Chapter 1

"Eleanor, John and I fell in love as soon as we met. That's why we gave in to our feelings and made love that night. Please, let him go so we can be together!"

At that moment, my older sister—Alice Keating—knelt before me. With tears rolling down her face, she clung to my arm.

I bit my lip, struggling to hold back the fury building within me.

Heartbroken, my mother—Matilda Cooper—spoke up in Alice's defense.

"Eleanor, what's done is done. Perhaps you should consider marrying someone else."

I glared at my mother with disdain. My lips curled into a sneer.

Though we were both her daughters, her heart always belonged to Alice. Only rarely did she spare even a flicker of affection for me.

Sensing my silence, Alice's sobs only grew louder.

"I know I've wronged you, Eleanor, but I can't help how I feel. I love John with all my heart!"

My gaze darkened as I looked at Alice's tear-streaked face.

Despite the pain and sorrow etched across her features, there was still a spark of hope and joy burning in her eyes.

At that moment, I realized she had been reborn as well.

With John McKellen's future wealth and power in mind, she didn't hesitate to make her move first.

In my previous life, both Alice and I were sent by our parents to the McKellen family in Arborhill for arranged marriages.

I married John McKellen, the eldest son. Though his looks were plain, his calm and dependable nature made him stand out.

On the other hand, Alice married Xavier McKellen, the younger son. Though handsome and charming, he was infamous for his reckless and unpredictable ways.

Driven by his desire for a grandchild, the family patriarch—Henry McKellen—made a solemn promise. The first to give birth to a child would have their offspring recognized as the family's next heir.

After our wedding, John and I conceived a child.

Our baby was immediately named the next heir, securing John and me greater influence and power within the family.

Meanwhile, the tension between Alice and Xavier grew into constant conflict. Eventually, infidelity tore them apart, culminating in a bitter and painful divorce.

Convinced they had brought shame upon the family, John kicked them out of the household.

Blinded by jealousy, Alice poisoned me and my child, ending both our lives.

Recalling my child's final moments, a surge of hatred flooded my chest. Every fiber of my being screamed for vengeance against Alice.

Still, acting on impulse was not an option. I had to think strategically and plan for the long game.

I took a deep breath and said calmly, "If you truly love each other, then I suppose you have my blessing."

Alice froze. She was caught off guard by my sudden agreement.

Meanwhile, my mother's face brightened with relief.

"That's wonderful! I always knew you were reasonable and understanding."

As Alice collected herself, she smiled gratefully. "Thank you so much, Eleanor."

I nodded absentmindedly.

Alice stood up, barely able to hide her excitement.

"I'm going to share this amazing news with John!"

As I watched her walk away, my lips lifted in a faint smirk.

Just then, my mother stepped forward and took my hand. She patted it gently, hoping to comfort me.

"Eleanor, I suppose this means you'll have to marry Xavier instead."

I stayed silent.

"He can be mischievous at times," she added, "but he's genuinely a good man. With his looks and status, he's well-suited for you."

Following a short pause, she admitted, "Had things gone differently, Alice would have been the one to marry him."

I understood what my mother was suggesting. Alice and I were expected to exchange our future suitors.

Without a second thought, I agreed. "Fine. I'll do as you wish."

Though everyone saw Xavier as a spoiled playboy, I knew it was merely a carefully constructed facade.

He never wanted to take on the weight of leading the family; his soul longed for freedom.

In my previous life, he never fought for power or control. Even through my pregnancy and childbirth, he appeared calm and distant, as though it was none of his concern.

Still, the most haunting memory I carried was the moment of my death. He was the one who had cradled my poisoned child in his arms while desperately searching for help.

Though his efforts were in vain, the kindness that dwelt within his heart was undeniable.

For that reason alone, he was a man deserving of my hand.