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My mother inquired about my marriage preferences.

This instance, I didn't select Simon Hughes. I opted for his younger uncle, Daniel Hughes instead. Her response was immediate, her eyes widening with shock, as if I'd delivered a physical blow. After all, everyone in town was aware of Simon's and my inseparable bond since our early years.

For a decade, I'd pursued him, making it clear he was my only choice. But that was my former self, a version that no longer existed.

A rueful grin played on my lips as recollections of my previous existence—before my rebirth—flooded my mind.

In that life, following our wedding, I made a crushing discovery.

Simon never touched me intimately. Initially, I rationalized it as a personal issue—perhaps something beyond his control. I made excuses and tried to convince myself it wasn't important. However, on our 50th anniversary, I stumbled upon a hidden room.

It was concealed, filled with pictures of my cousin.

The truth dawned on me. Simon wasn't asexual. He simply didn't love me.

Now, in this second chance at life, I refused to waste time on unrequited love. I decided to let them be together, once and for all.

But as I approached Daniel at the altar, Simon's complexion drained, and he completely lost his composure.

...

Three days post my official betrothal to Simon Hughes, we crossed paths at a social gathering. Predictably, his companions noticed me and couldn't resist commenting.

They were already chuckling, clearly amused at my expense.

"Simon, look who's here—your little shadow has arrived!" one exclaimed with a smirk.

"Bianca, you're already engaged to Simon, yet you're still trailing him? Shouldn't you allow the poor man some enjoyment before you tie him down?" another added.

Upon seeing me, Simon's irritation was evident.

"Bianca," he said sharply, "are you truly this desperate to wed me? You didn't even seek my consent before finalizing this engagement. Now the entire city's abuzz with gossip. You've got some audacity."

His revulsion stung me deeply. I had to compose myself before responding. "Your consent wasn't necessary. I'm not marrying you."

The room erupted in laughter. Simon's friends were practically in stitches.

Naturally, they couldn't resist joining in.

"Simon," one shouted, "watch out! Your fiancée's about to pull another trick to grab your attention!"

Simon just shook his head, looking increasingly vexed. "Bianca, now you're attempting to play hard to get?"

I couldn't suppress a smirk. "With the Hughes family? If I'm not marrying you, who else would?"

He leaned closer, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Let's not forget, you've been declaring since childhood that you'd marry me. The whole city already considers you mine."

Then, he whispered, "I'll overlook this engagement, but remember—sure, I can provide a grand wedding, but the marriage certificate? That's reserved for the one I truly wish to marry."

I was stunned. In my previous life, Simon had followed his family's plans at this exact moment, and we'd registered our marriage.

'Could it be that he had also been reborn?'

Before I could process this, my cousin Audrey appeared at the party. The moment she spotted me next to Simon, her face contorted in anguish, and tears began to flow.

"Bianca, Simon, I heard about your upcoming nuptials. I didn't bring a present, but I wish you both eternal happiness..." she stuttered, her voice breaking with each word.

Before finishing, Audrey turned and fled, sobbing as she ran away.

"See what you've done, Bianca," Simon muttered angrily, glaring at me before chasing after her without another word.

When they returned, their hands were tightly intertwined. Audrey's lips were puffy and red, and Simon had a visible love bite on his neck.

Everyone in the room was watching, anticipating my reaction.

In my previous life, if I saw another woman getting too close to Simon, I'd create a scene to assert my claim on him.