Second Life, Better Wife

After both families confirmed the engagement, I stepped out of the room.The Whitmore sisters were waiting outside, exchanging knowing looks as they nudged Raina Whitmore toward me."Rowan, you've had a thing for Raina since you were kids. Happy now that you finally get to marry her?" one of them teased."Come on, you're the heir to the Hart family. Do you really have to make yourself look this desperate?" another mocked.Raina folded her arms and looked at me with disdain. "Our parents may have arranged the engagement, but don't assume I'm on board. If your family can't give me what I want, I won't say yes."Her tone was cold, dripping with contempt. She always put her interests first, just as she had in my previous life.I held her gaze and kept my voice even. "Raina, the Whitmores don't have only one daughter."The color drained from her face. Her sisters exchanged meaningful glances behind her. Our grandfathers had fought together in the army. My grandfather once saved her

Elara was four years older than Raina. She'd been frail since childhood—so thin that even a stiff breeze seemed like it could knock her over.She and I hadn't crossed paths much. But I remembered how her life had ended in my previous life. Not long after I married Raina, Elara died alone in a convalescent home.This time, since I'd decided to marry her, I intended to keep her alive and well.Elara glanced at me, disappointment flickering in her eyes.I gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll know when the time comes," I said, then turned and left.Having already decided to marry Elara, I needed to prepare a proper gift before the engagement. I spent the next three days focused entirely on it.Meanwhile, Raina didn't show up once in those three days.Kieran, on the other hand, updated his social feed every couple of hours. His latest post showed Raina in an apron, cooking steaks in the kitchen.I was just about to put my phone away when Kieran's message popped up."Rowan, you have

"Once you're back on your feet and with Rowan by your side, the Whitmore family will only grow stronger," Wilson said. "May your life be free of pain and full of joy."The ring Wilson slid onto Elara's finger wasn't just jewelry—it was the symbol of the Whitmore heir.From that moment on, our futures were bound together.Today was only the announcement. The actual engagement party would take place a week later.I threw myself into the planning, insisting on handling everything personally.Elara watched me rushing about, worry clouding her eyes. "You hired a planner. You don't have to push yourself."Her voice was always so gentle, pulling me back to the memory of our last meeting in my previous life.Back then, I was still trapped in the illusion of happiness Raina had woven around me.At a family dinner, Elara sat quietly in the corner, her eyes fixed on me as Raina and I talked and laughed. She never once looked away.I'd thought she was acting strange—rude, even. Who stared

My fingertips went numb, a chill running down my spine.I lurched out of bed, grabbed my keys, and rushed to the car. I barely remembered the drive. I just floored the accelerator, racing to the hospital like a madman.The private hospital had already prepared for tomorrow's crucial surgery. Every doctor was on standby. But why had Elara suddenly changed her mind?On the way there, I kept seeing her dying alone in that convalescent home from my previous life. Cold sweat broke across my forehead, quickly soaking the back of my shirt.I reached the hospital in just 20 minutes.Wilson's face was etched with grief when he saw me. He patted my shoulder and rasped, "I can't talk her around. You're the only one who might."Then, he slipped out of the room and closed the door.I took a deep breath, steadied myself, and moved to Elara's bedside. "Why won't you have the surgery?"Her eyes were clouded with conflicting emotions. After a long silence, she murmured, "Does it... really matte

Raina pleaded, "Rowan, I know I was wrong. I won't see Kieran again. Please forgive me, okay?"I pulled my hand back and looked at her as if she were a stranger. "Who you're with isn't my business. I'm your aunt's fiance. Once Elara recovers, we're getting married. Raina, show some respect and stop bothering me."Without hesitation, I called security. Moments later, the guards arrived and escorted both Raina and Kieran away. From the doorway, Raina's voice rang out, ragged with fury. "I'll make you change your mind! Rowan, just you wait!"I closed my eyes, letting her voice fade away, and waited by the operating room doors.Three hours later, the light above the operating room finally went out.A doctor in a white coat emerged, exhausted but smiling with relief. "The surgery was a success. She'll remain in the ICU for a few days. Once she's stable, we'll transfer her to a general ward."At his words, the tight knot in my chest finally loosened. Only then did a surge of fear w