Chapter 3

When I returned to the mansion, the sky was already dim.

Carmela asked me about the date with Adrian. Her gaze fell on my face, a hint of warmth softening her stern expression, "You look so much like my daughter. I don't wish to see you suffer. But, the best marriage must go to her.”

I nodded in silence.

Carmela continued, "Adrian Volkov is a nice choice for you. You should be grateful.

I lowered my head and answered softly, "Mm."

"Adrian is a good man. Thank you."

Carmela felt relaxed, "Just go back and have a rest."

To reach my courtyard, I had to walk through a long corridor and pass the reception hall. I had only taken a few steps when I was abruptly interrupted by Carmela.

"Hold on." She pointed to another path. "Elena is meeting with Jaxson. Take a detour."

To those seeing us for the first time, it was hard to tell the difference between Elena and me. But in reality, we were distinguishable.

Over the past two years, I had lived a life of luxury and gained some weight. Elena, however, due to her illness, remained as frail as a willow in the wind. She looked more like me from two years ago.

I let out a soft breath. Suddenly, I heard voices coming from over the wall. It was Jaxson and Elena, talking a walk the courtyard.

Jaxson brought it up casually, "You never mentioned that you have an elder sister close to your age."

Elena paused, her tone slightly uneasy, "I was recovering from illness in New Valetta and wasn't close to my sister back home."

Jaxson neither confirmed nor denied it. He simply smiled as if teasing, "‌You're so much gentler today than you hauled me out of the water with all that strength.“”

Elena smiled awkwardly, saying nothing.

I didn't want to eavesdrop further. Keeping my head down and watching steps, I quietly slipped away.

At night, the lamps in the mansion were lit. Jaxson had long since left. I served my mother medicine and helped her lie down. Due to the illness, she had been out of touch with worldly affairs for a long time. But, she have had heard about Jaxson’s proposing to Elena.

Her eyes turned red, "‌Vale, did I hold you back? I know you were the one who saved Jaxson. The current was so strong, and only you dared to jump in...”

I tried to reassure her, "You’re not a burden."

I had given up on revealing my identity in my previous life because I was convinced Carmela would never give me a chance. I had saved more people than just Jaxson, and I never thought of relying on a life-saving favor to ask for anything in return. Besides, Jaxson was never a good match to begin with. I didn’t think there was anything to regret.

I continued, "I’m getting engaged to Adrian. His family has an upright reputation and he is a lawyer in Carmine Port. Whether there is love or not, he will never treat me unfairly."

I put away the medicine bowl, looked up, and smiled at my mother, "Soon, we will be leaving New Valetta."

The next day, Adrian came to propose marriage as promised. He took the engagement very seriously, and invited the highly respected aristocrat, ‌Michael Corleone, to accompany him. Both Paul and Carmela were very pleased.

My wedding date was set for the following week. Despite being rushed, all the proper rituals were meticulously followed. After seven days, I would put on my wedding dress and leave New Valetta with him.

In my previous life, I was filled with anxiety before I married to Jaxson. Paul read my mind, “Jaxson is annoyed. You don’t need to deliberately please him anymore. This is not what we want.” Paul even wanted to give up his original scheme.

But, Jaxson insisted on marrying me. Jaxson grabbed my wrist and dragged me behind a rockery, "I agreed to marry you." He glared at me, his tone cold and hard, "Cut your hypocrisy!"

Before the wedding, Adrian also sent me a lot of little trinkets, including medical books and flower seedlings. He clearly remembered my preferences. The medical book he gave me was an out-of-print edition. It must have taken his considerable effort.

When I asked him about it, he didn't elaborate, "We are couple. If these trinkets can make you happy, my effort is entirely worthwhile."

Elena even felt a twinge of envy. As I watered the flower seedlings, she clutched a hand warmer, her tone filled with utter desolation, "Such thoughtfulness...Jaxson has never spared it for me."

In my previous life, I married to Jaxson. However, he sent me desserts every single day, never caring I didn't have a sweet tooth. I dislike the moon-white color, yet he only gave it to me because it was Elena’s favorite color. On the rare occasion I went out with him and picked out jewelry, he would only choose gold hairpins for me. After Elena died, Jaxson fell into a deep depression and wore white mourning clothes for months. He laid her to rest with full honors. Anyway, Jaxson truly treated Elena with favor.

As she spoke, her tone became increasingly emotional. Her eyes reddened, and she lowered her head, coughing for a while. Her words came out in broken fragments, barely forming complete sentences, "You…you only spent three days with Adrian. Can it be unforgettable?"

At that time, I knew saying too much would only lead to trouble.

I remained silent for a moment, and then said, "You admire Jaxson and will marry to him soon. Your wish has come true."

"Yes." she forced a smile and her brows knitted with melancholy, "Even if I have to make up a story for a lifetime, I will be Jaxson’s wife."