"As for your sister, I'll do my best to ensure your father doesn't bother her. He'll understand that, as long as he treats her well, he'll receive financial support," Mr. Holt continued to surprise me with his concern and affection. Although he never admitted to having feelings for me, he seemed more willing to give his second chance mate a try than I was. I was still stuck on the fact that my mate had gotten me into this trouble and had accepted his best friend, who was involved with his other friend, while I was unfairly labeled as a whore. "I'll hold you to your promises," I nodded, making sure to meet his gaze, so he knew I expected him to follow through on what he had just said to me. "Very well, then," he replied, holding the door open for me. There was nothing holding me back from moving on from my first mate, who had tarnished my reputation without a second thought. When Mr. Holt offered to help, I took a deep breath and held his hand. Now more than ever, I needed someone strong to shield me from the hostile pack members, rogues, and their hurtful remarks. Just the thought of sleeping in his bed at night sent shivers down my spine. Together, we reached the lawyer's office, and the ceremony commenced. Since the wedding hadn't been planned as a romantic and sentimental affair, there were no vows or elaborate rituals. "Do you, Mr. Zeon Holt, accept Cynthia Dion as your mate and lawfully wedded wife?" my father asked Mr. Holt. I snapped out of my gloomy thoughts and decided that, after our marriage, I would ask Zeon to arrange for a separate bedroom for me. I would need my space and privacy, as he had promised. "I do," he replied. My eyes welled up with tears as I felt my independence slipping away, along with any chance of ever being with Atticus. How wonderful it would have been if Atticus had been the one holding my hand, but I shouldn't even be thinking about him at this point, given that Atticus is the very reason I find myself here, holding the hand of a guy older than me. "Do you, Cynthia Di--," before my dad could finish, I mumbled. I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. "I do." I needed this to be over so I could return home and have a moment of relief without fearing that my father would harm me. The only part of the sealing ritual that I recall is signing the marriage license, after which Mr. Holt summoned his driver. I don't remember anything else about it. "Ah!" My dad was holding the check with great excitement, eagerly awaiting the arrival of our car, and not paying any attention to me. "I'm not going home?" I looked at Mr. Holt with curiosity and muttered, "I need to gather my things and meet up with my sister," I complained, remembering that he had promised to respect my choices, so I expected him to give me some time with my sister. "It's too late for that argument right now. You look tired, so you should come with me, rest, and meet her later," Mr. Holt held the door open for me and gestured for me to enter. "I'll take you back home tomorrow so you can retrieve your belongings and even have lunch with your sister," he assured. After a brief silence, I looked away and noticed the rogues watching me. Oh, he didn't want me to stay because of them. They likely intended to question me about my disappearance and everything that had happened, so Mr. Holt wanted to get me away from there. My dad was already angry with me, so I had no choice but to leave with him today, even though I didn't want to. I got into his expensive Mustang and sank into the seat. At just 18 years old, it was an incredibly tough time for me. I put the blame for everything on Atticus. Mr. Holt spoke reassuringly, "Don't worry, everything will turn out fine," as he watched outside the window while his driver took us to his mansion. I felt like crying throughout the entire uncomfortable and silent car ride. I could hear coyotes howling from the nearby forests as we approached his house. I had never inquired about his position as an ex-Royal Beta until today, but it was clear that he held an important role in the pack. As the vehicle pulled into the driveway of a luxurious house, I straightened up. Even in the darkness of the night, I could see some of the opulent features, like the two pools and elaborate decor. But I was too preoccupied with my impending marriage to take in the rest of it. The prospect of being greeted by a group of maids and other servants was something entirely new to me. So, I followed Mr. Holt out of the car and into the house. I was mentally preparing a speech about why we should have separate rooms when I realized there was another significant issue that needed to be addressed. "Where have you been, babe? I've been--" A girl around his age suddenly leaped off the couch and rushed toward him, intending to hug him. However, she abruptly halted when she noticed me. The way she glanced at me before turning her gaze to Mr. Holt clearly indicated that she had strong emotions about this situation. I was utterly clueless and depended on Mr. Holt for an explanation. "What is she doing here?" She appeared to already know about me, but who was she, and why hadn't I heard of her before? My body grew cold as she referred to him as "babe." "You cheated on me?" Her eyes, glistening with tears, startled me, causing me to step back from him. "How can you bring her home when I'm here?" She questioned, her voice breaking into tears. Who was she? My world spun around me as I watched them both in shock. "Answer me, damn it!" She shouted, and that's when I noticed the wedding ring on her finger.