Chapter 150

The Hoffman family, recently returned from abroad to expand their domestic interests, were relatively unfamiliar to the Kennedys. I knew little about them beyond the reputation of their ruthless patriarch, placing them on par with the Reyes family in influence. Davin's choice of me implied my family's impeccable background.

Perhaps due to a lack of maternal affection or the lingering effects of my past life, I found myself embracing the woman, whispering, "Morning." She hugged me tighter, tears streaming down her face. "Oh, my dear girl," she sobbed, "I won't let your father control you anymore. Don't worry. Leave it all to me."

Wiping her tears, her gentle eyes hardened. Standing, she shielded me from Derek, her gaze steely and protective. "Mr. Reyes," she declared, "I'm grateful you saved my daughter, but marriage isn't something to be taken lightly. She's my only daughter, and if she doesn't want to marry you, I ask you to release her."

Despite his aloof reputation, Derek wasn't one to pressure a young woman. He'd already decided to end the engagement before her arrival.

Just as I was about to speak, a sharply dressed middle-aged man, accompanied by his secretary, entered. He said, in a chilling tone, "Calling off the engagement? Over my dead body."

As he approached, a suffocating pressure enveloped me. The original host's fear overwhelmed me, causing my body to tremble uncontrollably.

"Amelia," he snarled, "this marriage is non-negotiable. Stop this childish behavior. I'll give her to the Reyes family even if you're dead."

Was this man Amelia's father?

I fought against the ingrained fear, attempting to rise, but succumbed, collapsing to the floor. Derek watched with a frown, saying coldly, "Mr. Jarred, if Amelia is unwilling, I won't force this marriage. It seems we should simply—"

Before he could finish, I interrupted, "I'm willing to marry you."

My mother, still tearful, stared at me in shock. "Amelia, what did you just say?"

Using the bed for support, I stood, avoiding my father's blocking gaze. I walked to Derek, took his hand, and said, "I'm willing to marry Derek."

Jarred's sharp eyes scrutinized me, assessing my motives. Amelia's life, it seemed, mirrored mine—suffocated by a controlling family. No wonder she'd chosen her path.

But now, inhabiting her body, I understood life's preciousness. I couldn't disappoint those who cared for me, or the woman whose life I now lived. Amelia, I'll carry on from here for you.

Feeling Derek's hand pull away, I held on tighter, meeting Jarred's gaze with determination. I declared firmly, "I want to marry Derek, not as a scheme or for a family alliance, but because Derek is an incredible man, and I truly want to be with him!"

Chapter 150 (Continued)

I knew all too well that nothing was scarier than death. I wanted to live, to shine, to return to this world in full glory, and to crush those who harmed me!