Chapter 3

Lord and Lady Rivers' genuine concern for me caused bitterness to well up in me.

After my parents passed away, I was left an orphan. It was the marquis and his wife who took me in. They raised me like one of their own, giving me all their love and everything I could ever ask for.

I had always been obedient, but this time, I was about to go against their wishes.

Staring them straight in the eyes, I uttered solemnly, "Lord Rivers, Lady Rivers, I don't want to marry Felicia anymore. I plan on heading to Jacaston tomorrow, so I won't be able to take care of you two from now on. I hope that you'll take good care of yourselves."

Lady Rivers instantly panicked when she heard that. "Your parents sacrificed themselves for the country, leaving us to raise you from a young age. Your true home is here, at the marquis' manor. Where will you go?

"Did Felicia do something to you because of that Gardner boy, and that's why you don't wish to marry her anymore? Michael, please don't think like that. You must hold a place in Felicia's heart. Otherwise, why would she risk her life twice to save you?

"Not just that, but every time it was close to your birthday, she would start searching long before that day for all sorts of precious gifts for you.

"I know that you love her a lot as well. You didn't mind learning how to cook and give a good massage, all so you could massage her daily to alleviate her arm's pain. If you two were to marry, it would undoubtedly be a happy and blissful marriage!

"Besides, that Gardner boy is clearly a playboy! What would happen to her if she were to marry him? Please don't leave due to a momentary fit of anger!"

This was exactly how they had talked me out of leaving in my past life. I had listened to them, ultimately leading to me losing my wife, them losing their daughter, and everyone feeling regret for the rest of their lives.

I explained softly, "Lady Rivers, a forced relationship won't be a happy one. Since Felicia doesn't have feelings for me, I really shouldn't force her to marry me.

"I had a dream last night where I married her. However, she refused to see me and spent her days in a glum mood. This eventually harmed her health, yet she refused to let me take care of her or even eat anything I cooked for her. She then told me that I brought her more suffering than joy.

"In the end, she even died at the young age of 30 after saving my life."

At this point, my heart was aching so much it was hard to breathe.

Lady Rivers was briefly stunned before she said, "But… that's just a dream. Michael, Felicia wouldn't do that."

I sighed forlornly and forced my lips into a small smile.

"Lord Rivers, Lady Rivers, a dream can serve as a warning or a prediction of the future. I don't mind if she doesn't marry me—that we can't be husband and wife. However, I do want her to live till a ripe old age.

"Besides, though she's the marquis' daughter, she doesn't get a lot of say when it comes to most matters. For marriage, at least, I wish to let her have the choice to choose for herself."

I bowed toward them deeply, keeping that pose, before continuing, "I've already obtained the travel papers to leave this city. Please oblige my wish, Lord Rivers, Lady Rivers. I will never forget you for raising me and will certainly repay this huge debt one day."

Lord Rivers pursed his lips and tugged me so that I was standing straight again. As for Lady Rivers, she wiped the tears from her face before stuffing a pouch full of money into my hand.

"Since you've already made up your mind, we'll go along with your wishes. However, remember this. No matter what happens, the marquis' manor, this place, will always be your home."

A wave of bittersweet joy swept through me, and I gave them another bow. "Thank you so much, Lady Rivers."

As long as I cut off all ties with Felicia, the tragedy of my past life wouldn't happen again. She'd get to live a long life, and Lady Rivers and Lord Rivers wouldn't hate me out of grief for killing their daughter.

In this life, everyone would get to live happily.

With that, Felicia's second regret was laid to rest.

I had to fulfill all three of her dying wishes within 24 hours, but there was still one last regret to handle. Would I succeed?

…

That night, I went to Star Tower. All around me were married couples, there to pray for a long life together.

"Michael Sommerson."

A familiar voice suddenly reached my ears.

I turned around in delight, only to be greeted with a scowling Felicia. She seized my wrist without any warning, her eyes red-rimmed and blazing with fury.

"You clearly know that I most hate people who like to throw their weight around. I simply didn't return to the manor with you, yet you went tattling to my parents and instigating them into harshly humiliating Samuel. Now, he's decided he doesn't want to live anymore and has taken poison to end his life. Are you finally satisfied?"

All the color drained from my face.