Chapter 3

Unfortunately, no matter how hard I tried, Russ and I were never meant to be.

I thought for a moment, then knelt before Gordon and Linda.

"I'm sorry I've been unfilial and caused you worry. You've always treated me as your own. I know it, but matters of the heart can never be forced.

"We both know that Russ's heart belongs to Cadence, and that he feels only brotherly affection for me. In that case, I'm begging you to fulfill his wish.

"I've already decided to head to Socalli City to live with my mom's family. Please allow Russ his happiness!"

Linda gently helped me to my feet, her voice full of concern. "Kathy, don't be stubborn. We've seen how he's cared for you all these years. He just doesn't understand his own feelings. Don't be angry. When he returns, I'll make sure you get justice.

"Think about it—if he didn't care for you, why would he have knelt, begging us to take you home in the first place?"

Gordon let out a resigned sigh. "The Bree family schemes and plots. They'll fall eventually. Russ is only being fooled by Cadence; he'll see the truth soon enough."

"And besides," Linda added, "Socalli City is so far away. How could we trust you to go alone?"

They spoke earnestly, trying to persuade me to change my mind.

They didn't know that in my past life, I had followed their wishes, carrying hope in my heart as I married Russ—and it had ended in tragedy.

This time, I would not repeat the same mistakes.

I led them to Russ's separate residence and pointed to a large chest. "These are all the gifts I've given him over the years. He hasn't looked at a single one—they've all been tossed in here.

"And yet, the little sugar figurine that Cadence casually bought? He treats it like a treasure. It's clear he doesn't love me.

"Gordon, Linda, forgive me for no longer wanting to deceive myself. If you can't bear to part with me, then accept me as your adopted daughter. This way, the affection of both our families is honored, and Russ can have what he desires."

Seeing my resolve, they let out a long sigh and gave up on trying to persuade me.

Linda pressed a stack of money into my hands, repeatedly telling me to take care of myself.

I held her hand and smiled through my tears. "Godmother, please don't tell Russ about this yet. I want it to be a surprise."

Back in my room, I tucked the money into a box.

Then, I had my maid bring out all the gifts Russ had ever given me.

Since I had decided to let go, it was time to deal with them once and for all.

We carried the chest to the backyard, and I lit a firebrand. Flames roared up.

Suddenly, Cadence appeared from nowhere. Without a word, she grabbed my hand and slammed herself hard against the wall.

Before I could react, Russ arrived just in time and struck me sharply across the face.

"Kathy! What are you doing?! Cadence is only here to thank our family for our help!"

My cheek burned and swelled. I stared at him, stunned.

Cadence's eyes were brimming with tears. "I knew you were about to be married. I only wanted to congratulate you in person. I never expected… that you would hate me so much you'd attack me…"

Russ's expression darkened instantly. His eyes blazed with fury.

"We aren't married yet, and you're already acting like the lady of the house? Not only did you stir up trouble, you even laid hands on Cadence! Kathy… why have you become like this?

"And did you… smear the Bree family's name today, bringing disgrace to Cadence's father?"

I stared at him, stunned, as if I were seeing him for the first time.