Chapter 3

"Scarlett, you... what are you talking about?" Chloe's voice suddenly grew flustered. "We're best friends; how could I ever..."

"Friends should share good things, shouldn't they?" I cut her off smoothly. "Didn't you always say you wanted a driven, family-oriented man who would treat you well? David perfectly fits all your criteria."

"But, but he was *your* blind date!"

"I already rejected him." I watched the bustling street, feeling like the whole world had brightened. "So, he's a free man now."

"You have Aunt Carol's number, right? Better act fast. A real catch like him won't stay available for long."

With that, I hung up before she could react. I could just imagine the look on Chloe's face right now – a mixture of shock and secret delight.

In my previous life, she'd spoken endless praises for David, subtly nudging me to settle down quickly. All she wanted was for me to clear the path, navigate the thorns, and once I'd helped David rise, she'd swoop in and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

This time, I'd make sure she got her wish. I wanted to see how, without my family's resources and savings as his initial capital, without my connections and sacrifices paving his way, Chloe would manage to live the 'good life' with her beloved 'catch'.

Back home, my mom was waiting for me on the sofa. As soon as I walked in, she asked eagerly, "Well? How was it? Was David okay?" My dad also poked his head out of his study. My parents were working-class, a bit traditional, always believing that a stable home was the most important thing for a girl. In my previous life, they were incredibly pleased with their educated son-in-law, David.

I sat down next to them, speaking calmly. "Dad, Mom, I didn't like him."

"Oh?" My mom looked disappointed. "Why not? Aunt Carol said he was..."

"He said his mother isn't well and takes medication constantly," I explained. "And he has a younger brother in college, all dependent on his single salary." I stripped away David's carefully crafted image of devotion and responsibility, revealing the raw truth. My mom's face clearly changed. "That's... quite a heavy burden, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I nodded. "And, I don't want to get married so early."

"Dad, Mom, I want to pick up my paintbrushes again. I want to apply for grad school at the art academy." This was a dream I'd kept hidden for twenty years. In my previous life, I gave up direct admission to grad school for David. He had sworn to me, "Scarlett, once I'm settled, I'll definitely support you in continuing your studies." Later, when he was settled and a professor, he told me, "You're almost forty, what's the point of all this fuss? Isn't it better to just be content at home?"

My dad listened, silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, if you want to apply, go for it. Don't worry about things at home." My dad had always been more open-minded than my mom. My eyes burned, and I nodded emphatically.

The next day, I was at a bookstore, looking for grad school materials, when David suddenly appeared, blocking my path.

"Miss Stone, I know this is presumptuous, but I still wanted to try again."

I closed my book and looked at him. "Mr. Miller, I think I've made myself quite clear."

"I know," he said with a bitter smile, his voice tinged with a plea. "My mom, she found out you didn't like me yesterday, and she couldn't sleep all night. She fell ill this morning."

A cold laugh flickered in my heart. In my previous life, I was too soft-hearted. After his mother fell ill, I went to visit, only to be morally blackmailed by his entire family. Eventually, I half-heartedly agreed to the marriage.

I looked him straight in the eyes, speaking each word distinctly. "Mr. Miller, if your mother is ill, you should take her to the hospital and find a doctor."

"You shouldn't come to me, a stranger you've only just met. I'm not a doctor; I can't cure her."