Chapter 5

Forty minutes later, I appeared at the banquet hall in a haute couture gown.

Declan had wanted to accompany me, but I refused. I didn't want to reveal everything so quickly.

When people saw me, they all started looking me over, their eyes full of amazement.

"Who is she? Her temperament and looks are absolutely stunning. I've never seen her before."

"I haven't either. She's like a fairy descended from heaven. I must go introduce myself."

The commotion also caught the Smith family's attention. Vivian's eyes were full of jealousy.

Then she spoke with red-rimmed eyes. "Rhea, how could you steal a gown? This gown is a custom piece from Paris Fashion Week. I remember Alpha Declan bought it at auction. You actually stole something from Alpha Declan."

Jenny immediately chimed in. "How dare you steal from Alpha Declan? This is a gift Alpha Declan planned to give our Vivian. Take it off right now."

"Stealing things at home was bad enough, but now you've stolen from Alpha Declan. You really don't know your limits."

I actually laughed at this. This family just spouted lies without a second thought.

Everyone's initial amazement turned to disgust. "So she's from the countryside and dared to steal Alpha Declan's gown. She really doesn't know her place."

"From what they just said, this gown was meant for Vivian. I heard before that Alpha Declan bought a lot of jewelry abroad to give to his beloved. So it's true."

Everyone started crowding around Vivian to flatter her.

"Vivian is stunningly beautiful. She and Alpha Declan are truly a match made in heaven."

"Once Vivian marries Alpha Declan, the Smith family will rise to another level. Congratulations!"

Vivian acted as if she was really about to marry Declan, blushing shyly. "The wedding date hasn't been set yet. I'll definitely invite everyone to our wedding."

I couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Vivian, does Declan even know he's marrying you?"

Vivian's face paled. "Rhea, what do you mean? Do you think that by stealing the gown he meant to give me, you can impersonate me?"

I rolled my eyes. I really didn't know how the Smith family raised her to have such a personality. Declan had said he'd never even met Vivian. She received one invitation and already imagined herself marrying him. How absurd.

I pointed at the gown I was wearing. "This gown was a gift from my husband. I didn't steal it from you."

Everyone burst into laughter. "You say your husband gave it to you? Don't tell me your husband is Alpha Declan?"

I smiled coldly. "What do you think?"

"But Declan doesn't need to marry me, because..."

Before I could finish, Vivian interrupted me. "Rhea, you're degrading yourself by wanting to be Alpha Declan's mistress."

"Being the kind of woman who throws herself at someone without wanting any title—even though you just came back from the countryside, you can't disgrace the family like this. You're humiliating the Smith family."

Jenny also looked at me coldly. "Rhea, enough. Are you trying to ruin the Smith family's reputation? Get out of here right now and prepare to marry Leo. Stop making a fool of yourself."

I just wanted to say that Declan didn't need to marry me because we were already married. We'd just returned to the city from the pack border, and Declan hadn't had time to announce his marriage yet.

Seeing that the time was about right, I didn't want to keep playing along with them anymore. I took out my phone.

"Declan, I heard you're getting married. Did you forget to tell me?"