The Mate He Hates

Amanda’s POV

I was going through some designs for a client when a knock came on my door. Inviting the person in, the door opened, and a maid entered, carrying a large white teddy bear bigger than Liam. My brow furrowed, and I stood up.

“Miss, this is for you,” the maid said, and I furrowed my brow. “From whom?” I asked, my excitement rising. I had always longed for such a gigantic teddy bear, especially for cuddling at night. In the past five years of loneliness, I often felt the need for someone or something to cuddle.

“I have no idea, miss. A delivery man brought it, and your name was on the note,” she replied, handing me a note, which I opened and read aloud. “Happy birthday, Amanda. I hope this teddy bear brings you the warmth and comfort you deserve. You’ve been through a lot, and I hope this brings a smile to your face. Always remember you are loved.”

I reread the note, staring at the beautiful teddy bear. “You can keep it on the bed, thank you,” I told the maid, who gently placed it on the bed before leaving.

Alone again, I looked at the bear and wondered who could have sent such a thoughtful gift. I considered Matthew, but he had already given me a set of expensive jewelries. Sophie had also gifted me a designer bag, and Liam had gifted me a bracelet. So who could it be?

As I pondered, realization suddenly hit me. It dawned on me that this was Alpha Edward’s doing-it could only be him. In fact, I was quite certain about it.

Realizing he was the one who had sent the gift, a frown appeared on my face as I stared at the expensive, gigantic bear. Liam must have mentioned my desire for a stuffed animal to Alpha Edward, prompting him to get it for me.

My mind swirled with thoughts about Alpha Edward and why he would send me such a personal gift. I didn’t want to accept it, yet I couldn’t deny the comfort the bear brought just by being in the room. I returned to my desk, attempting to focus on my designs, but my eyes kept drifting back to the bear.

A mix of gratitude and frustration filled me. Gratitude because someone cared enough to fulfil a small, meaningful desire of mine. Frustration because it was from Edward-it could have been anyone else, but not him.

Trying to refocus, I continued working until another knock interrupted me. I asked the person in and realized it was Beta Matthew.

“Amanda, I have good news,” Matthew said, placing an envelope in my hand. “The DNA results just came in, and they’re positive. We’re siblings!”

“This is incredible news!” I exclaimed, hugging him tightly. He hugged me back before pulling away.

“I can’t believe it, Amanda. You’re my sister-same blood runs through us.”

“I can’t believe it either,” I replied, wonder in my voice. “All those years of feeling like something was missing… and now this. It’s overwhelming but in the best way possible.”

Matthew’s eyes softened with a brotherly affection I had never experienced. “Amanda, you don’t have to feel alone anymore. You have me now. And we’ll figure everything out together.” He took both my hands and kissed them tenderly. Tears welled up in my eyes. “I need to take you to mother and father. Can you come with me this weekend?”

“Yes,” I answered without hesitation, excitement, and nervousness swirling within me at the thought of meeting my real family.

“Mother will be so happy to meet you,” Matthew said with relief while smiling at me. “I can’t wait to meet her, too,” I whispered.

We hugged again, longer this time. When he pulled away, his eyes fell on the teddy bear on the bed. “Wow, it’s big and beautiful,” he complimented.

“Yeah, but I think it’s a gift from Alpha Edward,” I murmured, frowning.

Matthew didn’t respond immediately; he simply stared at the stuffed animal for a long while before returning his gaze to me. “What do you think about Alpha Edward?” he asked, and I hesitated, unsure of what to say.

“Will you ever forgive him?” he inquired gently.

“No.” I cut him off without hesitation. “I won’t forgive him, brother. I see no reason to,” I murmured, seeing Matthew nod in understanding. “Then it’s alright. I will stand with you in whatever decision you make.”

“Thank you,” I flashed him a grateful smile.

“I have to run along, sister. Happy birthday,” he said, planting a kiss on my cheek. “Get dressed; I’ll take you out for dinner tonight.”

“Alright,” I smiled and watched him leave.

After he left, I stared at the teddy bear, yearning to cuddle it, but I restrained myself and returned to work. I remained in my room for hours before I decided to check on Liam. When I reached his room, I noticed he wasn’t there, and a servant informed me he had been seen with Alpha Edward.

I didn’t like the idea of them being alone together, but I brushed it off and went searching for them. After several minutes, I found them in the library-Liam was seated beside Alpha Edward, who held a book and was reading to him.

“Mother,” Liam noticed me. Alpha Edward looked up from the book, and our gazes locked briefly before I looked away.

“Come sit with us, Mother. Father was reading to me,” Liam said, tapping the space beside him. I forced a smile and took the seat, with Liam in the middle and Alpha Edward and me at each end.

“Continue, Father,” Liam urged, and Alpha Edward cleared his throat and resumed reading the book.

As he read, I couldn’t help but notice Alpha Edward’s soothing, alluring voice. He read each line with such perfection that I found myself captivated. His voice had a calm, almost mesmerizing quality, and as he continued reading to Liam, I begrudgingly acknowledged his ability to command attention effortlessly.

Despite not wanting to accept it, I couldn’t deny there was a compassionate and different side of Alpha Edward that I hadn’t seen five years ago.

Soon, Liam fell asleep, and Alpha Edward chuckled softly before planting a tender kiss on Liam’s forehead. “I should take him to his room,” I offered, moving to lift Liam in my arms, but Alpha Edward shook his head.

“Please, let me do it,” he pleaded in a tone I couldn’t refuse.

I watched him carefully carry Liam in his arms, and we left the library. Reaching Liam’s room, he gently placed Liam on the bed and tucked him in, while I just stood and watched. The sight before me stirred emotions inside me, but I shrugged it off and looked away.

“All set,” Alpha Edward said. I nodded and left the room. Walking through the hallway, I noticed he was right behind me; in fact, he was following me.

Frowning, I turned around and glared at him. “What do you want?” I asked, my voice laced with annoyance.

He remained silent for a moment before he spoke. “Did you like your gift?” he inquired, moving closer until our bodies were just inches apart.

“And what if I said I didn’t like it? Would you take it back?” I sneered.

Alpha Edward chuckled softly, his intense gaze unwavering as he looked down at me. I despised how his gaze always made my skin prickle.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Well, in that case, I suppose I’ll have to find you a better teddy bear,” he teased, his voice low and velvety, sending a shiver down my spine. “One you can cuddle with all night long.”

My cheeks flushed with irritation and something else I couldn’t quite place. I couldn’t deny the magnetic pull of his presence or the unexpected charm in his voice. Despite my efforts to walk away, his playful suggestion stirred a strange flutter in my chest.

“And what would that be?” I managed to ask, attempting to maintain my composure despite the sensations tingling through my body.

Edward’s eyes gleamed as he leaned in closer, his breath grazing my ear. “Me,” he murmured, and my breath hitched.