Chapter 1

When she saw where I was pointing, my mother, Dorothy Sanders, looked surprised. "Are you sure?"

I nodded seriously. "Of course. I won't joke about something like this."

Inside the banquet hall, everyone's gaze instinctively shifted toward one girl in the crowd, Ruth Lonsdale.

Envy, jealousy, and all kinds of emotions mingled together.

After all, everyone in Fairmont knew I was hopelessly in love with her. Some people were already lifting their glasses, stepping forward to congratulate Ruth.

She showed no gratitude whatsoever. With an icy expression, she strode away.

After a brief, awkward silence, someone tried to smooth things over and said that Ruth had a cold personality and wasn't sociable.

But only I knew the truth. Her distance and refusal to let anyone get close were all because she didn't want Jack Clement to feel uncomfortable.

After a few rounds of drinks, I was slightly tipsy. I left the banquet hall alone to get some air. I didn't expect to run into Ruth outside.

She stood by the garden, a trace of melancholy written on her face. That lonely, self-pitying look was enough to make anyone fall for her at first glance.

In my last life, I had been completely obsessed with her because of that look. I had lowered myself, humbling myself in every possible way, in hopes that she would glance at me one more time.

Unfortunately, my sincerity didn't win her love. Instead, it brought me nothing but her resentment. Ultimately, it even led to my death.

Given a second chance at life, I only wanted people around me to be genuine. As for Ruth, she could stay as far away from me as possible.

Pulling myself out of my thoughts, I turned to leave. But then, Ruth's voice called out from behind me. "Micah Jones."

Before I could even respond, she spoke first. "I can marry you, but you have to agree to three conditions. First, after we're married, you're not allowed to touch me. I don't love you. I hope you understand.

"Second, after we're married, Jack has to move in and live together with us. Third, no matter what happens, you're not allowed to make things difficult for Jack."

I raised an eyebrow, looking at her in surprise. In my last life, when Ruth had been chosen, she had outright refused without a second thought. Later, when her family business ran into serious trouble, I stepped in to help. Only then did she reluctantly agree, out of obligation.

Could it be…

A thought flashed through my mind. But I didn't dwell on it. In this life, I had no feelings for her at all.

I was just about to speak and explain that I hadn't chosen her, but she had already walked away on her own. As I turned back toward the banquet hall, a figure suddenly darted out from the side.

It was Jack. He glared at me viciously, his eyes filled with hostility. "Who permitted you to choose Ruth as your bride? She doesn't like you at all. Can you stop being so shameless?"

I ignored him. But he suddenly lunged at me like a madman, dragging me with him as we both fell straight into the lake.

The freezing water swallowed me instantly. Before I could even react, someone rushed over, jumped in without hesitation, and pulled Jack out of the water.

Jack was soaked from head to toe. Held tightly in Ruth's arms, his face was full of grievance as he said, "Ruth, don't blame Micah. I understand if he's angry."

Ruth's eyes were full of concern. But when she turned toward me, her tone was icy. "I warned you. Don't you dare bully Jack."

With that, she casually picked up a stone, threw it straight at my face, and said, "Reflect on yourself."

Ignoring the blood streaming down my face, she supported Jack and left in a hurry.

I had never been a good swimmer. With the injury on my forehead, dizziness hit me hard. Icy lake water flooded my mouth and nose. I struggled desperately, but my body kept sinking.

Just as my consciousness began to fade, a slender figure jumped into the water. Using all her strength, she slowly dragged me toward the shore.

When I opened my eyes again, harsh white lights blinded me.

Isabelle Lyon's anxious face came into view. "Micah, are you okay?"

Her eyes were full of panic and concern.

The scene overlapped with my last life. When my body was found back then, I saw Isabelle crying hysterically, screaming that Ruth would pay for it.

Like Ruth, Isabelle had been one of the girls my mother chose for me. However, she wasn't high-profile like Ruth. She had always been invisible, quietly trailing behind me at a distance.

If I waved at her, she'd panic and run away. Yet, it was she who, after my death, cried at my grave and confessed all the feelings she had buried for years.

In my last life, I had mistaken gravel for a gemstone and missed the woman who loved me with her whole heart. Now, seeing the concern in her eyes, warmth spread through my chest.

I gently took her hand. "Belle, my mom should have already told you, right?"

Isabelle's expression stiffened. After a long silence, she slowly pulled her hand back. Her eyes dimmed slightly as she said, "Don't worry, Micah. When the time comes, I'll cooperate properly. I won't embarrass you."

Cooperate? I froze, then immediately understood. She probably thought I had chosen her just to spite Ruth.

For a moment, my heart ached. I wanted to tell her the truth. But remembering how miserable I looked, I swallowed the words back down.

I liked this girl. I wanted to marry her. So, in my best state, I would propose to her properly.

This time, no matter what, I wouldn't let her feelings be wasted again.