Chapter 1

The second Zoe reset her life and landed back at the Elite Match Gala, she swapped her token with her half-sister's. No hesitation.

Because in her previous life, Connor had married Zoe, but she had died helpless and unloved.

It was only on her deathbed that Zoe finally knowed the truth: Connor had loved her sister all along.

Now, Connor grabbed the bouquet meant for Vicky, eyes lighting up."Vicky, you're it for me. My one and only."

Then he turned to Zoe—and the warmth vanished.

"Zoe, you've always been like a little sister to me. Don't even think about stepping into Vicky's place."

That hit like a slap. Cold, sharp, humiliating.

Everyone thought she was pathetic. But this time, Zoe wouldn’t beg for his love.

She would bless them instead—marry the man her father had chosen for her, and never look back.

……

Last time, she got picked at the Elite Match Gala—only for Connor to ditch her on their wedding day. Her face got slashed, her heart shattered, and she died humiliated.

So the first thing she did after waking up in the past? Swap her number with Vicky's.

Connor walked right over and kissed her hand. "Vicky, will you be my one and only wife?"

She gave a shy little nod.

The crowd lost it.

Zoe stood next to them, watching their hands like she didn't care. Face unreadable.

Connor turned. Guilt flickered across his face—but he still held on to Vicky.

"Zoe, you've always been like a little sister to me."

He actually said that. With a straight face.

"Don't worry, I'll still look out for you. Like family."

The crowd hushed, all eyes drifting to Zoe with mixed looks.

Everyone in Southport knew she'd been obsessed with Connor.

A few guests even smirked.

Even though she had already decided to bless them, Zoe’s heart still ached when she heard those words.

Zoe smiled. "You're too kind, Mr. Buxton. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."

Voice smooth. Perfectly polite.

The weight of her past life still clung to her—heavy, unshakable. This time, all she wanted was to stay far, far away from Connor and Vicky and finally live her own life.

Connor stiffened. That glow from before? Gone. His brows tightened.

Before he could speak, Vicky's eyes welled up. "Zoe, I know you've always had feelings for Connor... I'm sorry. I took the guy you loved...

"I always gave you everything growing up—but not Connor... I love him. Please don't hate me—"

Connor rushed to her side. "Vicky! I've only ever loved you. You don't need to apologize."

He shot Zoe a cold look, his voice snapping. “Zoe! Be mature about this. Whether you accept it or not, Vicky is your sister-in-law now. Don’t be selfish!”

His words hit like a slap.

A bitter smile pulled at her lips.

This was the guy she'd wasted over ten years on. Gave him everything. Every version of her.

And sure, he was loyal. Just not to her.

But, she had already chosen to marry her arranged match. Whatever happened between them from now on had nothing to do with her.

"Vicky, I was the one being immature," Zoe said. "Let's not make it a thing."

Vicky blinked. That... wasn't the reaction she'd planned for.

Zoe was supposed to lose it—go off and make a scene. That would've let Vicky play innocent and soak up Connor's pity.

But now?

The farce was over. People swarmed Connor and Vicky, tossing out congratulations like candy.

Zoe used the chaos to slip out of the banquet hall.

Then did she check her phone—three unread messages.

All from Lucian Lyttelton. Heir to the powerful Lyttelton family in Khelmark City. Now the head of it. Her arranged fiancé, picked by her dad before he slipped into a coma.

[I'm glad you've agreed to honor the engagement, Ms. Hertbert.]

[I'll send someone to Southport to pick you up in a week. Please make preparations accordingly.]

[Also, I've prepared a small gift for you. It'll arrive with the escort.]