Chapter 1

On my twentieth birthday, my parents presented me with photos of the most eligible bachelors in the country. They wanted me to pick a fiancé for a strategic alliance.

I told my father we should let fate decide and draw lots.

In my past life, I hadn't hesitated for a second. I chose Weston, the golden boy of the New York elite whom I had loved for years.

But after the wedding, I learned the truth. His secret lover, Zoe, was so heartbroken that she got drunk at a bar and was assaulted by thugs.

She tried to take her own life three times. Weston blamed me for everything, seeing me as the source of all her misery.

He systematically funneled my family's wealth to her, completely draining the Jensen estate.

In the end, he stood by and let her cut the brake lines of our car. My parents and I died in a horrific crash.

Having been reborn, I drew a different name this time. I chose Caleb, the heir of a powerful Southern dynasty who was known for his devotion to his faith and his distance from worldly drama.

But when I showed up at the engagement gala on his arm, Weston went absolutely ballistic.

1

I placed Caleb's photo in front of my parents.

They shared a worried look, clearly uneasy about my choice.

"Stella, we know you've been head over heels for Weston since you were kids. Maybe you should rethink this..."

I shook my head firmly. "If this is what fate decided, I want to see where it leads."

Besides, I already knew the nightmare that awaited if I forced a marriage with Weston.

Seeing my resolve, my parents finally nodded.

"We'll talk to the York family about the arrangement. But since both the Jensens and the Yorks are high-profile, let's keep it quiet until the gala."

I agreed. But when I headed out for a charity event later, reporters swarmed me as if they'd smelled blood.

"Miss Jensen, have you decided on a fiancé yet?"

Another reporter didn't even wait for me to speak. "Everyone knows your heart belongs to Weston. It's him, isn't it?"

I looked up and locked eyes with Weston, who was just walking into the hall.

Surrounded by flashing cameras, his expression was as cold and disgusted as I remembered.

"Excuse me, move aside," he snapped.

His bodyguards pushed the reporters back. He reached out and pulled a pale, fragile-looking Zoe into his arms.

"My heart has always belonged to Zoe. Even if family pressure forces me to marry someone else, I won't give her an ounce of my love."

Zoe looked up at him, her face flushing with moved emotion as she clung to his waist.

A few socialites who had always disliked me started whispering and giggling nearby.

"So what if she's the sole heiress of the top-ranked Jensen family? Weston doesn't even want her. He'd rather have a girl from a family of nobodies."

"She's really making a fool of herself. Imagine being the third wheel in your own drama."

The mockery grew louder. Zoe peeked over Weston's shoulder and gave me a triumphant, taunting look.

I simply looked away and focused on the event program.

Of course, the organizers had seated him right next to me.

Weston sat down, his face tight with anger.

"Stella, I've told you a thousand times I don't want to marry you. Why can't you just let go?"

I had heard those words so many times before. Yet, hearing them again still stung.

"I'm not holding onto you," I said quietly.

Weston slammed a fist onto the table, his disgust deepening.

"Then why are you forcing this? Does your family think their status gives them the right to control my life?"

"This is an insult to my dignity. Even if we do get married, I'll never look at you twice."

He was a man of his word. In my past life, he never did give me a single look of affection.

Just then, the woman he adored so much walked over. Her eyes were swimming with tears, and without warning, she dropped to her knees in front of everyone.

"Miss Jensen, I know you hate me, but my parents are innocent. You had the guards throw them out. My father almost had a heart attack!"

"Please, leave us alone. If... if I have to step aside so you can be with Weston, I will..."

Her voice broke into a sob. Before I could even process her lie, Weston was hauling her up and glaring at me with pure hatred.

"Whatever is between us has nothing to do with Zoe! Why would you target her like that?"

His accusation was so sudden it felt surreal.

"I didn't―"

"You really are a spoiled brat. You think you can do whatever you want just because you're a Jensen."

As Weston spoke, a sycophant approached us, holding a gift box.

"Mr. Weston, this is an engagement gift for you and Miss Jensen..."

Before the man could finish, Weston snatched the box and hurled it at me in front of the entire crowd.

"Apologize to Zoe, Stella."

"Otherwise, I don't care if the Jensens are more powerful than us. I'll call off the alliance. I won't marry a woman this malicious!"