Chapter 1

In my past life, I swore I would never marry anyone but Lyra Vance. I endured eight years of misery just to get that marriage certificate.

During our forty years together, the only time Lyra let me touch her was the day Zane died.

She looked into my eyes and sobbed, asking me why I had to marry her. She blamed me for the loss of her true love.

After she died, I found a house full of love letters she had hidden. They were everywhere.

Every single one began with the same words： My dearest Zane.

Half a lifetime of self-deception finally shattered in that moment.

In this life, I will never chase her again.

But when I took her cousin's hand instead, Lyra went insane, begging me to come back to her.

1.

"Dad, I've made up my mind. I want to change the Vance family merger partner to Elara Vance."

My father's voice on the other end was filled with surprise.

"Fine. If that is your decision, I will handle the arrangements," he said.

After hanging up, I started packing my things.

This house was filled with memories of Lyra and me. Or rather, what I thought were memories.

In reality, there was nothing to prove we even had a relationship.

No photos, no matching clothes, nothing a normal couple would have.

All that existed was my one-sided obsession for the past six years.

I had held on even when everyone else looked down on me.

But after being reborn, I am done. I won't waste another second on this pointless love.

Today was supposed to be our eighth anniversary.

Lyra actually came home at noon, which was rare.

When she saw there was no hot meal waiting for her, her face darkened.

"What have you been doing all day?" she snapped. "I finally come home, and you haven't even made lunch?"

I kept packing my bags and spoke coldly.

"I didn't have time."

Lyra's face turned pale with anger as she walked over to stop me.

"We're about to get married! Why are you packing?" she demanded. "What kind of tantrum is this now?"

I glanced at her. In her eyes, everything I did was just a temper tantrum.

I was surprised she mentioned marriage.

In my past life, I begged her countless times, and she always refused. Now, she was bringing it up herself.

She looked away, sounding annoyed.

"My family's company needs you. But listen, the wedding is just for show. I won't actually sign the marriage papers with you."

I caught something in her tone. Why would she need me now?

Could it be that Lyra had also been reborn?

I pulled my hand away from her grip. "There's no need for that anymore," I said.

Lyra let out a mocking laugh, her eyes full of contempt.

"Are you joking? You've been crying and begging to marry me. Now you're acting tough? Do you really think this will make me sign those papers?"

I ignored her look and spoke clearly.

"Lyra, let's break up."

She frowned, clearly not taking me seriously.

"The Sterling and Vance families have already set the date. Who else would you marry? Not Elara, surely..."

Her phone rang before she could finish.

Her expression softened instantly. Her eyes sparkled as she answered the call.

"Zane! You're not leaving? I'll come pick you up right now! Wait for me!"

She walked out the door, laughing happily.

Half an hour later, Zane sent me a provocative text.

"No matter how hard you try, you'll never have her heart. All I have to do is wave, and she runs to me."

"I'm never letting Lyra go in this life. The future CEO of the Vance Group will be me!"

He attached a photo. Lyra was kissing him passionately, her eyes full of deep devotion.

Seeing that message, I knew Zane had been reborn too.

He thought the Vance Group became successful because of Lyra.

He had no idea that only by marrying into the Sterling family could anyone earn the right to lead the company.