Chapter 1

The first thing Jolene Miller did after being reborn was drop to her knees before her parents. She pleaded, "Dad, Mom, I've decided to marry Cedric Norwood to fulfill the marriage of convenience between our families."

Francis Miller and Gloria Lane were utterly surprised. "But Jo, isn't Preston the one you love? Cedric is his uncle, you know."

Memories resurfaced, stirring Jolene's emotions. Her voice, tinged with sorrow, replied, "And it's exactly because I know what loving him would bring that I dare not indulge in my feelings any longer. Dad, Mom, I've never asked you for anything. As the daughter of the Miller family, I've enjoyed many privileges. I know it's my responsibility to fulfill this arrangement. This is my only request, and I hope you'll give me your blessings."

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, Francis and Gloria sighed, helping her to her feet. "Since you've made your decision, we'll go to the Norwoods to discuss this. However, Cedric is influential; he may not agree. That's the only concern. You should be prepared for that possibility."

They comforted her while preparing gifts for their visit, then drove off in their black car. Looking back at their living hall, Jolene felt surreal. While still in a trance, her phone buzzed. "Nightscape Bar. Come." It was Preston, texting her to meet.

Remembering the earlier events, she decided to tell him about the changed marriage arrangement and headed to Nightscape Bar. The moment she opened the door to the private lounge, a bucket of cold water drenched her. Coldness seeped through her bones, and she shivered. Peals of laughter erupted.

"Look who we have here? It's Ms. Miller! Why is she looking like a drowned rat?"

"Serves her right! She's been following Pres around. That's the consequence of being a simp who doesn't know her place!"

With a frosty expression, Preston Norwood approached. A dangerous glint shone in his eyes. He demanded, "Are you that desperate to marry me? Word of the marriage of convenience just got out, yet you've already asked your parents to my house. Now everyone knows we're getting married. Are you satisfied?"

Jolene knew he misunderstood. She wiped her face and brushed aside a strand of hair. Calmly, she said, "The marriage arrangement between the Norwood and Miller families is confirmed; it makes no difference whose house it's discussed in. Nevertheless, you needn't worry, because it has nothing to do with you."

Preston was stunned, then smirked. "It has nothing to do with me? Are you saying you're not marrying me? Ridiculous. Who else among the Norwoods is eligible?"

Jolene was about to reply when the ajar door opened and Simone Baker barged in. Taking in the scene, she teared up. "Mr. Norwood… I heard you were getting married. I've come to wish you and Ms. Miller a blessed marriage." With reddened eyes, she fled, her sobs audible.

"Simone!" Preston panicked, shoving Jolene aside to chase after her. Jolene's head hit the coffee table, causing a gash. Blood trickled down the wound. The pain was piercing. Watching them go, memories of her past life flooded back.

Preston and she had been close since childhood. In her past life, upon learning of the arranged marriage between the Miller and Norwood families, remembering his past kindness, she'd chosen to marry him without hesitation. However, he changed after learning of the arrangement, going from angry to indifferent to hateful.

Not understanding why, she'd insisted on marrying him, believing things would improve. She later discovered his extensive collection of treasured photos of Simone, the Norwood housekeeper's daughter, in his study. By then, they had a child. She then knew he loved Simone, but their social standing prevented them from being together.

Two years after their marriage, Simone married another man, unhappily. When her husband died in a car accident, Preston celebrated it as the happiest day of his life. Jolene witnessed it all, falling into despair but forcing herself to ignore it, dedicating herself to raising their daughter.

One day, their daughter and Simone's son were kidnapped. The kidnapper forced Preston to choose—he could save only one. He hesitated only a moment before choosing Simone's son, who wasn't related to him by blood. Jolene's daughter was pushed from a building to her death. Witnessing this, Jolene also jumped.

Now reborn, she refused to endure such torture. She wanted to cut ties with Preston!

Back in the lounge, the guests continued their taunts.

"There will never be happiness in a forced marriage. Pres refuses to marry her; so what if she manages to tie him down?"

"When Pres stops going home, someone's going to be left all alone!"

Amid their remarks, Jolene's phone rang. It was her parents: "Jo! Cedric agreed to the marriage! The wedding is in two weeks!" Their usual level-headedness was replaced with unrestrained excitement. Jolene felt relieved.

Forcing herself to stand, she looked at the mocking group. Determination shone in her eyes. "Whether or not I have a happy marriage is none of your concern, nor Preston's. Please inform him I'm getting married in two weeks, and the groom won't be him!"