Chapter 137
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Linda, who stammered and looked around, trying to gather herself. 1… I didn’t know it was yours, Miss Josiah!” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “A friend gave it to me. I thought it was–well, I thought it was just a gift.”
Your “friend*?” Josiah’s lips curled into a tight smile, one that held no warmth. “Do you mean the friend who’s also a maid in my household? The same maid I trusted with this gown, who told me she sent it for cleaning and never returned it?”
Linda’s face went ashen, her hands clutching the sides of the dress as if it could somehow shield her from the accusations flying her way.
Christina cleared her throat, trying to break the tension. “Miss Josiah, it’s just a dress. Surely there’s no need to get upset over it.”
Josiah’s gaze flicked over to Christina, her eyes flashing with irritation. “Just a dress? On what grounds should I let this go, Christina?” She cast a hard look at Linda. “This gown wasn’t just borrowed–it was taken without permission and paraded around as if it were hers, to make an impression here.”
Christina stepped forward, her expression smug as she wrapped an arm around Linda.
“Miss Josiah, I’m sure Linda didn’t mean any harm. Besides, she’s with Lirian now–his girlfriend, actually. I don’t think she would need to ‘borrow‘ anything without asking, given her connection to the Alpha. It’s clear she’s not vain.”
Josiah’s eyes widened, then darted toward me with a look of confusion. “Lirian? “My cousin Lirian? Linda, you’re his girlfriend?”
Linda plastered on a smile, nodding eagerly. “Yes, didn’t Sophia tell you? Lirian and I… well, we’re very close.”
My stomach twisted. This wasn’t just a lie; it was a full–blown fabrication. But before I could protest, my phone suddenly buzzed in my hand, the screen lighting up with Lirian’s name. The unexpected sight made my heart pound.
Could this finally be him, ready to give me some answers?*
The tension in the room grew palpable as Josiah narrowed her eyes at Linda, her voice dripping with accusation. “You’re faking it, Linda. All of it. You have no right to wear my dress, let alone to spread lies about Lirian.”
Chapter 137
Linda’s eyes flashed, and she stood her ground, her voice defensive but unwavering. “I never claimed to be some high–born lady, Josiah. I didn’t know the dress was yours, and I’ve never lied about being with Lirian. Last time everyone saw us together! Are you really making a fuss over a
dress?”
She smirked, her confidence undiminished. “Besides, my boyfriend will be here any moment. Then everyone will see for themselves.”
The hall was buzzing with whispers, the atmosphere charged with disbelief and judgment. I could feel
eyes turning toward me, and unable to bear the noise any longer, I slipped out to answer the call in peace.
As soon as I stepped outside, I answered, and Lirian’s familiar voice flooded over the line. “Sophia,” he said, his tone laced with concern, “what’s going on? Why have you been calling so much?”
I took a shaky breath, trying to keep my frustration under control. “Someone here is spreading rumors, saying I’m pretending to be your mate. Linda’s insisting she’s with you, claiming that I’m lying about everything.”
Lirian’s voice softened. “Where are you? I’ll come and settle this.”
Relief washed over me. “I’m at the banquet hall. I’ll wait for you outside.”
Stay right there,” he replied, his voice resolute. “I’ll be there soon. I took some time off, and I want to see you
I ended the call, feeling a surge of hope and anticipation. After a few moments, I heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, I saw Lirian standing there, and my heart skipped a beat.
It had been months since I’d last seen him, and he looked different now–his hair was cut short, his skin a shade darker from the sun, and his presence seemed more intense, rugged, and undeniably handsome.
“Lirian…” I breathed, barely able to contain the smile spreading across my face.
He grinned, pulling me into his arms. “Sophia, I missed you,” he murmured, holding me close as; though he’d never let go.
“I missed you too,” I replied, feeling a warmth spread through me.
We were wrapped up in each other when the sound of heels clicking on the pavement broke our moment. A harsh voice sliced through the air. “Sophia!”
Turning, I saw Christina standing there, her expression twisted in disdain as she took in the sight of
The Alpha’s Substitua
^ me with Lirian.
“Didn’t you
claim Lirian was your mate?” she sneered, eyes flashing. “But look at you, cozying up to some other guy. Linda considered you a friend. Shame on you.”
Chapter 138
