Hazal
I passed by Adrian’s room on an errand, and I overheard my name mentioned between Luna Ruby and Anna, making me feel like an outsider. The tension between them was overwhelming, and knowing I was partly the reason for their argument filled me with distress.
If I had to choose sides, even without knowing the full story, I would always stand by Luna Ruby. She had always been kind and warm, treating everyone with respect, regardless of their rank, but Miss Anna, on the other hand, was harsh, cruel, and unforgiving.
Returning to the kitchen, my thoughts wandered back to Adrian. His mother seemed to believe there was something special between us, but I wasn’t so sure. Adrian was kind and handsome, but he was an alpha, and I was just an omega. Could we ever really be compatible?
I remembered the kiss we shared, absentmindedly placing my hand on my lips as I recalled the subtle sparks that had flown between us.
What happens next?
Before I could delve deeper into my thoughts, I felt a playful slap on the back of my head, snapping me back to reality. I turned to see Emily grinning at me, and I blushed furiously as she crossed her arms over her chest.
“What’s got you blushing like a tomato?” She teased, raising an eyebrow, and I quickly shook my head, trying to brush it off.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” I stammered, my face growing even hotter. Emily chuckled, wiggling her brows mischievously, but I couldn’t bring myself to reveal my secret crush on Adrian, not even to her.
“Okay, if you say so, tomato,” she laughed, patting my back. “But I have to say, you’re looking mighty dreamy-eyed for someone who’s ‘not thinking about anything.'”
I rolled my eyes, playfully shoving her. “You’re just trying to get a rise out of me, Emily.”
She grinned mischievously as I continued scrubbing the pots and pans in the sink. “Maybe a little. But seriously, Hazel, you deserve some happiness. You’ve been through so much, and it’s time someone special came along and swept you off your feet.”
I sighed, not wanting to dwell on the painful memories of losing my family or dream about finding a mate.
“Anyway, I have bad news,” she whispered, her expression turning serious.
“What is it?” I asked, glancing at her nervously.
“It’s your turn to clean Anna’s room,” she said softly. My heart sank at her words. My hands trembled, and I nearly dropped a plate, but Emily caught it just in time before it hit the ground.
I had been dreading this moment all day. Anna’s room was the last place I wanted to be. I wanted to avoid her forever, if possible. I didn’t know why she hated me so much, but honestly, the feeling was becoming mutual.
“Please, Emily, can’t you do it instead?” I pleaded, but Emily shook her head apologetically. “I’m sorry, Hazel. I did it last week. It’s your turn now.”
Fear gripped my heart, and my mind raced with excuses. But I knew I couldn’t avoid it any longer. With a heavy sigh, I dried my hands and reluctantly made my way out of the kitchen.
As I climbed the stairs, my heart raced with dread. Approaching the door, I felt my palms grow sweaty. I knocked softly, hoping she wouldn’t answer. But the door swung open, and Anna’s piercing gaze met mine.
“Finally decided to show up, Omega?” she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain.
I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “Y-yes, Miss Anna. I’m here to clean your room.”
“You’re lucky I didn’t summon you earlier. You’d be scrubbing the floors with a toothbrush by now.”
“I-I’m so sorry, Miss Anna. I forgot. Please forgive me.”
Her eyes narrowed as she stepped aside, allowing me to enter. I felt like I was walking into a trap like an animal, and my instincts screamed at me to run. But I had no choice. I was at her mercy, forced to endure her wrath.
Scanning the room, I took in the opulent decorations and expensive clothes strewn about. My gaze landed on a stunning red gown hanging on a mannequin. It was a work of art, and I couldn’t help but admire it.
As I began cleaning, my hands trembled, and I accidentally knocked over a vase, shattering it on the floor. I gasped, my heart sinking. But that wasn’t the worst of it; I saw that I had also knocked down the mannequin holding the red dress. I swallowed hard as I tried to carefully lift the gown, but my hands stained the delicate fabric with streaks of dirt and grime.
“You clumsy omega! You’ve ruined my favourite dress! You’ll pay for this!” Anna’s scream pierced the air.
I froze, my heart racing. I knew I was in big trouble. “Please, Miss Anna, forgive me! I’ll do anything to make it right!”
Anna’s face twisted in rage. “Anything? Really? We’ll see about that.” She stormed out of her room, and I chased after her, my heart pounding with fear. “Please, Miss Anna, don’t do this! I’ll do anything to fix it, I promise!”
But Anna didn’t listen. She stormed into my small maid’s room, her eyes scanning the space until they landed on the beautiful blue-green dress Adrian had given me. Her smirk grew wider as she approached the dress, reaching out to grab it.
“No, Miss Anna, please! Not that dress! It’s special; I beg of you!” I pleaded, trying to grab the dress before she could.
But Anna was too quick. She snatched the dress from my grasp and held it up, admiring it. “This is much better than that old red gown. I’ll take this instead.”
I was desperate. “No, please! Adrian gave it to me! It’s the only thing I have of his!”
Anna’s eyes gleamed with malice. “Ah, how sweet. The alpha’s little gift to his omega. How quaint.”
And with that, she slapped me hard across the face. I felt the sting and tasted blood in my mouth.
“You’re nothing but a worthless omega, Hazel. You don’t deserve such a beautiful dress. But I do, so don’t ever forget your place.” She sneered and walked out of my room.
I collapsed onto my narrow bed, the sting of Anna’s slap still burning on my cheek. Tears streamed down my face as I cradled my head in my hands. The beautiful dress, the only thing I had to wear to the mating ball, was gone. And with it, any hope I had of catching Adrian’s eye.
I wept harder, my body shaking with sobs, knowing the mating ball was tomorrow and I had nothing to wear. I would be the only omega in a worn maid’s uniform, while all the others would be dressed in their finest gowns.
How could I face Adrian tomorrow, looking like a servant?
I couldn’t bear the thought of it as I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling hopeless. My tears were now dried up, replaced by a dull ache in my chest. I felt like I had lost everything-my chance at happiness, my chance at being with Adrian-all gone because of Anna’s cruelty.
As the night dragged on and I didn’t sleep, my mind raced with thoughts of despair and desperation. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, and only a miracle could help me get through it.