The Alpha's Second Choice, His First Regret

CHAPTER 3

I stood in the hallway, rat blood dripping down my dress as everyone returned to their conversations like nothing had happened.

Just as I was about to escape upstairs, Caleb walked over with his face tight with anger.

"Do you have to make a scene at every gathering? Can't you just clean yourself up and join everyone like a normal person?"

He was mad that I'd gotten blood on the imported carpet. Caleb's house was always perfect—hardly anyone could keep it as spotless as I did, which is why I'd even taken home management classes to learn proper cleaning techniques.

Back then, Theo used to follow me around and smile, "Aunt Emma, you make our house so pretty. I want you to stay with us forever."

But somewhere along the way, everything changed. Now, all he wanted was for me to disappear.

Suddenly, thunder cracked outside and rain poured down without warning. The sound echoed through the house, making everyone pause their conversations.

I looked up at Caleb and spoke quietly, "I need to go change. I can't stay in these clothes."

He sneered. "You think anyone cares? You wanted attention so bad, why don't you just stay here?"

"Caleb, who are you talking to?" a woman's voice called sweetly from behind us.

Selena walked over in her designer dress and wrapped her arms around Caleb's shoulders like they belonged together.

When she saw me, she couldn't hold back a laugh.

"Oh, look at you. Sorry, darling, but we're about to start the memorial slideshow for Olivia. Everyone's waiting."

Then she turned to Theo.

"Come on, Theo. The photos are ready. Your dad prepared something special."

"Yay! I love looking at mom's pictures!" Theo beamed and took her hand. "You're the best, Selena!"

I watched them walk to the living room, their silhouettes warm and close. My chest ached.

The boy I sacrificed everything for, the one I poured every ounce of my heart into, couldn't see a thing I'd done for him. Instead, he clung to Selena just because she styled herself to look like Olivia.

I headed upstairs to change, but when I tried to open my bedroom door, it was locked. I tried the bathroom—locked. Every door upstairs was locked.

I pulled out my phone to call Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper, but my battery was dead.

Just when I thought I'd have to stand there dripping blood all night, Patricia appeared with a key.

"Caleb said you can use the guest bathroom at the end of the hall. But hurry, we're starting the slideshow."

My mind was half-frozen, but I managed a nod and dragged myself to the small bathroom.

The first thing I saw when I returned downstairs was Theo curled up in Selena's lap, watching the slideshow of Olivia, while Caleb sat beside them. They looked like the picture-perfect family.

I tried to slip past them to the kitchen, but Caleb spotted me.

"You know Theo needs you here for the slideshow. From now on, don't disappear when he needs you."

I gave a cold, tired smile and said calmly, "Then you better hire a professional therapist soon. Or maybe have Selena step in, I've written down all his routines. I'll be gone tomorrow, remember?"

A sharp clang rang out. Caleb had slammed his glass onto the table, the sound making everyone turn.

"Emma! Have I been too lenient with you? Is that why you think you can talk to me like this?" He pushed back his chair and marched over to me, grabbing my wrist in a bruising grip.

"You throw around threats of leaving like they mean nothing. You really think I'll just let you go?"

Of course he would. Why wouldn't he? He never loved me. Not really. The only reason he kept me around was because of Theo. He wanted his son to believe he still had a mother figure.

I stayed calm, looked him dead in the eye. "Then maybe you should just ask Theo if he even wants me around. Ask him if he cares whether I stay."

Right on cue, Theo's voice cut through the room, dripping with disdain.

"Dad, I've been wanting her to leave for years. I hate her. I like Selena better."

Selena hurriedly covered his mouth.

"Theo, honey, you can't say things like that, it'll hurt your aunt."

"She's not my aunt anymore! I don't want a fake mom!" Theo shouted, glaring at me with hatred.

I shrugged at Caleb and said dryly, "There, you heard him. He doesn't want me around. Can I finally leave now?"

Caleb's brows furrowed. He turned to Selena.

"Selena, take Theo to the kitchen for cake."

Selena hesitated, but she nodded and led Theo away.

I looked at her retreating figure and said again, "You and Theo both like her. Why don't you make her his new mom instead? I'm done with the role."

"You're really that eager to throw me at another woman?" His voice was low, dangerous.

I stared at him, genuinely confused. What did he even mean by that?

He loved Olivia. Everyone knew it. Even after five years since her death, he never moved on. He'd never looked at me with affection. I was just a stand-in: someone he used when he needed someone who looked like his wife, nothing more. And now, he'd finally found Selena, someone who could mimic Olivia's mannerisms so well it was eerie. Shouldn't he be thrilled?

But instead of answering, his expression darkened. He turned abruptly and barked over his shoulder. "Selena, come back."

She peeked back in, surprised. Before she could ask anything, Caleb grabbed her wrist and dragged her down the hall.

"You want to see us together, Emma?" he snapped. "Fine. I'll give you what you want."

And with that, he yanked her into the study and slammed the door.

Not long after, the sounds of moans slipped through the walls.

I felt nothing.

I'd never come to this house for love. I came to help my sister's son. That was it. I never let my heart get involved, never expected anything more than cold indifference. Caleb had always loved Olivia and now he'd found someone who mirrored her so perfectly it was almost grotesque. Selena was his second chance, a living, breathing shadow of the woman he'd never stopped grieving.

He should be happy.

Quietly, I slipped upstairs to pack what little I had left. When I came back down, my bags in hand, I headed for the front door.

But just as I reached it, Theo stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

With one sharp kick, he knocked over my suitcase.

"What, one little joke and now you're running away?" His voice was dripping with contempt. "You think this little act will get my dad's attention? That he'll come chasing after you like in some stupid movie? You're pathetic.

I didn't say a word. I just bent down, calmly picked up my suitcase and started walking away from him.

Then I heard sharp whistle through the air.

I turned around just in time to see Theo standing with the bow raised, as he released an arrow aimed straight at me.