Chapter 3

3.

"What kind of game are you playing now?"

Killian pushed the door open, his silhouette framed by the light.

My hunger strike over the last few days had finally forced him to show up.

I forced myself to sit up, my stomach cramping so hard I broke into a cold sweat.

"Let me out. I don't want to be here."

He frowned with annoyance.

"I warned you not to mess with my wedding. Threatening to kill yourself won't work!"

A self-deprecating smile touched my lips.

"You think too highly of yourself, Killian. I value my life much more than you do yours."

He seemed taken aback for a second, then sneered.

"Fine. Once I marry Melody, I might find a place for you as my mistress."

"Just behave and stop causing trouble."

"But you stay away from Melody. Don't you dare say a word to upset her."

He actually thought he was doing me a favor by offering to make me his side-piece?

I must have been blind to ever love a piece of trash like him.

Every word coming out of his mouth made me want to vomit.

I couldn't even remember the little boy who used to sneak me candy and protect me from bullies.

The man standing before me now was as disgusting as a cockroach in a sewer.

I didn't have the energy to argue. I just wanted to leave.

"I don't want your pathetic 'place'."

"Even if you keep me here, you need to give me actual food."

"Stop sending me that rotten, spoiled garbage!"

Killian's frown deepened.

"That's impossible. Melody personally told the maids to take care of your meals."

"She told me she was worried you weren't eating well and insisted on three-course meals!"

That lying bitch.

I took a deep breath and pointed at the tray on the floor.

"Have your man open that container. See for yourself."

My voice was weak but laced with mockery. "Look at your 'three-course meal'."

Killian's eyes were full of impatience and disgust.

"What are you trying to do? Get my attention with this?"

"Is this the best you can come up with, Rowan?"

Still, he gestured to one of the bodyguards.

The guard stepped forward and opened the tray with a look of distaste.

Immediately, the stench of sour, rotting food filled the room.

Even Killian froze, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes.

Suddenly, a high-pitched voice came from the hallway.

"Killian, honey! I made Rowan's favorite food myself."

Melody Lane walked in, carrying a brand-new thermal bag.

"I heard Rowan was refusing to eat, and it just breaks my heart."

She opened the containers, and the delicious aroma of fresh food filled the air.

Seeing the food Melody brought, Killian's doubt vanished instantly, replaced by his usual hatred for me.

"You're trying to frame Melody again?"

"Look at what she brought you, and then look at the mess you made. What else do you have to say?"

Melody started sobbing, her voice trembling.

"I knew Rowan would say the food was bad... but she's let it sit out for days. Of course it's spoiled now."

"Don't cry, Melody. Ignore her. Let her starve if that's what she wants!"

Killian comforted her gently while glaring at me like I was scum.

My heart went completely cold.

He would never believe me, even when the truth was staring him in the face.

I couldn't just wait here to die. I had to get out.

"I want to see Mrs. Sterling."

My voice was weak, but firm.

Killian laughed. "Why? To tattle on us?"

I looked him straight in the eyes, showing no fear.

"Yes. And if you don't call her, I'll bash my head against this wall."

"I'll turn your wedding day into a funeral."

Killian's face turned pale with rage, and he suddenly lunged forward, grabbing my throat.

"You wouldn't dare!"

I stared back at him, my eyes full of mockery.

In my last life, I was too afraid of him, too in love with him, and it destroyed me.

Now, I had nothing left to lose.

If I had to die, so be it.

His hand squeezed tighter, and I struggled for air.

Just as I thought I might actually black out, a sharp voice cut through the room.

"Killian! Let her go! What on earth are you doing?!"

The pressure on my neck vanished, and I slumped down, gasping for air.

Mrs. Sterling was standing in the doorway, looking furious.

Beside her stood Mrs. Vance from the neighboring estate.

Mrs. Sterling shot Killian a warning look before forcing a smile for Mrs. Vance.

"I am so sorry, Mrs. Vance. Just a small family disagreement."

Mrs. Sterling gave an awkward laugh and pulled me up by the arm.

"Mrs. Vance, this is the girl I was telling you about. Rowan Thorne, the one with the lucky alignment."

Looking at Mrs. Vance, a memory from my past life surfaced.

Her only son, Gideon Vance, had died of terminal illness the night before my wedding.

Mrs. Vance's eyes were full of deep, haunting despair, but when she looked at me, there was a tiny, desperate spark of hope.

She reached out and gripped my hands tightly.

"Rowan... I know this is sudden..."

"But my son is very sick. The doctors say there is no hope left."

Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"I'm desperate. I'm willing to try anything at this point."

"I'm begging you. Please, marry my son. Use your luck to save him."

"Please... just give him a chance to breathe again..."

A bright light flared in my eyes.

"I'll do it."

Gideon Vance was known to be a true gentleman, kind and fair.

A man like that didn't deserve to die.

Plus, marrying him was my only way to escape Killian forever.

The moment the words left my mouth, Killian, who had been brooding in the corner, shouted out.

"What the hell are you saying?! I don't allow it!"

He tried to grab me again, but Mrs. Sterling held him back.

"Killian! Stop it!"

He ignored his mother, staring at me with burning eyes.

"Rowan Thorne! You wouldn't dare!"

I sneered. "Why wouldn't I?"

Mrs. Vance, terrified I would change my mind, quickly pulled a marriage contract from her bag.

I recognized the format; I had signed a similar one in my last life.

She handed it to me, her eyes pleading.

"The mystic said the moment you sign your name, your luck will begin to protect him!"

"Please... just sign it!"

Without a second of hesitation, I took the pen and wrote my name.

As I finished the last stroke, I looked up and met Killian's dark, murderous gaze.

I could clearly see a faint, dark shadow creeping across his forehead.

"Rowan! Thorne!"

"You traitorous bitch! You actually did it!"

He roared at me, lunging forward once more.

But suddenly, he froze. He clutched his chest, his face contorting in extreme agony.

"Aggh―!"

A massive spray of bright red blood erupted from his mouth, painting the floor.