Chapter 1

I lived a second life.

I came back to the day Charles Dawson and I were supposed to get our marriage license.

In front of all our relatives, I tore up my ID documents.

I pointed at Charles and yelled, "I won't marry this cheating scumbag."

He frowned, sneering, "And I don't want to marry a stubborn old hag either."

My cousin, Vivian Shaw, who also got a second chance to live, immediately grabbed Charles's hand. "Charles, we can finally be together."

So, he and Vivian swiftly got their license and went abroad, while I stayed, diving deep into the world of culinary arts.

Seven years later, we crossed paths again. Charles was now a renowned photographer in the international art scene.

He looked at me. "I see you haven't improved at all these years. Guess I made the right choice back then."

I laughed coldly inside. Oh, he definitely did.

*****

When I arrived at the upscale private dining room, many relatives hadn't shown up yet.

I found a relatively quiet spot, sat down, opened my laptop, and started fiddling with a new recipe on my food design software.

This dish was still missing that certain "something". I needed to figure out how to perfect it.

Charles and Vivian Shaw made their entrance just as I was lost in thought.

The moment all the relatives saw them, they surged forward, showering them with praise.

"Charles, so successful overseas at such a young age. Vivian, you really landed a great husband," one said.

"I heard you're back for the International Photography Expo by special invitation from a master photographer? Such an achiever. Bringing honor to the family," another one chimed in.

Someone joined the conversation. "Charles, my kid is obsessed with photography, always begging for your guidance. You gotta find some time to mentor them."

Vivian blinked, clinging to Charles's arm with a light laugh. "We're all family here, no need for formalities. If your kid has questions, just have them call Charles."

This triggered a torrent of flattery from the relatives, everyone hoping to leverage distant family ties for a future favor.

Charles lifted his chin slightly, basking in the adoration, enjoying his moment in the spotlight.

I finished up my work, took off my headphones, and let out a yawn.

The sound instantly drew everyone's attention.

"Why is Helen here? Doesn't she always hate these family parties?" someone in the crowd muttered.

Charles caught that comment.

He narrowed his eyes, fixing his gaze on the person who'd spoken. "Helen hasn't come to any of the family gatherings these past few years?"

The person nodded eagerly.

Charles smirked scornfully.

Seven years ago, after Charles and I came back to life, it was the day we got our marriage license and went to meet the family.

With all our relatives watching, Charles suddenly rushed over to Vivian, wrapped her in his arms, and confessed his love for her. Vivian had tears streaming down her face, looking heartbreakingly beautiful.

Out of nowhere, Charles turned to me and asked for a divorce, saying Vivian was the one he truly loved.

That scandal had exploded like a bomb. Most relatives here today had witnessed it back then.

"Helen works at a food studio now, always swamped. She's never been interested in these kinds of events," someone explained.

"Who knows why she showed up today? Maybe she's trying to get Charles's attention. She was pretty humiliated back then," another person whispered.

"Charles is an internationally famous artist now, and Vivian's his agent. They're the perfect power couple. If Helen thinks she can win him back, she's delusional," someone else whispered.

A look of clear contempt spread across Charles's face. He pulled Vivian closer, as if staking his claim.

"That's all in the past. Vivian is the one I love," Charles said flatly.

Everyone fell silent. Bringing up old history in front of the seemingly perfect couple did seem tactless.

I barely glanced at them, then turned to the waiter and ordered a drink.

Sipping my fresh-squeezed orange juice, I silently wished my parents would hurry up. Once they made their announcement, I could rush back to my studio and the mountain of work waiting for me.

But Vivian wasn't about to let me chill for even a second.

She sauntered over, picked up a stray strand of my hair with fake concern, and said, "Helen, you really should take better care of yourself. Look how dry your hair is."

Her move instantly pulled all eyes back to us.

Several self-proclaimed elders seized the chance to lecture me, playing the wise senior card.

"This girl, Helen, is insisting on starting her own food business. She's running herself ragged every day. Her income is so unstable. She's nearing thirty and still has no decent boyfriend," one of the elders said, shaking their head.

"Exactly. Not much to show for herself, no wonder she's been too embarrassed to come to family gatherings all these years," another relative added.

Finally, I met Vivian's condescending gaze and took a good look at her and Charles.

Vivian had lustrous blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, wearing an exquisitely designed haute couture gown, radiating elegance. The jewels on her wrist glittered under the lights.

Charles was in a perfectly tailored custom suit, a simple wedding band on his finger accentuating his handsome features. Standing together, they looked like the perfect couple. No wonder everyone called them a match made in heaven.

I gently rubbed my temples, trying to keep my distance from Vivian.

"Are you done, cousin? If you are, please step back. Your perfume is too strong, it's giving me a headache," I said bluntly.

Vivian's face fell instantly. Before she could speak, Charles jumped in to defend her.

"Helen, your cousin is just concerned about you. Why the attitude?" Charles shot back.

I frowned, irritation bubbling up.

But remembering the important matter today, I forced it down.

"I don't have an attitude. I'm just tired and busy from work. I really don't have the energy for small talk," I said.

"Can you please step back?" I added.

My words made Charles's expression darken even more.

He was used to being admired and believed his achievements far surpassed mine.

In his eyes, I should be green with envy, not acting so indifferent.

Vivian, sensing his mood, quickly soothed him. "Honey, it's a family gathering. Let's not argue with Helen."

"After what happened back then, it's normal for her to hold a grudge. We should be the bigger people," Vivian said, her tone gentle and composed.

Charles's expression softened. He tenderly ruffled Vivian's hair, his eyes full of affection. "You're always so gentle and understanding, Vivian."

"Helen, after all these years, you're still as stubborn and unpleasant as ever. If you'd been a bit more gentle back then, maybe things wouldn't have ended so badly between us," he said to me.