Chapter 133

**Chapter 133**

“I don’t trust them, Mom,” I said firmly. “They aren’t good people…”

“Well, I just don’t believe that,” she replied, shaking her head.

I sighed. There was no point in arguing with her. I knew I couldn’t change her mind. After a while, I decided to give up on the conversation. Instead, I made lunch for my mother and myself before we got dressed for the day.

I decided to wear a skirt and a blouse for the barbecue. The skirt was designer, so I hoped people wouldn’t comment on my outfit.

I braided my hair and put on some makeup to highlight my features. By the time I was done getting ready, I felt confident and excited for the day ahead.

It was time to leave for the event. My mother drove us in her car, and it didn’t take long to reach the Cash family manor. The manor was huge, and there were a couple of guest houses on the side.

If they really wanted to, they could easily pay off my father’s debt and make things better for my family. But they were greedy and would never help us unless there was something in it for them. I just hoped my mother was still around to see things get better.

My mother walked through the manor with a sense of pride, as if she owned the place. She held her head high, and I admired that about her. She didn’t look like someone who had spent a month in bed; instead, she appeared strong and vibrant, as if nothing had ever held her back.

She wore one of her designer dresses, and her hair was neatly tied in a ponytail, flowing down her back.

Her heels made her legs look great, and her makeup gave her a professional and stylish appearance.

We arrived at the event feeling excited.

I was back at the patio where the barbeque was taking place. The Cash family had a large yard with a garden that I knew Ethan’s mother loved. There was also a pool area where his sister, Kelsey, often spent her time.

They usually invited most of their friends and family to these gatherings.

Every year, the pack hosts a barbeque to showcase their success and how well they are doing. They invite wealthy members from other packs too, including Gavin. Part of me wanted him to come, hoping to see him again, but another part hoped he wouldn’t show up at all.

It would be strange for him to show up out of the blue, especially now that his daughter is marrying into the family. Irene would feel like he was watching her or following her. This was her first time meeting Ethan’s family, and she wanted it to go well.

I really wanted things to go well for her. I didn’t want them to treat her the way they treated me.

“Judy! You made it!” I heard the familiar voice of Irene as she hurried over to me.

I noticed a big smile on her face as she came over to me. She quickly wrapped her arms around me for a hug, then stepped back. “You look lovely,” she said.

“You look great too,” I replied, wishing I could have said it more smoothly.

Irene looked absolutely stunning in her black backless dress. The dress perfectly highlighted her cleavage and showcased her long, flowing blond hair, which cascaded around her shoulders and down her back. She didn’t need to wear much makeup to enhance her natural beauty; her features shone on their own.

Her smile was brighter than the sun.

As I felt a twist in my stomach, I pictured my wolf lowering her head. This was the woman our mate had left us for. In my rush to be with Gavin, I almost forgot about her.

I shouldn’t let it bother me, but the truth is, it still hurts. Whenever I see them kissing or being close, I feel a sting from the mark on my neck. It’s a reminder that keeps me awake at night. I can’t help but think about what it would be like if things were different.

“Once they officially have sex, it will feel different,” she said.

“I’ve been here for a couple of hours, and I’ve gotten to know his family,” she told me, linking her arm through mine and leading me toward the crowd of people. My mother had already…

**Chapter 133**

I watched Ethan talking to a group of men, and his father was among them.

“What do you think of them?” I asked, preparing myself for her to say something negative about them.

“Oh, they were so wonderful,” she said with a warm smile. “I can’t imagine them being mean to anyone, honestly. Especially his sister. I can’t wait to marry into this family.”

I frowned. Kelsey was Ethan’s 18-year-old sister, and I wasn’t sure how to feel about her excitement.

I had a sister who was a year older than me, and she was harder to deal with than anyone else. I was relieved that the others didn’t treat Irene badly, probably because she was a Landry. But it still hurt to see her fit in better than I ever could. I felt a knot in my stomach as I watched her.

I felt a light sting on my cheek, but I decided not to say anything.

“Look what the wet dog dragged in,” a rough voice called out from nearby. “You have a lot of nerve showing your face here.”

**Chapter 134**

As the sun rose over the small town, the air was filled with excitement. Everyone was buzzing about the upcoming festival.

Lucy, a cheerful girl with bright eyes, was busy preparing her favorite dish to share with friends. She loved this time of year because it brought everyone together.

Meanwhile, Tom, her best friend, was setting up a booth for games. He was determined to make this festival the best one yet.

“Hey, Lucy! Are you ready for the festival?” Tom called out, waving enthusiastically.

“Almost! I can’t wait to see everyone and have fun!” Lucy replied with a smile.

As the day went on, more and more people gathered in the town square. Laughter and music filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.

Lucy and Tom exchanged excited glances. They knew this was going to be a day to remember.