The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 518

Chapter 518: BETRAYAL

Candy slammed the door of her chamber so hard the hinges rattled. She pressed her back against the wood, her chest heaving. Her fists were balled tight, her nails cutting crescents into her palms.

That woman. That cursed, unchanging woman.

For a brief second on that balcony, when Cherry’s mouth was on hers and her laughter spilled against her neck, Candy had foolishly allowed herself to believe, just for one heartbeat, that Cherry had chosen her.

That maybe the exile years and the crown obsession had dulled her hunger. That maybe she wanted a home, a partner, a chance at something other than endless schemes.

But Cherry hadn’t changed.

No. She never would.

Candy stormed across the room, knocking over a vase on the low table.

It shattered, scattering water and petals across the carpet, but she didn’t care. She wanted the destruction. She wanted something to break as easily as her heart had.

Cherry had dismissed her, sneered at the idea of walking away. The crown mattered more than Candy’s love, more than their shared memories, more than the years Candy had been foolish enough to carry a torch for her.

And now Cherry wanted Amara.

The thought made Candy’s stomach turn. Amara, young, ambitious, beautiful. Fresh blood. A pawn Cherry would move across the board until she was either broken or discarded.

Candy had once been that pawn. She had once been the "darling" that Cherry had used and abandoned for her greater goals.

Not again.

Candy paced back and forth, her anger rising. A dangerous thought slid into her mind like a dagger unsheathed. What if I go to the Queen?

Rose. Regal, merciless Rose. Cherry’s sister.

The idea sent a sharp thrill through her veins. What punishment would Rose deliver if she knew her treacherous sibling was plotting? What chains would she bind Cherry with? What exquisite suffering would she create for the woman who had mocked Candy’s devotion?

It would be justice, Candy told herself. It would be deserved.

But deep beneath her anger, regret twisted. Part of her still loved Cherry, perhaps always would. And that love felt like a noose tightening around her neck.

She pressed her hands to her face and sank into the chair by the window. The moonlight spilled across her, painting her skin pale and cold. Her heart warred with her pride.

If Cherry thought she could play with Candy’s heart and win, she was mistaken.

A decision hardened within her. She would not sit idle. She would not let Cherry consume Amara the way she had consumed her.

And so, Candy sent for Amara.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Amara entered with the silent grace of a predator who knew she was watched. Her eyes, wide and deceptively innocent, flickered with curiosity as she stepped into the chamber.

"You called for me again?" Amara asked, tilting her head ever so slightly.

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