attention of everyone in the room. As always, his gray eyes were cold and calculating, scanning the space as though searching for hidden threats. He didn't even glance in

terly. "I'm the girl from the Crimson Moon pack. The unwanted daughter. The perfect match for a useless prince, isn't that what they say?" His jaw tightened, but he said nothing. I turned away, my hands trembling. "If you hate me so much, Liam, why don't you just send me back? I'm sure my father would welcome me with open arms." Suddenly, he let out a humorless laugh. "Don't be naive, Brielle. Your father didn't send you here out of kindness. You're as much a pawn in his game as I am in my uncle's." The truth in his words was like a slap to the face. Meanwhile, that evening, I resolved to keep my distance. If Liam wanted to treat me like an annoyance, so be it. I wouldn't waste my energy trying to win his favor. But fate had other plans. A royal function was held the next night-a grand ball to celebrate the upcoming harvest festival. I didn't want to go, but Edna insisted, saying it was my duty as Liam's wife to be present. I wore a gown of deep green, the color chosen to complement Liam's attire. My hair was styled simply, but the effect was elegant. I felt almost... confident. Until I entered the ballroom. The moment I stepped through the doors, the whispers started. "Look at her. She doesn't belong here." "She thinks a dress will make her royalty?" I kept my head high, forcing myself not to react. Liam was already in the room, surrounded by a group of elite men and women. Victoria was by his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm as she whispered something in his ear. At that, he turned slightly, his gaze flicking to me. For a split second, I thought I saw something like surprise in his eyes. But then his expression hardened, and he looked away. Victoria, noticing his shift in focu