Chapter 1

I stepped away from the banquet, wanting some air on the second floor.

What I didn’t expect was to run into Aaron Johansen.

He looked like he’d just come from another party. He was still surrounded by a few spoiled brats.

When they saw me, they burst into laughter.

“Sabrina, you really can’t let Aaron go, can you? He’s just a little late and you’re already chasing him up to the second floor?”

“If Wilson knew his granddaughter was simping for a guy like this, he’d probably be furious.”

Aaron seemed annoyed and impatient.

“Sabrina, I was just a little late. Is this really necessary? I'm warning you, don’t go crazy on me.

“You’ve been following me around since we were kids. Did you ever once ask if I wanted that?

"As for this arranged marriage, I really should get my grandfather to have a serious word with yours.”

That look of contempt in his eyes was all too familiar to me. I resisted crying and answered calmly, “They just finished cutting the cake. I came up here for some air. I wasn't expecting to see you here. So this really has nothing to do with you.”

As soon as I said that, the group of spoiled brats around him gasped. "What? The cake has already been cut?"

I knew exactly why they were surprised.

Wilson had announced it before. Whoever I had chosen as my partner during my coming-of-age ceremony would receive 10 percent of the Saddler family's company shares.

What I just said basically implied a partner had already been chosen, and the ceremony was almost over.

The guys immediately turned to Aaron and piled on their flattery.

“Well then, congratulations in advance, Mr. Johansen. The Johansen family better not forget their friends now.”

Aaron looked smug, but when his gaze landed on me again, they were full of mockery.

“Sabrina, you’ve been chasing after me since we were kids. Now you’re finally able to marry me. Bet you’re over the moon, aren't you?”

He stepped closer and whispered in my ear, “I won’t be the same as I was in our last life.

“There’s one condition before I’ll agree to marry you.

“Don’t expect anything from me beyond marriage. My heart belongs to Rachel.”

My heart pounded. I glanced at him in surprise.

He had been reborn too.

Just as I was about to respond, a timid voice called out behind me.

“Sabrina.”

It was Rachel, the illegitimate daughter my father had just brought back into the family. She stood there looking frail, like a delicate flower in the wind.

Her complexion was pale, and the moment Aaron saw her, he rushed over with concern and took her hand.

“Rachel, what are you doing here?”

She held on to his hand and leaned softly into his arms. Her tone was gentle and sweet.

“It’s Sabrina's coming-of-age party. Of course I had to come. But I caught a little cold. I hope she won’t be upset.”

At her words, Aaron shot me a furious glare.

“Sabrina, how can you be so cruel? It’s just a stupid coming-of-age party. Does everyone really need to show up?”

Then, without waiting for a response, he scooped Rachel up in his arms and headed for the elevator.

“Come on, Rachel. I’ll take you upstairs to rest.”

Even as the elevator doors were closing, he didn’t forget to give me a warning.

“Sabrina, you’d better reflect on your behavior. If you keep acting so domineering and unruly, I’ll have no choice but to speak to Wilson about replacing who you'll get engaged to.”

Just as he finished, the elevator doors closed.