Chapter 1

After my husband, Edward Carter, passed away, I went to the family cemetery to pay my respects, only to discover that his grave was nowhere to be found.

I stormed up to my father, seething with anger, and demanded to know why Edward wasn't allowed in the family cemetery.

My father let out a helpless sigh.

He said, "Margaret, Edward was never buried here. Back then, he begged me, pleading that we let him rest beside Olivia Brooks in death."

Olivia was the girl Edward had whispered in his dreams for 3,520 nights.

When I blinked awake, I went back to the day he returned from Seriate.

*****

"Ms. Margaret Stone, Mr. Edward Carter got back," the maid, Susan Lawson, whispered.

I nodded, motioning for her to get on with her chores.

This time around, Edward still looked at me with nothing but disdain in his eyes.

"I just got back from a long trip, and what do I find? You're lying there on the bed, a complete mess. You couldn't look less like a lady," he snapped.

He didn't even glance at my cast or show any concern for my injury. He just kept criticizing me like nothing else mattered.

I shot him a pointed look and snapped back, "Why do you think I couldn't care less about how I look?"

That was when he finally noticed my swollen ankle.

His tone softened as he said, "Sorry, I didn't notice."

Then he tried to help me with my injury.

Instinctively, I pulled away, and his hand froze in mid-air.

I gave him a cool, indifferent look, and my voice sounded flat and emotionless as I said, "No need. The doctor will take care of it."

He paused for a moment and then returned the medicine bottle to its place, his gaze softening as he looked at me.

"Yeah, you're right. Let the doctor handle it. I could end up hurting you if I try," he said.

I ignored him and kept flipping through my comic book.

"I brought you this bangle from Seriate. I thought it would look good on you," he said.

He gently fastened the bangle onto my wrist.

Upon closer inspection, I realized it was made of crystal.

But in my previous life, no matter how many times I kept asking Edward for a gift, he never cared at all.

He'd shrug and say he had no clue what women ever wanted.

This time, all I did was give him and Olivia some space, and out of nowhere, he brought me a gift.

I couldn't care less. I slipped the bangle off and tossed it aside.

"Thanks for remembering me and all, but it's late. If there's nothing else, you should head out," I said.

I had never treated Edward this coldly before. He was stunned and stared at me in disbelief.

He was struggling to stay calm, making an effort to keep his voice gentle.

"Margaret, I heard your father bought you some land, and it turns out that's right where Olivia's old home is. Do you think you could ask him to let Olivia have it instead?" he said softly.

I stiffened for a brief moment, and a mix of disappointment and realization flickered in my eyes.

So that explained why he had acted so gently. Every ounce of his kindness was for Olivia.

"That land is my wedding gift from my father. If I give it to Olivia, what will I be left with?" I replied coldly.

I looked straight at Edward, my gaze openly laced with disappointment and biting irony.

My words got under his skin. That soft look he had moments ago vanished, replaced with a cold, impatient glare.

He snapped, "Seriously? Don't start making drama for no reason. Olivia is all alone in Jersey with nobody to help her. Naturally, I should give her a hand.

"It's just some land, not a big deal. Your father will find you something way better.

"We're not asking for charity here. I'll pay you full market price for it.

"You and Olivia grew up together, and you're my fiancée. I know you'll agree to this."

Edward, Olivia, and I grew up side by side since we were kids.

But back then, Olivia was a maid's daughter, and Edward, a butler's son.

I gave a sarcastic laugh and shook my head as I set him straight. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but we're boyfriend and girlfriend, not engaged.

"If you want that property so badly, go deal with my father yourself. Quit trying to drag me into your mess."

When I still wouldn't give in, Edward's face twisted in pure fury, a vein on his forehead throbbing visibly.

"Margaret, I can't believe how cold-hearted you are. It's only a tiny favor, and you won't lift a finger. Trust me, someone as heartless as you will pay for it. Just wait," he spat.

With that, he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.