Chapter 1

Elsie Gardner found herself revisiting the day when her parents handed her profiles of heirs from the three prominent families in Southport, urging her to choose one for marriage. Instinctively, she shook her head. "None of them," she insisted.

Her parents, David and Valerie Gardner, were taken aback. "Why not?" they pressed.

"Because..." A pang of heartache hit her. In a previous life, she had married each of them.

In Southport's elite society, the Gardner, West, Riley, and Daniels families were the four pillars. As the sole daughter among these families, Elsie was the focus of alliance interests, sought for marriage by the other three families.

Back then, Elsie's first choice was Frederick West, believing he would bring her lifelong happiness. But once wed, he was rarely home; out of 365 days, he was absent for 364. She was ridiculed, and he died tragically in a car accident while saving Greta Chapman.

Widowed young, Elsie spent three lonely years before her family organized a new marriage to Harlem Riley. Yet, he, too, neglected their union, treating her as if she were invisible. Two years after their wedding, he perished in a perilous race, also in an attempt to protect Greta.

Once more, Elsie bore the title of a husband-killer and did not remarry until she was thirty, finally with Jordan Daniels. Their marriage was peaceful, akin to quiet companionship, until Jordan's natural demise years later. His final words shook her: "Elsie, if there's another life, don't choose me for marriage. I only wish to be with Greta."

Only then did Elsie understand that all three men loved Greta. Their final pleas echoed the same sentiment: don't choose me for marriage.

Greta Chapman was merely the daughter of the Gardner family's housekeeper, unremarkable in appearance and skills, yet skilled at feigning innocence and vulnerability to earn sympathy. Elsie never comprehended what she lost to Greta or why they loved Greta enough to endure an arranged marriage to spare her from familial pressure.

Elsie spent her lifetime witnessing their unwavering devotion to Greta and learned an invaluable lesson: she, Elsie Gardner, was not a supporting character in anyone's story. She would not hold onto those who did not love her.

Thus, in this life, she rejected all previous suitors and gave her parents a new answer.

"If I have to marry, I want to marry Ryland Gardner from the Gardner family in Northport."

Her parents were bewildered. "Ryland Gardner? The illegitimate son of that family in Northport? Why this sudden choice?"

In her past life, Ryland Gardner became the world's wealthiest individual, topping the Forbes list with vast influence in the business sphere. If marriage was about family interests, Elsie aimed to optimize the benefits this time. Choosing Ryland Gardner could only be advantageous, with no downside.

As for love, she was no longer naive enough to expect it.

Despite initial hesitation, David and Valerie Gardner were swayed by their daughter's reasoning. "Northport's economy is blooming, and the Gardner Group is at its helm. Haven't you sought expansion into Northport but lacked a foothold? My marriage into their family creates that opening. You've always praised Ryland's ambition and astuteness, saying he'd achieve greatness."

Her parents considered her analysis and ultimately chose to honor her wishes, actively reaching out to the Gardner family to cement the marriage arrangement.

"Elsie, we've coordinated with their family. The wedding is scheduled for two weeks from now."

Elsie finally felt a sense of relief at their decision.

Time was limited, and her parents swiftly prepared the bridal dowry, leaving Elsie alone, sitting on the sofa, lost in a mix of emotions.

Shortly thereafter, footsteps approached the entrance. Frederick West, Harlem Riley, and Jordan Daniels entered, their eyes fixed on her.

"Elsie, who did you choose for the marriage alliance?" They asked in unison, their expressions tense and heavy.

Seeing their anxious faces, Elsie felt a wave of nostalgia. They had all grown up together, close-knit. Her three childhood friends treated her like a little sister, always protecting her, offering whatever she wanted, cheering her up if she was unhappy, standing up for her when she was bullied.

But now she realized their kindness was mere brotherly affection. In her past life, she thought they hurried to ask because they hoped to be chosen. Now she understood they came in fear of being picked.

Her chest tightened as she swallowed the bitterness. After a long pause, she gathered herself and replied hoarsely, "In fifteen days, you'll find out who I chose."

Her refusal to disclose further left them unsettled, craving clarity. Before they could speak, her phone rang.

"Miss Gardner, Greta has been in an accident and is seriously injured. She's in the hospital undergoing emergency surgery, but there are no rooms available. Could you help?" Talon Holmes pleaded tearfully.

Frederick snatched the phone, his voice filled with concern. "Which hospital?"

The other end paused before choking out the name. Frederick hung up, leaving a quick statement before rushing out. "Elsie, don't worry about the hospital; I'll sort out this minor problem myself."

Harlem and Jordan followed without hesitation.

"This hospital falls under the Riley family. I'll speak with the director. Elsie, you should rest at home."

"I know several top experts. I'll reach out. Elsie, there's no need for you to worry."

They claimed it was for her benefit, but it was merely an excuse to see Greta.

Their obvious affection — how did she overlook it in her past life?

Watching them leave, Elsie managed a self-deprecating smile.

Turning away, she headed to her bedroom to sort through everything linked to them.

Night descended by the time she finished. Checking her phone, she saw Greta’s latest social media update.

"Another day of special attention from the three gentlemen."

The accompanying photo was a selfie of Greta in a VIP hospital room, savoring Jordan's homemade spiced honey cake, Frederick's watch on the table, and Harlem's coat draped over a chair.

Elsie liked the post and gazed at the three boxes she had set aside.

Inside each box was the gift she received at 18 from Frederick's father, Harlem's aunt, and Jordan's grandfather — heirlooms of their families.

The gift she retained would symbolize which family the Gardner’s chose for marriage. But now, her own marriage was settled, and it was time to offer her response.

She arranged for a courier service to come and handed over the boxes.

"Please deliver these to the addresses provided in fifteen days."