Ariel POV

"This doesn't make sense, Miss. I don't want to. This is dangerous. I'm scared. I don't want to lie to anyone. If I get caught, then I'll be put to death!"

I've never gotten such a crazy offer in my life. And this was the most ridiculous and dangerous thing I had ever faced.

"If you keep quiet, then everything is fine. This is a great opportunity." Ms. Nadine began to influence me.

"Look at yourself. You're poor and unattractive, and your life is miserable. You said you were kicked out of your home. You automatically have nowhere to go. If you agree to my offer, you will become Luna. Isn't that exciting? Lucian is An Alpha. He is great, Alpha!”"

I shook my head. "But I don't know anything about it. I never went to school. You and I are in different worlds. No one would believe I was you. You're beautiful, elegant, and educated. They'll know in a heartbeat that I'm not the real Nadine. No, Miss. I don't want to."

"If you don't want to, you can ask the guards to arrest you. You must have no identity. With you looking like this, no one will believe you. If I confess to my dad that you tried to steal from me, then you will also be punished."

"Miss, why are you acting like that? I have nothing to do with your life. Why are you forcing me? What's wrong if you marry the Alpha you've been set up with."

"I have my own life. I don't want to marry a man I don't love. I can't afford to live like that."

"But what about me, Miss?"

"You'll be fine. As long as you're playing the role of Nadine, I'll go abroad. I'm not coming back anymore. I choose my freedom in life. You have to be me."

What should I do? This is a golden opportunity. I have nothing and no one. At least I could have a place to live, but I don't know what this woman named Nadine is like. She must have had a good upbringing. Her family loves her.

Nadine took my hand. She looked at me intently.

"I am begging you. I would be very grateful if you would accept my offer. You have nothing to lose. I just want to be free of the Pack and live with the man I love, not be set up with someone I don't know."

I'm confused, but I have a choice. Tonight, I don't know where to sleep.

"But we have different characters, Miss. How will they not be suspicious?"

Nadine smiled as if my question was no big deal.

"Leave it to me. Next week the wedding will take place. The day before, I'll be away from this Pack. So, before that, I will make you like me. You just need to learn. You do as I ask. Do you understand?"

I was nervous, but I just nodded. Although I don't know if I'll live in heaven or hell, I hope I can really live better after this. At least I can eat and have a free place to live without any more atrocities committed by my uncle's family.

"Alright, but you should promise that no one will know about my identity, Miss."

"That means you have to act the role very well. I'll teach you before I leave."

***

A week had passed since Nadine's offer to me. Now, I was in my wedding dress and standing in front of the mirror. Odeth, the maid who should have always served Nadine, now served me.

For five days, Nadine taught me how to walk, wear clothes, and even talk like her. Honestly, it was hard for me. She was like a moon that was hard to reach. The life she lived was so different from mine, but I tried to do it until I was good at it. I even struggled to memorize all of Nadine's habits and what she liked, including her favorite foods and anything that made me like her.

The man who will marry me is Alpha Lucian Xavier from the Black Hole Pack. The most mysterious and secretive Pack in Andalace, where we live. Andalace is like a country that is divided into several pack territories. And Black Hole Pack is a pack that is difficult to approach. I heard that this Pack is very big and powerful. However, the leader, Alpha Lucian, is known to have a bad temper, and no one dares to approach him. Nadine said Shadow Moon Pack's situation is not good, so they need an alliance with another stronger pack. Only Black Hole Pack is willing to help but with a marriage bond.

"Darling!"

Alpha Kentz Wedrick's voice sounded loud but also warm as he approached me. He hugged me as if I were his biological daughter. I had never been hugged like this, so I felt so comfortable.

"Lucian has come... we're starting the wedding.

I swallowed. I wasn't prepared. Nadine had left the day before. Now, I was completely alone. What if it all came out? I had to act well. I just hoped that everything would go well.

"Okay, Dad," I replied in one breath.

Alpha Kentz led me to the wedding altar. I walked with my arm around him. When we arrived at the altar, a man with a sharp gaze, a muscular body, and a handsome face stood wearing a black suit and a flower in his pocket. Is he Alpha Lucian? He was handsome. Why won't Nadine accept him as a husband? I don't know, but I heard he has a bad character. There are rumors that he has a contagious disease, but he seems to be doing well.

When Alpha Kentz handed me over to him. I suddenly felt a strong feeling and scent. I looked at Alpha Lucian. He was also looking at me. It was a bond that formed naturally.

I couldn't believe it. Alpha Lucian is my mate? So this is my destiny? We didn't have time to talk to each other because the wedding ceremony was about to take place. After the vows, he pulled my body a little roughly. He looked at me intently. I was shocked. His gaze was horrifying. He sniffed my neck. The guests expected us to kiss before them, but that wasn't it.

"Don't expect me to take you as a wife. I'm marrying you for a few interests only. So, let's make this quick."

Alpha Lucian kissed me. This was my first kiss with a man, who was my mate. But I didn't feel any pleasure because he kissed me roughly and didn't respect me at all.