Chapter 2

2、

Lyla Brooks pushed through the crowd and threw herself at Xander's bedside.

She was petite and delicate, with tears shimmering in her eyes. She looked like a wounded bird.

A flash of joy crossed Xander's eyes. He took her hand gently.

"I'm okay. I just can't walk for a bit. I'll get better."

No, you won't, I thought silently.

In my last life, I spent a fortune on specialists and medical research.

I spent two hours every day on his physical therapy and special treatments, never missing a second.

Even then, by the time I died, I had only managed to get him to stand. That was the limit.

To keep his spirits up, I lied and told him he'd be back to normal soon.

Xander had been ecstatic, convinced that Lyla's visits were his lucky charm.

He then took the rare, expensive herbs I bought for his recovery and gave them all to Lyla.

The two of them started acting cozy right there in front of everyone. The others felt the awkwardness and began to leave.

I heard their muffled laughter as they walked down the hallway.

"I bet Vera is going to have another meltdown. She's so desperate for Xander, she's making her father look like a fool."

"She has no shame. Xander is probably bored of her by now. She can't even compete with a clerk's daughter like Lyla."

The voices faded. Lyla heard them too. She leaned into Xander's chest and shot me a smug look.

In the past, I would have screamed and cried like a clown.

But now, I just watched them with a detached coldness, like I was watching two people walking toward a cliff.

My lack of reaction seemed to irritate Xander.

He pulled Lyla closer and glared at me.

"Vera, are you already planning how to hurt Lyla? You're supposed to be a high-class lady. Can't you show some grace?"

"Get this through your head. Lyla is the only woman who will ever rule the Sullivan house. Don't even try to compete."

Lyla looked thrilled, but she quickly lowered her head, acting modest.

"I'm happy just being by your side, Xander. Vera comes from such a wealthy family. I could never compare. It's natural for her to hate me."

"I heard her father was at the estate this morning, begging for a marriage. I wish I had a father like that..."

Xander's face darkened instantly.

"Vera, have you no shame? I haven't even said yes, and you're already sending your father to beg my grandfather?"

"Even if the old man forces me to marry you, I will never acknowledge you. Go back and tell him you want Lyla to be the bride instead, and maybe I'll forgive your arrogance."

I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh. "What makes you so sure my father was there to ask for your hand?"

Xander acted as if I'd told the funniest joke in the world. He snorted.

Even Lyla giggled against his shoulder.

"Vera, is this your new tactic? Playing hard to get? Everyone in the city knows you've been obsessed with Xander since you were kids."

"But take my advice. Have some self-respect. You're only making him hate you more."

Xander looked at me with sheer arrogance.

"Who else would you choose? Your reputation for being a thirsty stalker is legendary. Nobody else would take you even if you paid them."

But I knew the truth. My father hadn't chosen Xander.

He had found a man he actually trusted to take care of me, hoping I wouldn't have to suffer.

In my last life, I had threatened to kill myself if I couldn't marry Xander.

My father had put his entire reputation on the line and risked offending the Sullivans just to swap the groom to Xander.

Seeing a flicker of pain in my eyes, Xander felt even more powerful.

He held Lyla tighter. "Don't be afraid of her, Lyla. Soon, you'll be above her. If she ever disrespects you, you can punish her however you want."

My gaze fell on his motionless legs.

In my previous life, he couldn't go anywhere without that wheelchair. Even a tiny doorstep required three people to lift him.

When he was in a bad mood, he'd kick all the servants out.

I was the one who pushed him around until my fingers were covered in bloody blisters.

The love I felt for him had been ground into dust by years of his abuse.

By the end, I didn't even know if I loved him or if I was just a slave to my own sense of duty.

If Lyla wanted to be the lady of the house, fine. Let her.

My hands were soft and manicured, preserved by my parents' love. I wasn't going to let them blister again.

I looked at them with a mocking smile. "Then I wish you two a long, happy life together. May you never be parted."

Xander had a mountain of insults ready to throw at me. He was waiting for me to beg.

But my indifference hit him like a punch to the gut.

He looked frustrated. "As long as you understand. From now on, you will defer to Lyla in everything."

I didn't bother answering. I turned and walked out.

When I got home, I ran into my father, who had just returned from a meeting.

He coughed nervously, looking at me with a bit of hesitation. "Vera, honey... I took the liberty of arranging a marriage for you."

"I know you like Xander Sullivan. But he's not a good man. If you marry him, you'll only suffer."

This powerful man, a titan of industry, was trembling because he was afraid I'd be angry.

My eyes stung with tears. I ran over and hugged him tightly. "Thank you, Dad. I stopped liking him a long time ago."

In my last life, after Xander took over, he marginalized my father and promoted Lyla's father instead.

Lyla's dad was a total fraud who used his daughter to climb the social ladder.

He was the reason my father's legacy ended in ruins.

This time, I was going to grind Xander into the dirt and make sure he never rose again.

The next day, as I was heading out, a luxury car blocked my path.

Xander was in his wheelchair, being awkwardly lowered from the vehicle by bodyguards.

The guards were clumsy. He had to white-knuckle the armrests, his expensive suit getting wrinkled and messy. He looked pathetic.

Lyla stepped out behind him.

When Xander saw me, his expression softened slightly. He waited for me to come over and fix his clothes, just like I used to.

I stayed right where I was, watching him coldly.

Xander waited for a long time. When I didn't move, he snapped.

"Vera, I came here specifically to talk to you."

He expected me to be overjoyed. I gave him nothing.

Displeasure flashed across his face. "Do you think playing dumb will work? Get in the car. We're going to the Sullivan estate. You're going to tell my grandfather that you'll be my mistress and that Lyla will be the wife."