Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 395: The Act

Chapter 395: The Act

Olivia’s POV

The car ride was quiet, Frederick sitting beside me with a strange calm that unsettled me more than his rage ever did. When we arrived at the estate, music and laughter spilled into the night. The birthday celebration was in full swing—nobles mingling in fine silks and jewels.

The moment we stepped into view, all heads turned. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Frederick’s hand brushed my back, possessive, guiding me forward. "Walk with me," he said smoothly, his pride radiating like fire. "Let them see you."

I gritted my teeth, forcing a soft smile onto my lips. My wolf snarled at his touch, but I composed myself, forcing out a smile.

As we moved through the hall, I caught sight of Selene. She was across the room, dressed elegantly, her posture poised. She held a glass of wine in her hand, laughing softly with the birthday celebrant—a noblewoman she clearly knew well. But her eyes weren’t truly on the party. They flicked, just once, toward me. Toward us.

The bond between my mates and me buzzed faintly in my chest. I knew they were watching, waiting, trusting this plan to unfold.

Frederick didn’t notice her at first. But fate—or maybe Selene’s subtle game—ensured their paths crossed. She brushed past him with a polite bow, her hybrid scent faint but distinct. Frederick’s head snapped toward her instantly.

I felt it. His desire. His hunger.

Selene dipped her head again, murmuring a greeting, before slipping away like it was nothing. But Frederick’s eyes followed her retreating figure, lingering, calculating.

I swallowed, my stomach twisting.

It had begun.

The trap was working.

"You like her."

gaze was fixed on Frederick, whose gaze

his head.

lie to me," I hissed, pretending to be jealous. "You’ve been staring

in something between annoyance and amusement. "Her scent is... unique.

shot back, my jaw tight. "But I’m the special one, aren’t I? Or has

leaned a

joke on him to think I would ever be jealous of him being

be annoyed. "The triplets would never look at another woman. Not the way you

the comparison. But before he could reply, the music shifted, and couples began gathering at the center of

lips. He extended his hand toward me, his

"Dance with me."

I forced

was playing her part, then so would

guiding me onto the floor under a thousand watching eyes, I realized something terrifying—his

he guided me across the polished floor. For once, his movements

beautiful tonight," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could

keeping my wolf pressed down. "You say that because

fingers tightening ever so slightly on mine. "No. I say it because it’s true. You glow, Olivia.

tightened, but I kept my expression cool. "You’re

at you now, I don’t see the woman who spits fire at me. I see the woman who could have been mine... if things had been

into a graceful turn before I could answer. His breath brushed my ear as he whispered, "Do you know what I envy most about them? Not their power. Not their pack. It’s the fact that

words. But beneath it, my mind screamed a reminder—this was the game. Keep him hooked. Act along. Still, the sincerity in his voice

you, Olivia..." he