9 Proposals Failed, I Married a Top Alpha

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I'd been dating my boyfriend Matthew for three years, but he still refused to Mark me.

He was the illegitimate son of an Alpha and a human woman, raised by his human mother from childhood.

He endured relentless bullying and humiliation from purebred werewolves.

So he hated werewolf customs and rituals.

But he promised me that if I proposed to him 9 times, he would marry me.

The first time, his human assistant Tiffany made a mistake at work.

He rushed back to handle it, leaving me alone at the proposal venue.

The second time, Tiffany knocked over the champagne tower.

Glass shards cut my arm, but he rushed to take the terrified Tiffany to the hospital instead.

He left me with just one sentence: "You can heal yourself anyway."

After that, no matter when I proposed, Tiffany always had some kind of trouble that needed him.

By the ninth time, he still hadn't accepted my proposal.

My heart turned cold, and I finally decided to leave.

After I left him, he went crazy searching for me everywhere.

Today was my ninth proposal to Matthew Blackwood.

All our friends knew that Matthew had promised me that if I proposed to him 9 times, he would officially become my mate.

My boyfriend had told me he was a werewolf raised by humans, so he deeply valued human ceremonies.

So I carefully arranged the wedding venue time after time.

I hoped to become his true mate and start a new family together.

But the first 8 times, he left at the last minute.

This was the ninth time, and also the last.

Matthew assured me that this time he would definitely arrive on time.

But as the ceremony time approached, Matthew, who should have been on stage, broke his promise once again.

He called to tell me.

"Tiffany hurt her leg. I need to take her to the hospital. Human bodies are fragile, unlike yours. Let's cancel this proposal. Next time, I'll definitely be there next time."

In three years of dating, this was the ninth time he'd cancelled our proposal ceremony because of Tiffany.

If it had been before, I would have made a scene at this moment, demanding to know why he had to leave right now.

But this time, I smiled softly.

"It's okay. Humans are indeed fragile. It would be bad if something happened."

Matthew paused slightly, seeming surprised by how agreeable I was being.

"It's good you can think that way. I'll bring you that mango cake you like tonight."

I hummed in acknowledgment. The moment he hung up, I dropped the smile.

He'd forgotten that I hated mangoes and despised eating cake. The person who loved mango cake wasn't me.

He'd bought one before to cheer me up. Not wanting to disappoint him, I forced myself to take a bite despite the nausea, only telling him afterward that I really hated mangoes and cake.

When he found out, he immediately opened his phone and added it to his notes, saying he would never forget.

Just one year later, "never" had passed.

The scorching sun overhead made my whole body burn, but my heart remained ice cold.

I laughed coldly and went back to announce the ceremony was cancelled.

I knew that these three years of feelings should be cancelled along with it.

I called my parents directly.

My father was the Alpha of a powerful Pack in New York, and I was the Alpha's daughter.

With my status, Matthew wasn't worthy of being my mate.

It's just that after turning 18, I never found my own mate.

Until I met Matthew in college and was deeply attracted to him, coming here with him against my parents' objections.

He was the illegitimate son of the Shadowfen Pack's Alpha and a human, raised by a human woman.

Even after being brought back to the Shadowfen Pack, he was constantly mocked for never being able to shift.

Because he hated when people flaunted their privileged families most of all.

So for three years, I never told him my true background.

Plus I told him I was mocked for never finding a mate.

He always thought I was an ordinary werewolf who suffered bullying just like him.

To prove himself, he worked desperately hard to gain the recognition of Alpha Silas of the Shadowfen Pack.

Over three years, I worked with him at Alpha Silas's company, helping him rise from the bottom to manager.

Finally earning Alpha Silas's recognition, who acknowledged his status as the Alpha's son.

He also promised me he would marry me soon.

Everyone knew I was his girlfriend.

So much so that everyone joked that fate must have made a mistake.

Matthew and I should have been destined mates.

Our lives got better and better. I thought Matthew wouldn't mind my background anymore, but I never had the chance to tell him.

Until he met that fragile human girl.

He told me that girl reminded him of his own mother.

So despite everyone's objections, he broke protocol to hire her at the company and made her his assistant.

Thinking about it, I sighed.

In the end, I wouldn't need to tell him after all.

"Mom, Dad, I accept the arranged marriage. I'll come home in three days."

My parents immediately replied.

"Good girl, Mom and Dad will book your plane ticket right now!"

After handling everything, I returned home.

As soon as I pushed open the door, I smelled sickly sweet perfume in the air, and the musky scent of sex.

The living room lights were off. Only warm yellow light leaked from under the bedroom door that was left slightly ajar, along with... some scattered, sticky sounds.

My heartbeat skipped. I walked over quietly.

Two intertwined figures rose and fell on my bed. Tiffany's long hair was messily scattered across Matthew's pillow, her nails digging deep into his sweat-slicked back.

Matthew was panting low, with an obsession I'd never heard before.

No screaming. No questioning.

I gently closed the door, shutting that sordid scene behind me.

Then I took what few personal belongings I had and moved into a hotel.

Fortunately, Matthew had always refused to Mark me all these years.

Now I didn't need to worry about how to break a mate bond.

Early the next morning, I went to the company with my packed luggage to resign.

Beta Thompson knew my identity and my relationship with Matthew. He was still trying to convince me to stay.

Just then, Matthew walked in carrying documents.

My eyes caught sight of the kiss marks on his neck and Tiffany's perfume scent all over him.

Clearly he'd been very satisfied last night.

He used to hate when I left marks on him, saying it affected his work.

So when we were intimate, I tried hard to control myself, or just gripped the sheets instead.

He didn't dislike being markedhe just didn't want it to be by me.

As soon as he walked in, the supervisor immediately spoke up.

"Beta Thompson, your girlfriend wants to resign. Did you two have a fight?"

"It has nothing to do with him."

"You want to resign?"

Two voices rang out simultaneously. In the corner of my eye, I saw his gaze fixed tightly on me, lips pressed together.

"Sure enough, you're angry I cancelled the proposal ceremony yesterday, aren't you?"

Beta Thompson tactfully left to give us space.

The moment the door closed, he stepped forward to question me.

"I already told you yesterday Tiffany hurt her leg, that's why I cancelled. How can you be so petty?"

I tried to stay calm, looking up to lie.

"I'm not angry. I'm resigning because I'm tired and want to take a vacation and rest."

He crossed his arms, frowning in confusion.

"If you want a vacation, just take paid leave. If you suddenly resign like this, people will think you have a problem with Tiffany. How can she stay at the company then?"

He'd forgotten.

This year I'd already used up all my paid leave on every cancelled proposal ceremony of his.

And people's alienation of Tiffany was largely because she lacked ability but was hired through special treatment.

Just because Tiffany reminded him of his own fragile human mother.

I shifted my gaze back to the lipstick mark on his neck, saying nothing.

He noticed and instinctively covered his neck.

"I accidentally scratched myself. Don't overthink it."

I laughed coldly inside. This excuse was too clumsy.

Werewolves had extremely strong healing abilities. How could such a mark remain?

But I nodded, not exposing his lie.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief. Thinking I'd calmed down, he smiled and put his arm around my shoulders.

"That's more like it. Being generous is what qualifies you to stand by my side. Stop making a fuss about resigning. Tonight I'll take you to Moonlight Restaurant for French food, okay? Consider it compensation."

I still didn't speak. He took it as agreement.

The thought of saying a proper goodbye was pushed down inside me. Now I didn't want to tell him about going to New York.

"Matthew!"

Just then, Tiffany pushed the door open without knocking.

Matthew was startled and immediately let go of me.

Tiffany smiled apologetically.

"Sorry to interrupt your date with Lily, but I had no choice. I don't quite understand this project..."

Hearing this, Matthew walked toward her without looking back, taking the documents from Tiffany's hands and asking patiently what she didn't understand.

Tiffany deliberately stood very close. The two of them whispered in front of me, forming a barrier.

Then Tiffany pulled Matthew outside. The moment the door closed, she turned back with a provocative smile.

In that instant, I saw the clear bite mark on her neck.

No wonder he didn't want to Mark me. He'd already fallen in love with that human.

In the empty room, only my breathing could be heard.

The next second, the gemstone necklace around my neck fell and shattered on the floor.

Without reason.

That was the anniversary gift Matthew gave me on our first year together. He'd said he hoped our relationship would be like that gemstoneforever beautiful and solid.

I was silent for a long time, finally calmly cleaning up the fragments, along with what remained of my reluctance to let go, throwing it all in the trash.

After getting Alpha Silas's approval, I returned to my workstation to hand over my remaining work.

Chris, the colleague taking over from me, usually got along well with me. Learning I was leaving, she seemed reluctant to part.

"Lily, are you really leaving?"

"Then won't I have to watch those two showing off in front of me every day!"

Following her gaze, Matthew was explaining the project to Tiffany.

Tiffany seemed unhappy after being mildly scolded by Matthew.

Matthew sighed and suddenly pulled out a sparkling platinum diamond bracelet from his suit pocket.

She immediately broke into a smile, putting it on right there, even holding it up to the light to look at it.

Then she met my eyes and stood up in apparent panic.

"Lily, Matthew and I have no relationship. It's just an ordinary bracelet!"

As soon as she said this, everyone's eyes immediately wandered between her and me.

In three years of dating, the most expensive gift Matthew ever gave me was probably that necklace that just shattered.

And Tiffany, who'd only been here less than a year, had already received bags, shoes, and now a diamond bracelet.

Everyone thought I was pitiful.

Even Chris standing beside me was indignant on my behalf.

"You're still boyfriend and girlfriend, and they're playing you for a fool!"

I pressed down on her hand, shaking my head repeatedly, signaling her not to impulsively start a fight, then continued looking at Tiffany.

"The bracelet is very sparkly. It suits you."

Tiffany, not seeing me lose my temper, seemed unwilling and continued.

"Lily, it's really not expensive. Please don't be angry at Matthew..."

I just found it baffling.

Angry? No need.

My mother's jewelry box had countless bracelets like this. I just never wore them to the company.

Hearing Tiffany's words, Matthew stood up, looking at me with displeasure.

"Lily, mind the setting. Don't make a scene."

I sighed and shook my head. "I'm not making a scene. You two are being too sensitive."

My calmness surprised him. He snorted coldly. "You'd better really think that way."

He pulled Tiffany to sit down, comforting her in a low voice.

Chris couldn't help asking me, "You're just letting it go like this?"

I continued organizing documents, shrugging. "What else? In my heart, the relationship is already over."

At closing time, Matthew unusually came to my workstation.

"Let's go. I made a reservation at Moonlight Restaurant for seven-thirty."

His gaze swept over my bare neck and he suddenly froze, asking somewhat urgently, "Where's the necklace I gave you?"

"Put it away. Afraid of losing it."

He clearly relaxed, smiling. "You wore it every day before. Now you know to treasure it?"

I didn't answer, because Tiffany had already fluttered over like a butterfly, dangling car keys in her hand.

"Matthew, I brought your car up from the garage for you! It's downstairs."

Matthew was immediately drawn to her, nodding. "Wait for me in the car."

I watched Tiffany skip lightly toward his sports car, smoothly opening the passenger door and getting in.

In three years of dating, I'd never sat in that seat. He said it was reserved exclusively for his future wife.

At this moment, through the car window, Tiffany cast me a look mixing pity and provocation.

I calmly looked away, my heart a numb silence.

In the private room at Moonlight Restaurant, Matthew pulled out a chair for Tiffany.

Then the two of them huddled together discussing the menu, but no one asked my opinion.

After the main course, Tiffany suggested going to the terrace to see the night view.

I didn't want to follow, but Matthew forcibly brought me along.

Tiffany, wearing stiletto heels, walked beside me.

"Can you take a photo of Matthew and me?" She suddenly came over and grabbed my hand.

I was about to shake her off.

Just then, Tiffany let out a short cry and fell to the ground with a thud.

"Tiffany!" Matthew's face changed drastically. He rushed forward in one stride, holding her tightly in his arms, his voice carrying a panic I'd never heard before. "Are you okay? Where are you hurt?"

Tiffany leaned in his arms, her eyes instantly reddening. "I'm... I'm fine... I was careless, didn't stand steady... It's not Lily's fault. She might just... just not like me very much..."

"She's like this and you're still speaking for her!" Matthew suddenly looked up, his gaze like a blade stabbing at me. "Lily! I didn't think you could be so vicious! Pushing her? How could you do that!"

"I didn't push her." I stood there, my voice so calm it surprised even myself.

"Still lying?!" Matthew strode up to me.

His figure appeared especially tall in the night and lamplight, carrying an intimidating pressure.

I clearly saw the veins bulging at his temples.

"I was just standing here. She herself..."

"Enough!"

The sound of a loud slap cut off all my unspoken words.

A burning sting spread across my cheek, my ears ringing.

I turned my head, tasting a faint rusty flavor on my tongue.

"That slap was to pay you back on Tiffany's behalf." Matthew's voice was ice cold and piercing. "Apologize to her. Now. Immediately."

Tiffany's sobbing rose at just the right moment, full of helplessness and grievance.

I slowly turned my face back, looking directly at Matthew.

"Apologize?"

I stepped forward. Under Matthew's slightly stunned gaze, I picked up my purse that I'd left on the chair.

Then I said:

"I'm sorry for wasting your time watching such a boring show."

With that, without waiting for his reaction, I turned and left.

I walked straight to the waiting taxi by the roadside.

My phone vibrated in my bag. I didn't need to look to know who it was.

I got in the car, told the driver the airport location, then took out my phone.

Matthew's messages filled the screen:

"Where are you going? Come back and make things clear!"

"Tiffany sprained her wrist. I'm very disappointed."

"It's just a slap. You'll heal quickly. Don't throw a tantrum over such a small thing!"

"Answer the phone! Or don't expect me to marry you."

The last one said: "Fine. If you have the guts, don't come back!"

I replied expressionlessly.

"Okay."

By the time I was about to board, he sent another message.

"I have to take care of Tiffany tonight, so I won't come home. Take care of yourself at home."

I laughed coldly, already understanding everything.

"It's fine. You can even live at her place. I've already moved my luggage and left. We won't have any relationship from now on."

"Matthew, goodbye forever."

After sending him the last message, I immediately blocked and deleted him.