Mated to my sister’s ugly mate

Shadow had been playing dumb for so many years. In fact, for as long as she could remember, she deliberately tried her best to mess up their orders and even kept her conversations to a minimum. And these people in the Eden family had been completely used to her silly appearance.

However, as a noble family that had lasted for a hundred years, a servant of the Lances family was very smart, not to mention their masters, Alpha Kilian and ‘Alpha Dominic.’

So it was impossible for her to deceive them by pretending to be stupid; she had no intention of pretending to be stupid from the beginning.

Therefore, as long as she left the Eden family, she didn’t pretend anymore.

And as she stared at the retreating house, she slowly relaxed in her seat. It was as if someone had finally allowed her to breathe.

The relieved expression on her face didn’t escape Alpha Kilian’s gaze.

She seemed to be very afraid of getting involved with Alpha Dominic, especially in front of her other family members. His fingers tapped against the steering wheel, and his eyes narrowed. Was she really that loyal to Alpha Kilian? Even he couldn’t decipher what went on in this ugly woman’s head.

Although he knew that what she disliked was a fake ‘Alpha Dominic,’ he was somehow upset.

Screech…

When the car braked sharply, the tire rubbed against the ground, making a harsh sound.

Due to inertia, Shadow suddenly leaned forward and then was bounced back into the chair.

Looking very embarrassed, Shadow resisted her anger and turned to look at ‘Alpha Dominic,’ “What are you doing?”

“My hands slipped from the wheel,” he said innocently.

“You…” His insincere explanation left Shadow speechless.

She had wanted to slap that arrogant look from his face! But she wasn’t that stupid to offend the right-hand man of Alpha Kilian. Even if the two of them weren’t on good terms, offending one of the Young Masters of the Lances family would be stupid. She had no other choice but to endure his antics.

Alpha Kilian watched Shadow repress her anger, and he thought her expression was a little amusing.

Ever since she had arrived here a few days ago, she and Alpha Dominic didn’t get along. Not only had he insulted her looks, but he had tried every alternative to get her to kiss him. After learning that the two cousins were on good terms, it only made her blood boil at the sight of him. Now, all she aimed to do was to get as far away from him as possible.

…

The car stopped at the door of Alpha Kilian’s Castle.

After saying thank you, Shadow immediately opened the door and ran into the Castle.

Upon seeing the bodyguard standing by the front door, she tilted her head. “Is your Young Master here?”

She dared to return to Eden’s home because she had the self-confidence that she could leave there safely. However, she still couldn’t help but be grateful that Alpha Kilian had actually thought of her. Perhaps, he really wasn’t as bad as some had thought.

The bodyguard glanced at Alpha Kilian, who was following her from behind and said with a deadpan expression, “Young Master went out to do some business. He’s not back yet.”

Even he didn’t know why the real master was covering up his identity as Alpha Dominic.

“I see.” Shadow had a pause and then said, “If he comes back, let me know.”

She wanted to thank Alpha Kilian face to face.

“Yes, Young Madame.” The bodyguard bowed his head.

Alpha Kilian came over and stared at Shadow’s back and said to the bodyguard, “What did she say?”

“Young Madame asked if you were at home,” he relayed the information quickly. “And that if you come back, I’ll let her know.”

…

Shadow sat in her bedroom, logged into her laptop, and scanned through her emails to see if any companies had wanted to offer her a position.

There were a few small companies who had invited her to an interview. At least, she came up with something, and their position in the industry also wasn’t that bad.

Ever since she had learned how to walk, she was given a ruleto never ask the Eden family for money. Besides, even if she did bother asking them, they wouldn’t give her a dime! All their savings and excess were poured into her two older siblings. Even when it came to finding a job, they didn’t dare extend a helping hand. Because of this, she managed to survive by working for a small company. Although the salary wasn’t high, it was enough to support her simple lifestyle.

When she married into the Lances family, she knew that her family must’ve accepted a ton of benefits. However, she had not received even a cent of them. Not only that, but she had also lost her job because of this mating bond. Now, she badly needed a job.

The companies that sent out the interview invitations were not large in size. But they were also good for Shadow, who had just graduated, so she planned to go for the interviews one by one.

After turning off her computer, she walked out of her room and headed down the stairs. There was still no one in the hall.

Alpha Kilian still wasn’t back.

She headed back to her room and continued to wait for him. After all, even if he was disabled, he was still the Young Master of the Lances family. He must have a ton of responsibilities on top of his shoulders, so it was only right that he was busy around.

When the night fell, Alpha Kilian had not yet returned.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to her and she went to the kitchen.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Even if he was late, he’d surely be back here for dinner, right? She might as well cook up a meal to properly thank him.

From the time she had stayed in the Castle until now, she noticed that only a few bodyguards were going in and out of the Castle. Although she rarely ate here, she couldn’t help but wonder if all the meals Alpha Kilian had eaten were made by these bodyguards.

Alpha Kilian had always been an enigmatic figure, eschewing the presence of servants altogether. Did his disdain extend to women in general?

Just as she stepped foot into the kitchen, a bodyguard blocked her path. “Is the Young Madame hungry? If so, I can prepare anything you desire.”

“No need. I’ll cook for your Young Master,” she replied, opening the refrigerator.

The bodyguard nodded. “If you require any assistance, don’t hesitate to call for us.”

A sly smile tugged at Shadow’s lips. “Alright. I will.”

The fridge was stocked to the brim with an abundance of red and white meats, all meticulously organized and labeled in the freezer. It was akin to shopping at a premium market. Fresh vegetables and fruits adorned the shelves, promising an array of culinary possibilities.

However, as Shadow perused the contents of the fridge, a realization dawned upon her she had no idea what dishes appealed to Alpha Kilian’s palate. Just as she contemplated seeking this information, as if by some supernatural intervention, a deep voice reverberated behind her. “Stewed beef, salad… Fewer peppers, lighter on the oil.”

Startled, Shadow swiftly turned to face ‘Alpha Dominic’, who stood before her.

Donned in a set of dark loungewear, his hands casually nested in his trouser pockets, Alpha Dominic commanded attention purely by his towering height. Even in silence, his presence demanded acknowledgement.

His gaze descended upon Shadow, and he added, “And a steamed egg with no pepper.”

What?

Did he view her as a mere waiter, placing an order for his desired dishes?

Before he could depart, Shadow grasped his arm and inquired, “What kind of food does your cousin prefer?”

Alpha Kilian halted and glanced back. “Everything I just mentioned.”

“Really?” Shadow assumed those dishes were Alpha Dominic’s favorites.

Alpha Kilian’s narrowed eyes locked with hers as he reached out to gently hold the back of her head, forcing her to meet his gaze. Their faces were now a mere breath apart, his eyes filled with an enigmatic glint that ignited surprise within her.

In order to meet her eye level, he leaned in, his expression devoid of emotion. “Do you think I would deceive you just to share a meal?”

The proximity between them intensified, his heated breath cascading upon her face, igniting a blazing heat within her cheeks.

They were so intimately close that Shadow’s wavering reflection glimmered in his ink-black eyes. There was something inexplicably captivating about his proximity, a bewildering effect that rendered her speechless. The lingering words in her mind crumbled to dust, leaving her momentarily devoid of a response.

Never having placed great importance on her appearance before, the situation now made her feel both unattractive and foolish.

She couldn’t help but marvel at Alpha Dominic’s remarkable tolerance. A man of his wealth and stature, accustomed to the presence of beautiful women, had willingly kissed her seemingly unsightly face!

Alpha Kilian observed Shadow’s vacant gaze and grinned. His finger glided across her delicate neck, sending shivers coursing through her body. “The way you stare at me suggests an undeniable obsession. Perhaps you desire to escape from that cripple and come live with me? Shall I arrange for my cousin to transfer you to my care?”

His touch possessed a coolness, mingling with an electric current that caused her to involuntarily tremble.

Suddenly snapping out of her daze, Shadow forcefully pushed Alpha Dominic away. “What on earth are you talking about!”

Unprepared for her resistance, Alpha Kilian staggered back a few steps before regaining his composure. There was no trace of embarrassment on his face. With a serene expression, he nonchalantly remarked, as though discussing the weather, “Believe me. Those were Alpha Kilian’s favorite dishes. Besides, I have a dinner party tonight. Why would I let you cook for me?”

He cast her a knowing glance before leisurely striding out of the kitchen.

Once his figure vanished from sight, Shadow still felt a residual fear, gripping the refrigerator door and gasping for stability.

As she reached up to touch her neck with a trembling hand, she instinctively recoiled as though struck by lightning. What was happening to her?

Taking a moment to regain her composure, Shadow stared up at the ceiling. Alpha Dominic had undoubtedly flirted with her, but the motive behind his actions remained shrouded in mystery.