Chapter 2

Carmela and Elena handed me several dossiers. The profiles showed that they were all talented, handsome, and held official titles, though none were from New Valetta, or were about to leave for their businesses elsewhere.

She truly wanted to find a “good” husband for me because I read her mind and Elena still needed a final favor from me.

"What exactly did you do with him back then?" Elena looked pale, with a faint scent of medicine clinging to her. Yet, the moment Jaxson was mentioned, a light returned to her eyes.

I tried my best to recall the details, "My mother was critically ill, and I was desperate for money.”

She carefully wrote down every word, "Oh, I got it. I'll say the nanny embezzled my allowance and made my life difficult.”

Elena meticulously fabricated the story, inventing plausible reasons for every detail. Even though she pieced up a perfect story, it was full of flaws. I couldn't be bothered to deal with her. In my previous life, Elena had successfully fooled Jaxson with this exact story.

Elena flipped through several photos, looking utterly uninterested, “None of them is even half as good as Jaxson.‌”

She looked up at me, her gaze probing, "Valentina, do you really take this lying down?”‌

My heart remained completely unmoved, “Yes, I do. Jaxson is a lofty godfather. He is not someone I should ever dream of."

Elena smirked and casually pulled out a portrait, stuffing it into my hand, "Go meet him tomorrow. If you like him, I can still see you off before my own wedding."

The man Elena casually picked for me was Adrian Volkov, a businessman who had dealings with Dad. He was planning to immigrate to the United States instead of establishing his own business in New Valetta.

I thought about it and agreed. Soon we met at a teahouse by the lake. Adrian was incredibly handsome. His demeanor was upright and dignified, appearing somewhat cold and unapproachable. A slender, well-defined hand gently pushed a teacup toward me.

"Here is my family rule. The Volkov’s men can only have one wife in the lifetime. Remarriage is forbidden if a spouse passes away. If you marry me, all the properties and shops under my name will be handed over to you. If you like, you can pick up your mother and take care of her."

It hit me instantly that he already knew everything about my situation.

"But, I will be leaving New Valetta soon. The wedding will be rushed, and I might not treat you with the grandeur you deserve."

Adrian was a good man. After thinking it over, I didn’t think nothing unsatisfactory about him. A rushed wedding was exactly what I wanted.

I drank the tea he poured and agreed to his terms one by one. I also told him things my stepmother hadn't mentioned. I was a surgeon, so I wasn't very skilled at household chores...

Adrian looked at me and smiled. We had a delightful conversation. Before we parted, he promised to visit my parents for proposal within three days.

As I was leaving, a commotion broke out downstairs. I bumped right into Jaxson. He was dressed in plain clothes, as if trying to conceal his identity.

Adrian recognized him and greeted, "Jaxson".

I stood behind Adrian, turning sideways to keep my face hidden.

Jaxson held a food box, leaning against the railing with a soft chuckle, "My fiancée loves the pastries from here. I came to buy them myself so I can find an excuse to see her again later."

"And you?" His voice was lazy and teasing. I didn’t expect to see you meeting a lady in private. Is a wedding approaching?"

"Yes," he admitted calmly. "I plan to hold the ceremony in Carmine Port. I'm afraid I won't be able to invite you for my wedding."

"Carmine Port…" Jaxson repeated, "That is a nice place."

Carmine Port was the place where I first met Jaxson. By the riverbank, I dragged him out of water. It was a regret that had haunted me for a lifetime.

His gaze passed through the crowd, landed on me, and then gently looked away, "Which family's daughter did you get engaged to?" he raised his hands and vaguely pointed in my dir, "She looks familiar. I probably know her, but I just can't recall right now."

“If Paul Koval’s daughter gets married, everyone in New Valetta would know about it.” Adrian tried to show off because my background was hardly something that needed to be hidden.

Jaxson was a little confused, “So you…”

Adrian answered casually, “My fiancée is Valentina Koval.”

The moment the words fell, the surroundings seemed to go quiet. Jaxson froze, his mind drifting for a split second.