Chapter 1

The barrage of on-screen comments exploded.

[Where's the male lead? Where did my precious male lead go?]

[The male lead just… turned into a dog? Just like that?]

[I signed up for a heartbroken puppy-like boyfriend, not an actual puppy!]

[God, my head hurts…]

Maisie Sadler looked around but couldn't find Elias Forrest anywhere. Then, she turned and fixed a stubborn stare on me. "Where are you hiding Elias, Willow?"

I held the poodle in my arms close and replied lazily, "You're funny, Ms. Sadler. Look at how small this room is. How could I possibly be hiding him?"

Suspicion flashed across her face. Soon, her gaze landed on the poodle. Her sixth sense told her the dog was important to her.

"This dog looks a lot like the one that went missing from my place." She reached out, trying to take him. "Ms. Knight, could you give my dog back to me?"

The comments went wild.

[Stop causing trouble, you villainess! Give the male lead back to the female lead already!]

[Once Maisie takes Elias home, it's time for sweet cohabitation!]

[The process is a bit off, but hey, the ending's what matters.]

I shifted the poodle protectively in my arms and looked at Maisie, my expression turning cold. "You think he's yours just because you say he is? Do you have any proof?"

Right then, the poodle who'd been perfectly calm suddenly struggled like crazy to jump out of my arms.

The comments started up again.

[This is your cue, Elias. Get up and bite that villainess to death!]

[The male lead himself has chosen the female lead, you vile woman. Don't be so shameless!]

My heart clenched, as if an invisible hand had tightened around it. I couldn't help loosening my grip.

The white ball of fluff tumbled to the floor, rolled once, and then bolted straight toward Maisie. Her eyes lit up, and she threw her arms open in delight. "Baby, come here!"

The very next second, with a loud splatter, the poodle lifted a hind leg and left a yellow, very suspicious-looking stain on her white dress.

Then, he bounced right back into my arms, his tail wagging cheerfully. His black eyes were full of smug satisfaction.

I couldn't hold back my laughter.

The comments went dead silent, and Maisie's face twisted like she'd just swallowed a fly.

I held the poodle close once more, my expression turning mocking when I lifted my gaze again. "Looks like you aren't all that familiar with your own dog, Ms. Sadler."

I jerked my chin toward the door. "Do us both a favor and get out. People like you aren't welcome here."

Maisie's eyes turned red, and her voice shook. "Willow Knight… I might be from a poor family, but I still have my dignity!"

"Dignity?" I sneered. "True. All those designer clothes and bags you're wearing were things Elias practically begged you to accept. You've always looked down on people like us—you know, the rich bullies. So, how about you take your lofty morals and get out of my room, Ms. Sadler?"

Only after Maisie ran off in tears, covering her face, did I finally have time to look down at the poodle in my arms. Even though I'd already been shocked a moment ago, I still found it unbelievable now.

I mean, sure, I called Elias a dog of a man every day, but I never imagined he would turn into an actual dog.