False Expectations - Chapter 56: Chapter 56

Adelina's pov:
-"Come in!" I called, not bothering to look up from the stack of papers spread out before me. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of responsibilities, each one more pressing than the last. In addition to my regular duties, organizing the wedding had been an overwhelming task. Although my Gamma's mate had taken over the bulk of the planning, I still had a mountain of things to handle, and I was feeling the weight of it all.
-"Good evening, Alpha," Liam greeted, bowing low as he entered.
-"Liam, please, sit down. Did you complete your mission?" I asked, my voice steady despite the undercurrent of impatience I felt. I was eager to hear the outcome, but I wasn't sure I was ready for the news.
-"Yes, Alpha. The letter was delivered directly to the King," he confirmed, his tone respectful but wary.
-"And what was his response?" My heart raced, the anticipation gnawing at me.
Liam hesitated, his eyes flickering nervously as he gathered his thoughts. I could sense he was unsure of how to break the news.
-"You know, Alpha..." he began slowly, clearly uncomfortable. "The King... said that he doesn't allow this wedding, because you didn't break the previous bond in order to proceed with another. And that according to our laws, it's..."
-"Is what?" I cut him off, my impatience flaring into irritation. I could feel a knot forming in my chest, a flame of rage smoldering deep inside me.
-"It's... illegal," Liam stammered, his voice trembling slightly as he delivered the blow. "He said he... won't allow it."
The words landed like a heavy stone, and for a moment, I just stared at him, my mind spinning. "He said what?" My voice was low, dangerous, barely controlled. "How dare he? I didn't ask for his permission! All I wanted to know was whether he was going to show up or not!"
Liam flinched, but quickly rushed to assure me. "I... I didn't tell him anything, Alpha. I swear. I only delivered the letter, nothing more."
I took a deep breath, forcing myself to remain calm. "It's alright, Liam. You're dismissed," I said curtly, waving a hand in his direction. He seemed relieved to be excused and quickly left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
As soon as he was gone, I allowed my frustration to boil over. How dare he? How dare Maximus make such demands, as though I needed his permission for anything? My blood was boiling, and every instinct inside me screamed with anger at the injustice of it all.
-"Does he really think we're going to follow his rules?" I muttered under my breath, pacing in frustration.
And then, of course, my wolf decided to make her presence known, as she always did when my emotions ran high.
-"I knew it! Our mate still wants us!" she urged, her voice irritatingly calm, as though I hadn't just been hit with a crushing blow. "He hasn't forgotten us. He'll come back."
I clenched my fists, trying to ignore her. I didn't have the energy to deal with her idealism right now.
-"You think that's the reason he declared my wedding illegal?" I shot back, my voice thick with frustration. "Because he's somehow still waiting for me to run back into his arms?"
-"Not because of that," my wolf answered, her tone softer now. "But because he's our mate, Adelina. And deep down, he knows what he's lost. This wedding... it's a test. He's testing you to see if you'll choose him over everything else. He knows you're strong, but he's scared."
I let out an exasperated sigh, rubbing my temples as the weight of it all began to crush me. "I'm not going to wait forever for him. I can't keep living in limbo, hoping he'll come back when he's ready. I deserve more than that."
I stood there in the silence, the letter burning in my mind. No matter how much I told myself I didn't care about Maximus anymore, it was impossible to shake the feeling that he was still lurking in the back of my thoughts, making his presence known in the worst possible ways.
-"He is opposed to this marriage not because he cares about me," I snapped, frustration lacing every word. "He does it out of stubbornness and selfishness. The only thing he wants is to show me who the real boss is! He's pissed because I'm marrying another man, and his ego is too big to allow it. Once again, he wants to control everything." My voice trembled with anger as I let out a sharp breath.
-"You are so wrong!" My wolf responded sharply, the conviction in her tone unshakable.
I rolled my eyes, leaning back in my chair with a defeated sigh. "It's obvious you have hallucinations, as always," I scolded her, unable to mask my irritation.
-"And you are too short-sighted and idiotically stubborn!" she shot back, her voice carrying a sting of exasperation. "You refuse to see the truth in front of you."
I clenched my fists, my patience wearing thin. "You know something? I've had enough. I'll do whatever I like with my life. I won't hold back for you, or for anyone else. And let anyone dare try to stop me." My voice was firm now, filled with a resolve I hadn't felt before.
-"You're totally crazy..." My wolf's voice softened with disbelief, almost like she was disappointed. With a final huff of irritation, she retreated to the back of my mind, leaving me in silence.
I sat in that silence, the weight of my decision pressing down on me. My wolf may have retreated for now, but I couldn't shake the feeling that this would only be the beginning of a much bigger fight—one with myself as much as with anyone else.
~~~~~~~~~~Wedding's day
Maximus' pov:
-"Why are you here man? Today Adelina is getting married.
-"And?" I asked him incredulously.
-"You have to react dude! You must go there and stop it. This is your last chance to fix things" Chris scolded me.
-"Not you too, Chris. If you don't have anything important to say just walk away" I told him indifferently.
-"You make a big mistake pal. You'll regret it very soon"
-"Yeah whatever....." I commented indifferently.
Chris irritates me. Why does he interfere in my life? Why does he care about my emotions? What's the matter with him?
-"Cause he is your closest friend and wants the best for you" Drako commented.
-"Not you again....I am sick and tired of your preaches! Didn't you have enough already?"
-"No! I am not gonna sit here watching my mate getting married with another because you are too stubborn to surpass your big ego!" Drako said determined.
-"It's not that!" I contradicted.
-"Oh yeah? What is it then?"
-"You won't understand even if I tell you...now leave me alone!"
-"You know I won't"
-"But I will" I said and pushed him in the back of my head.
Adelina's pov:
The day of my wedding had finally arrived. Nervousness twisted in my stomach, the kind that any bride would feel, but mine came with an added layer—anxiety, uncertainty, and a pang of guilt. I wasn't like other brides. I wasn't walking down the aisle for love, and that truth sat heavily on my chest.
I loved Jacob, but not as a partner. I loved him like a brother, someone I had grown close to over the years. He had been there for me, always steady, always reliable. But he wasn't my mate. He never could be.
On the other hand there was Maximus... I couldn't stop thinking about him. I had waited nearly a year for him to return, for him to make an effort, but he hadn't. In truth, he hadn't even tried. He had recognized me as his mate when it suited him, when he was chasing the crown, but once he had what he wanted, he left me behind. And now, I had to face the cold truth—he didn't want me. He never truly had. I had become a chapter in his past, one he was willing to forget.
I had to admit to myself—deep down, I was hoping for a reaction. The invitation, the wedding itself, all of it had become a test. A provocation, in a way. I had left the door open for him, waiting for some sign, some response. It was foolish, maybe, but I couldn't help it. I wanted to see if he would come for me. If he cared enough to stop this from happening.
Part of me had hoped he'd break his silence, that he'd show up, storm in, and stop me right in the middle of this farce. I wanted him to fight for me. I wanted him to tell me that I was more than just a pawn in his game of power. But as the days passed, and the wedding drew closer, it became painfully clear that he wasn't coming. He wasn't going to save me. He never intended to.
I had already resigned myself to that reality, even if it stung more than I cared to admit. Yet, there was still a flicker of hope—a tiny spark—that perhaps he would surprise me. It was a reckless hope, one that had been building up ever since he had disappeared from my life. But now, as I stood there, ready to marry another man, I had to face the truth: I was the only one left willing to fight for us.
I couldn't afford to wait any longer. The invitation had been my last attempt at a message to him, a final cry for him to show that I mattered. But he didn't. He didn't react. And now I had to move forward, for my own sake, for the pack, for everything I had fought to protect.
If he was truly done with me, then I had no choice but to let go and make peace with the decision I had made. And yet, deep down, I couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Not yet. But for now, I had a wedding to attend to, a new life to start—without him.
But I couldn't afford to dwell on that anymore. I couldn't afford to pine over what might have been. For the sake of my pack, for my family, and, most importantly, for me, I had to move on. Crying over spilled milk did nothing but stain the floor.
I sat on my bed, lost in thought, when my sister's voice suddenly broke through the haze of my mind.
-"What on earth are you doing?" Stella's voice rang out, full of concern and a little panic.
I looked up at her, trying to pull myself together. "Just relax... what's the matter?"
Her eyes widened in disbelief as she took in my lack of urgency. "What's wrong with you? The wedding is in three hours, and you're still lounging in your PJs? Are you crazy?"
-"Calm down, Stella. There's plenty of time," I tried to reassure her, but my calmness only seemed to rile her more.
-"Are you kidding me? What are we going to do in three hours? Three hours will barely be enough to finish your hair!" she exclaimed, hands on her hips, clearly exasperated.
I sighed, trying to stay grounded. "I'll be ready in half an hour. It's not that complicated."
-"You've completely lost it," she muttered under her breath. "I have in front of me the only bride in history who's going to show up at her wedding looking like a hot mess."
The next few hours were an ordeal of meticulous grooming. My sister, along with a few omegas, fussed over my hair and makeup, each movement precise and deliberate. It was torturous—every stroke of the brush seemed to sharpen the reality of the day, the life I was about to start, the future that was no longer in my hands.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I was free to prepare myself. The dress was simple, a white A-line gown that fell gracefully to the floor. It wasn't extravagant, but it suited me. As they helped me place the veil on my head, I couldn't help but catch a quick glance in the mirror.
I didn't recognize the woman staring back at me. She looked poised, composed, like someone who had accepted the reality of her life and was about to step into a new chapter. But inside, I felt far from composed. My heart was still with Maximus, and no matter what I told myself, nothing could erase that truth.
I quickly turned away, refusing to let myself get lost in the reflection. My father was waiting for me, and I had a duty to fulfill. There was no turning back now.
I grabbed him by his arm and started walking again. Behind us, my sister followed with her mate and the rest bridesmaids.
The sound of the trumpets echoed through the air, signaling the beginning of the ceremony. My heart raced as the large wooden doors of the temple creaked open, revealing the beautifully decorated interior. White and pink flowers adorned the walls, and delicate drapes hung from the columns, casting a soft glow throughout the space. Stella had clearly outdone herself with every little detail, and despite my reservations, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of it all.
As I stepped out into the sunlight, the warm breeze brushing against my skin, my breath caught in my throat. There he was—Jacob—waiting at the altar with Aydan by his side. He looked calm, poised, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips as his eyes met mine. But as I took a step forward, my heart didn't flutter in the way I imagined it would. No butterflies, no excitement. Instead, a wave of anxiety crashed over me.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of emotions inside me. My father's grip on my arm was firm, but there was a gentle reassurance in it, as though he understood what I was feeling. My left hand clutched the bouquet of white roses, the soft petals a reminder of the path I had chosen.
As I slowly walked down the aisle, the weight of every step seemed to grow heavier. Each movement brought me closer to Jacob, but it also brought me closer to something I wasn't sure I was ready for. My mind spun in a thousand directions, memories of Maximus flashing in and out like disjointed snapshots. Had he ever truly cared? Was I making the right choice? Was I simply running away from something I couldn't have?
Jacob's smile grew wider as I neared him, but it didn't reach me the way it should have. I gave him a small, forced smile in return, but it felt hollow. My mind was still tangled in knots, and no matter how hard I tried to focus on the moment, it felt like everything I had been avoiding was now crashing down on me.
The girls had worked tirelessly on my makeup and hair earlier, but as I walked toward the altar, I realized that all the care they had put into making me look perfect hadn't done anything to ease the unease that twisted in my stomach. The worries and doubts that had been buried deep within me resurfaced in full force. What was I really doing here? What was I hoping for?
Every step I took toward Jacob felt like I was walking toward something I wasn't sure I was ready for. But as I finally reached the altar, the ceremony began, and the world seemed to quiet down. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel a deep longing for something else—someone else. But that was a feeling I couldn't entertain today. Today, I had to be present for this decision. For Jacob. For my family. For my pack.
And yet, the question lingered in the back of my mind: Was this really what I wanted?
As I stood there, the weight of my emotions seemed to grow heavier with each passing second. My heart was torn between two paths—one with Jacob, my lifelong friend, and the other with Maximus, the man I knew in my soul was my mate, despite all the pain and confusion. The reality of the situation hit me like a wave: I was moments away from becoming Mrs. Blake, but my mind was still consumed with thoughts of the man who had walked away from me. I couldn't help but wonder if I was making the right choice, if I was truly ready for this.
The soft whisper of my wolf echoed in my mind, urging me to run, to cancel everything and follow the pull that was still so strong for Maximus. But I couldn't. Not now. Not when Jacob was here, standing by my side, expecting a future with me. He had been there for me through everything, and he deserved my loyalty. He deserved more than to have his wedding day interrupted by a woman whose heart was still caught up in the past.
But that didn't make it any easier.
With each step I took toward the altar, I could feel the tension building inside me. This wasn't just about the ceremony—it was about my future, about choosing between what I thought I should do and what my heart truly wanted. As Jacob took my hand and led me closer to the priest, I could feel my breath quicken. The weight of the choice ahead pressed down on me.
My father, ever supportive, gave me a reassuring smile before placing my hand in Jacob's. I looked up at him, trying to find comfort in his familiar face, but the truth was, my thoughts were still consumed by the man who wasn't there. The man who didn't want me. I wasn't ready for this, I wasn't ready to be Jacob's wife, not when my heart was still so fragmented, but there was no turning back now.
The priest stood at the top of the altar, waiting for us. He was dressed in gold and white, the colors of our Goddess. His presence seemed to command the room, and as he raised his hand, the crowd went silent. I could feel their eyes on me, the weight of their expectations heavy on my shoulders.
-"Let us begin," the priest said softly, his voice carrying across the room. And with that, everything else seemed to fade away, leaving only the sounds of my own heartbeat pounding in my ears.
The ceremony had begun. And there was no turning back.
-"My dears, we are gathered here today to unite the lives of these two beautiful young souls under the sacred bonds of our Goddess. Alpha Adelina Mac Arthur and Beta Jacob Blake, together, you represent not only an important union for our pack, but also a partnership in life. Through the wisdom of our Goddess, you will rule and guide our pack justly, with love and understanding. You, my children, have come here of your own will, to join in the blessings of our Goddess, and no one shall break this sacred bond".
-"Jacob Blake, do you accept Adelina Mac Arthur as your mate, to respect, support, and cherish her until death parts you?"
-"Yes, I do," Jacob answered happily, his voice filled with certainty.
The priest turned toward me, his eyes searching for a response. "Adelina Mac Arthur, do you accept Jacob Blake as your mate, to respect, support, and cherish him until death parts you?"
My heart pounded, and for a moment, I couldn't speak. I was frozen, caught in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. This was it. The moment where everything I had thought, everything I had believed, would come to a head. The reality of the situation crashed into me with a force I wasn't prepared for.
My gaze locked onto Jacob's, and I felt the weight of the question hanging in the air. My mind screamed one thing—move on, Adelina! This is your future, your pack. Jacob's love is here, now, right in front of you. But my heart... My heart still cried out for Maximus. The man who had left me behind, the man who I could never forget, despite the way he had broken me.
The priest's confused gaze never left me. He cleared his throat and repeated the question, his voice tinged with desperation. "Adelina Mac Arthur, do you accept Jacob Blake as your mate, to respect, support, and cherish him until death separates you?"
The silence stretched on, heavy and suffocating. The seconds ticked by like an eternity, and I could feel the weight of the entire room's eyes upon me. I couldn't think straight. This was the moment where my past and future collided. Would I choose to move on? Could I move on?
My wolf, who had been silent for so long, suddenly spoke in my mind: You know what to do. You can't keep waiting. Jacob is your friend. He'll understand"
And then, with a deep, shaky breath, I forced myself to speak. "Yes... I... do," I finally managed, the words feeling strange on my tongue.
But the moment I spoke them, something strange and unexplainable happened.
A brilliant green light exploded between Jacob and me, blinding and blurring my vision. The force of the explosion sent us both flying backward, our bodies colliding with the ground. I felt the air leave my lungs as I hit the cold stone floor. Chaos erupted around me.
Screams filled the air, and the crowd scattered in every direction. Some shouted that this was a curse from the Goddess herself, while others covered their heads, trying to protect themselves from the strange explosion.
But through the confusion, I lay there, motionless, my mind still reeling from what had just happened. What was this? What had I just witnessed?
I didn't know. But as the world around me spiraled into panic, I could only lie there, trying to make sense of the surreal moment that had just shattered everything I thought I knew.