Chapter 3

In Holly's previous life, Stella used the very same reason to postpone the wedding for years. As long as Stella refused to relent, Oscar would never marry Holly.

With that thought in mind, Holly gave a self-deprecating smile. "Sure, whatever."

Why would she say no? After all, they would never get married.

She put down her utensils and announced, "I'm full."

She then went upstairs without looking back.

Seeing Holly walk away with that newfound determination, for the first time ever, Oscar felt that she had changed. He couldn't tell what was different, but she wasn't the same as before.

…

In the days that followed, with the wedding indefinitely postponed, neither Holly nor Oscar had to worry about planning it anymore.

Oscar had plenty of time to take Stella on various trips. Stella made a point of inviting Frank, Mary, and Colin. However, she didn't invite Holly, claiming the latter needed to rest after just giving blood.

Right, they were a happy family. If Holly were to join them, she'd be in their way all the time. Why should she make herself miserable?

To flaunt her trips, Stella took photos at every stop and made sure to send them to Holly.

Against the picturesque backdrop, she stood in the center, smiling as those around her showered her with attention.

"Holly, a pity you can't be here. The scenery is just so gorgeous!"

"Dad and Mom said that if I really like it here, we can buy a house here so I can stay whenever I want."

"Holly, Colin said he'll go with me wherever I want to go."

"Oh, Mr. Moss also gave me a huge present here. Are you curious what it is?"

Holly deleted all the photos Stella sent, then switched off her phone to focus on packing up her things.

She just needed to hold on a little longer before she would finally be free.

Just then, a rustling sound came from downstairs. Holly froze as several scenes came to her mind.

She remembered that in her previous life, a thief had broken in, stealing the priceless jewelry and destroying all her paintings.

Immediately, alarm bells rang in her mind.

Money could be replaced, but her artworks were pieces of her soul.

With that thought in mind, she quickly gathered her artwork, called the police, and then quietly hid behind the door with a knife in hand.

With the advantage of having lived through it once before, this time, she was able to help the police catch the thief.

Yet, the thief was far stronger than she was. Even though she knew his next move, she couldn’t withstand his force.

This time, she suffered multiple injuries and even fell down the stairs, causing her face to be covered in blood.

By the time the Websters and Oscar rushed back, all they saw was the police car driving away and Holly sitting on the couch looking like a mess, while the living room was in complete disarray.

Looking shocked, Frank and Mary stammered, "D-Did you catch him yourself? Why didn't you call us? That thief is dangerous! Were you trying to get yourself killed?

Even the usually indifferent Colin looked surprised. "Exactly. Why didn't you call your family when a thief broke in? You're making it seem like we're bullying you!"

Holly was too exhausted to even speak. She sank into the couch, her hand that was gripping the dagger still trembling.

Noticing her shaking, Oscar hurried forward anxiously and held her hand. "Holly, are you hurt? Do you need to go to the hospital? What a fool. Why didn't you tell us about this?"

Holly yanked her hand free from his grasp and asked weakly, "Would calling you change anything? Would you have actually come back for me?

Everyone's expressions faltered as guilt flashed across their faces, but they forced themselves to say, "Why wouldn't we?"

Holly gave a bitter smile. In her previous life, she had believed they would come, so she called them one by one. In the end, not one of them answered her calls.

And because she had secretly called, the thief discovered her, and she ended up being tormented badly.

She later learned that that night, they had been setting off fireworks with Stella. They were enjoying peaceful moments somewhere else, while she had nearly died that very night.

Thus, this time, she didn't need anyone.

Seeing Holly so composed and self-contained, Oscar couldn't help but frown. Once again, he realized she had truly changed.

In the past, she would have been terrified, crying her eyes out, and feeling wronged that no one came for her.

But now it all seemed to have nothing to do with her.

Oscar was about to speak when Colin suddenly noticed the scattered luggage on the floor behind him.

"Why are you packing these? Where are you going?"