The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 18: Chapter 18

It had been days since I saw Rowan. His awful words kept replaying in my head
"You know, my father had you pegged from the start - a scheming little whore only after money and status."
"All that matters is what you are - a manipulative bitch in heat."
How could he be so angry, especially with our baby on the way?
I couldn't understand why he was so mad. He made it clear that he didn't think well of me, like I was just bad and not good enough for his fancy family.
The wedding plans kept going, but Derek said it was pushed back a little. It was clear Rowan wanted some time before marrying Isabelle.
On the day that should have been his happiest, I felt empty and sad. My growing belly was a constant reminder of my broken dreams.
I did my usual maid chores, the routine a small comfort because it didn't require thinking or feeling.
But that comfort vanished upstairs. The lobby was packed with fancy wolves from other packs, their strong smells overwhelming. Growls and tense looks flew even as they forced smiles.
Holding my belly, I tried to squeeze through the crowd. Suddenly, someone blocked my path, making me stumble back.
A strong hand grabbed my arm, steadying me. It was Derek.
"Careful there, Mama Wolf. We can't have you getting bumped around and risking that pup," Derek said with concern.
Derek saw how pale and shaky I was and his happy face turned serious. He gently pulled me to the side.
"Catrina, you don't have to be here today. Take a day off, you deserve a break."
I started to politely say no, but seeing the crowded lobby filled with staring alphas made me think twice. Maybe Derek was right... did I really want to deal with those looks and comments on a day like this?
"I... I don't know if I can," I whispered back, my voice rough. "This is my job, Derek, how I make my living."
He looked at me for a long moment before slowly shaking his head. "Not today. Trust me, you'll want to be far away from all this mess."
My throat tightened as I realized what Derek meant. As much as it hurt, I had to face it - I had to watch Rowan and Isabelle bond today.
Before I could argue, Derek hurried off and spoke to an older woman in a sharp suit. Surprisingly, she agreed with whatever he said.
As he came back, a group of women pushed past me, their perfumes way too strong. I coughed and couldn't see for a second.
When my vision cleared, I was staring right at a giant...picture? No, not just any picture - it was a huge photo of Rowan, looking super handsome in a fancy suit, with a smug look on his face.
The Rowan I knew, the one with the playful smile I fell for, was gone. Now all I saw was the arrogant heir everyone else saw.
I thought I couldn't feel more overwhelmed by seeing Rowan, but then another giant picture appeared as some young wolves moved aside.
This one was of Isabelle, looking like royalty - calm, beautiful, and totally breathtaking. A small, secret smile played on her perfect lips.
Together, their life-sized portraits formed a powerful image - the perfect picture of alpha strength and beauty, a seemingly unbreakable union.
Seeing the future I so desperately wanted ripped away from me, a sharp pain stabbed my heart.
Derek squeezed my shoulder in comfort as tears streamed down my face.
"Let's get you out of here, away from all this," Derek whispered, leading me to a quiet hallway.
I thanked him for understanding how tough this day was. He looked really sorry.
"I'm so sorry I couldn't do more to stop you from feeling this pain," he said, his voice heavy.
Derek's apology made me realize how bad things were for me. He even arranged for me to have the whole day off from cleaning to rest.
Unsure how to spend my free time away from the chaos, I instinctively held my pregnant belly.
Derek suggested going to my room to relax, even saying, "Maybe watch one of those cheesy romance movies you girls love."
I managed a small laugh at his playful tease, and Derek gave a weak smile. With a wink, he left me to figure out what to do next.
As much as I wanted to skip work, staying around all these reminders of Rowan's new life would only hurt more.
I trudged downstairs to the staff room, which was empty thanks to the big event.
Slipping inside my small, cozy space, I let out a big sigh. Here, I could hide from the harsh reality outside.
I sank onto the loveseat, placing a protective hand on my growing belly. This small room was my safe haven now.
But something caught my eye. The closet door was slightly open, not how I'd left it shut tight.
A shiver of unease ran down my spine as I pushed myself up slowly. With heavy steps, I crossed the room and cautiously opened the closet door wider.
What I saw inside made my blood run cold.
"No...no, no, no!" I screamed, the words catching in my throat.
There on the floor lay the shoebox I'd carefully hidden, the one holding every last dollar I'd saved from my meager maid's wages over the past months.
The box was overturned, its contents scattered everywhere. My tiny savings for the baby - every quarter, nickel, and dime I'd managed to scrape together - was gone.
Disbelief washed over me as I dropped to my knees, sifting through the empty box and loose change. Who could have done this? Who would be so cruel?
Anger burned through the shock and fear gripping me. Deep down, I knew the thief had to be someone at the hotel. But why me? Why target a scared, pregnant maid just trying to survive?
Fury burned in my eyes as I clutched the empty shoebox to my chest, tears of anger and despair stinging my cheeks.
This pitiful amount of money, saved from months of hard work as a maid, was my only hope for providing for my child when I was alone.
Now it was gone, stolen in the cruelest way, leaving me feeling violated and even more helpless than before.
"You...you evil, wicked snake!" I snarled, the truth dawning on me.
I knew exactly who was behind this despicable act - the one person dedicated to making my life a living hell.
Isabelle. It had to be her, or one of her nasty followers. Targeting me while I was vulnerable, unable to fight back.
It was a cowardly move, typical of her - tormenting me through underhanded means, never dirtying her own hands.
"I'll make you pay for this," I hissed, the burning rage replacing the despair that had gripped me moments ago.
"Do you hear me, Isabelle? You haven't broken me yet!"