No Ring, No Rights

“Fran, when do you plan on having your wedding with that Smith boy?"The same voice asking the same question. However, unlike my past life, I did not want to marry him this time.The moment the screen in my hand darkened, I looked up at my mother and said earnestly, "But Mom, the one I want to marry is Simon Smith’s older brother, Spencer Smith!""Who?" my mother asked, her expression shocked. There was not a trace of anger in her tone, only disbelief as if she had misheard. I did not blame her for her disbelief, though. Despite our families having decided our betrothal as a business alliance, everyone in Sea City knew I had been chasing him for a decade. I even made a vow publicly that I would marry no one else but him.As such, I hugged my mom and repeated my words with even more determination.The very next day after the engagement was finalized, however, I ran into Simon at an auction. The moment his friends spotted me, their faces lit up with mocking grins."Hey, Simon, yo

I glanced at the glittering jewels on screen, then at the cheap cup set in my arms, and let out a hollow laugh. Perhaps in Simon’s eyes, I really was just a tragic joke. Their foreheads touched in the video, then their lips crashed together. The obscene, wet sounds of their kiss echoed jarringly through my speakers. [Oops~ Just so you know, after your little wedding show, Simon will be marrying me legally. Remember, the woman without the certificate is the real mistress~] I swiped the video away. Then it hit me. In my past life, after I married into the Smith family, their corporation had suddenly been flooded with lucrative partnerships. Deals materialized overnight, assets skyrocketed, and within months, the Smiths topped Sea City’s wealth rankings. The elders called me their "fortune-blessing bride," treating me like gold. Even Simon’s indifference could not shake my belief that I was happy. It was not until I discovered Carina’s existence that I realized that his c

I clenched my jaw, about to tell him to leave and that this seat was reserved for his brother.Before I could speak, a tall figure appeared by the sofa.Spencer had walked in, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit.Spencer had originally been an illegitimate child, but after being acknowledged by the family, he gradually built his empire through connections and shrewd business acumen. He was unlike Simon, who merely clung to the coattails of his parents' wealth.When Spencer was Simon's age, he had already expanded his ventures overseas, and even the Smith family’s headquarters in Sea City relied heavily on his success.His influence within the Smith family had grown undeniable.All eyes in the room turned toward him as he entered, yet his gaze locked only with mine.When he noticed Simon standing beside me, a shadow flickered in his eyes.I opened my mouth to explain, but before I could, Simon abruptly walked out of the dining room.I studied Spencer, now far more composed a

”Since you never loved me either, do us both a favor and let go." I had given him exactly what he wanted in this life, so why did he now look at me with such inexplicable agony?"Impossible! You can’t possibly not love me! In our past life, we…" He abruptly cut himself off, his expression shifting into something almost pleading. "Alright, Fran. Enough games. I’ll let you choose all the wedding details after this. Hell, I’ll even register the marriage properly. Carina can just live with us. Happy now?"I stared at him, stunned. It was as if I was truly seeing him for the first time. "Simon," I said slowly, "for the last time, I’m marrying Spencer. Stop this madness." "You dare try to marry him?!" he snarled. When neither threats nor concessions worked, he suddenly yanked me forward, only for me to be pulled back against a solid chest. Spencer wrapped a coat around my shoulders, his voice lethally calm. "I'll let this slide only because you’re my brother, but don't

They showered her with flattery, begging her not to forget them once she married into the Smith family.However, as time passed, the Smiths never acknowledged her claims.In the end, Carina became the laughingstock of all Sea City and was promptly thrown out of the brothel where she worked.Worried that these vile people and their drama might upset me, Spencer cleared out his schedule to take me on trips to distract me. He always seemed afraid I would be hurt. I just buried my face in his chest and murmured, "Hurt? No. I just feel… regret. Regret that I ever wasted my heart on someone like him." He held me close, pressing a kiss to my forehead as he whispered, "Let me spend the rest of my life filling your days with nothing but joy."On the night of my birthday, Spencer reserved the entire skyline restaurant overlooking the city square. I thought it was just a simple celebration until the digital billboard across the river lit up with the words: [Francesca, will you marry me?