Chapter 2

"These two sons of mine are always buried in their medical research. They're almost 30 and still not married. How am I ever supposed to have grandchildren?" George lamented with a sigh.

Everyone in the room understood that tonight's banquet was essentially a matchmaking event. George was there to find suitable partners for his sons.

His eldest son, Bruce, was born to his first wife. He was exceptionally talented and widely respected in the medical world as a master of alternative medicine.

His younger son, Owen, was born to George's current wife. Rumors swirled that Owen had been conceived out of wedlock, making him an illegitimate child.

Despite this, his reputation remained spotless. Everyone saw him as gentle and kind-hearted.

In my past life, Owen had already done his research on every socialite attending the banquet.

His medical skills were far inferior to Bruce's. Having been pampered all his life, he lacked the discipline to truly dedicate himself to medicine.

Thus, he longed for a brilliant child to make up for his own deficiencies in the field. This was also the reason he had set his sights on me from the beginning.

But in this life, he didn't even spare me a glance. Instead, he walked straight up to Poppy. To the shock of everyone present, he took her hand and said, "I like you. Will you marry me?"

The room fell into a deep silence. People soon began whispering amongst themselves, trying to figure out who Poppy was.

Although the McKellens had some wealth to their name, they weren't even on the guest list for this banquet.

In fact, Poppy had begged me to bring her along because she had a crush on Owen.

I hadn't given it much thought at the time. After all, these matchmaking events were meant for families of equal standing. I'd assumed she was simply here for the experience.

George frowned. "Owen, are you sure about this?"

Owen smiled and nodded. "I've had feelings for Ms. McKellen for a long time. I wanted to use this opportunity to confess and propose to her."

As he spoke, his gaze lingered affectionately on Poppy.

Poppy was filled with excitement. "Yes! I'll marry you!" she blurted without a second thought.

In that instant, Owen glanced at me, but all I saw in his eyes was contempt and disgust.

A cold shiver ran through me as memories of the fear and hatred I'd felt before my death in my past life came rushing back.

I clenched my fists tightly, nails digging into my palms. The sharp pain jolted through me, awakening every nerve.

Just as I was about to lose control and slap Owen across the face, a warm hand wrapped around my cold wrist.

I instinctively looked up, only to be met by a pair of dark, penetrating eyes.

The man standing before me wore a fitted suit, his demeanor cold yet composed. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Shall we get married?" Bruce asked.

The crowd exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Was there some unspoken rivalry between the Lockwood brothers?

Everyone was aware of the crisis at my family's hospital. Anyone hoping to marry me would first have to address that issue. In other words, they would need to cover my family's losses before they could reap any benefits.

When I was selected as a potential bride for the Lockwood brothers, no one considered me a serious contender.

Despite the frown on his face, George said nothing. Deep inside, he knew it was ultimately Bruce who would make the final call.

Standing next to him, Owen's expression grew colder. "I suggest you check Greta's health before marrying her. You wouldn't want to regret it later if she turns out to be infertile."

A surge of anger welled up in my chest, threatening to explode. Just as I was about to lash out, Bruce tightened his grip on my hand.

His tone remained even and calm. "Who I marry is none of your business. Perhaps you should focus on your own fiancee instead.

"Besides, I'm marrying Greta because I truly care about her, not because of her fertility."

Owen's expression faltered, the weight of Bruce's jab sinking in.

Miriam Horan quickly stepped forward, trying to smooth things over for her sons. "Bruce, your brother is just looking out for you.

"Anyway, since both of you have chosen your partners, let's set a wedding date and make it official. Both Ms. McKellen and Ms. Ellsworth appear to be on board with the idea," she said.

George remained quiet, silently giving his approval to both of his sons' choices.

Seeing the situation unfold, the guests let out a sigh and began finding excuses to leave.

Owen put on his usual gentle facade as he escorted Poppy out. But as they were leaving, he let out a disdainful snort in my direction.

"Bruce, Greta may have a pretty face, but there are countless others out there who are just as beautiful.

"Don't let one rash decision mess up your future. Eventually, you'll see that looks are all she has to offer. I hope you don't regret it."