Chapter 2

I wasn't shocked. Things had played out exactly the same way in my previous life. Back then, I had screamed at Megan, calling her shameless, a vixen, and a slut who stole someone else's fiance.

Feeling humiliated, she had dashed out of the house in tears and died in a car crash.

"I know you've been preparing for the marking ceremony for a whole year. You've designed the dress yourself and grown the roses, which are to be used for the ceremony, for three years.

"But the healer and the witch both said the joy from the marking ceremony will help her recover much faster," Kenneth explained.

"I know things haven't been great between you and Meg, but I heard from your parents that you already transferred the company to her. That shows how much you care about your sister deep down. This is just a ceremony. You should—"

"Okay," I said softly, cutting him off.

Kenneth looked stunned for a second. Then, he swept me into a tight, excited hug. "Evie, I knew you weren't a selfish person! Don't worry. You're still the one I love the most."

I stared at his thrilled expression as my heart shattered into pieces. His words had sounded like a question, but honestly, he was just giving me a notice.

The fact that the flowers used to decorate the venue for the marking ceremony had already been switched to jasmines—Megan's favorite flowers—told as much. The outcome was obvious.

I had no energy left to speak to him. My strength was draining fast, leaving me dizzy and faint. So, I turned and headed to my room to rest.

"Once Meg fully recovers, I'll dissolve the bond with her and be with you. I'll throw you the grandest marking ceremony then."

I shook my head in silence when I heard Kenneth's promise.

"But I won't live to see that day, Kenneth," I thought.

When I didn't respond, he sighed. "I know you and Meg don't get along, but now that her life is on the line, you should be more understanding. Show her more care and concern.

"You've been really sensible this time. I'm so proud of you. I know I've said a lot of hurtful things during our fights recently, and I'm sorry for that. I promise I'll never make you angry again. I'll be more tolerant and understanding, and I'll shower you with more love!"

I smiled bitterly. How ironic was it that the tolerance and understanding I got from Kenneth came only from giving up the marking ceremony?

A few minutes later, I got a call from Mom. "Evie, I heard you agreed to let Meg have the marking ceremony. I'm so glad you're being so sensible."

Kenneth must have told them already.

Mom sounded relieved. "See, this is much better. Now, our family can all be happy together."

The next second, everything went black, and I collapsed to the floor.

…

I woke up to cold water being splashed on my face. When I opened my eyes, Kenneth stood over me, his expression icy and indifferent.

"You've used the trick of pretending to faint just to get attention 66 times already, Evelina. Aren't you tired of it yet? Next time, try something new like coughing up blood or something.

"I hope you understand that I love you. Even if I go through with the marking ceremony with Meg, it doesn't mean anything. Don't test my love for you by pretending to be sick."

I pressed my lips together and forced an awkward smile. "I wasn't pretending. It might've been low blood sugar. I've been trying to lose weight and haven't been eating much lately."

I kept the smile on my face even as my heart broke into fragments. I had fainted, and instead of rushing me to the hospital, he woke me up by dumping cold water on me. And this man had the nerve to claim that he loved me. It was laughable. I didn't need this kind of love.

"Low blood sugar? Your cheeks look rosy, and you seem perfectly energetic. How could it be low blood sugar?" Kenneth eyed me skeptically.

"I… I've got makeup on," I said, slowly getting to my feet. It seemed my makeup skills were good enough to make me look almost normal even in the state that I was in.

"Anyway, you're heading to the hospital, right? I'll go with you. I need to bring over some important partnership contracts from the company."

Kenneth looked like he had more to say, but when he heard me mention the company documents, he held his tongue.