Amanda’s P. O. V

“I’ll be back later, Amanda. We’re going to find other wolves that got lost in the forest,” Enzo said, his voice a low rumble.

I simply nodded and watched him leave through the doorway. I stayed in my room, stitching the torn fabric of my dress. It was a gift from my mother, and I was determined to repair it instead of throwing it away.

Later, I stepped out onto the terrace, seeking fresh air. But from down below, I heard the hushed voices of the servants.

“Am I the only one who’s noticed this? I think something is going on between Alpha Enzo and Amelia.”

“I agree. I saw Amelia go into a room, and Alpha Enzo followed her. Are they cheating on Amanda?”

My heart clenched as I listened to their hushed whispers. The thought of Enzo and Amelia meeting in secret, hidden from me, felt like a knife twisting in my gut.

“Well, I can’t blame Alpha Enzo if he’s cheating on her wife. Amelia is better and more beautiful.”

I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. I turned away, rushing back into my room. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my face a mask of confusion. I knew I was beautiful, better than my cousin.

But I couldn’t help but compare myself, wondering if I was better, would Enzo treat me better? A wave of self-doubt washed over me. I grabbed at the pearls I was wearing, and in a fit of frustration, they snapped, scattering across the floor.

***

It was around ten in the evening when Enzo finally returned. He went straight to the dining room for dinner, and I joined him, silently. I focused on my plate, rushing to finish my meal.

“Amanda, you usually ask how my day went. Why are you so quiet now?” Enzo asked, his gaze piercing me with a hint of disdain.

I paused, my fork hovering over my food. “What’s the point of asking when you don’t even answer me?” I muttered, my voice barely a whisper.

Enzo’s eyes narrowed, and he set his plate aside. “And you’re talking to me like that? Amanda, what’s happening to you?”

Finally, he noticed my shift in behavior. He was used to me being kind and caring, even as he treated me like a servant. Now, I was letting him see the other side of me, the side that was just as heartless as he could be. I wasn't sure if he could handle it.

“Nothing, I’m just being myself. Amelia’s been with you, so for sure she’s been checking on you, right?” I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

“What does Amelia have to do with this? Can you please not mention her name?” He said, his voice laced with irritation.

I shrugged, rolling my eyes. “Why? There’s nothing wrong with what I said unless there’s something I should be worried about?”

After finishing dinner, I went to my room to pack my things. I saw Enzo fussing over a wrapped dress, a gift for Amelia’s birthday.

Seeing him so hands-on with my cousin, as if she were his wife, filled me with a cold rage. He had never put this much effort into anything for me. He only turned to me when he needed something.

“Amanda, you also want a gift?” he asked, seemingly oblivious to my simmering anger.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “No thanks. I don’t need anything.”

“Are you mad at me, Amanda? Are you upset that I didn’t let you have a piece of bread? If that’s the reason, you’re so childish!”

His words infuriated me. He was trivializing the situation, acting as if my hurt didn’t matter. I was tired of being treated like trash.

“I’m not mad, Enzo. I’m just disappointed that you think I’m that low,” I retorted my voice tight with controlled fury.

“Oh really? But you’re being dramatic right now. Can’t you see yourself? You’re acting like a kid!” he lashed out.

My blood boiled. He was acting like he could still control me, like I would always be his obedient wife. But that was over. I was tired of his hypocrisy.

I refused to argue any further. I went to my bed and lay down, my hands clutching my suitcase as if it were a weapon. Enzo, oblivious to my growing anger, was still busy packing his gift for Amelia.

***

The next morning, I woke early. When I left my room, I was amused to see Enzo all dressed up, clearly preparing for something.

“Amanda, it’s Amelia’s birthday. I want you to make her a delicious cake,” Enzo commanded as if it were the most natural thing in the world to order me around.

“Enzo, I’m not a baker. Why would you ask me to bake for her?” I asked incredulously, my voice laced with disbelief.

Enzo grabbed my arm, his grip surprisingly tight. “No more questions. Do what I say!”

Amanda's P. O. V

I tried to refuse Alpha Enzo's order, but he forced me, and there was nothing I could do but comply. Now, I find myself in the kitchen, helping the servants prepare food for Amelia's birthday celebration.

Well, my cousin is the favorite of the pack, and since she has royal blood, she’s being treated like a queen, while I’m just a nobody. They see nothing special in me. Some even think of me as Alpha Enzo's unwanted mate, and that it should have been Amelia instead.

I've been busy all day helping the servants get ready for the party, and by now, I’m feeling exhausted, so I decided to take a break.

I was about to enter my room when I saw Amelia going into the guest room. I was confused about what she was doing there, but I was even more startled when I saw Enzo follow her inside.

A wave of anxiety washed over me, and I couldn't stop myself from creeping closer to the door to see what they were up to.

As I approached, I could hear noises coming from inside, and my stomach churned with rage as I realized the truth—they were having an affair right under my nose!

Overwhelmed with anger, I stormed back to the kitchen and let the devil on my shoulder take over. I grabbed some wolfsbane from the necklace I always wore and slipped it into Amelia's birthday cake. I wanted them to feel my wrath.

Returning upstairs, I spotted Amelia and Enzo coming down together. Both of them were sweating and looked surprisingly startled to see me.

“Why are you both sweating? Did you have some fun?” I said sarcastically.

“Ah, it’s just so hot upstairs,” Enzo replied, trying to cover up the truth with yet another lame excuse.

“It’s still winter. I don’t think anyone should be sweating in this weather,” I pointed out, my tone dripping with meaning.

“Cousin, don’t get the wrong idea. W-we were just talking near the fireplace, that’s all,” Amelia stammered, desperately trying to defend their betrayal.

“Okay, you say so. By the way, your birthday celebration is ready. You also should go get ready.”

I faked a smile, and when she turned to leave, I was left alone with Enzo, who looked irritated, and he suddenly pulled me to the corner.

“What are you trying to prove, Amanda?? Why are you asking us those silly questions, huh??” His voice was laced with annoyance.

“Calm down, Enzo. You're so triggered. I didn’t do anything, I was just asking,” I scoffed.

“SHUT UP! You’re getting on my nerves, Amanda!”

***

Tonight, everyone gathered around the dining table, singing Happy Birthday to Amelia. I stood off to the side, watching her receive gifts, including one from Enzo, and she was smiling widely while accepting it.

“This is so beautiful!” Amelia beamed as she admired the pink dress.

“It’s for you, sweetie!” Enzo replied, his gaze filled with affection.

The moment arrived when it was time for everyone to eat. I felt my heart race as Amelia took a slice of the cake and popped it into her mouth.

Suddenly, she coughed blood and I just watched her lose consciousness. Panic filled the room as everyone rushed to her side, Enzo's face turning pale as he shouted for help.

In the middle of the chaos, I simply turned on my heel and headed upstairs to grab my luggage.

***

Now, I found myself in a carriage with Samara, who had helped me escape. She was aware of my plans and wanted to go with me back to the north, where my family lived.

“Did you poison her with wolfsbane?” Samara asked, the surprise evident in her voice.

“Yes, I did. I caught them earlier, and I just had to have my revenge,” I replied, feeling a surge of satisfaction.

Samara couldn’t help but laugh. “You did the right thing, she deserves it!”

Minutes passed, and we finally arrived at my parents’ house. They welcomed me joyfully, and I introduced Samara as my friend.

“Amanda, I’m glad you visited us again,” my mom said warmly.

“We'll be staying here, Mom.” I cleared my throat, noticing the confused look on my mother's face. She still had no idea about Alpha Enzo's betrayal. I wasn't ready to discuss it with my parents just yet.

“What about your husband? Are you just going to leave him all alone?” Mom asked as she filled our bowls with soup.

“No, he's with Amelia. He’ll be just fine.”

Just then, my mother unexpectedly asked, “Is today Amelia's birthday?”

I nearly choked on my food. “Yeah, it's her birthday and I think she's having a great day. Right, Samara?” I grinned.

"Probably." She shrugged.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door, and my dad opened it to reveal a man with heavy footsteps striding inside. He approached me and seized me by the collar.

“Why did you poison your cousin?” Alpha Enzo demanded angrily.