Chapter Two – The First Change

The room buzzed with activity, yet Ava felt strangely detached from everything around her. Makeup artists hovered near her face, stylists adjusted the folds of her gown, and wedding planners whispered instructions back and forth, but none of it felt real. It was as if she were watching someone else’s wedding from inside a dream. Only this dream was soaked in blood and betrayal.

In her past life, this day had been filled with nervous excitement. She remembered how she had sat obediently while the makeup artist worked, her heart fluttering with anticipation, imagining her future with Mark. She remembered believing that she was the luckiest woman alive.

Now, the same memories felt like a cruel joke.

“Ava, are you feeling better?” a familiar male voice asked gently.

Her fingers stiffened.

She did not need to turn around to know who it was.

Mark Collins.

She slowly lifted her eyes to the mirror.

Mark stood behind her, dressed in a tailored black suit, looking handsome and sincere, exactly the same as he had in her past life. His expression was filled with concern, his brows slightly furrowed, his eyes soft and affectionate.

A perfect performance.

In her past life, this single look had been enough to melt her heart.

Now, it made her stomach churn.

“I heard you fainted,” Mark continued, walking closer. “You’ve been overworking yourself lately. You should rely on me more. We’re going to be husband and wife.”

Husband and wife.

The words sounded nauseating.

Ava stared at his reflection, her gaze calm, almost blank.

So this was the man who had personally sent her to prison.

This was the man who had held another woman’s hand while accusing her of crimes.

This was the man who had ordered her death.

Yet here he was, playing the role of the devoted fiancé flawlessly.

Ava slowly stood up.

Mark instinctively reached out to support her.

She took half a step back.

The movement was subtle, but clear.

Mark froze for a brief second.

“Ava?” he called softly.

“I’m fine,” Ava said.

Her voice was steady.

Too steady.

Mark studied her face, feeling an inexplicable sense of unease. Something about Ava felt different. The gentle warmth she usually carried was gone. In its place was a calmness that made him uncomfortable.

“You scared me,” Mark said with a small smile. “If anything happens to you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Ava nearly laughed.

What would he do?

He would celebrate.

He would hold Lily and thank fate for removing an obstacle.

“Mark,” Ava said, meeting his eyes directly for the first time. “Do you love me?”

The question came without warning.

Mark blinked.

“Of course I do,” he answered immediately. “Why would you ask that?”

Ava searched his face carefully.

No hesitation.

No guilt.

No trace of conscience.

Only practiced sincerity.

Just like before.

In her past life, she had never asked this question. She had been too afraid of hearing an answer that might shatter her illusions. Now that she had already seen the worst possible ending, she felt strangely fearless.

“If one day I lost everything,” Ava continued slowly, “no money, no status, nothing to my name… would you still stay with me?”

Mark frowned slightly, as if troubled by such a strange scenario.

“Why are you thinking about such unlucky things on our wedding day?” he said with a soft chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’ll always protect you.”

Protect.

The word felt ironic.

Ava nodded faintly.

“I hope you remember what you just said.”

Mark smiled. “Of course.”

A knock sounded on the door.

“Miss Reed, the bride’s family has arrived,” a staff member announced.

Ava’s eyes darkened.

Family.

In her past life, Lily had cried in front of everyone today, pretending to be happy for her while secretly exchanging glances with Mark. Tonight, after the wedding banquet, she had sneaked into Mark’s room.

Everything had started from this day.

Ava lifted the hem of her dress and walked toward the door.

Mark followed behind her.

The corridor outside was brightly lit. Guests’ voices echoed faintly from the banquet hall. Ava walked slowly, every step measured, her mind racing.

She could not confront Mark yet.

She had no evidence.

No power.

No protection.

Rushing forward blindly would only repeat her past tragedy.

If she wanted to survive, she needed a shield.

Someone powerful.

Someone untouchable.

As if responding to her thoughts, a familiar name surfaced in her memory.

Lucas Kane.

In her past life, Lucas Kane had attended this wedding.

Not as a guest.

But as an investor invited by Mark.

At the time, Ava had not paid him much attention. She only remembered that he was extremely handsome, distant, and terrifyingly influential.

Later, after Ava went to prison, she had overheard other inmates gossiping.

Lucas Kane had launched a ruthless investigation into Reed Holdings three months after her conviction.

Mark had panicked.

Lily had secretly sold assets.

Then, suddenly, the investigation stopped.

At the time, Ava had not understood why.

Now, she suspected something else.

Perhaps Lucas Kane had discovered something.

Perhaps he had been blocked.

Or perhaps he had arrived too late.

Ava clenched her fingers.

This time, she would meet him properly.

In the banquet hall, the atmosphere was lively. Crystal chandeliers reflected dazzling light. Guests chatted happily, holding wine glasses, unaware that beneath the luxurious surface, a deadly game was beginning.

Ava’s gaze swept across the crowd.

Then she saw him.

Lucas Kane stood near the far end of the hall, speaking with an elderly man. He wore a dark suit, perfectly fitted, exuding cold elegance. His posture was relaxed, yet commanding. Even without trying, he naturally became the center of attention.

His face was sculpted, sharp, and emotionless.

His eyes were deep and dark.

Dangerous.

Ava’s heart tightened.

So this was Lucas Kane.

Mark noticed her gaze and smiled. “That’s Mr. Lucas Kane. He’s an important investor. I’ll introduce you later.”

Ava nodded quietly.

Not later.

Now.

She released Mark’s arm.

“I want some air.”

Before Mark could stop her, Ava walked toward Lucas Kane.

Each step felt heavy, but her mind was clear.

This man might become her lifeline.

Or her greatest risk.

Either way, she had to try.

Lucas Kane sensed someone approaching and turned his head.

Their eyes met.

Ava felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine.

Those eyes were calm.

Observant.

As if he were already dissecting her.

She stopped in front of him.

“Mr. Kane,” Ava said.

Lucas raised an eyebrow slightly.

“We haven’t been introduced.”

Ava met his gaze steadily.

“I know.”

A brief silence fell between them.

Lucas studied her face carefully.

A bride, in full wedding attire, approaching a stranger at her own wedding.

Interesting.

“What do you want?” he asked.

Ava lowered her voice.

“I want to make a deal with you.”

Lucas’s lips curved faintly.

“What kind of deal?”

Ava looked straight into his eyes.

“A contract marriage.”

The elderly man beside Lucas nearly choked on his drink.

Lucas stared at Ava.

For the first time, a trace of emotion flickered in his eyes.

“Explain,” he said slowly.

Ava spoke calmly.

“Marry me.”

“For one year.”

“You get a wife to secure whatever you need.”

“I get protection.”

“After one year, we divorce.”

Silence engulfed them.

The music, the laughter, the chatter around them all seemed to fade away.

Lucas’s gaze sharpened.

“Why should I believe you?”

Ava smiled faintly.

“Because I’m about to become your wife anyway.”

Lucas’s eyes darkened.

“What?”

Ava leaned closer and whispered.

“Mark Collins and Lily Reed are lovers.”

“They framed me in my past life.”

“I died.”

“This is my second chance.”

Lucas stared at her.

For several seconds, neither spoke.

Then Lucas slowly said, “You’re either insane…”

“Or you’re telling the truth.”

Ava replied quietly.

“You can investigate.”

“If I’m lying, you lose nothing.”

“If I’m telling the truth…”

“You gain a loyal partner.”

Lucas studied her for a long moment.

Then, unexpectedly, he smiled.

A dangerous, faint smile.

“Interesting.”

“Let’s talk.”