Chapter 2

2

"Sister, you don't have any objections to marrying the Duke's heir, do you?"

I noticed the guarded look in Ivy's eyes and lowered my head, acting submissive.

"I will follow Mother's arrangement."

I knew exactly what she was afraid of; she feared that I, like her, had also been reborn.

I was indeed reborn, but why would I ever let her know?

After all, only if I played the part of someone without previous memories could I smoothly let her have that disastrous marriage, right?

Seeing my lack of resistance, Ivy was instantly overjoyed.

"Sister, don't feel down. Although the Duke's heir is a bit of a rake, he's more than enough for you. You must serve him well in the future!"

I offered a gentle, submissive smile and did not argue.

"Well then, since neither of you has any objections, it is settled. Seraphina will marry into the Northern Duke's estate, and Ivy will marry into the Penhaligon family."

Realizing she had failed to land her daughter in the wealthy Duke's house, my stepmother spoke with clear displeasure and vented her frustration on me.

"Seraphina, why are you still standing there? Go and practice your etiquette immediately! Don't let them say our Sterling daughter lacks breeding when you arrive at the estate!"

I lowered my head and left the room.

Before I even reached the door, the voices of my stepmother and Ivy drifted out.

"Mother, I don't understand why you did that. Alistair is only the second son; he will inherit nothing. Why choose him?"

"Don't worry, Mother. Alistair will definitely pass the top exams and earn me a title!"

"Fine, fine. I suppose that little wench got lucky this time. At least she is a pushover; she won't escape our control once she is in the Duke's estate..."

I walked away as if I had heard nothing.

I knew those words were meant for me to overhear.

It was a warning: do not think that marrying into the Northern Duke's house would turn me into a princess. If I dared to disobey, she would make my life a living hell.

In this world where women are treated as second-class citizens, a single word from her could destroy me.

The malicious gossip alone would be enough to crush me.

But after enduring the absolute horror of the Penhaligon family, would I really fear a measly threat from my stepmother?

I walked down the corridor, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin.

In this life, I would never let anyone ruin my future again!