Reclaimed by the Beta From the Cruel Alpha

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!”