Page 114 of Abandoned By My Alpha Husband

"You're my everything, too. You're mine," she said.

The applause faded. I helped Elena turn to face the guests.

"Now," I said, "please enjoy the reception."

Music started again. Servers entered with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Guests stood, gathering in small groups to talk.

I saw several human merchants approaching, genuine smiles on their faces. "Congratulations, Your Majesty," a middle-aged merchant said. "Your Highness, you look beautiful."

"Thank you," Elena said softly, composed.

"This is progress for Silver pine," another merchant said, eyes bright with emotion. "Your Majesty, you made the right decision. Everyone in the human district is celebrating."

I nodded and shook their hands.

Then I saw a group appear at the hall entrance.

At the front was a middle-aged woman in an expensive navy gown, pearls at her throat, face expertly made up. Behind her were several younger people, all dressed expensively—clearly aristocrats.

I recognized her—Mrs. Gray. Elena's mother.

Elena's body went rigid.

Mrs. Gray and her entourage approached, a perfect social smile plastered on her face.

"Elena," she cooed. "My daughter, congratulations."

Elena didn't speak. Just looked at her.

"We heard your wonderful news," Mrs. Gray continued, ignoring Elena's cold demeanor entirely. "I never imagined my daughter would become Luna after all. The Gray family is honored."

She turned to me and curtsied slightly.

"Your Majesty, the Gray family offers you our sincerest congratulations," she said. "We're so proud of Elena. As her family, we hope we can—"

"Family?" Elena spoke suddenly, voice quiet but cold.

Mrs. Gray paused.

"Of course, dear," she said, smile stiffening. "I'm your mother, they're your siblings, we—"

"You're not my mother," Elena said, voice colder. "You stopped being that five years ago."

Mrs. Gray's expression changed.

"Elena," she lowered her voice, "don't say things like that in front of so many people. I know you're still angry with me, but—"

"Angry?" Elena laughed, but there was no warmth in it. "Mrs. Gray, I'm not angry. I'm just stating facts."

She took a step forward, spine straight, chin lifted.

"Five years ago, when I begged you in the pouring rain," she said, every word clear, "you told me I wasn't part of the Gray family. You said I'd been disowned. That I was just your mistake."

Mrs. Gray's face flushed red.

"That was because—"

"Because what?" Elena cut her off. "Because I'd been banished and you thought I had no use anymore?"