Chapter 2

In my past life, after I got together with Joseph, I would wake up at the crack of dawn every day to study to prepare for the follow-up exam. Joseph had told me that he would help me register for it, but he had broken his promise. He explained that it was because the higher-ups were extremely strict and didn't allow me to take the exam.

I had trusted him.

I had then expressed my desire to take the exam next year. He had told me that there was no use in my taking the exam, but I had insisted.

On the day of the exam, my alarm didn't go off. I had asked Joseph if he was responsible for switching it off, but he had looked at me innocently, claiming that he had only done so because he was worried that I wouldn't get the rest I needed.

My entire body had shaken with anger. Joseph hugged me and said, "Lucy, let's get married. I don't care if you pass or fail the exam. I'll always love you."

I had cried for a long time as I leaned against him. The exam questions had even starred in my dreams, so I had been reluctant to give up.

Later, Joseph told me that one of his projects had been hit with an immense debt, and he couldn't figure out how to pay it off. I was madly in love with him then, so I had crawled out of bed in the early hours of the morning to earn more money. I had worked three to four jobs a day at the time to put food on the table.

Reflecting on my past life, I realized that Joseph had only gotten together with me to keep me under his thumb. He had been worried that I would ruin Madison's future, so he had sabotaged mine at every turn.

I returned to the classroom, packed up my things, and left the school. When I returned home, I received a text message from Olivia, informing me that Joseph was looking for me everywhere.

I sent her a callous reply. It appeared that Joseph hadn't given up on his scheme yet.

My parents, Lucius Charon and Rebecca Millard, usually worked abroad. When they learned about my results, they transferred a large sum of money into my account and ordered a cake for me. They told me that they could only return home next month.

I understood that they were busy with their jobs. If they missed one day of work, it meant that they would miss a day's salary.

I wasn't in a rush to submit my university application form as I still had two more days to do so. Although I wasn't anxious at all, somebody else clearly was.

That evening, when I left the house for a stroll, I bumped into Joseph. He smiled at me and said, "Lucy, what a pleasant coincidence."

"Don't you live in Westview?" I asked.

"I'm in the neighbourhood to handle some business," he replied smoothly, his expression as natural as possible. "Where are you going? Let me accompany you."

"No need. Stay away from me," I coldly refused.

Joseph was momentarily stunned, a flicker of hurt crossing his face. "You… Do you hate me that much?"

I glared at him. "Yes, I despise you. Stay away from me."

Joseph could feel air getting stuck in his throat. He didn't understand my reaction. He was well-liked and was even crowned the campus king. He didn't understand why I hated him so much.

If it weren't a crime, I would have stabbed him to death with a knife. The sooner I could end his life, the better.

"Lucy, you should at least give me a reason why you hate me so much," he mumbled in a low voice while staring at me unwaveringly.

I couldn't deny that Joseph was good-looking. I wouldn't have fallen for him as hard as I did in my past life if he weren't.

A voice suddenly echoed toward us from a distance away. "Joseph, what are you doing here?"

Madison came running toward us. I noticed Joseph's entire body stiffened when she clung to his arm. It was my first time seeing Madison up close. She was the person who had stolen my future from me in my previous life.

"Who are you?" Madison asked while eyeing me warily.

I smiled. "Lucy Charon, Joseph's classmate."

Madison's expression twisted slightly. "Didn't you say you would buy me some snacks, Joseph?"

So his appearance here had been a coincidence after all.

"I forgot," he answered smoothly. "You can head home first. I still have some business to attend to."

Madison raised her voice and asked, "Joseph, what do you mean?"

Joseph then ushered Madison away. I couldn't hear what he told Madison before he returned to my side. "She's my mother's friend's daughter, Lucy," he explained.

"Why are you telling me this?" I asked.

"I like you. I didn't want you to misunderstand," he said solemnly.

Disgust churned in my stomach upon hearing his words. We were back to this again.

"I don't like you. I feel sick just looking at you," I said coldly.

Joseph's complexion turned pale. He clenched his fist and asked, "What did I do wrong?"

I glared at him before declaring, "You're too ugly." He was also despicable, though I did not voice this part aloud.

Joseph's lips parted, looking as if he had something to say. I couldn't be bothered to continue arguing with him, so I continued walking forward.

"Lucy Charon, I won't give up!" Joseph shouted from behind me.

I scoffed inwardly. There was no way he could alter my decision, not with only two days left. I had decided to submit my university application form at the very last second. That way, they wouldn't have any opportunity to have Madison take my place.