi, who seemed relatively okay apart from the broken arm, which was now immobilized. “What happened?” I asked again. I hadn’t seen him in the past five years, and here he was, showing up badly injured.

Levi’s eyes were heavy with pain and exhaustion. Despite my questions, he remained silent, only shaking his head.

“I just need to rest, Edward,” he whispered. “We’ll talk in the morning.”

Frustrated and concerned, I could see how worn out he was. I nodded, signaling a guard to help him to a guest room.

“Make sure he has everything he needs,” I instructed the guard, who guided Levi away.

I sat on the couch, contemplating the trouble he had gotten himself into this time, worrying not only for him but also for my aunt, who I suspected knew nothing of this.

“Father, are you still awake?” I heard the soothing voice of Liam coming from the stairs. When I looked up, I saw him descending with a smile plastered on his face.

Getting to my feet, I made my way to him. “Why are you still awake?” I asked, ruffling his hair.

“I woke up thirsty, and there was no water in my room,” he murmured, and I nodded. “Come with me.” I led him to the kitchen, took a bottle of water from the fridge, poured it into a glass, and handed it to him. “Thank you, Father.” Being called “Father” by him made my heart flutter, and I couldn’t wait for the day to tell him that I was really his father and not just his godfather.

After he finished drinking, I escorted him back to his room, tucked him in, and kissed his forehead.

“Did you know that tomorrow is Mother’s birthday?” he asked, and I shook my head. I had no idea.

“Tomorrow is Mother’s birthday. Don’t forget to buy her a present,” he urged, and I smiled and nodded. “But I don’t know what she wants or likes,” I voiced my worry.

“I know my mother very well; I can list out things she would love,” he offered, and I smiled. “Tell me.”

Liam listed several things he was sure Amanda would love, and out of the numerous options, I decided on one.

“Thank you, Liam. You were really helpful.”

“You’re welcome, Dad,” he smiled, and my heart fluttered more. “Goodnight, buddy.” I kissed his forehead again before switching off the lights and leaving his room.

Feeling exhausted, I returned to my room, took a shower, and fell back into my thoughts. They wandered to Amanda, and I wished I could throw her a birthday party, but I knew that would be the wrong move. Amanda was angry with me, and throwing a party would only worsen things. I would stick to the present I had in mind.

The following day, after getting dressed, I arrived at the dining table to find everyone already seated, including Matthew. A cake was placed on the table, and they were singing the birthday song to Amanda.

Amanda’s eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and delight as she glanced around the table. Liam was grinning from ear to ear, clearly proud of having managed to keep the surprise. Even Matthew, who usually kept his emotions guarded, seemed genuinely happy. I could tell he had played a part in organizing this small celebration.

“Godfather is here!” Liam exclaimed excitedly, drawing everyone’s attention to me, including Amanda, who held my gaze briefly before looking away.

“Make a wish and cut your cake,” Matthew urged, and Amanda nodded, closing her eyes. Her wish was short, and within a few seconds, she opened her eyes and blew out the candles.

“Yay!” Liam exclaimed happily. “Mother, we are all going to feed you, and then you’ll do the same,” Liam said excitedly, while Amanda laughed a genuine and heartfelt laugh.

Liam was the first to cut a small piece of the cake. He fed Amanda, who smiled and ate before she fed him in return and kissed him. Matthew did the same by feeding her, and she also fed him. Then it was Sophia’s turn. She fed Amanda a piece of cake with a broad smile, and Amanda reciprocated and hugged her.

It’s Godfather’s turn,” Liam spoke excitedly. All eyes turned to me, and the room’s energy shifted slightly. I took a deep breath and approached Amanda with a small piece of cake in hand. As I reached her, our eyes met for a fleeting moment. The tension was intense, but I was determined to make this moment count despite everything.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Happy birthday, Amanda,” I said softly, my voice betraying the myriad of emotions I felt. She hesitated for a second before nodding, allowing me to feed her the piece of cake. She took a small bite, her eyes never leaving mine. Then, with a slight tremble in her hand, she took another piece of cake and fed it to me. Her touch was light, almost hesitant.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“You’re welcome,” I replied, stepping back to give her space.

The birthday celebration continued, but I excused myself to go get Amanda’s gift.