The Alpha’s Arranged Bride

LAVENDER’S POV

I sat in front of the mirror, watching as the maids helped me with my hair and make-up. We had little chats as they worked, so I wouldn’t get bored or let my nervousness take over. Today was the day of the school event.

I had five days to prepare for this day, but it felt like I was given only five hours. Despite making every preparation I found suitable, I still felt unsure. What if it wasn’t good enough? What if I wasn’t good enough for them?

I knew Caramel would support me no matter what, but I wanted everyone to accept me. I didn’t want Caramel to be stressed about choosing me or drifting away because of their rejection.

I didn’t know how I would cope if that ever happened. Slowly, I accepted this new feeling of being cared for and loved by someone. It was something I never thought would happen, but it did, and I loved it. That was why I put so much thought and planning into what I was going to do.

I didn’t know if it would be seen as a bribe, but I wouldn’t know until I did it. One thing I learned from Caramel is to be bold. If your heart wants something, you go for it. I fixed my posture to reflect that boldness and smiled, glancing at Mitchel, who had been my companion through all of this.

She was kind and, even though she held back a few things when asked, I knew she was only doing it because they were trained that way. I understood her, and so far, I think she understands me, which is the best feeling ever. At least I had someone I trusted, aside from Caramel.

With a few pleadings from Caramel, she was made my personal maid and often joined me wherever I went, along with a few other maids. The maids took their time glamming me up, as this was an event I was attending with the alpha of the pack.

I had to make the best impression with how I looked. It took us two hours to get me ready, the longest I had ever prepared for anything in my life. Even though I had a team of four maids, their slow pace made it seem like they weren’t enough.

In the end, I stared at my reflection in the mirror and smiled. My make-up was flawless and elegant. My nails, which had been manicured, were beautifully painted and my hair was styled in a low braided crown with loose, flowing hair.

My lashes popped a little more, and my lips were a light pink, almost the same color as my natural lip color. Around my neck was the new jewelry Caramel added to my collection, with a matching diamond bracelet and earrings.

The eyeshadow was light, blending well with my eye color, which pleased me. I stood up to look at my full outfit. I wore an off-shoulder baby-blue, long-sleeved dress. The upper part of the dress fit well but also gave me space to breathe freely.

The lower part of the dress was looser than the upper part, with a small slit at the side. I matched it with silver low heels that allowed me to move freely. “I love it,” I told them, and they all smiled.

I couldn’t wait for Caramel to see me and not get enough of me. They all left almost immediately, and I wondered what had happened until I turned to the door to find Caramel standing there, gazing at me.

I smiled as he approached. “What do you always say to them to get them running that fast?” I inquired before he wrapped his hand around my waist.

“That I need some privacy with my wife,” he smirked, leaning forward for a kiss.

I held his chest, stopping him. “I have a gloss on,” I informed him.

He shook his head in disbelief and kissed me the next minute. I held his neck as he pulled me closer. He bit my lip before pulling away. “Your lips are irresistible, not even a glossy barrier can prevent me from tasting them daily,” he stated, and I couldn’t help but smile.

“How do you like my outfit?” I asked, wanting his opinion.

“You wake up more beautiful than the last, my love,” he complimented.

My cheeks turned red almost immediately, and I looked away. He lifted my chin and kissed my lips. “Let’s go. It’s about to start,” he said, and I nodded, taking his hand as we headed out of my room.

As we got closer to the car, I noticed Rose waiting beside Delilah’s car. I remembered her apology a few days ago. Ever since that day, she had been hovering around the palace a lot. I forgave her because it would be too much energy to stay upset.

However, I knew she wasn’t truly sorry for what she did. She knew I would not say I wouldn’t forgive her. As long as she didn’t try anything stupid, I would be fine, but I doubted she wouldn’t. I didn’t trust her.

She knew now that I was married to Caramel, but sometimes the way she talked and acted made it seem like she thought they would still end up together. I couldn’t bring this up to Caramel because I didn’t know how he would feel about it.

I didn’t want to cause a fight between them or seem uncomfortable with him having female friends. A guard opened the back seat for me, and Caramel helped me in before taking the seat next to me.

It took us thirty minutes to get to the school. Everywhere was beautifully decorated, and we were led to the grand hall where the main event was to take place. All the while, Caramel held my hand. I could feel everyone’s stares at us.

I swallowed hard, and Caramel noticed my nervousness, squeezing my hand lightly to calm me down. Once we were seated, the event began. There were many presentations, smiling faces, and laughter. Sometimes, Caramel whispered things in my ear, making me smile.

It was good because it helped me forget I was being watched. It was a pleasant event, but knowing people were staring at me because I was a recent addition was unnerving. I was glad Caramel was trying to make me feel better, or else I might have passed out.

After many presentations, the principal announced that the children had some gifts for the Alpha. I smiled, turning to Caramel, who had a bright smile on his face. The children must really adore him to do something this kind for him. I signaled to Mitchel to get the gifts ready. As they were giving gifts to Caramel, they would also receive gifts from me which I had prepared before the event.

The first girl stepped up and approached us. “I made you a necklace with a marble with the help of my teacher. I wanted to show how much we love and appreciate all you have done for us,” she said with the cutest voice ever.

Asher took the necklace from the girl, and she smiled when it got to Caramel. “Thank you,” he said.

Mitchel passed one of the wrapped gifts to Asher, and he glanced at Caramel, who nodded. Caramel gave the go-ahead for Asher to hand her the gift. She bowed with a bright smile before leaving for the next person.

The boy bowed shyly. “I made this card for you, Alpha,” he said nervously, barely able to look up.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Asher was about to take it, but I spoke. “Let me,” I said with a smile.

I stood up gracefully, with Mitchel joining me with a gift in hand. I crouched down before the boy and smiled. “You don’t have to be shy, okay? We appreciate your gift,” I said.

I took the box from Mitchel and gave it to the boy, who smiled and handed over his card. I walked back to my seat, passing the card to Caramel, who nodded with a smile. I acted impulsively, without thinking. My actions dawned on me.

Was I stupid for doing that? I questioned myself.