Mated to my sister’s ugly mate

No matter how Jessica’s face turned blue and swollen, Alpha Kilian did not ask for the torment to cease. Instead, he leaned casually against his seat, observing the spectacle unfolding before him. By now, it was nearly impossible to recognize what Jessica looked like.

Shadow, however, could not bear to witness it any longer. She covertly kicked Alpha Dominic’s leg under the table and whispered urgently, “Alpha Dominic!”

Though she had wanted to seek retribution against Jessica for all she had done, this was not what she had in mind.

Alpha Kilian turned around. Upon seeing Shadow’s wide eyes, he understood that she wished for him to intervene. He sighed, rapping his knuckles on the table with a lazy demeanor. “Alright. Never have I seen such a cruel man as yourself, Alpha Eden. To beat your own daughter in such a manner truly astounds me. But, as they say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

His voice held no hint of culpability; instead, it carried a tinge of sorrow and longing, as if he were but an innocent bystander. Shaking his head, he pushed his plate away and focused his gaze on the man before him.

Jason felt his heart sink, but he remained silent. After all, who could affront a powerful man like Alpha Dominic? He averted his gaze from his once beautiful daughter, no longer able to see her face.

Jessica’s face had swelled to the size of a pig’s head. Her eyes were bloodshot, her cheeks black and blue. At this point, she would be virtually unrecognizable to anyone.

While the father and daughter wore sullen expressions, Alpha Kilian paid them no mind. He mocked, “Well, as a father, it is your duty to teach your daughter a lesson or two. But you need not be so cruel. Hopefully, there have been no misunderstandings. Am I correct, Alpha Eden?”

The old man offered no response, lowering his head.

Satisfied with achieving his desired outcome, Alpha Kilian saw no reason to prolong his stay. He turned to the woman beside him, his face melting into a gentler expression. “Are you full?”

Shadow placed the unfinished pumpkin cake back onto the plate before nodding. “Yes, I am full.” Even she found herself taken aback by his sudden change of demeanor.

“Let’s go.” Without another word, he rose from his seat and walked away.

Shadow grabbed her bag, hastening her steps to keep up with him. “Alpha Dominic” stood tall, his legs long. Each stride he took seemed like a sprint to Shadow, forcing her to quicken her own pace just to match his.

As she neared him, he th abruptly stopped and glanced back at her, waiting patiently. So much had occurred that day, but one woman had driven her to tears. That woman was her mother, Lisa. Her nails dug into her skin at the thought of her.

When she was younger, Lisa had taken her to the amusement park after constant pleading. However, to her dismay, Jessica had accompanied them that day as well.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Her mother had been so engrossed in fawning over her stepdaughter that Shadow had been left abandoned and overlooked on the streets. Even as she anxiously turned, searching for her mother’s figure amidst the crowd, Lisa had failed to notice her.

In that moment, Shadow had hoped and prayed that her mother would turn back, that she would look out for her… but she did not. Now, Shadow couldn’t help but wonder if she ever would.

Observing her hesitation, Alpha Kilian furrowed his brow and approached. “What is the matter with you?”

Drawing closer, he bent down to examine her tear-streaked face. She blinked rapidly, attempting to clear her vision.

“The wind is quite strong. I think something may have gotten into my eye.”

Shadow assumed that “Alpha Dominic” would not believe her clumsy lie. After all, the wind wasn’t nearly as strong as it had been the previous night, nor was it particularly chilly. Yet, to her surprise, he leaned in closer, meeting her gaze directly. He spoke softly, “Stay still. Let me take a look.”

Enveloped by his protective presence, Shadow felt herself relax within his grasp. Obediently, she gazed up at him, revealing her bright eyes.

But in her naivety, she had forgotten that “Alpha Dominic” was far from a gentleman.

Shadow sensed his face drawing nearer. As his nose brushed against hers, a foreboding sensation tightened in her chest, compelling her to retreat.

Yet, Alpha Kilian acted swiftly. He reached out, holding the back of her head gently, treating her like a precious treasure. Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a swift kiss before pulling away just as quickly.

The kiss lasted a mere two seconds.

Only after he withdrew did Shadow comprehend what had transpired.

She clenched her fists.

“You have some audacity!” Shadow gritted her teeth, her mind racing with curses, yet she struggled to find the right words.

She had called him shameless time and time again… and still, he didn’t know when to cease!

“You should feel grateful that I am willing to kiss you, even with such a hideous mark on your face.” His words accompanied a reaching hand, his fingertips grazing the swollen side of her face.

Shadow slapped his hand away, her gaze ice-cold. “Do not touch me!”

Refusing to yield, “Alpha Dominic” reached out once more, aiming for the other side of her face. Prepared to defend herself, Shadow readied her hands.

However, this time, he caught her by the wrist before she could retaliate.

Her hands were remarkably soft, he realized. Like feathers and silk, her skin was a marvel he had failed to notice before.

Curiosity flickered in his eyes as he ran his fingers along her delicate skin, relishing in the way it quivered under his touch. Before she could react further, he pulled her firmly against his chest.

“Release me!” Despite her struggle, Shadow couldn’t wriggle free.

This man was truly shameless! Not only had he kissed her publicly, but he also brazenly held her hand. Did he not comprehend their surroundings?

They were near the Eden Group, and there was a possibility of encountering employees. What if some had already witnessed their interaction? What was she to do then?

If this continued, she would lose her mind!

Shadow couldn’t escape his grip, nor could she make a scene. Fearing that she might attract attention, she silently acquiesced, allowing him to guide her to the car.

Unbeknownst to them, Jessica stood hidden behind the entrance pillars of the restaurant. Her face remained swollen, but it did not hide the darkness in her eyes. She stared at the photograph she had captured.

Shadow was Young Madame Lance, the wife of Alpha Kilian Lance, yet she dared to involve herself with her husband’s cousin. “Let’s see how the two of you fare when you are caught,” she thought.

She felt humiliated by their actions. She was not willing to let this go so easily.

…

“Alpha Dominic” was already at the clinic, his powerful presence sending shivers down the nurses’ spines as they hurried to assist Shadow in applying the medicine to her face. By noon, she had returned to Eden Group, her determination unwavering as she resumed her work.

As she took her seat at her desk, a whispered conversation caught her attention from the neighboring colleague. “I heard Jessica applied for leave.”

The colleague’s voice grew softer when Shadow entered the room, but even then, she could still hear the words.

“I sense something more to this. Shadow isn’t as simple as she seems. Since the day she arrived, the management has been plagued by one incident after another. Do you know how many have applied for leave?”

Leaning back in her seat, Shadow knew there was truth in those words.

First, it was Dawson. Then, it was Jessica.

But it was they who had provoked her first! After enduring years of abuse, she realized she could no longer remain on the sidelines. This was the perfect opportunity to take action.

As the workday drew to a close, she gathered her belongings. Just as she was about to leave, Jason’s secretary approached her.

“Miss Eden, the Chairman wishes to see you.”

Why did Jason want to see her?

Could it be that he wanted to defend Jessica?

After all, he had always admired her, so it was not beyond the realm of possibility.

“I’m sorry. It’s the end of the workday,” Shadow replied, her tone gentle as she motioned to her bag. “If the chairman has work-related matters, I will see him tomorrow. If it’s personal, he can call me. Besides, I also need to visit my ‘male colleague.’ I’m sure he must be tired.”

Having been with Jason’s family for many years, the secretary believed he had an understanding of Shadow’s situation. He had assumed she was simply average and unremarkable.

Now, he finally realized she was more than meets the eye.

“But Alpha Eden wanted to convey something to you.”

Without a word, Shadow grabbed her bag and strode out of the room.