Chapter 6

Jolene learned that Cedric loved fish. The next day, she went to the pond in her backyard to catch a few, wanting to practice cooking them for Cedric.

She had just caught a fish when she saw Simone entering the house and walking toward her. Fiddling with her fingers, Simone looked pitiful. “Ms. Miller,” she said, “did you find out Pres got injured protecting me? Is that why you’re angry? It’s all my fault. Blame me. I know you’re his fiancée, and I’m just a housekeeper’s daughter. I’m not worthy of his attention…”

Jolene frowned at her feigned innocence and turned to leave. Simone grabbed her hand. Under Jolene’s confused gaze, Simone smiled provocatively.

Jolene hadn’t understood the shift in Simone’s attitude when Simone suddenly slapped herself repeatedly, sobbing, “Ms. Miller, I don’t mind if you hit or scold me. Just stop being mad at Mr. Norwood. Visit him! I won’t resist.”

Jolene, wary of Simone’s unusual behavior, tried to pull away. Just then, Preston barged in with a group of people, seething. They surrounded Jolene and Simone.

“Jolene,” Preston barked, “why did you hit Simone? I’ve agreed to the wedding! Don’t push my limits!”

Jolene stared coldly. “I didn’t hit her. There’s a surveillance camera; check the records.”

Wanting to leave, she found her words falling on deaf ears. Preston glared, snarling, “I thought you were just arrogant and spoiled. Now I see you’re evil!”

He told his friends to hold Jolene while he took Simone’s hand. “Simone, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Hit her back!”

Simone initially choked up, claiming she couldn’t, but after encouragement, she slapped Jolene with all her might. Jolene’s face swelled, her forehead wound reopened, her cheek burned, and her ears rang.

Unnoticed, Simone shoved Jolene into the pond before Jolene could react, then pretended to be helpful, wanting to pull her out. Preston merely cast Jolene a cold glance and left with his friends. “Let her be. The water’s shallow. She won’t drown.”

Jolene floundered in the water until someone rescued her. That night, she ran a high fever into the next day, dreaming of past-life events. Tears streamed down her face as she mumbled in her sleep, “I feel unwell, Pres. I thought you were buying croissants. Why aren’t you back…? It’s my fault. I’m sorry, Pres. I promise I’ll never hide your love letters again…”

Preston entered, stunned as he remembered Jolene’s devotion. His heart softened. He muttered, “It was good until you made a fuss. If you hadn’t insisted on marrying me, I would’ve cared for you like a younger sister.”

Jolene, through the fog in her mind, woke. Preston resumed his disdainful look. “Grandpa said you were sick and insisted I check on you. Don’t overthink. I’m forced to come!”

Simone entered, apologetic. “Ms. Miller, it was my fault. Please forgive me.”

Jolene, weak from her ordeal, was about to dismiss them when Simone stared intently at her neck. Jolene touched the necklace Preston had given her. Preston noticed too. His gaze turned solemn. “Simone, I’ll custom-make another one for you later—”

He stopped. Jolene ripped off the necklace and flung it at them. Forcing herself upright, she pulled out a box and handed it to Preston.

Preston’s unease grew. “What are you doing?”

Jolene shoved the box into his arms. “I’m getting married. My future husband will misunderstand if he sees your gifts. Preston, I’m returning them. We’re done.”

Preston thought she was acting up. He overturned the box and glared. “You hit Simone, yet you throw a tantrum! Aren’t I your future husband? Let’s see if you can keep this up on the wedding day!”

He vented his frustrations and stormed off with Simone. Jolene smiled at the mess on the floor and called for the housekeeper. “Get rid of this junk.”