When my mother inquired about my preference for our family's alliance marriage, I didn't hesitate—but this time, I didn't select Kendra Jewett.
Instead, I opted for Rosie Jewett, her beloved aunt.
My mother was completely perplexed. Everyone in Cavendale was aware that Kendra and I had grown up together. I had spent ten years pursuing her, convinced she was my one true love. I had once declared, with absolute certainty, that I would wed no one but her in this life.
A rueful grin played on my lips as recollections rushed back—memories of vows and affection that seemed unbreakable.
A rueful grin played on my lips as memories of my previous existence came flooding back. After wedding Kendra, she never once permitted me to be intimate with her. I had persuaded myself it was due to some deep-rooted trauma, a hidden wound she was too frightened to face. I believed I could mend it, that love would heal her.
But everything crumbled on our 50th wedding anniversary. I accidentally stumbled upon the sole room she had kept locked away from everyone. The walls were adorned with photographs of my cousin.
That instant cut through me like a blade—she wasn't averse to intimacy. She simply didn't love me.
With the pain of that realization still fresh, I vowed to myself that I would rewrite the ending in this life. I would provide her with the love she desired, the love I couldn't give her before.
But as I approached Rosie, dressed in my wedding attire, Kendra's face turned ashen, her eyes wide with disbelief. And then, it occurred. She broke. Her mind slipped into insanity before my very eyes.