Chapter 153

From the moment I first saw Derek, an inexplicable fear gripped me. Even without a word, his gaze felt like being plunged into an icy abyss. His presence was overpowering; his features sharp, his eyes hawk-like, seeing right through me. Each glance crumbled my defenses.

I tried to maintain composure, barely understanding my own situation. How could I prevent Derek from discovering my true identity? Suppressing the turmoil in my eyes, I offered a playful smile. "What's the deal, Mr. Reyes? Laying down the law before we're even hitched?"

He remained silent, his gaze fixed on my face, seeming lost in thought, sizing me up. I was breaking into a cold sweat under his intense scrutiny, yet I kept the smile plastered on.

After what felt like an eternity, he spoke, his voice cool. "I merely wanted to remind you that the night is cold and damp. Given your health, caution is advised."

"Thank you for your concern," I replied, polite but distant.

Seeing he wouldn't leave, I met his gaze. "Is there something else?"

"I can dismiss tomorrow's courthouse visit as a joke."

Ah, so that was it. My plan to escape marriage—I even attempted suicide—only to suddenly agree post-recovery. Anyone would find that suspicious.

Approaching Derek, I rested my hands on the wheelchair armrests, looking down at him. "Mr. Reyes, you're in love with someone else, aren't you?"

He simply said, "Yes."

"I thought so. Since you can't marry her, it doesn't matter who you end up with."

"Yes."

"Well, that works for me too. I'm marrying you for comfort. As you've seen, life with the Hoffman family hasn't been pleasant."

I didn't know the full story, but Amelia's actions suggested things were far from rosy. My guess was a bold one.

His expression confirmed my assessment. A slight smile touched my lips. "Think of this as a business deal. You gain a comfortable life, status, and business connections. I'll be the perfect Mrs. Reyes. What do you say?"

His eyes widened slightly, as if disbelieving. Our gazes locked, mine steady and sincere.

After a moment, he said, "I'll pick you up tomorrow morning. I hope you won't change your mind."

I knew I'd won.

Releasing the armrests, I offered a warm smile. "Be careful on your way home, Mr. Reyes. The roads might be icy."

Derek's expression softened at my smile. Without another word, he left. Jack's lingering glance left me puzzled. I touched my face, wondering if something was amiss.

Later, I realized I'd been so preoccupied since my rebirth that I hadn't examined my current appearance. In my room's bathroom, I finally faced the mirror, and my expression froze. The girl staring back looked about eighty percent like Amanda. Amelia's features were delicate, and she had a tiny red mole between her eyebrows.