Chapter 1

In Southport, everybody knew Connor Buxton had fans. Zoe Hertbert? She was the most hopeless of them all.

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 stared at the number card—Vicky's now. His eyes lit up.

He 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. Everyone followed his gaze.

He froze for a beat. 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."

Then he smiled at Vicky. "She's the love of my life. And since you two are sisters, just treat her like your sister-in-law. Take care of her for me, yeah?"

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

Everyone in Southport knew she'd been obsessed with Connor. So obsessed, it was pathetic—especially since he was clearly into her half-sister the whole time.

A few guests even smirked.

Zoe didn't move, but her nails dug red crescents into her palms.

Connor still looked flawless, just like always. And that soft, dreamy look in his eyes? She used to think it was for her.

Now it was all for Vicky.

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

Voice smooth. Perfectly polite.

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."

His tone was soft, but there was urgency behind it. He shot Zoe a look—cold, almost blaming.

"She's your sister-in-law now. Let's just leave it at that."

Zoe stayed quiet.

Connor's voice snapped. "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.

The crowd started murmuring.

"That's the girl who simped over Connor her whole life, huh? And he ends up falling for her sister..."

"She knew he liked her sister and still kept throwing herself at him. Total drama magnet. Probably got used to playing the homewrecker."

"Seriously? Going after your own sister's man? She looks decent, but wow—desperate much?"

Zoe's face went pale. She stared at Connor—he wasn't giving her a choice.

To protect Vicky, the girl he loved, he'd trash her dignity right here in front of everyone.

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.

"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?

Connor actually relaxed. Reached out and patted Zoe's head like she was some kid. "That's more like it. No drama between sisters, right?"

"Go freshen up. You're gonna be Vicky's bridesmaid."

Zoe had to fight the urge to slap his hand away.

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, quiet and unseen.

***

Back at the Buxton estate, Connor's mom—Eleanor—was curled up on the couch.

"Zoe? Why are you back so early?"

The surprise in her voice made Zoe's chest tighten.

"Mrs. Buxton... Connor didn't choose me."

"What? That—no, that can't be right. Connor's always been closest to you. We all saw it. He even said when he was little he'd marry you one day! He must've been tricked by some girl with bad intentions. Zoe, just wait—I'll talk to him—"

Zoe gave her a tired smile and gently stopped her from reaching for the phone.

"He was just a kid back then. Stuff like that doesn't mean anything."

Her voice cracked, eyes full of quiet heartbreak.

Eleanor's face fell. She pulled Zoe into a hug, hand rubbing her back like she used to.

And just like that, wrapped in a warmth she hadn't felt in forever, Zoe finally broke.

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.

"Mrs. Buxton, Connor said it himself—Vicky's the only one he loves. Not me. Yeah, I used to like him, but I've made peace with it. Forcing something fake doesn't make it real."

Eleanor didn't say a word.

Zoe wiped her tears, pulled together a small smile. "But hey, I'll still visit. You've always taken care of me. You're the only one who's ever felt like a real mom."

After a few more soft words, Zoe turned and walked away from the Buxton estate—for good.

Only 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.]