MILDRED'S P. O. V
"I'm not Ximena.." I uttered in fear. I was completely shaken as these men suddenly grabbed me and started addressing me as someone else. Who the fuck was Ximena?
The contract in my hands stated that we would be married for just a hundred days and during that period of time there'd be no form of intimacy between us. We would live in the same house, but In different rooms, almost like complete strangers. He clearly wanted nothing to do with the Ximena of a lady.
But who was he? I've never met him before.
"You're not Ximena.." he blurted out and his black eyes suddenly turned darker.
"You don't have a wolf.." I heard him say and I felt my heart squeezed. He must have probably taken his time to study me and discovered that I didn't possess a wolf.
"You're my f*cking mate.." he said again and I snapped my head to look at him. I couldn't believe my ears right at the moment.
I had met my mate in the most awkward manner. His wolf senses must have detected our deep connection, but I could only faintly tap into those emotions. The problem was, my own wolf was trapped inside me, refusing to come out. It left me feeling like an ordinary human, devoid of my lupine instincts.
His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and he let out a disbelieving sigh. "Unbelievable," he muttered, shaking his head. His eyes narrowed, studying me intently. "How come you look just like Ximena," he inquired, observing me with so much curiosity. "What's your name?" he asked directly.
I remained silent, my eyes cast downward, unable to meet his intense stare. His impatience grew, and he growled, "Can't you speak?" The sudden outburst made me flinch, fear creeping up my spine.
Summoning my courage, I whispered, "M-Mildred Pierce." My voice trembled, betraying my nervousness.
"Run a check on her and make sure you find Ximena. She's definitely going to pay for this.." he instructed the man who had grabbed me earlier.
"And you..." He turned his gaze back to me, his eyes piercing. "I refuse to be bonded to a wolfless, weak mate!" He declared bluntly, his words stabbing me like a knife.
A searing pain shot through my chest. "I reject you, Mildred Pierce, as my fated mate!" His voice was icy, devoid of emotion. Time froze for me.
I couldn't comprehend the rejection. Oh poor Mildred.
Getting rejected by my mate on the same day we met . Could my life sink any lower? Tears streamed down my face as my dreams of finally finding happiness shattered.
I had always believed that finding my mate would bring love, and acceptance, but instead, I faced rejection.
"Take her away; she's useless," he commanded, his voice devoid of empathy. Guards approached to drag me away.
As the guards grasped me, the door burst open with urgency. A dignified man entered, bowing deeply. "Your Highness," he said with reverence.
Suddenly, realization dawned on me - he was the king! No wonder his majestic presence commanded attention.
"The wedding ceremony is about to begin," the man announced hastily. "And why isn't Ximena ready yet?" He pointed at me, and everyone turned to stare, their eyes filled with curiosity.
The king's piercing gaze locked onto mine, and his expression changed. He studied me intently, as if searching for something. "She's not..." His voice trailed off, lingering.
"Get the makeup artist and bring a stunning wedding dress," he commanded, his words startling me. "Prepare her immediately!"
I stood frozen, confusion etched on my face. What was happening? Why was he ordering me to get ready for a wedding? Wasn't I just rejected by mhiz moments ago?
"You have twenty minutes," the man who entered said before rushing back out, leaving me in a state of shock.
"You're going to be my bride tonight.." he voiced out and I stared blankly at him. Was he asking me to be his bride when he just rejected me a while ago after finding out that we were mated?
"I can't.." I wanted to protest but one look from him was enough to shut me up.
"You don't have a choice, Mil…" he drew out trying to remember my name. He even forgot my name.
"Mildred…" I chimed in.
"Mildred, you don't have a choice. Stand in for Ximena tonight, this wedding has to happen.." he said in a curt tone. The look in his eyes said it all. His decision was final.
"You just rejected me as your mate.." I reminded him in case he forgot about that.
"And so? You're only standing in for Ximena, when she's found, I'm going to let you go.." he explained, it seemed Ximena and I shared the same features as everyone mistook me for her.
"A contract is going to be prepared. You're going to stand in as Ximena's substitute till she's found.." he stated and I just stood in amusement.
I was not able to utter a word.
"I.." I couldn't finish my statement as the door opened and some people walked into the room.
"Dress her up.." he pointed at me, giving me no chance to speak.
I was taken to a room where I was dolled up and dressed as a bride. Everything happens so fast.
A few minutes later, I was brought out of the room fully dressed, Enid was outside waiting for me. He was also dressed.
I slowly walked up to him with a frown on my face, I did not want to get married.
"I don't want this.." I uttered the moment I got to where he was.
He was the Alpha of our kingdom, Enid Gayle. My mother and sister were going to his wedding tonight.
The wedding that happened to be the talk of the town.
"I'm the king and this is an order unless you don't want to receive my wrath. You're going to be compensated for this. Be Ximena for tonight.." he said, holding my hand.
"Now smile, you're getting married.." he whispered as his breath fanned the back of my ear.
His hand was holding mine firmly.