Chapter 3

ANNA

As I arrived at Rossi's Mansion, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of wealthy families from various clans, all elegantly dressed in their evening attire. Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same for myself. My clothes were old and shabby, hand-me-downs from my mother, and I couldn't afford to purchase new ones. Thankfully, the head of the servants had provided me with a maid's uniform, which helped conceal my ragged appearance.

Although I had seen the exterior of Rossi's Mansion on several occasions, I had never set foot inside until today. To say that I was awestruck by its grandeur would be an understatement. The mansion was nothing short of a seven-star hotel, with exquisite granite tiles that even reflected my own image.

As I entered the restroom, I was taken aback by its size. It was larger than my entire room! I couldn't help but realize the power of money and the impact it could have on one's life.

Just then, Rizza, a kind servant, called out to me, "Anna, have you finished cooking the pasta? Please help me here. The guests are requesting more brandy."

"Absolutely," I replied, nodding my head. "I'm just curious. I want to know more about this event."

Rizza smiled warmly at me, sensing my unease. "Don't worry, Anna. I was scared too during my first time. But you'll get used to it. Just be yourself, and everything will be fine."

Together, we arranged the drinks on the tray and headed outside. As we walked through the grand ballroom, I couldn't help but feel intimidated by the sight of wealthy guests mingling and socializing.

Curious, I turned to Rizza and asked, "What is the occasion for this event?"

To my surprise, Rizza looked at me incredulously. "Are you serious?" she asked, scrutinizing me from head to toe. "Did you really come here without knowing what kind of event you were going to serve? Are you sure you're from the Black Pearl's Pack?"

I furrowed my brows, realizing that I had forgotten about the engagement of the Lycan Prince and his mate. I wasn't really interested in their affairs, and it had completely slipped my mind. "Oh, right. I remember now. The engagement of the Lycan Prince and his mate. The party looks absolutely extravagant," I said, glancing at the festivities outside.

Rizza gave me a disapproving look. "Anna, how could you forget such an important event? Are you a cavewoman or what? Make sure no one hears you talking like that, or you might get into trouble."

I laughed it off, shrugging my shoulders. "I was just curious. I wasn't really paying attention to the details. Will the Lycan King step down on his throne since it was his son's engagement today?"

Rizza went on to explain, "No idea. But once the Lycan Prince and his mate get married, he will become the next king of the Black Pearl Pack."

I shrugged my shoulders. 

"But you know what, Anna? Most of the housemaids here don't like the Lycan Prince's mate,"

I chuckled at Rizza's words, but I wasn't particularly interested in discussing the Lycan Prince's mate. "Well, I don't really care about her personal life. Let's just focus on our job for now," I said.

Rizza, however, seemed to have more to say. "It's not just the housemaids who dislike her. Almost everyone does. She's such a terrible person, always looking down on others and thinking her wealth can buy her anything. Just pray that you won't run into her today, Anna. She might get jealous of your beauty."

I gasped in disbelief. "That's ridiculous, Rizza. I'm sure the Lycan Prince's mate is a beautiful woman. And there's really nothing to be jealous of in me," I said, trying to brush off the compliment.

Rizza let out a sigh. "Well, I just hope she won't cause any trouble today. I can't stand the sight of that woman's face."

I smiled and changed the subject. "Let's just focus on our task at hand. We should deliver these drinks to the guests. I'm sure they're looking for a good drink right now."

Rizza and I are walking towards the backdoor of the dirty kitchen. It's a bit dark here. I shrieked when someone bumped me. Things happened too fast, and the next thing I knew the alcohol drinks had already been poured and fallen on the ground.

"Aaahhh!" I screamed in terror.

"What the fuck–?!" It's a woman's voice.

"Oh my goodness! Did you just pour that drink on my gown?!" My vision isn't yet adjusting to the darkness.

But then I can feel Rizza is shivering beside me. "Fuck, Anna!"

My eyebrows drew together. Why does Rizza seem so scared?

"Anna, let's get out of here! She's the Lycan Prince mate! The bitch I'm telling you!" There's a warning in Rizza's tone.

I gasped. My mind started to think quickly. I kneeled and picked up the glass shots. "I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't notice you. Please accept my apologies,"

The woman is so mad. "Apologies? Do you know what you are talking about? You mess up my gown! Do you have any idea how much this cost? It's even more expensive than your life! This cost thirty thousand dollars!" She shouted in my face.

My eyes dilated and my heart started to beat so damn fast. I never feel this nervous.

"I-I'm so sorry, ma'am. I didn't mean to–”

"I don't need your sorry!" She grabbed my hair and forced me to go back to the kitchen. She dragged me there using my hair.

I ached in pain while stopping her to drag my hair. My scalp is starting to feel burnt due to her grip. "P-Please, ma'am! I... I will just pay for your gown!"

The woman pushed me onto the sink counter. This time, we can see each other more clearly.

She scanned me from head to toe. I can't read what's written in her mind. "Pay me? How could you pay me if you're just a poor servant? Even if you work until the last breath of your life, you can't pay for my gown. Now, tell me what to do?" There's a fire in her eyes.

"T-The gown is not destroyed, ma'am. I just got soaked by the alcohol. I could wash it for you, ma'am. Please forgive me,"

The woman let out a scoff. "Wash it? Do you think I have the time to wait for your laundry skills?" She then turned her attention to Rizza. "And you! Why did you bring this incompetent girl with you? You know that we only want the best service in this party!"

Rizza trembled in fear. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I didn't know that Anna would make a mistake. I'll make sure that this won't happen again," she pleaded.

“Please, ma’am, no—”

I saw Rizza running and calling for help. I feel more nervous now that I'm alone with this woman!

"How dare you answer me? You have no right! You're going to wash my gown? Huh. There's no way I will let a dirty low woman like you touch my things! Now, take this!" I wasn't prepared for her attack. She slapped me on my cheeks.

"Ahh!"

"Take this bitch! You ugly servant!" The woman isn't content and she grabs my hair once more and forces me to face the sink.

My tears are unstoppable. Why are rich families like this? Why can't they accept apologies? Why do they have to belittle someone and hurt them?

Trembling, I tried to break free from her grip, but it was no use. I could feel her hot breath on my neck. "Please, ma'am, I'm begging you. Let me go," I pleaded, my voice cracking with fear and pain.

But the woman just sneered at me. "You think begging will save you? You're nothing but a lowly servant. You don't deserve to be in my presence." And with that, she pushed my head into the sink and turned on the faucet.

Cold water gushed out, soaking my hair and face. I coughed and gasped for air, struggling to keep my head above water. The woman continued to hold me down, enjoying my suffering.

"P-Please, stop hurting me...!" I begged.

I heard her evil laugh. "Stop hurting you? No. I'm not going to stop. I'm just starting!"

"Please...!"

"Darlyn!" I heard a strong baritone male voice.

The woman was about to hit me but her hands stopped in the air. Her body froze as she looked back.

"What the hell are you doing, Darlyn? Seriously, hurting a servant?! How low can you get?"

So, this woman's name is Darlyn. I got the opportunity to move away from her. And there, I saw a handsome man.

A tall man with brownish hair and amber eyes. I held my breath! I feel an enormous volt run through my veins. I feel my stomach about to turn up.

My hands grew paler by the second, and my forehead was slick with sweat. My heart pounded so hard and fast that I felt like I might pass out. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. Dante Rossi, the son of the Lycan King. This was my first time seeing him up close, and he was the very image of perfection. But I didn't like what was happening to me. I was afraid that everyone could hear my heart pounding like a drum.

Suddenly, Darlyn burst into tears and clung to Dante's arm like a professional actress. "D-Dante! That servant hurt me! Look at my dress, she spilled her drink on me!" She pouted her lips, playing the part to the hilt.

My mouth opened, but no words came out. I couldn't even defend myself.

"Shut up, Darlyn! I saw everything. Do you think I'm stupid? I'm not blind! I saw how you hurt her! How could you hurt someone, Darlyn?" Dante's voice was firm and unwavering, his eyes blazing with anger.

To my surprise, the Lycan Prince didn't scold me for the incident. Darlyn appeared equally shocked. "Look at what she did to my gown!" she exclaimed.

"And to hell with your gown! That doesn't give you the right to hurt someone!" Dante retorted, his voice firm and unwavering.

"Dante..." the woman began to cry.

"Go and say sorry to her," he demanded.

I bit my lower lip. "L-Lycan Prince, she... she doesn't have to do that. It's my fault," I said in a humble tone.

He gave me a concerned look. "Whether it's your fault or not, Darlyn has no right to hurt you. Now, Darlyn, say sorry to her."

I could see anger fueling her eyes. "No! Why would I say sorry to a servant? I'm Darlyn Taylor! And she's nothing but a servant!" the woman gritted her teeth and stormed out.

I expected the Lycan Prince to follow Darlyn, but he approached me instead. My heart felt like it might burst from my chest at any moment. He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry for what Darlyn did to you. I apologize on her behalf," he said.

"It's okay, Lycan Prince," I stammered, feeling nervous under his gaze.

He stared at my face, and suddenly it felt like our world had stopped spinning. His hands touched my cheeks, and a million electric bolts surged through my body. "Your face is swollen. Damn Darlyn. I'm so sorry," he said with a deep sense of concern.

I didn't know what to say or how to react. I was simply staring at Dante's stunning face.

"What's your name?" he asked softly.

"Anna White," I whispered.

The Lycan Prince smiled at me. "Anna," he said, and at that moment, I felt a connection between us. But how could that be? He had a fated mate already, and I was just a rankless wolf.

Moreover, he was expected to become the next Lycan King, while I was just a lowly servant!