The Ruthless Alpha's Bride

My heart raced as I jolted awake, startled from my sleep. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks - I was completely naked. Embarrassment flooded my cheeks, and I frantically scanned the room for any clues to what had happened.

"Damn it!" I exclaimed, frustration lacing my words.

"What have you done, Bella?" I scolded myself, my voice filled with disbelief.

Beside me lay a man, his back turned towards me. I had no recollection of who he was or how we ended up here. Slowly, the memories of last night began to resurface - the bar, the drinks, and his invitation to join him. In my desperation to escape the pain of my father's betrayal, I had foolishly agreed.

"No, this can't be real," I muttered, struggling to accept the truth.

A sinking feeling settled in my chest. I had thrown myself at a complete stranger, acting recklessly and without caution. Anxiety twisted in my stomach as I carefully slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb him. My hands trembled as I hastily dressed, grabbing my clothes from the floor.

As I grabbed my purse and made my way towards the door, shame and regret washed over me. I had made a colossal mistake, and now I had to figure out how to live with the consequences.

Returning home, I was met with my mother's familiar scolding. However, this time, I couldn't bear to listen. My mind was consumed by the events of the day. Brushing past her, I hurried to my room, desperate to escape her judgment.

"Is this what you've become?" she asked, her anger evident in her voice.

"You don't even want to hear me out anymore. Always coming home in the early hours of the morning!" she added, her words laced with disappointment.

"Where did you sleep last night?!" she asked again, her forehead creasing with concern.

"Mom, please, not now," I replied firmly, shutting the door to my room.

"Stubborn!" I heard her exclaim.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and hurriedly made my way to the bathroom. I needed to feel clean and safe again. Turning on the shower, I stepped in, letting the hot water wash away the dirt and the memories from last night.

"I hope I never have to see him again," I whispered to myself, recalling what had happened.

Closing my eyes, I let the water cascade over my body, hoping it would wash away the lingering touch of his hands. But no matter how hard I scrubbed, I still felt tainted.

I wanted to forget, but the memories persisted, haunting my mind. It felt like hours had passed before I finally stepped out of the shower, yet the water had done little to ease my troubled thoughts. Wrapping myself in a towel, I quickly got dressed.

"Bella, let's have lunch now. Don't be stubborn!" my mom called from outside my room.

"I'm coming, mom," I replied, ready to face the world once again.

I stepped out of my room and caught sight of my mother setting the table with food.

"Shall we dig in?" she invited cheerfully.

Without uttering a word, I quietly took my seat.

"Bella, is something bothering you?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on me.

"Nothing," I replied curtly.

"Why do you refuse to heed our advice?" she asked, shaking her head.

"You always come home in the morning. Where did you spend the night?" she questioned.

"Mom, let's not discuss that anymore. I'm sorry, alright?" I pleaded, taking a deep breath.

"You're mature enough to know right from wrong, so I hope you'll make better choices," she said, her words hanging in the air.

I held my breath, contemplating her words. I knew I hadn't been the best daughter, constantly disappointing them. But what about my father, the one who betrayed us?

"You can't take away my worries just because you're my mother," she asserted firmly.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and I knew it was my father. My mother quickly got up and opened the door.

"Hello, my beautiful wife," he greeted with a smile.

"Where have you been? You're already late, sweetheart," my mother pouted.

"Sweetheart, I went to the flower shop to buy this for you," my father said, his voice filled with sweetness.

I couldn't help but feel angry at his words to mom. He was such a cheater and a liar. My father knew how to say all the right things, but his actions were full of deceit. That's why I don't take men seriously; I want to play with their hearts, just like my father did to my mother.

"Anyway, how was your day, daughter?" he asked me gently.

I had no choice but to pretend that everything was okay after what happened to me last night. But my mother interrupted and informed him that I had just come home this morning.

"I'm good," I replied, keeping my answer brief.

"Where were you last night, daughter?" my father asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

I didn't want to remember it, but he insisted on asking, so I lied to him. I told him I was with my friends last night, even though the truth was that I had slept with a stranger.

I despised him for asking me questions as if he genuinely cared. He had no right to question me after all.

"Sweetheart, just let her enjoy her time with her friends. She's old enough, so stop trying to control her," my father said.

"I'm not trying to control her. I just want what's best for her," my mother insisted.

"I understand where you're coming from, but it's important to keep an open mind," my father explained, trying to reason with me.

"Dad, mom, enough with this argument," I said, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

Just as the tension was rising, my phone started ringing. It was Erica, my friend. I quickly answered the call, excusing myself from the conversation with my parents.

"Hey, Sofia. Another night out?" Erica asked, curious about my plans.

"Yeah, but there's something I need to tell you," I replied, hinting at a secret.

"What is it? You've got me intrigued," she said eagerly.

"I'll fill you in later," I said, keeping her in suspense.

"Alright then. See you later. Bye!" she said before ending the call.

In the evening, I bid farewell to my parents once again, and this time, my father managed to convince my mother to let me have my way. I needed a break from all the burdens and problems in my life.

"Take care, my daughter. Just remember to stay within your limits, okay?" my mother reminded me.

"Got it. Bye, mom!" I said, giving them a final goodbye.

As I arrived at the bar, I immediately called Sofia to find out where she was. The thought of the guy I had been with the previous night lingered in my mind, and I desperately wanted to avoid him. I couldn't explain the mix of emotions I was feeling.

"Come inside," Sofia told me, ending the call.

My heart raced as I stepped into the bar, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. I scanned the room, searching for Sofia, frustration building as I realized I had no idea what she looked like. I dialed her number again, only to be met with silence on the other end. Feeling restless, I decided to order a shot of whiskey to ease my impatience while I waited.

Suddenly, a cold voice from behind startled me, causing me to turn around. There stood a man with black wavy hair, piercing brown eyes, a pointed nose, and pinkish lips. He was undeniably handsome, and I couldn't help but be captivated by his appearance. However, there was something about his face that felt strangely familiar, causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Do you still remember what happened last night?" he asked, his tone serious.