The Day He Knelt, I Married a Don Novel

---- Chapter 2 Chloe's most hated thing was Tessa's indifferent expression, like she didn't care about anything. "You've never cared about me," Chloe snapped. "Ever since we were kids, it's always been this way." "But how can you not respect Mom and Dad?" She spoke as though defending Liam and Audrey. Before Tessa could respond, Ryan, sitting nearby, spoke first. "Don't be upset, Chloe. Tessa didn't mean it." "Don't hold it against her," he added, his voice gentle. Ryan's first words weren't meant to defend Tessa, but to comfort Chloe. This wasn't the first time.

He knew exactly what to say to calm Chloe down. The thousands of messages on his phone all expressed his love for Chloe. Tessa felt stupid, stupid for not realizing sooner that he had a secret account. ---- Everything on that finsta was about Chloe. His Instagram, his lock screen background-everything was devoid of her. It was as if they had never loved each other at all. Not only did Ryan know how to soothe Chloe, but he also knew how to win over Alpha Liam and Luna Audrey.

Not just because he was tall, handsome, and had been top of his class in Alpha training for several years, but also because he was the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack-a perfect son-in-law to strengthen pack relations. Liam and Audrey were soon smiling, their cold demeanor disappearing, and they turned to Tessa. "Alright, sit down. Alpha Ryan is your mate. You're so lucky," they said. Ryan smiled happily at Tessa after the compliment. But what he didn't know was that Tessa hated his sycophantic smile more than anything.

She didn't look up at him, but her peripheral vision caught the sight of his hand, subtly intertwined with Chloe's under the table. ---- She immediately lifted her head, a lump forming in her throat. She couldn't find the words, only feeling a sharp ache in her chest as she mechanically continued to eat, pretending like nothing was wrong. She fought to keep her emotions in check, not wanting anyone to see how hurt she was. Her thoughts briefly drifted to the cruise ship's arrival date. Soon, she'd be able to leave this man, this suffocating home, and the pack that didn't care for her.

Early the next morning, Ryan woke her up, and as he leaned in to kiss her, she quickly turned her head to avoid him. "What's wrong?" Ryan, beaming with excitement, pulled her into a tight hug. "Did you forget? We're going to try on wedding dresses today!" Tessa froze, the events of the past few days so overwhelming that she couldn't immediately process his words. She nodded softly. They still had a week until their wedding. ---- "Pve been waiting so long for this day, babe. Finally, we can seal the mate bond." Even the date for the mating ceremony had been chosen by Chloe.

It seemed like she could never escape Chloe. Since the day they were both adopted from the orphanage, Chloe had never accepted the idea of having two Alpha daughters in the pack. She had never intended to keep it that way. She wanted to be the one and only Alpha's daughter. She had been actively targeting Tessa, scheming and framing her in many ways. Tessa watched Ryan silently, her gaze cold. She had already made up her mind-on. their wedding day, she would give them a "surprise." Ryan looked so happy as he smiled at her. He was genuinely delighted.

But was he happy because Tessa was finally becoming his Luna? Or because he had achieved his goal with Chloe? Maybe it didn't matter anymore. When they arrived at the wedding dress shop, Tessa was shocked to see Chloe there. ---- At first glance, Chloe was wearing the wedding dress that Tessa had ordered and custom-made. Without asking for Tessa's approval, Chloe had put it on, grinning happily as she posed in front of the mirror. Ryan walked over, admiring her. His gaze lingered, and he couldn't hide his appreciation.

"Wow, Chloe, you look beautiful." Chloe smiled shyly, lowering her eyes, as though they were the ones about to get married. "Tessa, do you mind if I try on your wedding dress? It should be fine, right?" "Pm so envious that you're about to become the Luna of the Slivermoon pack. Unlike me, our parents won't let me be the Luna of any other pack-they only want me to be the Luna of ours." Not just the dress, but this man-everything could be hers. Ryan stared at Chloe, his gaze fixed on her with admiration. "Chloe is so cute.

Liam and Audrey probably can't bear to let you leave the pack." ---- It sounded like a polite comment, but it was heartfelt praise. Tessa felt disgust rise within her. She looked at Chloe with cold eyes. "Are you done wearing it? Take it off."