Chapter 3

I returned with the bracelet, and just as I pushed open the living room door, a loud cheer erupted.

"Welcome…"

Yuri's excited smile froze the moment he saw me. "What are you doing here?"

It was as if it had never occurred to him that I would actually bring the bracelet back.

When I handed it to him, he hesitated briefly before finally taking it.

Then, he leaned in close and whispered in my ear, "Ophelia, I've been so good to you before, so please don't ruin things today. Lucia is a woman who needs to be cherished and taken care of. Don't do anything to upset her."

I didn't want to respond.

Lucia was a she-wolf, but wasn't I one too?

I looked at the he-wolf I had loved for over ten years, and the pain in my chest made it impossible to breathe.

Ten minutes later, Lucia walked in, led by the butler.

The elders immediately began chatting warmly.

As the conversation deepened, they were already discussing marking ceremony details, even though it was only the first meeting. Yuri sat beside Lucia, attentively catering to her.

There was no trace of the arrogance that used to mark him as the heir to the pack. He was like a wolf that had hidden its claws.

They were getting along well, so there was clearly no need for me to keep her company. I didn't want to waste any more time here and was looking for the chance to slip away.

But just then, Lucia turned to me with a gentle look. "You're Ophelia, right? I still remember you. You were famous for being the dance queen at college."

I was caught off guard and quickly waved my hands. "Thank you, but that title's a bit much. It was just a nickname they'd used for fun."

I thought they'd change the subject, but Lucia clearly had no intention of letting me off easily. "I'm not exaggerating at all. So many he-wolves on the team used to say you were their dream she-wolf. Back then, they were all lining up to confess to you."

Before I could say anything, Lucia playfully nudged Yuri's arm. "You two were childhood friends. How did sparks never fly between you? I remember how you two were always stuck together back in college. Everyone said you'd definitely form a mate bond."

All eyes turned to me.

The atmosphere felt a little off. I didn't know if it was just my imagination, but this seemingly gentle and kind Lucia gave me a strange sense of hostility.

Yuri shook his head and cut a slice of mousse cake for Lucia. "Everyone misunderstood. Sure, Ophelia's a she-wolf, but she's my best buddy. Who would form a mate bond with their bro? That'd be way too weird."

He suddenly remembered something and couldn't help laughing. "You never saw her back when she climbed a tree, fell off, and ended up with tears, snot, and mud all over her face. It was hilarious."

Yuri continued, "And when she gets drunk, she just grabs people and starts spouting nonsense. She flails her arms like she's casting spells. It's absolutely ridiculous…"

I couldn't take it anymore. My face burned like it was on fire. I couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or fury. Or perhaps it was both.

"I have something to do. I'm leaving now!" I cut him off sharply. I forced a polite smile toward the elders. "Sorry to trouble you."

Lucia looked a little hurt and turned to Yuri. "Did I say something out of line? Did I upset Ophelia?"

Yuri glared at me. His face was full of anger, as if I were the one who'd crossed the line.

Before he could speak, I beat him to it. "I just have a date with my crush today. I'll be late if I don't leave now."

Yuri froze, and the smile vanished from his face.