Framed by the alpha's true daughter, my family regrets very much

After enduring three years of torment, I was finally set free from prison.

Before I left,they beat me mercilessly one last time.

"If you dare speak of what happened here, we have ways to ensure you'll never live in peace again."

The heavy iron doors creaked open, and the outside world met me.

But I never expected the one to pick me up would be my once-beloved brother, Theo.

Leaning against the car with impatience etched on his face, he sneered, "Stop playing the martyr. Let's go. The family's waiting for you."

"Family? What family do I have left?"

Theo, no longer the protective brother I once knew, grabbed my wrist roughly, dragging me into the car.

"It's Christmas. Everyone's waiting for you. Don't make us look bad. And if it weren't for Grandma's condition, do you think I'd waste my time with you?"

I shuddered, the memories of Grandma-the only person who ever truly loved me-flooding back.

She had always treated me as her own, even after Jade returned to the family. But when I was framed and imprisoned, she was away on pack duties, unable to help me. It was only her constant visits to the prison that kept me from losing hope.

Now, her health was failing, and the thought that I might never see her again weighed heavily on my soul.

Theo shoved a gift into my arms, and I stared at the small box with a growing sense of dread.

It wasn't a high-end gown as I had hoped but a delicate metal necklace with a small keychain engraved with my name.

Underneath the keychain was a note, and when I read it. The handwriting was unmistakable-Jade's.

"You think being out of prison means freedom? Remember, it's only temporary. The key to your cage is always in my hands."

I slipped the necklace into my pocket, knowing that even if I showed it to Theo, he'd accuse me of trying to tarnish Jade's image.

"Take a shower when we get home. Afterward, go see Grandma," Theo said coldly.

When we arrived at the hospital, I could hear my parents' voices-sweet as always-but they were soon drowned out by Jade's insufferable whines.

Theo scowled, but his eyes froze when he saw the bruises on my arms. "Rona, is this some kind of pity stunt? Do you think we'll fall for this?"

I shook my head, but before I could speak, he interrupted. "Enough. Get dressed. I don't have time for your games."

As I entered Grandma's room, my heart shattered at the sight of her frail form. Tears welled in my eyes as she reached out, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"Rona, my dear... You're finally home. My sweet granddaughter."

My years of suffering seemed to bleed out all at once. I couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Don't worry. The truth will come to light, and you will get the justice you deserve," Grandma whispered, her hand gently caressing my head.

But my parents weren't so forgiving.

"What's all this talk of justice?Rona owes Jade everything. What's there to discuss?"

Grandma coughed violentl. "You're insane! How dare you turn everything on Rona? You pushed her into this situation!"

It felt like time rewound, bringing me back to that fateful Christmas-the day I lost everything.

I had cooked a huge feast for the family, preparing a perfect meal. But when my father brought Jade in, announcing her as the rightful heir of the White pack, the real alpha's daughter, my world shattered.

I had accepted my fate-endured their cold treatment, even handed over my engagement to Sebastian, the Alpha of the River Pack, to Jade without protest.

But it wasn't enough.

Two months later, Jade crashed a car and fled, and when the truth came out, they demanded that I take the fall and go to prison for her.

I begged, I cried, even knelt before them, but their response was always the same.

"You owe Jade everything. It's just three years in prison. Stop being so dramatic."

I shook my head, my voice colder than I had ever heard it before. "I won't make a scene. But once I'm done here, I'm leaving the White Flower Pack. I'll sever all ties with the White family."

My parents stared at me, then sneered. "You think we'll feel sorry for you? You ruined Jade's life for three years, and now you think you can just walk away?"

And then Jade chimed in, her eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, come on, sister. You wouldn't leave before my engagement to Alpha Sebastian, would you? If you don't show up, people might think you're still harboring feelings for him."

"Fine. If you want me to show up, then I'll do just that. But once you're wed, I'll be gone. From the White Pack. From the White family. Forever."

Grandma sighed, waving them out.

"Enough, let me have some peace. Everyone out, except Rona. I don't want to see anyone else today."

Once they left, she turned to me with a reassuring smile.

"Don't be afraid, Rona. I've already set up a will. You've grown up under my watch. I won't let you fall into the hands of people who would abuse you."

My heart clenched as I looked at her frail face, and I nodded solemnly.

Later that night, Theo came to pick me up again.

Once in the car, he spoke coldly, "Jade's getting married. She wants you to help her pick a wedding ring tomorrow. Get ready."

I froze for a moment. "Why me? Why would you want me to help her pick a ring? Our relationship doesn't even come close to that."

"I promised I'd attend the wedding. As for the rest, it's non-negotiable. If you're unhappy..."

Before I could respond, he interrupted.

"You've taken Jade's life for so many years. What's wrong with helping her pick a ring?"

"Rona, as long as you're in this family, you don't have the right to refuse."

He rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in.

"Time to wake up."

Already suffering from a cold, Theo ordered the driver to speed up, pushing me further into discomfort.

The cold air slapped against my face, making it hard to breathe.

When we finally reached home, I was a mess, my body battered and chilled.

But Theo's eyes showed no trace of sympathy.

"This is the consequence of not listening. Remember, you're just a dog in this family. Whatever we tell you to do, you must obey."

Inside, Jade was leaning on my mother's shoulder, acting sweet, asking for a ten thousand increase in her allowance.

My father laughed, teasing her.

"When you need money, tell me, but tell me who you love more, Daddy or Mommy?"

I stood there awkwardly, an outsider.

They barely acknowledged me when they saw me, just a casual nod.

"Take the top floor storage. Jade doesn't have a room for her drawing tools, so we'll clear yours for her."

"Fine. I'll do that."

I retreated to my room, locked the door, and collapsed, too afraid to let the tears fall.

As I forced myself to sleep, I felt someone's hand gently stroke my hair.

It must have been my mother, right?

But no, I immediately dismissed that thought. How could it be her? She was too busy pleasing Jade now to care about me.

The next morning, Jade sent me a message.

"Remember, you promised to come with me this afternoon to pick a marriage agency, right? Brother should have told you about it. Oh, and Alpha Sabastian will be there too."

I clenched my fingers tightly, my breath growing heavier.

I knew she was intentionally trying to humiliate me, but the current situation left me with no choice but to comply.

Once I entered the living room, I casually picked at the leftover food they had abandoned.

Just as I was about to retreat to my room, Jade called out to me.

"Sis, you're really pitiful now, aren't you?"

"now you can't even have a decent meal..."