Chapter 3

Amelia's family and mine were once neighbors. In those days, we enjoyed a more comfortable lifestyle than they did.

However, everything shifted after my parents' tragic demise in an automobile collision.

My grandmother, prejudiced and unfeeling, redirected all of my parents' assets to my uncle's household. In her perspective, I was merely a girl—an outsider—undeserving of my father's inheritance.

Recognizing my unfortunate circumstances, Amelia's mother intervened and proposed to provide financial assistance.

Initially, I felt thankful. But as time passed, I found myself regretting their aid more frequently than I could tally.

Amelia ensured that everyone was aware of this situation. She delighted in recounting how her family had "rescued" me, how I wouldn't have completed my education without their support, and how I would have ended up in a children's home if not for their kindness.

From that point on, I was perpetually beneath her in status.

If I excelled academically, it irritated her—so I deliberately began underperforming to placate her. I became her follower, the companion she could surpass.

Even the friendships I formed gradually dissolved when Amelia appeared, drawn to her captivating, self-absorbed allure.

And when I entered a romantic relationship in university? Amelia made a deliberate journey during the autumn recess just to entice him away.

"Aria, don't be upset," she stated with a saccharine smile. "I simply wanted to verify if he truly cared for you. You're my closest friend, after all, and I didn't want some unworthy individual to cause you pain."

She had the audacity to add, "See? Now you're aware of the truth. You should be expressing gratitude."

So I compelled myself to return her smile and replied, "Thank you, Amelia."

Her grin broadened with conceited satisfaction. "Of course! That's what best friends are for, isn't it?"

Internally, I was fuming.

The term best friend had been thoroughly corrupted by individuals like her.

But despite my desire to remove her from my life, I couldn't. Her mother had assisted me during my time of greatest need. I couldn't bring myself to repay that kindness with animosity or risk upsetting her family.

That was my previous existence.

The instant Amelia pushed me off that precipice, all debts were nullified. I no longer owed her or her family anything.

The agreements were swiftly concluded.

The chieftain smiled warmly at us and said, "Now that the contracts are finalized, you may return to your dwellings."

He addressed the other males, his tone reassuring.

"As for the rest of you, don't lose hope. If you can gain the favor of either of these females, you still have an opportunity to become one of their consorts."

Upon hearing this, the other beastmen noticeably relaxed. Their eyes brightened as they redirected their attention to Amelia and me, their gazes filled with longing.

Before they could act, the white tiger priest stepped forward and shielded me with his imposing physique.

His penetrating gaze swept over the crowd as he emitted a low, threatening growl.

"She's mine," he snarled. "I won't share her with anyone."

His voice carried a lethal edge. "If anyone dares to touch my female, I'll tear them to pieces."

The room fell quiet.

The other beastmen exchanged anxious glances. They understood the futility of challenging him. As the tribe's priest and most formidable warrior, his power was unrivaled.

Competing with him for a female was a futile endeavor.

Amelia, however, wasn't as fortunate.

The werewolf she'd selected was far from powerful. Compared to the other males in the White Tiger Tribe, his strength didn't even rank him among the top 100.

The remaining beastmen swiftly turned their attention to Amelia, their gazes predatory.

Their eyes flicked to the werewolf, filled with contempt and barely concealed hostility.

Males in this world prized strength above all else. The werewolf's unremarkable abilities made him an easy target.