Chapter 1

On my eighteenth birthday, my parents asked me to choose between Damien Adams and Teo Silva, heirs to two powerful families, for an arranged marriage. I picked Damien Adams without hesitation.

In a past life, I had chosen my childhood friend, Teo Silva.

The night our engagement was announced, Teo's beloved Edith jumped from a window, leaving her paralyzed and unable to have children. From that day on, Teo blamed me for everything.

Even after carrying his child for nine months, he took the baby from me and wrecked my family's business.

My parents couldn't handle the bankruptcy; they died in a fire at home. Eventually, I succumbed to despair too.

Upon waking in this new life, I chose Damien, determined not to repeat past mistakes. But when I announced my engagement to Damien, Teo lost it.

My parents were shocked when I pointed to Damien's photograph.

"Why him, sweetheart? You always followed Teo around," my dad said, raising his eyebrows.

I managed a bitter smile.

Everyone in New York knew I, Remi Owens, adored Teo Silva, the second heir of the Silva family. I had once believed he felt the same way.

But after everything that happened, I realized he never truly loved me. His heart was entirely Edith Warren's.

"Sweetheart, if you choose Damien Adams, there's no turning back."

Damien was undoubtedly the city's prince—the Adams family held a unique position of power. Our engagement was happening only because our grandfathers had hoped to unite our families.

I nodded firmly. "I won't regret it."

Though Damien was known for his ruthless reputation, Teo's gentle facade scared me more.

Seeing my determination, my parents didn't press further. "Then we're fulfilling your grandfather's wish," they said. "We'll discuss the engagement with the Adams family right away."

"Mom, Dad," I quickly interjected, "let's keep this engagement between the two families for now. I don't want any unnecessary trouble."

The evening marked my eighteenth birthday party. In my previous life, I eagerly anticipated this day, believing that after tonight, Teo and I could be openly together. Now, those dreams had turned to ashes.

The Owens family hosted many of the city's elite partners at the event. The atmosphere buzzed with the clinking of glasses and laughter.

Standing alone in a corner, I watched the crowd. Familiar voices floated from a nearby gazebo, and I approached, freezing at the scene.

Edith Warren leaned against Teo Silva, tears shining in her eyes. "You're soon to be engaged to Miss Owens. We shouldn't be like this," she murmured, weakly trying to pull away.

Teo held her tight. "I won't marry her. I'll only ever love you."

Edith gazed up at him, eyes full of emotion. "But without the Owens' support, how can you become the head of the Silva family?"

"I'll claim my rightful place on my own," Teo declared confidently. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were the one."

Watching their passionate exchange, deep bitterness seeped through me.

It seemed they had confessed their love long before I realized.

Perhaps fate wanted me to witness this, reminding me that some paths are not worth pursuing.

Since that day, I stopped trailing after Teo Silva. Rumors spread about my change of heart. Teo just smirked coldly, saying nothing.

The engagement with the Adams family was set. Once the wedding date was finalized, Damien sent a message. He was overseas, tangled up in family business and couldn't accompany me to choose the wedding dress. He apologized sincerely.

I didn't mind. There wasn't much sentiment between Damien and me. In fact, we had only met briefly at the Adams family's annual event last year.

Arriving at the Adams-owned bridal shop, the manager, recognizing me, immediately showcased a magnificent wedding dress.

"I love it," I said, ready to try it on, when a hand suddenly snatched it away.

"I'll take this dress," Edith declared.

The shop assistant hesitated, unsure of my identity but aware of Edith as the Warren family's heiress. She looked between us, hesitating.

"I'm sorry, Miss Warren, but this lady arrived first."

Edith turned to me, her face challenging. "Oh, it's Miss Owens. Busy with wedding plans, are we?"

"Don't be shocked if you have the dress but no groom," she jeered, clearly implying she was the one Teo truly loved.

I pursed my lips, uninterested in petty disputes. Taking the dress from her hands, I headed for the fitting room.

But Edith grabbed my hair, causing me to cry out.

"Edith, we have no grievances. Why act this way?" I demanded.

She sneered, "I can't stand you clinging to Teo and even picking a wedding dress. It's laughable."

"Do you really think Teo would marry you? It's all your wishful thinking."

Ignoring her ridicule, I kept quiet, unwilling to engage further regarding Teo.

"None of your business," I replied, eager to leave.

Yet, Edith refused to let go. "Remi Owens, you've been in Teo's shadow for years and never won his heart."

"What good is being the Owens' only daughter? Teo loves me. You're just a loser."

Tired of her persistence, I shook her hand off abruptly. Much to my dismay, she fell backward toward the counter's edge.

Instinctively, I reached out, but failed to catch her.

I closed my eyes, bracing for disaster.

But Teo, quick on his feet, caught Edith just in time.

Edith clung to him, looking up with tearful eyes. "I only told Miss Owens not to bother you anymore, and she pushed me."

Rage flashed in Teo's eyes as he glared disdainfully at me. "Remi Owens, you're an adult now. Act like it."

"Don't throw childish tantrums, bullying innocent people with your privileged attitude."

Frantic, I tried to explain. "I didn't, Teo..."

"Enough," he interrupted.

"Apologize to Edith, Remi. Or I'll cancel our engagement, regardless of becoming the Silva family's head."

Pain pierced my heart, but wasn't this always the case?

Teo never cared for my explanations. Edith was always his priority.

He knew how to threaten me with what mattered most to me.

I laughed bitterly. "Teo Silva, you're too confident."

"Why assume I'd choose to marry you?"