Chapter 149

I was a bundle of nerves, reborn into a world that felt utterly alien. I had no idea who this body's original owner was, but judging by the circumstances, her life hadn't been idyllic. What happy young girl would choose such an early end?

In the ensuing chaos, Derek was the only person I felt I could rely on. His gaze fell on my face, yet it seemed he was looking through me, searching for someone else. Snapping back to reality, he withdrew his hand, creating distance.

“Ms. Amelia, you’re quite weak. You should lie down,” he advised, his voice a surprising warmth in the cold atmosphere. His expressionless face revealed nothing. It was clear, as with this body's original owner, this wasn't a marriage of love, but a business arrangement.

I recalled Chase mentioning long ago that Derek had a special someone, yet after all these years with the Reyes family, this mystery woman remained unseen. Everyone has secrets, right?

Honestly, love wasn't on my agenda. Derek was the perfect pawn for my revenge. Considering the original owner's suicide attempt, it must have left a mark on him. He had other options for a business marriage, but for my purposes, he was ideal.

I wouldn't back down. I steadied myself and declared, “I won’t relinquish this marriage.”

Derek's handsome brows furrowed. He seemed poised to withdraw. “Do you understand what you’re saying?”

I licked my dry lips, met his gaze, and spoke deliberately, “I’m certain. I want to marry you.”

This rebirth remained a puzzle. Would I control this body forever, or might the original owner return? The voice I'd heard must have been hers. Did she vanish like Ann, or was she lingering, unseen?

The future was uncertain, but for revenge, I had to secure this marriage. Derek's brows remained furrowed in thought.

Then, the door swung open, and a sobbing woman entered. “My poor girl. How are you?” Before I could see her clearly, I was enveloped in a hug. “I’m sorry, Mommy’s late.”

Was this Amelia's mother? Her hot tears fell on my neck. I wanted to pull away, but my hands remained still. The word "Mommy" stirred memories of my own mother, whose love had turned to indifference after Nicole arrived.

It had been ages since I felt a mother's hug. This woman was slender, but her warmth was comforting. Looking up, I saw a dignified and gentle face. She was stunning, perhaps in her forties or fifties, though she appeared younger. Her features bore a resemblance to my original self.

Her face felt familiar. Her red, watery eyes met mine as she gently caressed my cheek. “Amelia, don’t be afraid. I’m here.” Amelia? The name resonated with my own.