Chapter 3

Gabriella’s POV

Life simplified after that. Charlotte flaunted their relationship on social media, while Kayden maintained his aloof demeanor. This time, I refused to chase his approval.

A month later, Charlotte announced her pregnancy. Kayden was overjoyed, eager to share the news. Wedding preparations consumed the Taylor mansion as they expedited their ceremony. In this life, his beloved carried his child, and I was determined to allow them their happiness. Once my paperwork was finalized, I booked a one-way ticket to Italy, departing on their wedding day.

Kayden confronted me when Charlotte was out. He burst into my room, brandishing his phone.

“So, what’s this about you using your trust fund? My lawyer says you’re planning a European trip.” He smirked. “Classic. ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ because you can’t handle my wedding?”

My heart skipped, but his assumption eased my tension. Seeing my silence, his tone hardened. “Are you done with this, Gabriella? A month of ignoring me—were you going to continue indefinitely?”

“Since Charlotte moved in, you’ve acted like we don’t exist. She’s the woman I love—if you cared about me, you’d make an effort with her, not disappear like a teenager.”

“You can’t avoid us forever. What’s your plan after the wedding? Continue this avoidance?”

I shook my head. “You’re wrong, Kayden. I see you only as my guardian. Nothing more than gratitude.”

He laughed mockingly. “Gratitude? Come on, Gabriella. You’re fooling no one—least of all yourself.”

His eyes fell on my desk, his lips curling. “Look at this shrine of gifts I’ve given you, and you’re telling me you have no feelings for me?”

He approached, picking up each item. “Pack these away. I’m marrying Charlotte—time to end this fantasy. Blood-related or not, it’s over.”

“Charlotte’s pregnant. Seeing these might stress her, and I won’t risk anything happening to my wife and baby.”

I nodded, casually placing everything in a storage box. I’d planned to discard them before leaving anyway.

Kayden’s expression darkened at my indifference; he grabbed my hand. “Jesus, be careful! You broke the rabbit charm on this hairpin!”

I glanced at the rabbit hairpin—his first gift after my parents’ death, when he, their closest friend, took me in. For years, I’d treasured it, never letting anyone near it. Now, seeing me toss it into the box seemed to bother him more than me.

“Really? This whole ‘I’m over it’ act? Who are you kidding?” He shook his head. “You’re so distraught about my wedding you’re fleeing the country, and yet you play Miss Independent.”

“Though maybe some time away isn’t a bad idea—Charlotte’s in a delicate state. It’s better you’re not here making things awkward.”

He produced his phone, initiating a transfer. “Here’s $100,000. Find yourself in Europe. Come back in a month when Charlotte’s pregnancy is more stable.”

His gaze lingered. “Try not to pine too much while you’re gone. You’ll need to get used to me being a married man. Otherwise, it’ll be awkward.”

He rattled off travel safety advice as if I were a child, completely oblivious to the truth. He didn’t know I’d been reborn. And this time, I was leaving for good.

On Kayden’s wedding day, while the Taylor mansion buzzed with activity, I quietly slipped out the back door with my suitcase. As my Uber drove away, I didn’t look back.