Chapter 2

2.

As soon as I got home and stepped through the door, I heard Derek lowering his voice. "Amber, don't worry, just focus on going to college. Don't stress about the tuition; Harper has savings, and I will get the money from her."

I let out a cold sneer and slowly pushed the door open.

Seeing me, Derek froze for a second, but quickly put on a smile. "Oh, you're back."

Amber lowered her head and spoke softly, her tone laced with grievance. "Harper, please don't misunderstand. I was just having a quick chat with Derek."

Misunderstand?

In my past life, I was unbelievably stupid and trusted every word Derek said.

He told me, "It's hard for Amber to study away from home, we can't let her lose face. Let her borrow your brand-new silk blouse. Our wedding is still a while away, I'll buy you a new one then."

I fell for his lies and gave away the only nice silk blouse I had bought for my wedding.

Terrified that she would lack anything in the city, Derek secretly sent her all my grocery money and savings.

And what about me?

I wore cheap, faded thrift store clothes at home that were patched up.

My hands were cracked from the cold, yet I couldn't even afford hand cream. I lived on pennies just to take care of the big picture.

Meanwhile, fueled by my hard-earned money, Amber became the campus goddess everyone envied in Chicago, surrounded by suitors.

She eventually married a wealthy guy from a rich family in Chicago, having a grand wedding that made the whole plant gossip about her good luck.

On the day of her wedding, Derek got dead drunk.

That night was the only time he ever came into our bedroom.

In this life, I saw right through their little games.

Amber's eyes landed on the file folder in my hand, and her gaze flickered.

Before she could speak, Derek quickly stepped in front of her and smiled at me. "How did it go? Is everything sorted out?"

"Yeah. The director told me to keep a low profile and just head out when the time comes."

As soon as I finished speaking, I clearly saw Amber's expression relax as if a huge burden had been lifted.

Derek laughed and said, "That's great. We have so much to take care of at home anyway, it's best you stay."

Noticing my cold expression, he pretended to be attentive. "Harper, our new place is almost ready. Since you're living alone, why don't you move in early…"

He said the exact same thing in our previous life, claiming it would be easier to unpack if I moved in early.

But after we got married, they used that against me, calling me shameless for moving into my in-laws' house before the wedding.

I looked up at Derek. "There's no rush. We can talk about it after we get the marriage license."

Derek froze, clearly not expecting me to refuse, and offered an awkward smile. "Sure, whatever you say."

I couldn't be bothered with him and walked straight to my bedroom.

But before I even reached the door, I saw Brittany walking out of my room, chewing on a blueberry muffin she took from my stash.

"Harper, these muffins are really good! Why were you hiding them?" she said with a cheeky grin, showing zero remorse.

Derek frowned but didn't stop her, just saying lightly, "Brittany just loves snacks, don't be so petty about it."

I sneered internally, staring at the selfish faces of this family.

In my past life, this little sister-in-law wanted everything, refusing to let a single thing of mine slip through her fingers.

This time around, I will gladly let you guys have it all.