Chapter 2

My mother appeared pleased with my sensible demeanor. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and her voice softened.

"Don't worry. If Xavier ever mistreats you, I'll be the first to defend you."

I returned a smile.

Deep down, I knew her words were merely for show. Beneath that facade, she was cold and distant.

If I were truly harmed, she would merely observe in silence and not lift a finger.

When Alice found out I was going to marry Xavier, she smiled and gave her blessing.

"Congrats! You've landed a good man who's both handsome and responsible."

I raised an eyebrow. "Then, why didn't you marry him?"

After a moment's hesitation, she whispered, "That's because I fell in love with someone else."

I sneered, and a shadow clouded my eyes. "Really? To be frank, I don't believe in love at first sight."

Alice's body tensed. She stared at me in shock. Her words were caught in her throat.

With a solemn look, I added, "I hope you never come to regret the choice you've made today."

A flicker of unease flashed in Alice's eyes, but she quickly recovered. She put on a confident smirk.

"I won't regret it. After all, I've found the best husband anyone could ever ask for. Just don't come crying when you're the one stuck in misery."

I shrugged and walked away.

Alice believed that John's strong vitality and romantic nature were the reasons I was able to conceive so quickly.

Unfortunately, she couldn't have been more wrong.

Deep down, John was a monster who found pleasure in a woman's suffering. In the privacy of our bedroom, his kindness vanished and was replaced by cruelty.

The truth was, my pregnancy came only after he forced me into artificial insemination. Back then, the pain I suffered was relentless.

It was only after I bore his child—and he'd risen to power—that he finally showed me a semblance of kindness.

Yet behind closed doors, he still delighted in my pain.

Just as I took a few steps, Alice's stern voice echoed behind me. "Eleanor, you'd better stay away from John. He'll be your brother-in-law."

I raised my hand, flashing her an "OK" sign.

To tell the truth, nothing would bring me greater joy than never having to be near him.

…

The next day, Xavier arrived with a wedding dress.

It was the first time I'd laid eyes on him since my rebirth. The sight of him awakened a feeling that felt both unsettling and familiar.

With a sculpted face and a defined jawline, his attractiveness was undeniable.

But beneath his wild and carefree exterior, a profound depth shimmered in his eyes.

He met my gaze with a blank, distant expression.

"This is for our wedding," he said.

I lifted the lid and found a mermaid-style gown inside. Its intricate embroidery and perfect craftsmanship stood as a testament to the meticulous effort behind it. From the very first glance, I was completely captivated.

"This is stunning," I said. A smile was spreading across my lips.

Xavier gave a slight nod. His voice was calm and indifferent. "I've already arranged everything for the wedding. If there's anything you're unhappy with, just let me know."

"It's fine. I'm okay with whatever," I replied nonchalantly.

Just then, Alice approached. Her eyes darkened with contempt as she spotted the wedding dress in my hands. "What kind of dress is that? It looks so old-fashioned."

I hugged the gown close. "It's beautiful. I'm really happy with it."

Before Alice could utter another word, Xavier's sharp glare stopped her in her tracks.

At that moment, John stepped forward and rested his arm around her shoulders.

"I've picked out an array of wedding dresses for you," he murmured. "You can choose whichever one you want."

Alice smiled, and her eyes were glowing with happiness. "You're the best," she replied.

I turned away, refusing to be a spectator to their affection.

No matter how much John seemed to love Alice now, his true colors would show once they were married.

If she failed to conceive, she would likely suffer the same abuse I endured in my past life.

At that moment, I could feel Xavier's gaze lingering on me.

"Eleanor, would you like to choose from a selection of wedding dresses as well?"