Chapter 4 “ What did you say , sister ? You want to divorce Alpha Kennard? Did something happen ? ” A soft , delicate voice floated in from the doorway , syrupy enough to make one cringe . I looked up . There she was – Alpha Cynthia , draped in a pristine white dress that screamed innocence , her hand resting delicately on the doorknob . Her expression was one of perfect worry , her lips parted in “ None of your damn business ,” I replied coldly . If my feelings toward Alpha Kennard were of hatred , my feelings toward Alpha Cynthia were of sheer disgust . When my parents found me again , I was the one forced to tread carefully around her feelings , to shrink myself so she wouldn’t feel “ threatened . Even after my marriage , I allowed her to call my husband “ Alpha Kennard ,” to linger in spaces that should have been ours . And how did she repay me ? She played the victim flawlessly , painting me as the intruder in a life that was rightfully mine . Crying to my parents behind my back , claiming I’d “ stolen everything ” from her , while inserting herself into every private moment I shared with Alpha Kennard . Her sugary façade was nothing but poison . I saw through her facade long ago . Now , she stood in the doorway , clutching a lunchbox like the fragile , selfless sister she pretended to be . Alpha Kennard turned to see her and immediately jumped up to take the lunchbox from her hands . “ You should’ve had the maid bring this over . Why did you bother coming yourself ? ” He gazed at Alpha Cynthia , brows furrowed with concern and tenderness in his eyes . Pain stabbed my heart like a needle . Whenever KAlpha Kennard and I traveled , I carried all our bags – he always told me he didn’t want me to be the kind of woman who depended on others for everything . Yet with Alpha Cynthia , he was overprotective , not letting her lift a finger . Alpha Cynthia shook her head with a smile , grabbing Alpha Kennard’s hand with a worried look . “ Alpha Kennard , did you and sister have a fight ? Is it because of me ? If it is , I’ll leave right away . I don’t want to cause any trouble . Her voice cracked , and she glanced at me , as if she were the martyr in this story . “ Alpha Kennard , sister has always had a … temper , she continued , her tone delicate but filled with meaning . “ Dad , Mom , and I have always tried to understand her . You’ve done so well managing it all . Bad temper ? Understanding ? I clenched my fists , biting back the urge to cool laugh . If there were Oscars for manipulation , Alpha Cynthia would have her own shelf of golden trophies . Unfortunately , there will always be those who believe even the worst performances . Alpha Kennard chuckled softly , tapping her forehead with an affectionate smile . “ Don’t blame yourself for things that aren’t your fault , silly . You always take things too personally ! ” Then , as if the lunchbox were made of lead , he examined her pale hands with exaggerated concern . “ Your hands must hurt . Let me take care of them . “ No , it doesn’t hurt! Alpha Kennard , you’re the best ! ” Alpha Cynthia hopped with joy , like an innocent , exuberant child , snuggling up to Alpha Kennard’s neck in a playful manner . I was disgusted , unable to bear it anymore , so I coughed twice . It was only then the two seemed to remember my presence , hurriedly pulling apart . He returned to my side , setting the lunchbox down in front of me with care , as if that act alone could erase everything else . “ Emma , ” he began , his voice soft , “ no matter what’s happening , you need to focus on your health . Once you’re discharged , I’ll take you anywhere you want . Just name it . I stared at the man I’d spent five years of my life with , and all I felt was revulsion . “ Where does sister want to go ? ” Cynthia chirped , her voice bright and eager . “ Let’s make it a trip for the three of us ! ” Alpha Cynthia suddenly chimed in excitedly , with a naive look on her face . I forced a smile , my pale lips forming just two words: “ Hell . “ What ? ” Cynthia’s expression faltered , her carefully composed façade cracking just slightly . I leaned forward , my voice low and cutting . “ I said I’d take you both to hell ” Her pale face turned crimson , her lips opening and closing like a fish gasping for air . Alpha Kennard’s brows furrowed , but before he could speak , I pushed the lunchbox aside , rising to my feet . “ Enjoy your meal ,” I spat , brushing past them both . Let them choke on it .