Chapter 51 Is This Marriage Real?
Emilia’s POV
The moment I stepped into the living room, I nearly collided with Henry.
"Emilia, you’re back," he said.
*"Perfect timing. Now I can finally ask about that Simons Corporation project—"*
"Yes," I said flatly, cutting off both his words.
"How are you doing at your in-laws’?" He sounded concerned.
*"Not that I care, but I need her in a good mood before I bring up the bidding—"*
"Good."
"And work? Everything going well?"
"Yes."
Wow. Father of the year, everyone. First time he’d strung together more than two sentences to me, and it was all a setup.
Sure enough, the mask dropped the second we reached the living room center.
"I heard Simons Corporation has a project up for bidding recently," Henry said, his tone shifting to business mode. "Our company is preparing a proposal. I was wondering if you could—"
"I have no idea about business," I stopped him. "If there’s anything you want to know, ask Alpha Sebastian directly."
His face froze like I’d slapped him. The awkward silence was delicious.
"Dorothy, is dinner ready?" he called out, desperate to change the subject.
"Yes. It’s rare for our Luna Emilia to visit us." Dorothy appeared, her voice full of sarcasm. "How dare I not serve her properly?"
"Sister, I’ve packed! Let’s go!"
Linda’s chirpy voice interrupted as she bounced down the stairs, dragging a suitcase that looked big enough to hold a small vehicle.
Both Henry and Dorothy’s heads snapped up. "Where are you going?"
"To sister’s house, for a few days," Linda sang out.
I stared at her luggage. A few days? That thing could supply a month-long expedition.
"Oh, it’s good to stay there for a few days," Dorothy said quickly. "Otherwise, you both might drift apart."
I kept my face blank, but internally I was laughing.
"Have dinner before you leave," Dorothy insisted, dragging Linda toward the kitchen.
When they returned, Linda was practically vibrating with excitement as she shoveled food into her mouth.
*"I can’t wait to see him. Sebastian Simons... "*
"Let’s go, sister!" Linda urged, barely finishing her plate.
The car ride was mercifully short. Before we entered the pack house, I grabbed Linda’s arm.
"Mind your manners," I said quietly. "Otherwise, I won’t be nice."
"Try anything stupid, and I’ll make you regret it."
"Got it, got it. Let’s go in!" She practically skipped toward the entrance.
Mila rose from her seat when she saw us, her warm smile genuine—until her eyes landed on Linda.
"Mom, this is my sister, Linda," I introduced.
"Hello, Aunt! I’ve been wanting to meet you for so long!" Linda gushed. "You look so much more elegant and kind than I imagined—"
*"Laying it on a bit thick, isn’t she?"* Mila’s thoughts were bemused. *"Pretty girl, but there’s something... sneaky about her. Still, she’s Emilia’s sister. I should be welcoming."*
Out loud, Mila said warmly, "Welcome, dear. Make yourself at home. Stay as long as you like."
I looked up and sighed.
We sat in the living room making small talk. Linda’s eyes kept darting around, studying every expensive detail of the mansion.
*"This is practically a palace. When I become Luna here, I’ll redecorate. Maybe change those curtains to something more modern—"*
I nearly choked on my tea.
"Where is my brother-in-law?" Linda finally asked, unable to contain herself.
"He has a social engagement tonight," I replied calmly.
"Oh, I see." Linda faked a yawn so badly it was almost insulting.
Mila immediately stood. "Emilia, take your sister to rest. She seems tired."
"Okay, Mom."
Upstairs, I opened the guest room door. "You can sleep here."
*"Cheap-looking room. Not nearly as nice as what I’ll have when—"*
"The bathroom is there," I continued, ignoring her thoughts. "Breakfast is at 7:30 sharp tomorrow. Don’t make everyone wait."
I turned to leave when Linda grabbed my arm.
"Sister, don’t you want to show me your bridal chamber?" Her eyes gleamed with fake innocence.
*"I need to see how she’s really living. Mother said to check everything—the room, the bed, any signs that she’s actually sharing it with him or if this marriage is a sham—"*
I paused, then nodded slowly. "Sure, but..."
"But what?"
"You should shower first," I said. "Sebastian’s a clean freak.He won’t be happy if he comes home and you smell like you’ve been traveling all day."
Linda sniffed herself, her face falling. "Alright, fine."
*"Damn it. But she’s right. I need to look perfect when I see him—"*
The moment the bathroom door clicked shut, I moved.
I sprinted to the bed room next door and started grabbing my things. Clothes, toiletries, books, everything. I hauled it all back to Sebastian’s actual bedroom, the one we’d been sharing, and shoved my belongings into the closet.
Then I yanked down the drawing I’d hung up to make the guest room look lived-in.
My phone was already in my hand, dialing Sebastian’s number.
Please pick up, please pick up—
"Sorry, the number you have dialed is unreachable. Please try later..."
"What?!" I hissed, trying again.
Still unreachable.
Sebastian wasn’t the type to play along without a heads-up. If he came home and found Linda here, claiming I’d invited her, and I hadn’t warned him...
This was bad.
I tried calling once more.
Nothing.
"Damn it, Sebastian," I muttered. "Of all the times for your phone to die—"
I had just finished hiding the last of my things when I heard the bathroom water shut off.
Linda would be out any minute. I needed a plan.
Actually, scratch that. I needed Sebastian to answer his damn phone.
I tried one more time, pacing Sebastian’s bedroom.
Come on, come on—
"Sorry, the number you have dialed—"
I hung up and resisted the urge to throw my phone at the wall.
Fine. If Sebastian came home tonight, I’d just have to improvise. How hard could it be to convince him to play the devoted husband for one evening?
Very hard, probably. The man barely tolerates acting human on a good day.
I heard Linda’s footsteps in the hallway. She’d be looking for me soon.
Taking a deep breath, I smoothed down my clothes and stepped out of Sebastian’s room, closing the door firmly behind me.
Time to put on a show.