Chapter 2

"Are you sure? Not getting married? You're coming abroad for the project with me?"

My advisor, Professor Davis, double-checked.

I nodded vigorously. "I'm sure. No regrets."

Professor Davis breathed a sigh of relief, quickly signing the documents as if afraid I'd change my mind.

"Even though you're graduating, they've always wanted to keep you on for this project. Many people apply, but no one can replace you. It's good you've finally decided. Marriage can wait a few years; it's no rush."

I felt a pang of guilt.

They had specifically asked for me for this project.

But I'd been so obsessed with Damon, I'd stubbornly refused Professor Davis's offer.

My advisor, frustrated, had sought other candidates.

But no one met the criteria, ultimately delaying the entire project.

I finished the last of my paperwork in the office and was about to leave when a familiar sobbing reached my ears from outside the door.

"I tried so hard, but I didn't expect Scarlett to suddenly take the spot. All my efforts this month are wasted, boo hoo hoo..."

It was Chloe.

My grip tightened on the doorknob-

Damon's first love.

The woman who made it impossible for us to ever find peace in our thirty-year marriage.

I opened the door, and her familiar face appeared.

Damon stood over me, radiating an intimidating aura I'd never felt from him before.

"Scarlett, give that spot back."

Seeing Damon's expression, and Chloe behind him, sobbing uncontrollably and gasping for breath, I shook my head.

"No way."

"Scarlett..."

Damon's face twisted into an expression of utter disbelief I'd never seen before.

"You already forced me to agree to marry you! Do you think I don't know you've already arranged a wedding venue? You never intended to go! You just wanted to make things hard for Chloe!"

Chloe, her eyes red, stepped forward too.

"Scarlett, I worked so hard for this spot. If I leave, I won't bother you two anymore, and you can finally have peace of mind..."

"You know whether you really worked hard. You wouldn't get this project anyway."

Chloe stiffened, her eyes growing even redder.

Before applying, she'd wanted Damon to go with her, knowing I couldn't stop them then. But because I'd repeatedly put myself in harm's way, Damon, remembering my parents' past generosity to his family, had grudgingly agreed to marry me instead.

Chloe, in a fit of pique, had decided to go alone.

But in the past few months, it had mostly been out of spite, and she hadn't properly prepared.

In my previous life, she hadn't gotten in either.

Damon, however, frowned.

"You didn't even give her a chance. How can you say she wouldn't get in?"

I waved the document in my hand.

"Because Professor Davis has already signed off on my application."

"Scarlett..."

Damon clenched his fists, disappointment etched on his face like never before.

"I thought you were just a bit willful, but I never imagined you could be so malicious. You don't need this opportunity at all, but Chloe has worked so hard to get where she is! I never thought you'd be so malicious, monopolizing Professor Davis's spot just to spite her!"

His breathing grew ragged as he spoke, and he glared at me coldly.

"Listen, even though you used my family's past debt to force me into marrying you, this one act makes it clear: I will never, ever consider you my wife."

"I know."

I nodded calmly.

I'd already experienced that in my previous life.

Damon turned to leave, gently putting his arm around Chloe's shoulders to comfort her.

"It's okay. I'll fund you to find other opportunities. Don't be sad."

That gentle look, I'd dreamed of it countless times in my past life.

But I hadn't gotten it then, and I wouldn't get it now.

I really had to go, Damon.