Chapter 5 Know Your Stand

Scarlett sat at the balcony, the wind blowing calmly. She sipped her red wine, while staring at the sky.

"Scarlett, did you touch my stuff?" Draco asked, coming into the balcony.

"And what if I did? Can't I touch your stuff?" She asked, turning to face him.

"No, you can't!" He replied and she chuckled.

"Tomorrow is the anniversary ceremony, I hope everything goes well" She said and he nodded, rubbing her back.

"Don't touch my stuff" He sniffed her hair and she rolled her eyes.

Scarlett smirked, taking another sip of her wine. "Well, if you're so protective of your things, maybe you should hide them better."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Or maybe you should just respect other people's belongings."

She laughed, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, it keeps you on your toes."

He sighed, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

"But you love it," she teased, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

As they stood on the balcony, the city lights twinkling below, Scarlett couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for the upcoming anniversary ceremony. Draco, despite his stern demeanor, seemed genuinely invested in it.

"Are you nervous about tomorrow?" she asked, her tone softening.

Draco looked thoughtful for a moment before replying, "A little. It's an important event, and I want everything to be perfect."

She smiled, placing her hand on his. "It will be. We've got this."

He nodded, a grateful smile tugging at the corners of his lips. They continued to enjoy the evening breeze, the distant sounds of the city forming a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

~~~

Alex and Pearl were walking around in the backyard, Alex picked a flower and slid it into her hair. She smiled sweetly as she touched it and her eyes glittered with joy.

"Should I show you something?" He asked and she nodded.

"What?" She asked, and he held her hands.

"It's top secret!" He said and dragged her, running off.

They stopped at a dark hallway and Pearl jaw dropped, watching the hallway. He turned on the switch lights and her eyes sparkled.

"Wow, this is beautiful!" She stood in awe, watching the statue, and drawing.

Alex grinned, pleased with Pearl's reaction. "I knew you'd love it. This is my private art collection. Not many people know about it."

Pearl continued to marvel at the exquisite sculptures and paintings that adorned the hallway. "How did you manage to keep this a secret?"

He winked. "A magician never reveals his secrets."

As they strolled through the gallery, Alex shared stories behind some of the artworks. Pearl's genuine fascination and appreciation made the experience even more enjoyable for him.

"This one," he pointed to a mesmerizing painting, "is my favorite. It's like a hidden gem."

Pearl's eyes lingered on the masterpiece. "It's stunning. You have an incredible taste in art."

He smiled, grateful for her admiration. "I'm glad you think so. I wanted to share it with someone special."

Pearl turned to him, a soft expression on her face. "I feel honored. Thank you for letting me into your secret world." She chuckled softly.

"You're so pretty under the moonlight" He said, trying to touch her face but Edgar came out from nowhere and held his hand in the air.

He turned and gasped, same as pearl who instantly regretted coming out to this place, what if Alex gets hurt or punished because of her.

"Alpha Edgar?" He muttered as he forcefully dropped his hands and turned to face, pearl.

"Sneaking out with different men now?" He said, referring to Alex.

"It's not what you think, Alpha!" She bowed while Alex folded his fist.

"I'm sorry,Alpha. I should be punished instead, it was my idea to bring pearls outside by this time of the night!" He apologized.

Alpha Edgar's eyes narrowed, a dangerous intensity in them as he glared at Pearl. "Explanations, now."

Pearl stammered, "Alpha, it was just a misunderstanding. Alex and I were talking, nothing more."

Edgar's grip tightened on her arm. "I don't tolerate deceit, Pearl."

Alex stepped forward, "Alpha, I swear it was innocent. We meant no disrespect."

Edgar, still seething, released Pearl. "This is your warning, Pearl. Stay away from others unless I approve."

As Alex and Pearl exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the air lingered.

He glared at Alex, before dragging her out, while she kept turning back to see Alex.

"You're hurting me!" She said and he pushed her to the wall.

"Am I? Oh so now, I'm hurting you?" He asked with a smirk.

"I just wanted to catch some fresh air, nothing happened!" She increased her voice.

"But he touched you? He did touch you, right?" He asked and she shook her head.

"He didn't, we are just friends. I just don't know why you're so interested in the friends I keep, you're so protective, at the same time, you're annoying!" She said, as tears rolled down her eyes.

"What on earth do you want me to do? I'm so fucking stressed. You keep confusing me, what are we? Mates? No!, then, why are you hell bent on making me reject every single moment In my life"

"Well it's not my fault!!.. it's not my fault that you keep coming into my head almost every single time. It's not my fault you've possessed me body and soul, or is it?" He yelled and she flinched.

Tears rushed down her cheeks.

"Can't you just let me live happily? You rejected me as your mate for crying out loud!. Leave me alone!!" She yelled at him as hot tears rolled down her eyes.

"I never wanted to reject you; it's tearing me apart too. Every moment without you feels like a battle I'm losing. I can't just let you go because my heart refuses to understand that you're not mine. If only you knew how much I ache for you to be happy, even if it's not with me."

Her jaw dropped after hearing that from him, so he did feel the same way with her, but why did he reject her like that?

"You rejected me because I'm an omega, right?"

"Yes, it's because your weak, easy to manipulate, and so fucking kind!!" He shouted at her and she shook her head, unable to understand what on earth he wanted from her.