My Mate Chose My Best Friend, So His Uncle Claimed Me novel Chapter 33

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In the middle night of the party, my eyes caught Romina standing beside Lilith, conversing with each other. They looked perfectly at ease with each other, looking like their bond as future mother–in–law and daughter–in–law.

Lilith’s smile was demure, her posture flawless. She really knew how to please others and looked elegant, which easily charmed

Romina’s heart.

My throat tightened. Romina, Redmund’s mother. And Lilith, her future daughter–in–law…

If only the wound of betrayal were still fresh, I would definitely be depressed that Romina seemed like Lilith, even though she wasn’t even Redmund’s mate. I would even wish that I were in Lilith’s position, talking to Romina.

I snapped back to my thoughts when Redmund approached them, approaching his mother as he kissed her on her cheek. Romina smiled and opened her mouth as she gestured her hand toward Lilith as if she wanted to share the conversation she had with her.

Redmund showed his perfect set of white teeth, his hazel eyes gleamed with pride as he drew closer to Lilith, putting his hand on her back.

I couldn’t hear their conversation from where I stood, but I didn’t need to. The way his hand lingered at Lilith’s back, the way Romina’s expression softened… Words didn’t need to let me know what they were talking about.

Watching from the corner, Redmund pointed toward the gallery above.

My gaze followed.

There, in the upper gallery, Lucretius stood with Lorenzo. The two brothers conversed apart from the noise of the party. It looked like they were reminiscing about their good old times. But when Redmund gestured toward them, I felt my chest tighten. His lips curved in the kind of smile that promised nothing good.

I watched the three of them going to the gallery. The way Lorenzo turned his head to them and smiled when they approached them. Redmund, having a pride written on his face, said something that earned his father a chuckle, causing Romina to cling to

his arm.

Lucretius, on the other hand, was watching quietly, but Redmund wouldn’t dare to leave him off as he gently pushed Lilith to

face him.

If I were to read Redmund’s mouth forming words from afar, it seemed like he said to Lucretius, “Uncle, meet Lilith. I know you already met her.”

That was when I finally averted my gaze, shaking my head. I had come to terms with the confrontation with Redmund earlier, but seeing him happy with Lilith now was making me feel bitter.

They didn’t deserve it. They really didn’t deserve to be in this situation.

I distracted myself by looking in the crowds, trying to find some people I knew, but it was deemed impossible, because none of them was known to me. I only recognized a few high–ranking military officers, but a mere assistant like me wouldn’t dare to approach them.

I debated whether to head back to my quarters after spending three hours here, waiting for the signal to change into my second dress. All I had done so far was indulge in pastries, buffet items, and desserts. The music was decent, but the party was wearing me out, even though I wasn’t the one celebrating a birthday.

To me, this party was… mediocre and boring for a commoner like me.

With a sigh, I finally decided to excuse myself, turning toward the quieter corner of the hall to make my way out.

But just as I turned, I collided with someone. And at the same time, a gasp left my lips when I felt something cold splashing across the front of my dress, trickling down my skin.

Chapter 33 The Big Night

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That made me freeze, staring at the stain spreading on the delicate fabric.

“Euphie?”

I looked up upon hearing that familiar feminine tone. It was Lilith, standing before me. My eyes darted to the glass in her hand, now empty, as her wide eyes reflected pure shock.

For a moment, I could only stare back, my heart pulsating so fast. Memories of our laughter as best friends for years clashed violently with the bitterness of betrayal.

Lilith’s lips trembled before she spoke, “Oh, Moon Goddess, I am so sorry. I didn’t see you there.” Her voice sounded soft and graceful, almost too perfect as she reached out with a napkin offered by a passing servant, dabbing delicately at my dress.

But the way her hand lingered just long enough made my stomach twist.

I took a step back, offering a small smile. “Thank you, but there’s no need.”

I thought that there was no chance that I would be colliding with her, but the world was so small. Wasn’t she with Redmund earlier? Why was she alone now?

Her gaze flicked up to mine, looking concerned. “No, no. What a shame… on such a beautiful gown, too.” Her smile was small, almost sympathetic, but I knew that smile.

I had seen it countless times before when she hid her true thoughts behind her charm. We were friends for years. Although I had failed to see that she had a hidden hatred of me when I learned that Redmund was my mate, it wouldn’t escape me that Lilith was a two–faced bitch.

“And the fabric looks precious. Where did you get it? Did you buy it?” Lilith asked, her tone smeared with curiosity, but her eyes gleamed as if she already knew the answer. “Oh, do not bother. I know you can’t afford one.”

I almost arched my eyebrow at what she said. Her words were honey on the surface, but they were laced with venom underneath.

I almost scoffed.

The Lilith I knew as my closest friend would never have dared to say such a thing aloud. But then again, that Lilith was long gone. To me, she was already dead.

A hollow chuckle escaped from my lips. “Strange. For someone who claims to know me so well, you still underestimate me.” Then, I drew out a sweet smile to mask my emotions.

Lilith fluttered her eyelids before she learned closer, lowering her voice so only I could hear. “Oh, Euphie,” she murmured sweetly, “I don’t underestimate you. I simply know where you belong.”

I didn’t break eye contact with her, not giving her the satisfaction of seeing me flinch. But it really hurt me to see that we used to be close, not that we were foes.

The irony… Because of one man, our friendship was torn apart.

I straightened my back, pleasantly smiling. “Then you’ll be disappointed, Lilith. Because I’ve never been the type to stay where others expect me to fit in.”

Her lips twitched. For a moment, something flashed across her eyes. Perhaps irritation, maybe even anger. But she quickly

concealed it behind her.

“Oh, how bold you’ve become. All I remember is you’re a timid one.” Her eyes drifted on the empty glass as if she was referring it to me. She tilted it slightly, closing one eye to peer at me through the glass. “I suppose serving under Commander Lucretius gives you a certain… confidence.”

I almost squinted my eyes when I sensed bitterness in her tone. Before I could talk back, a firm, baritone voice disrupted us.

“Lady Euphyllia.”

Chapter 33. The Big Night

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Lilith and I both turned our heads and saw Horace approaching us, his face was expressionless. As he came to a stop in front of us, he gave Lilith a brief nod before locking his eyes on me.

“You’re needed,” he stated without blinking. “According to Alpha Lucretius‘ orders.” Then, he gestured his hand towards the

hallway.

I almost gasped at that moment, but it was a good thing I was able to compose myself, trying to act as if it was just nothing.

I smoothed the front of my damp dress, replying calmly, “I see.” I glanced at Lilith, who had an unreadable expression. “Duty calls.” Then, I followed Horace after that.

As I walked away, I could still feel her stare on my back. It felt like a dagger piercing through the fabric.

“Is it time already?” I asked meaningfully as we were on our way upstairs.

Horace nodded. “Yes, my lady,” he replied politely.

When we reached the quarters, the familiar maids from earlier were still there waiting, standing in a row as if they hadn’t moved an inch since a while ago.

As soon as Horace excused himself and closed the door behind him, they approached me.

“Luna,” one of them curtsied. “Let’s prepare for your second gown. Sir Horace said we’re to call him when you’re ready.”

My eyes flew to the ivory gown resting on my bed. It had been sitting there since forever, looking so eager to be worn by me.

I turned to them, nodding. “Let’s.”

They had prepared me another bath with the same lavender scent. Gone was the stickiness of the damp gown sticking to my thighs and legs, and was replaced by the soft fabric of the second gown.

While the maids were helping me out, I couldn’t help but let my mind drift to what was about to happen later.

Tonight… was the night Lucretius would expose our relationship to everyone. The night when everything would begin to change.

It was about to happen. And as each second passed by, I could feel my heart going wild and my hands going clammy.

My hands were trembling when they fastened the pearls at my back, adjusted the sleeves, and pinned my hair with intricate silver ornaments. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, blinking in awe as I almost didn’t recognize the woman looking back.

Was this really me? I looked like the wife of a nobleman and a Luna of a pack!

My look from earlier was very far from what I look like right now.

I looked like… a different person.

When the last ribbon was tied, a knock echoed from the door.

“Come in,” I said softly.

Horace stepped in, bowing before me. His presence looked commanding as always. And this time, he approached me and extended his hand with a small velvet box.

“Alpha Lucretius instructed that you wear this,” he said, opening it carefully.

It was the family heirloom wedding ring of the Franciosa bloodline… the one I had worn yesterday and returned it to Lucretius.

A sigh left my lips as I reached for it, wearing it back to my left hand on my ring finger. Gulping, the fascination never left in me as the deep amber gemstone was glimmering before me.

“Welcome back…” I muttered to the ring, inaudible to everyone. My heart was thundering in my chest. All of a sudden, I felt like

backing out.

Chapter 33 The Big Night

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When I finally looked up, Horace was watching quietly. “It suits you, my lady,” he said, bowing. “Come. Alpha will call for you

soon.”

I glanced at the ring again before nodding and following him outside. My heels were clacking on the floor as we went to another room where the window door was slightly open.

That was the moment I noticed Lucretius standing alone on the gallery, lifting his flute glass high before tapping its base using a dinner knife to draw everyone’s focus.

“Please stay here,” Horace said in a whisper, gently pulling the curtain to cover me, and I just nodded.

“I would like to thank everyone for coming to my post–birthday party,” Lucretius began, his deep voice reverberating across the

hall.

The crowd had gradually become quietened at once. I slowly heaved out a sigh as this was it. Lucretius had begun his speech.

“It is such an honor that you have taken part in celebrating my 40th birthday. And it is my honor that I will share with all of you that this celebration isn’t just for my birthday, but I wish to add more blessings.”

He paused, glancing across the sea of crowds below him. His expression was stoic while the crowds were anticipating what he was about to say next.

“Many of you may already know,” Lucretius continued, “that since I turned eighteen, I have not been blessed by the Moon Goddess to meet my fated mate.”

My heart skipped a beat. I stiffened behind the curtain, my fingers tightening around the fabric.

Dear Moon Goddess… It was finally here…

“For years, I have lived with that truth. I have served my pack, our country, for our Alpha King, and fulfilled my duties without complaint. Yet through all those years, fate never saw fit to grant me what others call destiny.”

A wave of murmurs rippled through the guests below. I could almost picture the disbelief, the curiosity, the pity on their faces.

“Now that I have reached forty,” he said, his tone calm yet laced with something heavier, “I no longer wait for such miracles. Once, I believed that some things were meant to be. But time has taught me that fate is not always merciful, and that perhaps it is up to us to shape it.”

His words lingered in the air like a quiet rebellion.

My pulse quickened. I had known what he planned to do tonight, but hearing it from his lips, in front of everyone, felt different.

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