Alpha Hayley’s Destined Mate: Chapter 441 - Like an Imposter
Hayley’s POV:
The room was filled with everything a little girl could dream of: dolls, toys, cartoon cars, backpacks, books, and clothes—all carefully arranged. It was as if the room had been staged, every corner polished to perfection, with not a speck of dust in sight.
“Michelle, I got this doll for you. Do you like it?” Virginia said, gently placing a doll into my hands.
“And this is an electronic watch I thought you’d love. I picked it in two colors, so you can change it depending on your mood.”
“I also bought you a piano. I know how much you adore music, and I believe you have the potential to be amazing at it. This one’s the best on the market, just for you.”
“This dress is stunning, isn’t it? The moment I saw it, I knew it would be perfect for you.”
Virginia went on and on, detailing each gift with a glowing expression. With every word, my chest tightened. All these gifts spoke of a mother’s endless love for her child. And yet, I felt like an imposter—like I was stealing something that wasn’t meant for me.
“Mrs. Virginia, I…” I tried to speak.
“Come on, Michelle!” Virginia took my hand and led me toward a cabinet. She opened a drawer, revealing an intricately embroidered box inside. Virginia gently opened it, showing a pure gold bracelet with detailed designs, as if carved by the hands of an artist. She took the bracelet out and slipped it onto my wrist. “It looks beautiful on you!”
I stared at the bracelet on my wrist, my heart sinking. I attempted to remove it, but Virginia stopped me. “No, darling, leave it on. It suits you so well! Don’t take it off.”
“But… Mrs. Virginia, I can’t accept such a precious gift.” I removed the bracelet and carefully returned it to the box. I was horrified that I had gone along with Freya’s scheme. I never should have agreed to deceive someone like this, and now, the guilt was eating away at me.
“Mrs. Virginia, I’m so sorry,” I murmured, my voice filled with regret.
“Don’t be silly, sweetie. There’s no need for apologies. If you don’t like it, we can always go shopping for something you prefer another time.” Virginia wasn’t upset; she simply closed the box and placed it back in the drawer.
For some strange reason, Virginia seemed so familiar, so caring, just like the warm, nurturing elders I’d known in the werewolf community.
After a moment’s hesitation, I decided to come clean. “Mrs. Virginia, I’m not Michelle. I’m just a stranger.”
Before I could finish, she interrupted me, her expression changing completely.
“No, no. You are Michelle. You are my Michelle… I’m not wrong. I’m not wrong…” She repeated these words, her face twisted with confusion and emotion. Suddenly, she clutched her head and screamed, a loud, piercing cry that echoed through the room.
The servants, all humans, rushed in at the sound of her distress. “Mrs. Virginia, are you alright?”
Virginia’s face drained of color, and her body slumped as if all strength had left her. The servants scrambled, panicked. The head Omega servant barked commands. “Why are you standing there? Go fetch a doctor, now!”
I stepped back, watching helplessly as the servants worked frantically to assist Virginia. I wanted to help, but one of the servants pushed me aside. Inside, Hera was livid, itching to lash out at the rude servant. But I held her back, reminding her that I was pretending to be an Omega, so their behavior wasn’t unexpected. That managed to calm Hera down.
After leaving the Sanders’ estate and heading back to school, my mind was still clouded with guilt and unease. As I stepped out of the car, Winifred called to me. “Ms. Carson, just a moment.” She handed me a bag as she spoke.