Chapter 2 A Deal To Have Marriage Contract

LAURA

I'm still trying to adjust to the fact that I woke up in the past. Everything felt real, too real to be a dream. The touch of the fresh morning air, the aroma of the hot tea served by the waiter, and the sounds of lively conversation in the living room of my family's mansion-all reminded me that this was the beginning of my second life.

I was back five years ago, before all the destruction. Before the marriage that ruined my life. Before I became a woman who lost everything.

Today, my family mansion was filled with guests. Father said that the Galen family was coming to discuss a business partnership. I knew it wasn't just about business; it was the beginning of a planned match between me and Galen, the heir to their family.

I came down from the room, wearing the pastel blue dress the maid had chosen for me. My hair is in a simple bun, as per my mother's request. Everything looks the same as before, but it feels different. I was no longer the naive girl who knew nothing.

When I stepped into the living room, my eyes immediately caught Galen's figure. He stood gracefully beside his father, dressed in a perfect black suit, his face as handsome as I remembered. He was still the man who exuded a cold and authoritative aura, the man I once thought would be my protector.

But I knew the truth behind that piercing gaze. In the next five years, our marriage would turn into a nightmare. He would be the man who made me feel unimaginable humiliation, loneliness, and betrayal.

"Laura," my mother's voice broke into my thoughts. "Why are you standing there? Come here, child."

I stepped forward, trying to keep my smile calm. All eyes were on me, including Galen's. Our gazes met for a moment, and I could feel my chest tighten.

"How are you, Laura?" he asked in a flat but polite tone.

"Fine," I replied briefly, trying to refrain from returning his gaze for too long.

The formal conversation continued, but my mind drifted. I thought of all the things I knew-how Galen's family would use this marriage to their advantage, how Galen would turn into the figure who destroyed me.

But now I had a second chance. I won't let history repeat itself. I won't be the foolish woman who gives her life to a man who doesn't care about her.

When everyone was immersed in the conversation, I stared at Galen silently. He was still talking in a calm tone, discussing business with my father. No one suspects, no one knows the future like I do.

I took a deep breath, realizing that this time, I had to play it smart. If I wanted to change my destiny, I had to face Galen and his family with a cool head.

The marriage discussion felt like a sharp knife hanging over my head. Sitting in the large living room of my family's mansion, I gazed at the satisfied-looking faces, especially my father and Mr. Galen. For them, this was the perfect moment-a business deal wrapped in the guise of marriage.

Galen, the man sitting opposite me, only showed a flat expression. His eyes were cold, and he didn't seem bothered by this discussion. Of course, he wasn't bothered-this was just another part of his plan.

I had heard it all before, five years in the future. I knew how this marriage would turn into a disaster, how Galen would become the man who ruined my life with every cold and calculated decision he made. But this time, I wasn't going to let that happen.

"So," Mr. Galen said with a satisfied smile on his face, "it seems that everything has been agreed upon. Laura and Galen will make the perfect couple."

My mother smiled broadly, Valerie, my sister, sitting politely beside her. She seemed unconcerned, probably because her mind was occupied with her lover, Darius-Galen's younger brother.

I clenched my fists under the table, feeling the sudden courage ignite in my chest. I knew what I had to do to stop this, even though I realized the risk was great.

"I disagree," I said suddenly, cutting off the conversation.

The room was instantly silent. All eyes were on me. My mom looked confused, while my dad frowned.

"What do you mean, Laura?" he asked, his tone sharp.

I looked at Galen, whose eyebrows were raised slightly. This was the first time I'd seen him show any reaction other than coldness.

"I don't want to marry Galen," I said calmly, though my heart was pounding. "I want to marry Darius."

In an instant, the silence turned into chaos.

"What?" Valerie stood up from her chair, her face flushed with anger. "You're joking, right, Laura? You can't be serious!"

My mother looked pale, while my father looked at me with sharp, angry eyes. Mr. Galen looked surprised, but he quickly covered his expression.

"What do you mean?" Galen finally spoke, his voice low but filled with caution. "Why are you bringing Darius' name into this?"

I looked at him steadily, though my chest felt tight. "I want to marry Darius. I think he suits me better than you."

Valerie stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "Laura, you have no right to say that! Darius is my lover!"

I looked at my sister gently, even though I knew this would hurt her. "Valerie, I know this comes as a shock to you. But I believe Darius is better suited to be my best man. It's for the future of our family too."

"For the future of the family?" Valerie almost shouted. "You just want to take Darius away from me! You always thought you were better than me, didn't you?!"

"That's enough!" my father snapped, his voice echoing in the room. "Laura, what's all this about? You know how important this marriage is to our family!"

I looked at him, trying to calm myself down. "Dad, I just feel this is the best decision. If the Galen family still wants to work with our family, then marrying me off to Darius will have the same result. Nothing changes, except the person I marry."

"Do you realize what you're saying?" Lord Galen finally spoke up, his gaze sharp. "Darius is not ready for this kind of responsibility."

I took a deep breath, looking at everyone in the room. "I realize, and I believe this is the right choice."

But in my heart, I knew the real reason why I was doing this. I didn't really love Darius, and I had no intention of taking him away from Valerie. I just wanted to stop this marriage. By shifting the focus to Darius, I could create an opening big enough to escape the fate I already knew.

The commotion in the room was growing. Valerie continued to protest, my mother tried to calm her down, while my father and Mr. Galen were engaged in a serious discussion. Galen himself just looked at me with an expression that was hard to interpret.

"You know this isn't the end," he said quietly, low enough that only I could hear him.

I didn't reply, but looked at him coldly. In my heart, I knew he was right. This was just the beginning. But I was ready to face everything. If life gives me a second chance, then I'll make sure I'm no longer a victim of their games.