True Alpha’s Chosen Mate

Chapter 106 – [Bonus ]Just A Bit

"Now that I see you, I really missed a lot here, huh?" Hugo chuckled as he gazed at the woman embracing him. I disliked it — whether or not I wanted this feeling — but I knew Hugo. Everyone seemed to like him and I knew he liked them all equally. 

"You've grown taller a little, but still a shorty," he teased playfully while stroking the woman's head. "It's nice to see you, though, Adelia."

Adelia blushed as she pouted. "I've grown taller. I already passed your shoulders."

"Still shorter than me." He grinned before placing his hands on Adelia's arms to take it away from him. "Anyway, since it seems everyone is gathered here to welcome your selfish lord. I would like to be more selfish and use this opportunity to introduce you to someone."

Hugo stood beside me, and the attention naturally shifted to me. He held my shoulder, pulling me closer to his side.

"This is Rinnie, my fiance, the luna of the pack, the future grand duchess, and my future wife." I glanced at him and heaved a sigh of relief at seeing his proud smile. "Treat her kindly and with the utmost respect. I will not tolerate anyone who will try to harm her, disrespect her, or even talk behind her back. Understood?"

Shock dominated their faces as they looked at me with wide eyes. I felt like shrinking as silence enveloped the entire entrance hall. Was that the proper introduction he was saying? Although I appreciated Hugo's thoughtfulness, was the warning at the end necessary?

"Oh, good lord!" Nana was the first to react, clasping her hand excitedly. I fought the urge to take a step back when she suddenly approached me in high spirits.

"Did you really meet your Luna?" she glared at Hugo once again. "Your Grace! Now I am even more disappointed in you! How can you return with our Luna without a word? This needs a bigger celebration than a simple banquet!" 

"Nana… Rinnie is still tired. We can have the celebration later once Rinnie adjusted to Belcoot."

"Your Grace, congratulation on your engagement. No wonder you've been smiling more!" Nathan patted Hugo's shoulder lightly, clearly proud of him.

One after another, everyone approached Hugo to congratulate him and then to welcome me with a kind smile. Nana even held my hand while in tears, thanking me for accepting Hugo. Of course, the uncomfortable compliments they showered me with were present. Fortunately, I went to the capital first, so I was a bit immune and reacted accordingly. 

Amid this joyous occasion, I felt someone's glare. I shifted my eyes and instantly caught Adelia's sharp eyes. She looked at me with hostility, like I was her arched enemy. No one noticed as she would constantly smile at others, but every time our eyes meet, a glint would flicker across from it. 

'Does she hate me because she likes Hugo and she thinks I snatched him away?' I wondered while smiling at Nana and holding her hand. "Thank you, Nana. I feel very welcomed."

I didn't dislike Adelia. What I disliked was her action towards Hugo, but it was neither their fault. Unlike them, who knew him even before, I was someone who just entered Hugo's life. Hence, I wanted to be understanding. However, it seemed Adelia and I didn't share the same point of view. 

'Not my problem.' My smile remained as Hugo held my shoulder again.

"Nana, I'll take Rinnie to our room first. We will join you later in the banquet." Hugo grinned, unaware of Adelia's one-sided glaring battle. I didn't mean to spite her by smiling gently at Hugo, as it was out of habit. 

"Alright, my lady. Please wait patiently. We will surely prepare a lot more!" Nana reluctantly released my hand with a kind smile before sporting a firm countenance once her eyes met Hugo. "Your Grace, be sure to be there at the dinner banquet. Everyone is thrilled to have a drink with you. Also, it would also be nice for everyone to meet Her Grace."

"Yes, yes. Rinrin and I will be there. We will just rest for now, alright?" he sighed, turning his head in my direction. "Let's rest first, alright?" 

"Mhmm. I'll see you later, Nana."

"Yes, my lady. We will call for you and his grace once everything is prepared."

Hugo told everyone he would rest first and join them later. He then held my hand as we walked away, eyes on me as he asked me if I was alright — his usual questions since he disliked it if I was uncomfortable. So, I reassured him with a smile. Before we left, I looked back to see that everyone was already scattered in a hurry to prepare for the dinner banquet. But my eyes lingered more on Adelia, who was staring at us — at me with bitterness. 

'She really dislikes me,' I thought, peeling my eyes away from her. 'How sad.'

For me, as long as Adelia wouldn't hurt me, I would pretend I didn't know she disliked me. I was already working on myself, on my own growth. Thus, I wouldn't let just anyone who disliked me before knowing me to be a hindrance to that growth. 

"Hugo, this place is nice," I said while we marched through the hallway, catching Hugo's attention. "And it's warmer."

"Of course, our body heat is enough to keep this place warm."

"There's no fireplace?"

"There is. I'm kidding, Rinrin."

"Hugh…"

"Kidding, my Bambi." Hugo playfully bent over and raised his hand across my shoulder to pull me close. "We'll rest first with some milk and snacks. I'll show you around… tomorrow. I don't want to go to the banquet."

I chuckled while looking up. "Nana said we have to."

"Uh…" he rolled his eyes while I giggled. Hugo seemed to truly hate banquets, even though it was for him. Staring at his dead expression triggered me to tease him for a bit.

"Your favorite will be there," I said, and he furrowed his brows. 

"Of course, you will be there, so I am coming."

"Your first favorite." I poked the side of his stomach. "Adelia."

His brows rose. "Huh?"

"What do you mean, 'huh?'" I arched a brow. 

"Rinrin, are you jealous?"

"No."

"Eh… you are jealous of that child?" Hugo tried to wrap his arms around me, but I backed away on instinct. "Bambi, why…? No hug?"

I shook my head. "No hug."

"Wait, really? You're jealous?" Instead of panic, the side of his lips stretched from ear to ear. "My Bambi is jealous? I feel somehow giddy. Show me how you become jealous."

I hopped a step back. "I'm not jealous." Hugo grinned evilly, and before I knew it, he swept me off of my feet and carried me in his arms. 

"Come on, Rinrin. Let me take a look." I slapped his chest and frowned, looking away to hide my face. "So cute."

"Alright. I admit it. Maybe…. I was a bit jealous — just a bit!"