Chapter 8

• CLARA
• Being in my position was hard, very hard. I had to shake hands with nearly everyone and smile at everyone. The ladies, I hugged them. Some of the males that came to greet Roberto and I didn't accept handshakes, instead, they chose to kiss my hand but Roberto would scare them off with a growl. What's with the big bad Alpha King? Not like I'm his mate or something.
• As much as I felt really bad all night for two reasons, I had to maintain my composure. The first reason was that everyone that came forward to greet Roberto and me referred to me as Luna Cassandra. At a point, I nearly lost my sanity. Cassandra! Cassandra!! Cassandra!!! She was living her best life, mine was taken away from me. Yet, when I was trying to adjust to this unplanned life, everywhere was Cassandra. Reminding me I didn't belong here. I felt like an imposter. Roberto thought he married Cassandra and I, Clara, had to play along! Pretend to be Cassandra.
• The second reason of course was Roberto. Since the incident in the car about his father, he hadn't spoken a word to me. It was disheartening.
• I couldn't be any happier when Roberto announced it was time to go. In as much as he said it coldly, I didn't reason it. The first thing that rang in my mind was "Let's go home".
• The ride home was quiet. Roberto continued with his phone, totally ignoring me. I on the other hand could only play games on my phone.
• The minute we got back home and the chauffeur opened the door, Roberto stepped out of the car and walked away, not even bothering to wait for me. The moment I stepped out, I pulled off my shoes and walked faster, in an attempt to catch up with Roberto.
• "Roberto". I caught up with him just as he was about to open the door to his room. He paused in his tracks, not answering, nor even looking at me.
• "Can we talk about earlier tonight?" A second passed and I thought he wasn't going to answer me.
• "There's nothing to talk about". Just like that, he disappeared into his room, leaving me alone in the hallway.
• Defeatedly, I walked into my room and slammed the door shut loudly. I slumped on the bed tiredly. I couldn't believe it was in this very same room earlier this evening that we were acting lovey-dovey and then just one conversation changed everything. If I knew, I would have kept shut.
• The event we went to was the engagement party of one Alpha Penson. We had gotten the invitation two days ago.
• When we got there, the paparazzi were all over our faces. Roberto was pretentious enough to wrap his arm around my waist but his face was straight. I had to do the smiling.
• I undressed and hit the shower. As the water hit down on me, my thoughts were flooded with Roberto. What could his father have done to make him react in such a manner?
• All night long, I kept tossing and turning. Unable to sleep for even an hour. Somewhere in the middle of the night, I heard a loud masculine scream that startled the living daylight out of me. Jerking up from sleep, I listened raptly again but the sound never came again. After that, I finally fell into a deep sleep.
• Waking up the next morning, I checked the time, 10 am. I really didn't sleep for long. After washing my face and brushing my teeth, I changed into a comfortable jean shirt and a sleeveless cream top.
• I paused just outside my room, looking at the door of Roberto's room. I contemplated whether or not to knock and demand an audience. I settled for the latter.
• "Good morning Your Majesty".
• I tried my best to answer to those I could and nod to those I couldn't.
• "Maria". I called when I got to the kitchen.
• " Good morning Luna". She and the rest of the maids that were there answered. The respect was suffocating.
• "Good morning to you all. Good morning Maria". I smiled. "Can a cup of coffee be brought up for me?" I asked politely.
• " Very well Your Majesty. Grace will bring it up for you". She nodded at a young girl, probably 17.
• "I'd love it if you could bring it yourself". I smiled at her.
• " As you please Your Majesty ".
• I went up to my room and tried calling Cassandra again. The phone rang for a while and then went straight to voice mail. I called 5 times, with the same result.
• "Damn it Cassandra! Take the damn call". I didn't realize I had raised my voice two octaves higher than normal.
• A knock sounded on the door and I stilled. A part of me wished it was Roberto but the other part knew better than to wish for impossible things.
• "Come in". Maria walked in with a tray for coffee and some cookies.
• "Thank you Maria. I really do enjoy the extra toppings". I gave her a smile which she returned affectionately.
• "If that's all, I'll take my leave now Luna".
• "How was your night Maria?" I asked just as she touched the door handle.
• "Very fine Luna". I thought of every possible way to ask her about the scream I heard during the night.
• "Are you sure?" I asked again.
• "Very sure Luna. Is everything fine?" Her concern was overwhelming.
• " Yes. What could go wrong?" I swallowed hard.
• "Luna. You know I'm not a child. I can see the trouble in your eyes. Are you alright?" She had left the door and walked back to me.
• I took in a deep breath.
• "I know I'm a deep sleeper sometimes but I heard a scream in the middle of the night". She paused to look at me but I could swear I saw the fear in her eyes.
• "I heard nothing. And I can assure you nothing is wrong". I nodded, unbelieving.
• " Where's Roberto?" I was forced to ask.
• " The Alpha had to leave for business very early this morning. But he told me to let you know he left a letter in his room for you". I nodded and watched her leave gently.
• This time, I didn't stop her. There was more to that scream and I was going to find out.