Cilla’s POV
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CILLA MARKLE!” It said.
I held on to Cara for support because I thought I was losing it. It couldn’t be possible, right? I started to believe I was seeing things that did not exist.
“What’s going on? Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
Cara smiled like that was the most normal thing ever. “It’s your birthday, Cilla. We’re celebrating you today.”
“Cara, what is this? How? Why?”
I was very sure that none of these people wanted to celebrate a former slave’s birthday. My slave status had been revoked but I was sure they did not believe I deserved the same treatment as them.
However, they surprised me. Some starting singing ‘happy birthday’ to me and I nearly collapsed due to the shock. I just watched as tears welled in my eyes. I was still trying to process everything when Jane marched into the hall with a frown on her face.
“What the hell is going on here?” she asked. The crowd became silent.
Ridian stepped into the hall. “What do you think is going on?” he asked her. The woman nearly collapsed. Her face paled.
“Ridian, what are you doing? Are you doing this to spite me after everything I’ve been through?”
“Everything you went through was a product of your choice,” Ridian said calmly. “I have sufficient evidence to prove that you willingly left this pack with Mark Hubert on our wedding day.”
There was a collective gasp from the crowd. I found myself smiling. Not even in my wildest dreams had I thought I’d ever witness a moment like this.
“You confessed it to me as well,” he continued. Murmurs and whispers emanated from the shocked crowd.
“Yes, but you forgave me, didn’t you?”
“No, I didn’t. If you had told me the truth, I would have. But you lied to me. I don’t forgive that.”
“I’m so sorry. You can’t do this to me, Ridian. I love you so much. I returned to this pack because I realised you were the only man I could ever love. I made a mistake and I’m very sorry.”
“No, you only love yourself.”
“So what?” her face twisted as she revealed her true colors to everyone. “Is that why you have decided to celebrate this slave? To spite me?”
“No. I have done this because Cilla Markle is my mate.”
The gasps were even louder this time. You could feel the shock in the crowd. Everyone couldn’t believe what they were hearing. Clearly, Jane’s transgressions were nothing compared to this bombshell.
Some people already suspected that Jane ran away so it was not that shocking when their suspicions were proven right. As for me being the alpha’s mate, it was clear that no one had expected it. Maybe some had wondered why my status was revoked but had not come up with a conclusion matching the truth.
“What is this?” Ridian’s mother stepped out in a long blue gown, looking like she had seen a ghost. She stared at Ridian and I alternatively. Her eyes settled on her son whom she gave a questioning look.
“Yes, mother.” Ridian said confidently. “She is my mate. I haven’t been treating her well, but that ends now. It’s time for us to be happy the way the moon goddess intended.
“I cannot believe this,” Camilla said. “So you knew all along that she was your mate but you still wanted to marry Jane? This is so shocking.”
“Please reserve the questions for later. Marlon, bring those children.”
Children?
This time the shock was too much. My brain couldn’t take it. When I saw Ren and Rose, I lost all energy and collapsed. I only remember falling into someone’s strong and hard arms.
When I woke up, I opened my eyes swiftly and was too relived to see the twins seated on the edge of the bed. I started wailing while sitting up and pulling them to my arms.
“Oh my goodness! I can’t believe you two are really here. Pinch me because this must be a dream. Rosie, Ren. Is this really you?” I pulled away and stared at them, caressing their cheeks. They were both crying as heavily as I was. They climbed on the bed and sat on either side of me. Tears were everywhere but I didn’t care as I pulled them close.
After a while, we all composed ourselves. We wiped away our tears and snot.
“How have you been?” I asked them. “Did they treat you well at that pack?”
“Yes,” Ren said. “They were very nice to us.”
“Don’t worry, I will not let them take you away again. You don’t have to lie to protect that pack. Just tell me the truth.”
“We are telling the truth,” Rose said. “Everyone was good to us. Alpha Francis was very nice.”
“Oh dear, I thought they were mistreating you. Not a day went by that I did not think of you both. I tried to escape and find you but was unsuccessful.”
“We’re here now. Where is mum and dad?”
Oh no. they were not aware of that part. They had been taken away before my parents were mercilessly killed. How was I supposed to break the sad news to them when they were so happy? No, this was not the reunion I had dreamed of. This was a nightmare.
For some reason I had thought they already knew about the death of our parents and had come to terms with it. I couldn’t believe I was the one going to shatter all their hopes and dreams.
I wondered whether I should lie or tell them the truth.
“We-…” I didn’t know what to say. I stared at their eager faces and realised it was impossible for me to tell them the truth. Someone else had to do it. I couldn’t watch them breakdown after finding out what happened on the last day we saw each other.
Suddenly, the door opened and Cara walked in.
“It’s good you’re awake.” She said. She was carrying a covered plate of food and a transparent jug full of water.
“You’re here,” I said, feeling a sense of relief.