Chapter 2 Pandora's POV

Tears flowed down my cheeks as he rejected me in front of the whole pack like a piece of trash. I had never felt so worthless and useless in my entire life, not even Kiara's soothing words could alleviate the pain that gnawed in my heart.

"But how can you reject me? We are mates." I cried, but he ignored me and pushed me away with his girlfriend walking behind him.

Bouts of laughter erupted from the crowd while I took to my heels and headed for a quiet place where I usually have solace when the rejection from my pack got to me.

I sensed Kiara's presence beside me when I sat on the stone, but I was too dejected to speak. She lowered herself on the grass beside me and we both sat in silence, the both of us unready to break it.

She sighed and placed her palm on my thigh. "What are you going to do? You can't allow Derrick's rejection to break you down like that." She spoke angrily, but I didn't care. I just wanted to stop existing.

"All my life, no one has ever accepted me. I've always been a laughing stock because I'm an Omega and my parents are wretched. Is that my fault?" I asked, nearly choking on my words.

She wrapped her arms around me, placing my head on her shoulder.

"It's not your fault, Pandora. You are a beautiful and nice girl. It's just unfortunate that Derrick doesn't recognise that fact. His bitchy girlfriend isn't as beautiful and smart as you are. So wipe your tears and forget about his sorry ass." She hollered.

A smile crept up my lips and I cleaned my eyes, "I'm happy that the moon goddess gave me a friend like you. What would I have done without you?"

"Nothing, Pandora, nothing. Lest I forget, Eric and I are having a party and I'd like you to be around so that you can forget all about Derrick. Don't say no," She pouted.

I ruffled her hair, "How can I say no to the kindest woman ever? Can I be honest?" I asked and she nodded.

"You are blessed to have someone like Eric in your life. At least one of us has our lives going well and I believe that things will turn out well for me whenever the moon goddess pleases."

"Don't say that, Pandora. You deserve someone who will love you genuinely too and I'm sure that you'll get that man soon, just be patient." She consoled me and stood up.

I did the same as well and we hugged each other. "I'd have stayed longer with you but I have to finish the preparations for the party. Don't miss it for anything," She reminded me, faking a stern expression.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I assured her and we both headed for our houses. We couldn't take the same route because of the differences in our clans. She was a Beta while I was an Omega even though she was the only kind Beta I'd come across.

She had saved me from a getting killed when I was framed by my wicked boss for stealing, since then, we stuck to each other like glue

I walked home, ignoring the snide remarks from some youths that were discussing in circles even though their words cut me deeply like a knife.

"How could she think that Derrick would accept to be her mate? She's too cheap for him."

"She lives in her fantasies. That would be the only reason, or maybe she offered her body to the Epsilon so that he would announce Derrick as her mate."

They all burst into laughter and it heightened when I walked past them, while I wondered how people could be so heartless to discuss someone that was just around them.

I increased my pace so that I'd get home on time. My parents sat on the dining table when I got home, having their meal. They had warned me not to go to the hall, but I didn't listen to them because I believed that my fate would be different.

"How are you feeling, my daughter? I'm so sorry about what happened." She said, pushing her seat backward so that she could get up to hug me.

I freed my vulnerable side and allowed her embrace to strengthen me as I sobbed hard.

"It's my fault, mother, if I hadn't gone I'd have gone to work and gotten some money."

"Don't blame yourself, Pandora, it's not your fault that he couldn't see the beauty that the moon goddess gave him. By the time he realizes the value of what he has lost, it would be too late for him to regain it." My father added and motioned me to join the table.

Mother had prepared my favorite Loco moco dish but I lacked the appetite to eat it.

"You are going to eat it because I poured my heart and soul into that meal, it's your favorite, remember?" She asked, pouring some soup onto my plate.

I chewed some of the eggs absentmindedly while my mind kept replaying Derrick's words and how he pulled his girlfriend from the hall.

My eyes stung at the painful memory, but I willed myself not to cry for my mother's sake.

"Eat up, alright. Everything will be fine," She assured me but I wasn't sure things will ever be fine with me.

My stomach rumbled and then I realized how famished I was. I ate ravenously which was surprising to me and heart-warming for my mother. When we finished, I rose up and cleared the plates.

"The meal was delicious, mother. You should really consider adding this meal to your menu at the restaurant." I advised and walked towards the kitchen.

A knock sounded on the door and then I left the kitchen. "Don't worry, I'll get it," I shouted and rushed towards the door.

The smile which was on my face disappeared immediately when I saw the man standing in front of me.

"What are you doing here, Derrick?"