His Mate in Secret His Shame in Public

“I’m sorry, miss, your name isn’t on the list.”

The Delta security guard didn’t even glance at me as he stepped forward, solid as a wall. His hand hovered near his earpiece.

I laughed—too loud, too awkward. “That’s impossible. Try again. Poppy Chen. I’m Alpha Rhys Montgomery’s Beta. We’ve worked together every day for two years.”

He didn’t blink. “Alpha Montgomery’s instructions were very clear. No uninvited guests.”

The night air bit at my bare shoulders. I clutched the bouquet tighter—white roses, Rhys’s favorite. I’d chosen them this morning, still believing this would be the night he kept his promise. My hands were trembling now, petals bruising under my grip.

“Call him,” I said. “Please. Just call and tell him I’m here.”

“I have my orders, ma’am.”

From Rhys.

It didn’t make sense. He wouldn’t—

But behind the towering glass doors, the Apex Project launch party glittered like a fantasy. Champagne flutes flashed under crystal chandeliers. People in designer gowns and tailored suits moved like royalty in a dream I helped build. My dream.

My heart stumbled against my ribs.

I stepped closer. “You don’t understand. That celebration in there? I co-led that project. I helped write the pitch. I stayed up nights fixing the back-end code. I negotiated the Singapore licensing myself.”

His jaw flexed, but his tone was stone. “Ma’am. Step aside.”

Just then, through the glass, I saw him—Rhys. Alpha of Montgomery Technologies. My Alpha. Tall, crisp, composed. He stood near the ballroom stage, laughing with a circle of executives, every inch the future of modern leadership. His charcoal suit caught the light just enough to look mythical.

He looked like a man who had never kissed me in the dark. Never whispered we’d “go public” tonight.

And then she appeared beside him.

Arden Blackwell.

Long black dress, gleaming red lips, her arm hooked through his like she was born to be there. Board member’s daughter. Junior strategist. Pretty, poised, and utterly forgettable—unless you once mentored her.

She smiled up at him with practiced ease.

He didn’t pull away.

A sharp, stupid laugh clawed up my throat. “Oh my God,” I said aloud, though no one listened.

A small chime echoed as Rhys stepped onto the stage. The crowd hushed.

My breath caught.

“Good evening,” he said, voice smooth as velvet. “Thank you for celebrating the success of the Apex Project with us. It’s been an incredible journey—and I want to especially thank the talented minds who made it possible.”

I stood straighter. Maybe—maybe he was going to acknowledge me.

He glanced at Arden.

“But tonight,” he continued, “I want to share something personal. Arden and I are engaged.”

What?? No!!

The bouquet slipped from my fingers. The white roses scattered across the sidewalk like spilled snow.

Cheers and applause thundered inside. Arden turned to him, beaming, as Rhys slid a diamond ring onto her hand.

It sparkled so bright, it hurt to look.

The same ring he once told me was “too gaudy for someone real.”