Chapter 2

David's smile froze.

He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his voice still gentle. "Miss Stone, is there something I've done to mislead you?"

"We can take our time getting to know each other. There's no need to jump to conclusions."

Aunt Carol panicked, grabbing my arm. "Scarlett, dear, what are you doing? A promising young man like David is a rare find! Don't be foolish!"

I gently pulled my hand away, my gaze calm as it rested on David.

In my previous life, it was this gentle, elegant demeanor that fooled me for an entire lifetime. I believed his humble background was temporary, that his character was beyond reproach. So, I took out all my savings, gave up the chance to study at a prestigious art college, and rooted myself in that small town with him. I managed our home, networked with his superiors, and slowly, meticulously, paved his way to a brilliant career.

And what did I get in return? Once he achieved fame and success, the first thing he did was kick me aside like a useless stepping stone.

I curved my lips into a slight smile. "Mr. Miller, it's not a misunderstanding. You're a great person; I'm simply not worthy of you."

With that, I stood up, grabbed my bag, and turned to leave.

"Scarlett!"

David grabbed my wrist.

I turned back, looking at him coldly. He seemed to realize his lapse in decorum and loosened his grip.

"Miss Stone, I just feel it's such a pity."

"I promised my mother I'd find a gentle and virtuous wife just like you."

"I..."

"Then keep looking." I cut him off, forcefully shaking his hand away. "Mr. Miller, please stop following me. It's embarrassing."

I walked out of the noisy cafe without looking back. The early summer breeze kissed my face with a gentle warmth, and I let out a long, shuddering sigh of relief. It felt so good; everything was still salvageable.

Just then, my best friend Chloe called. I answered, and her sweet, concerned voice immediately filled my ear.

"Scarlett, how was the blind date?"

"I heard Aunt Carol say that David is a really great guy. Did you meet him?"

I leaned against a maple tree by the road, watching the dappled shadows, and chuckled softly. "I did."

"That's wonderful! What's he like? Is he everything Aunt Carol said?"

"Yeah, he's a guy with potential," I replied, my voice flat.

Chloe seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, her voice bubbling with delight. "I knew it! Scarlett, you have to seize this opportunity! For a woman, finding a good man is everything! Don't worry, once you and David are married, I'll be there for him, like a sister!"

In my previous life, she said the exact same thing. Then, when I was overwhelmed caring for his mother, she'd be wearing the dress *I'd* bought, comforting David in my place. While I was scrambling to secure funding for his research, she played the role of his empathetic confidante, accompanying him to academic conferences. In the end, she wrapped her arm around my husband and told me, "Scarlett, I'm so sorry, love is beyond our control."

I closed my eyes, suppressing the searing hatred that pierced through me.

"Chloe, if you think he's so great, why don't *you* have him?"

Chloe's breath hitched.