Chapter 2 2

I barely had time to gather my emotions before the door swung open. I hurriedly pulled the bed sheet over my body, relieved to see that it was Miranda, Ronan's mother.

Her face twisted into a frown the moment she saw me.

"Why are you crying?" she snapped, arms folded tightly across her chest.

I stared at her, saying nothing. I knew she didn't care.

"Don't you know crying after something like this brings bad luck? Ronan is your husband-your mate and Alpha. It's your duty to accept whatever he does without complaints." Her voice was cold, harsh.

I lowered my head and nodded, swallowing my pain. She had always turned a blind eye to her children's cruelty toward me. To her, they could do no wrong.

"Get dressed. You're working today. If anything goes wrong at my grandson's birthday, you'll regret it." She threw me a final look of disgust before leaving the room.

The moment Ronan and I got married, his sister Eliza found her mate and married soon after. Now their child was turning one, and today's celebration was going to be a grand affair.

But for me, life hadn't changed. In fact, it got worse. After Ronan's father died, I was no longer treated as Luna. I became more like a servant. Despite the number of staff in the house, I was the one burdened with most of the chores.

And because of that, even the servants looked down on me.

I stood up slowly, my legs still aching from earlier. I pulled on some trousers and a T-shirt, skipping a shower so I wouldn't risk being called again. I wasn't willing to push Miranda's limits.

When I stepped into the servant quarters to help with the birthday preparations, I was immediately met with whispers and judgmental stares.

"She finally shows up," one muttered.

"Look at those clothes. Who does she think she is?" another snickered.

"I don't get why the Alpha even sleeps with her."

Their words cut deep, but I kept my head down. They didn't know I was Ronan's mate and he made sure of that by how he treated me. To everyone else, I was just the Alpha's toy, not his Luna.

"You'd think sleeping with him would give her some power," one scoffed. "But no. She's just a weak little thing beneath even us servants."

I clenched my fists but said nothing. I didn't have a voice to speak with not figuratively, but literally. I'd lost the ability to speak long ago.

So I did what I always did: ignored them and work.

The decorations, the food, the setup. it all had to be perfect. Eliza demanded nothing less.

By the time we were done, I was exhausted. I just wanted a moment to rest. But as I turned to leave, someone shoved me hard from behind. I stumbled and hit the floor, pain shooting through my back.

The girl who pushed me didn't even look sorry. She smirked and muttered, "Dumb bitch."

That was it.

I got up, walked over to her, and slapped her across the face. She staggered back, wide-eyed.

"You slapped me!" she shrieked, raising her hand to strike back.

But she froze mid-motion.

"Alpha..." she mumbled, her tone shifting to fear.

Ronan stood behind her, his face expressionless.

"Leave," he said simply. She fled without another word.

Then his cold eyes turned to me.

"You!" He grabbed my shoulder roughly, yanking me toward him. I gasped silently from the pain.

"Don't get any ideas. Today is my nephew's birthday, and I want everything perfect."

His grip tightened. "Stay out of the way. Don't embarrass me. Understand?"

I nodded quickly, blinking away tears.

He let go and walked away.

I stood there for a moment, staring after him, my chest aching not from the pain, but from the emptiness he always left behind.

I glanced down at my stomach, my flat belly. I remembered my first pregnancy and how it ended. What would happen to this one? Would Ronan accept it?

No answers came.

Thankfully, the rest of the preparations went smoothly, and soon guests began to fill the hall.

Eliza was well-connected and popular, despite her attitude. She had managed to gather wealthy and powerful allies, and tonight's party was extravagant.

I stood quietly in a corner, watching as everyone gathered around the happy couple. Eliza sat beside her husband, their baby in his arms, both glowing with joy.

They had everything I ever wanted: love, family, warmth.

I wondered what it would be like to hold my own child someday.

Then I heard my name.

"Aria! The drink," Eliza called, waving at me like I was a waitress.

I walked over, handing her the tray. She leaned in close and whispered, "Feeling jealous?"

I didn't respond.

"You'll never have what I have. Not with your condition. Honestly, it's no wonder my brother didn't want your baby."

I flinched. She knew how painful that memory was, how I was forced to give up my first child. She just enjoyed the cruelty.

"No one wants a mute like you in their family," she added with a smirk. "Do everyone a favor and let him go."

Then she turned sweetly and grabbed Ronan's arm. "Brother, when are you going to divorce her and marry Seraphina? This pack needs a real Luna and a strong heir."

I wanted to run, to disappear, but then Ronan spoke.

"Her condition isn't hereditary," he said firmly. "There's no reason to think any child of hers would be mute."

Eliza blinked, stunned.

It was the first time in a long time he'd said anything in my defense.

But then he added, "Still, I would never allow a weak, wolfless Omega like her to bear my children."

And just like that, the small spark of hope died again.

I looked down at my belly, my heart breaking all over again. So... what would happen to this baby?

Would they take this one from me too?