Page 31 of The Alpha King’s Hidden Mute Mate

She was his true love. Then what was I?

A mistake. A mistake that needed to be hidden.

I watched them exchange vows at the altar. I watched the priest wind silver ribbons around their wrists.

The guests rose and applauded, cheers deafening.

I stood in the corner with my tray, feeling like a speck of dust forgotten in the shadows.

After the ceremony came the banquet. I was assigned to the dessert station, cutting cake for guests. The silver knife was large, its blade reflecting the chandelier light, slicing through layers of cream and fruit. One cut, then another. I repeated the motion mechanically, my mind blank.

"Give me the biggest piece."

I looked up.

Leah stood before me, holding an empty plate, wearing that smile that made me want to smash cake in her face. She'd changed into another gown, deep purple velvet, the neckline cut low, exposing pale skin.

I cut a piece of cake and placed it on her plate.

"Thank you." She lowered her voice, leaning closer. "You know what? You did well today. I was worried you'd cause a scene. Turns out you know your place after all."

I didn't respond.

Just gripped that silver knife, knuckles white.

After the banquet, I stopped her in the corridor.

The guests had dispersed. Servants were cleaning up. Leah was heading to her room, carrying her bouquet, humming a tune.

I grabbed her wrist.

She turned. Seeing it was me, her smile faded. "What?"

I gestured. It was you. You put something in the soup, then framed me.

She stared at my hands for a few seconds, then laughed. That laugh made my stomach turn—not guilty, not ashamed, but condescending and pitying.

"Do you have proof?" she said, her voice light, like soothing a child who didn't understand. "You're mute. You can't even defend yourself. And me—"

She spread her arms, turning in a circle. "I'm his bride. I'm this country's Luna. I wrote a song that moved him to tears."

That song was mine. I screamed inside. But you stole it. You stole everything from me.

Why did you become like this?

I gestured, my fingers trembling with rage. We used to be friends. You were the only person I trusted.

She looked at my hands, silent for several seconds. Then she dropped the smile, her expression turning serious and cold—that seriousness more heartbreaking than any expression before.

"Because I want the best of everything," she said, her tone flat as stating a fact. "And you, Mia—you were in my way."

She turned and left, her heels clicking on the marble floor, echoing through the empty corridor. One click, then another, like a funeral bell.

I stood there, watching her receding figure, still clutching the hem of that gray maid's dress.

At the end of the corridor, a window stood open. Night wind blew in, extinguishing the candle beside me.

Darkness closed in.