Chapter 1

That morning, by the time I stepped out into the courtyard, Andrew and his brothers were already waiting.

Their eyes lit with the same cruel humor I had seen so many times before.

“Well, look who’s back,” one of them drawled. “Still chasing after Andrew? Some people never learn.”

Another gave a sharp laugh. “If your grandfather could see you now, Evelyn, he’d never rest easy. He’d call it a disgrace to the Hawthorne name.”

Their laughter rang out, sharp and careless.

In my last life, those words would have left me shaken, fumbling for excuses, desperate for Andrew’s approval.

Not this time. I let their mockery roll past me.

Andrew moved forward. His eyes were cool, his mouth curved in disdain.

“So what brings you here? Still clinging to that old tale—that your family once saved his life? How long will you keep milking that?”

He tilted his head, cruel satisfaction gleaming in his gaze.

“You’ve chased me for years, Evelyn. Everyone knows it. You’ve made me a joke. Why should I ever take you as my mate?”

The words pricked, but I stood still. My hands tightened at my sides, and my voice came out steady.

“This isn’t about you. The Elder called me. Next week he’ll hold the Moon Goddess Rite—he said he wants me to choose my husband.”

The laughter cut off.

One of the brothers muttered, “The Elder himself?” His voice cracked with disbelief.

It was common knowledge: the Elder hadn’t presided over the Rite in years. For him to appear meant far more than a simple ceremony. It meant whoever I chose would be the next Alpha.

Andrew’s brothers exchanged looks, then slapped him on the back with grins.

“Congratulations, Andrew. Looks like the future’s yours.”

“Next Alpha, eh? Don’t forget us when you take the throne.”

Andrew’s lips twisted into a smirk. He straightened his shoulders, basking in their words. But when his gaze slid back to me, his eyes were sharp as a blade.

“And you, Evelyn,” he said softly, almost mockingly. “You must be thrilled. After all this time, you finally get what you wanted.”

He stepped close enough for me to feel his breath. His words were low, for me alone.

“But let’s be clear. If we get married, we’ll live separate lives. I’ll take whoever I want to my bed, and you won’t interfere. Accept that, and maybe—maybe—I'll consider it.”

Cold swept through me.

These terms were completely different from those he had given me in my last life. A single thought struck—had he been reborn too?

Before I could clear my mind, a soft, frail voice broke the air.

“Evelyn…”

Clara.

She came walking into the courtyard in a pale deerskin skirt, her face delicate, a faint cough slipping from her lips as though the breeze itself might topple her.

Andrew’s entire expression changed. The disdain melted. He rushed to her side, catching her hand as though she were glass.

“You shouldn’t be out here,” he said, his voice suddenly gentle. “You’re not well. You need to rest.”

Clara lowered her lashes, voice barely above a whisper. “It wasn’t my choice. Father asked me to accompany Evelyn. He thought she might feel lonely.”

Her words painted her as obedient, considerate. But when she glanced up, her eyes met mine, glittering with triumph.

Andrew’s grip on her hand tightened. He turned back to me with a glare.

“See? Even when she’s unwell, she still thinks of you. You should learn from her. Stop being a spoiled princess, you don’t own a kindom.”

The meaning was obvious. Clara already had his heart.

Once again, I was cast as the intruder of their relationship.

Not this time.

I forced a faint smile, keeping my tone calm.

“Thank you for your concern, Andrew. But you’ve forgotten something.”

He frowned. “What’s that?”

I tilted my head.

“Tomorrow, it won’t be you standing beside me.”

For the first time, doubt flickered in his eyes. His mask cracked.

I walked past them, steady and strong, without once looking back.

Behind me, Clara laughed—sweet and airy as bells. Andrew’s voice followed, sharp with anger.

“Remember what I said, Evelyn. Stop your tricks and accept my terms, or you will never have a peaceful marriage.”

I didn’t slow down. My heartbeat stayed calm and steady.

Let him think I still wanted him. Next week, he would see the truth.

Next week, I would change my fate.