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1

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.

——

Three days after the alliance was finalized, I encountered Kendra at a social event. The moment her friends spotted me, they erupted into mocking laughter, their voices laden with derision.

"Kendra, your little puppy's here to find you again!"

"Mr. Betrothed, aren't you already tied to the Jewett family? Why are you still trailing after her like this? Can't even let her attend a gathering without following behind! How pitiful!"

The contempt in Kendra's eyes seared like a dagger as she noticed me.

"Wyatt, are you truly this desperate to wed me? You didn't even bother to seek my approval before our families arranged our engagement. Now, all of Cavendale knows we're bound together. You've really outdone yourself this time!"

Her words stung, but I maintained my composure, my voice calm and even.

"Your approval isn't necessary. The one I'm marrying isn't you."

The moment those words left my mouth, the room exploded with laughter. Kendra's friends laughed so hard they could barely stand.

"Kendra, you'd better keep an eye on your little fiancé! Who knows what he might do next to grab your attention!"

Kendra's frown deepened, her gaze intensifying as she turned to me.

"Wyatt, are you attempting to play hard-to-get now?" she scoffed.

"If you're not marrying me in this family alliance, then who? Don't forget, you've been proclaiming since childhood that you'd marry me. Everyone in Cavendale knows you have eyes for no one else but me."

She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"I won't hold the engagement against you, but listen carefully—I can give you a lavish wedding...But the marriage certificate? That will only go to the person I truly wish to marry."

Her words hit me like a bolt of lightning. In my past life, she'd followed her family's wishes without question and registered the marriage with me almost immediately. Was it possible… had she been reborn too?

Before I could further analyze Kendra's expression, my cousin Elliot Paige entered the gathering.

The moment he saw me with Kendra, his eyes turned crimson, and he looked on the verge of exploding.

"Brother Wyatt, Sister Kendra, I heard… you two are getting married soon. I didn't bring a present, but I wish you both nothing but happiness…"

Before he could finish, Elliot rushed out of the room, tears streaming down his face.

"Look at what you've done!"

Kendra's glare was piercing, filled with rage before she bolted after him without a backward glance.

When they finally returned, their fingers were interlaced tightly as if they belonged together.

Elliot's lips were swollen, and a prominent love bite marked Kendra's neck.

The room fell quiet, eyes darting back and forth, waiting for my reaction.

In the past, whenever another man approached Kendra, I couldn't help but lose control—throwing a fit, demanding her attention as if she were mine to command.