Chapter 2

2

Our father gathered the finest treasures in the world to give Roxanne as her dowry. He even went as far as taking back the items intended for me.

He looked at me and said, "Your sister is moving far away to live with the Sirens. You are marrying well into the Dragon Clan. You should be the bigger person and let her have these material things."

Watching his blatant favoritism made my heart sting. I lowered my head in feigned sadness.

Myles couldn't stand it. He squeezed my hand and whispered, "The Dragon Clan has plenty of treasures. I'll have them sent over later. Don't worry about these trifles."

Looking into Myles's bright, protective eyes, I couldn't help but smile.

After spending these few days with him, I realized he was actually quite cheerful. He had the pride of a dragon, but he never looked down on anyone because of it.

He wasn't like Xander… I glanced at the merman from the corner of my eye. His face was dark and tense.

In my past life, as his wife, I had learned to read every shift in his mood.

Roxanne's behavior had already deeply offended him. Now, our father's words made it worse. It sounded like he was pitying Roxanne for marrying into the Siren tribe.

Xander, who valued his pride above all else, was clearly fuming.

I didn't want to watch my father and sister play their game of a loving family anymore. I turned to leave with Myles.

But Roxanne suddenly called out to us. She looked at Myles and said, "My sister has a weak constitution. She isn't as talented as me, and she might even have trouble… producing heirs. But since she's your wife now, you can't look down on her for that."

She was still trying to sabotage me even now.

She was determined to make my life miserable. I looked at Myles, feeling a sudden surge of anxiety.

Myles gave her a look of pure disgust. "Don't trouble yourself, Miss Vance. Since Nia is marrying me, I will protect her. To me, she is the most incredible woman in the world."

Roxanne's face contorted with rage. she hadn't expected Myles to defend me so fiercely.

Hearing his words and feeling the warmth of his hand, my heart melted. A few tears escaped my eyes.

I remembered how he had failed his trial in the past. My resolve hardened.

In this life, I would do everything in my power to save him.

On the day we were both set to marry, our father cried like a baby.

I felt a small flicker of emotion until I heard him whisper to Roxanne. "Are you sure about that merman? It's not too late to change your mind. We can always make your sister take your place."

My expression went cold. Myles and Xander both stiffened beside me.

Our father thought he was being quiet. But both of them had the heightened senses of their races. They heard every word.

Seeing how foolish he was, I didn't want to say another word to him. I walked toward Myles.

Myles pulled me close, his face shadowed with anger.

I worried about what to say to comfort him.

Even though he was angry, his movements remained gentle. He even pulled out a few delicate pastries for me.

Seeing how stiff I was, his expression softened. "I'm angry at them, but I know this isn't your fault. I won't take it out on you."

My eyes grew misty, and I nodded.

I looked back at my father and sister, finding the situation almost laughable.

Their habit of treating us like tradable goods had already offended Myles. It had certainly enraged that vengeful merman.

Thank God I escaped that fate this time.