Chapter 1

I jumped into the ocean to save Preston Gale. After giving him CPR in front of everyone, the wedding that was meant for my cousin, Roxanne Shaw, somehow ended up being mine.

On our wedding night, he'd rather drink himself into oblivion than spend a single moment with me.

I was naive enough to hope that persistence would make him notice me.

Three years later, Roxanne returned home holding a child who looked so much like Preston that my chest froze for a second.

It was only then that I realized, while I spent that wedding night alone, he had been with her.

"Rox, I know I've put you through hell these past few years. I'll make it right. I'll make sure Lexi gives you back your place as Mrs. Gale."

I told him I was pregnant, too, hoping it would make even the slightest difference, but it didn't. He just looked at me coldly and told me to get rid of it. Then, he forced me onto an operating table, ending both of our lives in one brutal moment.

When I woke up again, I was back on the day Preston fell into the sea.

Drenched from head to toe, he was sprawled on the ground. I shouted Roxanne's name into the crowd, my voice cracking with panic.

…

Preston forced his eyes open, coughing up seawater, his voice rough. "Get away from me."

When he finally saw the person in front of him, he froze. "Rox? Why are you here?"

He looked around and spotted me off to the side, just as drenched as he was.

In my past life, I had jumped in without a second thought and saved him with everything I had. However, the moment he woke up, he pushed me away like I was something filthy. Disgust was written all over his face. He had someone bring him towels and water. Then, right in front of everyone, he rinsed his mouth and wiped his lips like I'd contaminated him.

However, now…

Roxanne kneeled beside him, her expression a mix of worry and shy hesitation. She brushed her fingers over her lips, pretending she didn't know what to say.

Preston understood instantly. He didn't say a word.

He simply let Roxanne help him up and walked off with her, not sparing me even a glance.

I knew he'd been drugged before he fell into the sea.

In my previous life, he'd found the culprit soon enough.

I didn't need to play messenger this time.

The seawater had been ice cold. By that night, I was burning with fever.

There was a knock at the door.

My mind was foggy, but the moment I opened the door and saw Preston, everything snapped into focus. "Why are you here?"

He leaned lazily against the doorframe, giving me a disinterested look. "Lexi Shaw, what trick are you pulling now?"

I stared at him, confused. "I don't know what you're talking about."

He let out a cold, mocking laugh. "You yelled for Rox to give me CPR in front of everyone. Does her reputation mean nothing to you? How can you be so selfish?"

A suffocating pressure built in my chest. I wanted to ask Preston what exactly he expected me to do.

I couldn't save him myself, and I wasn't allowed to call the woman he actually cared about.

Maybe I should've just let him drown.

"Think whatever you want." I sniffed and steadied my voice. "If there's nothing else, I'd like to rest. I don't really feel well."

He probably thought I was putting on an act, trying to get sympathy. His lip curled.

"Are you playing hard to get? Lexi, your tricks just keep evolving. If you're not feeling well, take some medicine. I'm not a doctor."

As he walked away, I sighed.

Everyone in Novaton knew how much I liked him. I'd thrown my pride out the window for it.

He said he liked women with long, straight hair, so I grew mine out from childhood and never once changed the style. Since he liked light-colored clothes, I never wore dark ones again. He preferred quiet, elegant women, so I turned down invitation after invitation from friends and stayed home practicing piano, painting, and other refined arts.

However, after everything I went through in my last life, I finally realized the truth.

Everything he said he liked about a woman was just what Roxanne already had. He liked her. That was all it ever was.

And no matter how hard I tried or how much I changed myself, I still wasn't worth even a glance from him.

Before long, word spread everywhere that Roxanne was the one who'd given Preston CPR.

The cruise party was hosted by the Gale family. After Preston's accident, panic swept through the ship.

A group of security guards found me. "Ms. Shaw, please cooperate with our investigation."

They said that since I was the first to discover he'd fallen into the water, I was the primary suspect.

"I saved him," I said in disbelief.

One of them looked apologetic. "Mr. Gale said we can't rule out the possibility you staged the whole thing to use it to your advantage."

I froze.

To my advantage?

So that was what he thought of me.

They dragged me to a storage room and locked the door, ignoring my protests that it was illegal.

Their only response was that Preston would take responsibility. "He said no one is allowed to let you out until the truth is confirmed."

And just like that, I was locked up for twenty-four hours, burning with fever. Without food or water, I finally collapsed.

Through the haze, I felt a pair of strong, unyielding arms lift me up.

Chapter 2

I woke up in my room, unsure who had saved me.

Word was that Preston had "handled" the situation.

When the cruise docked, he personally escorted Roxanne home.

By the time I arrived home, I walked right into his voice saying, "Rox put her reputation on the line to save me. Of course, I have to take responsibility. Let's consider the engagement settled."

My steps faltered. I'd already decided to let him go in this life, but hearing that still hit somewhere deep.

He thought Roxanne had risked her reputation for him. However, if I did the same, he'd just think I was desperate and shameless.

Back then, rumors had spread so wildly in our circle that they reached my parents. They went to the Gale residence, and only after enough pressure did Preston reluctantly agree to marry me.

When Roxanne saw me walk in, she put on a troubled expression. "That might not be right, Uncle Liam, Aunt Patricia. Pres is someone Lexi likes. I don't mind people talking, but I don't want to hurt her."

My parents hadn't even said a word yet.

Preston's tall figure blocked my path at the door. "Since you heard everything, I'll be honest. Lexi, I don't like you.

"No matter what you do, it won't change anything. You should just let it go. It's better for both of us."

I nodded lightly. "Okay, don't worry. I won't bother you or Roxanne anymore. I hope you two are happy."

Preston narrowed his eyes and looked at me like he was searching for something.

Behind me, my mom sighed. "You should've figured this out earlier. Once your dad and I start arranging dates for you, don't you dare turn them down again."

I ignored the way Preston's gaze lingered on me and smiled at her. "Alright."

After the engagement was set, Preston started showing up at the Shaw residence constantly.

Before, it was nearly impossible to even see him once. I had to ask around through his friends to find out where he was. And if anyone mocked me for chasing after him, I couldn't even get angry.

Now, in just half a month, I had seen him more times than I had in the previous year.

Yet none of it made me happy.

Roxanne always put on a sweet act in front of me, clearly flaunting as she did so. "Lexi, these are the roses Pres sent me. Do you want one?

"He had this necklace shipped from overseas. Do you want to try it on? He's sending me so many, I can't even keep up with them all."

In my past life, I had been the one who bought our wedding rings. I was lost in thought when suddenly, Roxanne yanked the necklace off.

The chain snapped. The pearls scattered across the floor, rolling all the way to a pair of black leather shoes.

"Pres!" she cried, throwing herself against Preston and glancing at me.

"Lexi must've done it by accident. Don't blame her. I'm the one who didn't protect the gift you gave me…"

Preston's face darkened. "Lexi, you always act so obedient in front of your parents. Now that they're away, you show your true colors, huh?

"You've been picking on Rox since you were kids. Are you still not done?"

Bitterness crept up my throat.

"I didn't," I forced the words out evenly.

Roxanne lowered her head right on cue. "Pres, it's all my fault. I'm the one to blame."

He shielded her behind him, his tone laced with warning. "I stayed out of your family's business before, but Rox is my fiancee now. For the time being, I'll be staying here until Liam and Patricia return."

Back then, I probably would've been thrilled just to be living under the same roof as him.

Now, I just stayed silent.

Seeing I wasn't saying anything, he paused and added, "Stay out of our way. I don't want Rox getting the wrong idea."

That night, Roxanne whined and coaxed him into blow-drying her hair, purposely making enough noise for me to hear.

I passed by without stopping, and Preston didn't react either.

The next day, he noticed my sudden short haircut and smirked knowingly. "Did you cut it just for me?"

Chapter 3

I answered, "No. You're overthinking it."

Even without what happened last night, I'd already booked a haircut for today.

Preston clearly didn't believe me. His gaze swept over me from head to toe. "You know I don't like women with short hair. If you're doing this to get my attention, that's pathetic."

I ignored him and went straight to my room, pulling out a red dress I hadn't worn in ages. The bright color made it impossible to miss.

From the upstairs railing, Preston sent a cool glance my way. However, his fingers tightened around the banister, veins bulging beneath his skin.

At that moment, Roxanne wrapped her arms around him from behind. "Pres, Lexi has been acting differently lately. Do you think she's still sulking?

"Maybe she's still upset about our engagement."

He withdrew his gaze. "Let her act out. Once she realizes this doesn't work, she'll stop."

I headed out without looking back and met up with the guy my mom had set me up with at a café.

It was our first meeting, but talking to him felt oddly natural, like we'd known each other for years. The conversation flowed easily. We hit it off.

That night, I walked home humming happily, only to find Preston slouched on the living room couch, looking uncomfortably stiff.

After three years of marriage in my past life, I knew his stomach condition well. He was probably trying to tough it out, so Roxanne wouldn't worry.

I wasn't planning to help him, but I was in a good mood today. I didn't want him to pass out at my house and worry my parents.

After hesitating, I said, "The medicine kit is in the white cabinet. Second drawer."

He lifted his head and met my eyes.

He probably thought I'd fetch it for him. He stayed put, a quiet, teasing laugh escaping his lips.

"What, Lexi? Are you planning to use this as an excuse to cash in on some favor?"

Before he could finish, I turned and walked back to my room. I didn't notice the way his smirk stiffened, or how his eyes darkened subtly.

For a few days, we stayed out of each other's way.

Then one afternoon, Preston suddenly stormed in, rage twisting his face as he tossed a lace bra right at me.

"Lexi, how cheap can you be?"

I froze, staring at the thing in my hands. It was mine.

Humiliation crawled up my spine.

"What… What are you talking about?"

He let out a cold laugh. "I almost thought you really gave up on me. Turns out you're just playing hard to get.

"Acting like you don't care on the surface, but secretly leaving your underwear on my bed to seduce me? Are you really that desperate for a man?"

I scrambled to explain, "There must be some kind of misunderstanding. I didn't—"

"Stop lying, Lexi. You honestly disgust me, " he said, disappointment written across his face.

Then he grabbed Roxanne's hand and walked out. "I'm taking Rox back to the Gale residence. Next time you see me, make sure you treat me as her fiance."

Their wedding date was set.

Roxanne didn't have many friends in Novaton, so my parents asked me to be her bridesmaid.

They got home on the morning of the wedding, held my hands, and said earnestly, "Now that Rox's getting married, your uncle and aunt can rest in peace. That leaves only you."

My fingers brushed over the couple's bracelet on my wrist, and my cheeks warmed. "I'm seeing someone."

My mom blinked. "Since when? You didn't meet the guy I set you up with, did you?"

"Huh?"

Then, who the hell did I meet and chat with?

Preston overheard and sneered. He probably thought I was lying. However, seeing how certain I sounded, his brows creased, irritation flickering across his face.

When no one was around, he cornered me by the bathroom door, leaning close to my ear. "As long as you behave and stop having ridiculous fantasies, I'll treat you like a family and make time for you now and then."

"I have a boyfriend now," I said seriously. "I won't bother you anymore."

He snorted and grabbed my wrist. "Then why is there a 'P' engraved on your bracelet? Doesn't it stand for me?"

"No!"

A short distance away, Roxanne was watching us, eyes shining with jealous resentment.

Right before the ceremony, chaos erupted backstage. The bride's wedding dress had been slashed, a huge gaping hole ripped into the fabric.

On the makeup mirror, someone had scrawled in lipstick. "Go die."

Roxanne sobbed uncontrollably, and as everyone crowded around to comfort her, her eyes locked straight on me. "Lexi, I know you've liked Pres for almost ten years, but you can't blame me just because you can't have him.

"You even went along with the engagement when it was announced, so why are you trying to ruin the wedding I've been dreaming of?"

Gasps rippled through the room.

I had chased Preston recklessly in the past, with everything on the line. I was the first person anyone would suspect.

When Preston arrived, Roxanne collapsed into his arms, sobbing. "Pres, maybe I should step aside and give you back to Lexi. Otherwise, who knows what else she'll do…"

A sharp, heavy hand slapped my cheek.

He'd humiliated me in public before, but this was the first time he'd actually hit me.

Looking at his furious expression, something inside me dimmed. "Preston, have you ever believed me? Even once?"

"Do you think you deserve that?"

He looked down at my figure on the floor, cold and merciless. "Since you have no shame, don't expect me to show any mercy. I'll explain this to your parents. Someone, grab her."

He ordered his groomsmen to tear my dress and write "BITCH" across my face in lipstick.

It was meant as punishment, to make me feel what Roxanne claimed I'd done to her.

I screamed and struggled, tears streaming.

Until someone barked, "Stop!"

A pair of familiar arms lifted me off the ground. I buried my face in the man's chest, trembling.

I vaguely heard Preston's voice darken behind us, heavy with irritation and a sharp edge of accusation. "Who are you? And what's your relationship with Lexi?"

Chapter 4

My dress had been hacked into shreds, barely covering anything.

Patrick Lloyd shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over me, then used his tie to wipe the smeared lipstick from my face, as if to shield me from embarrassment.

Only then did he spare a glance at Preston.

"Do you need me to spell it out? I'm Lexi's boyfriend."

Preston's fists tightened at his sides, his eyes glued to Patrick's hand wrapped firmly around my waist.

He wore a bracelet that matched mine—a couple's set.

Two seconds later, Preston's tense posture relaxed ever so slightly. A look crossed his face, like he suddenly saw through everything. "Lexi, you're something else. You even brought someone to help you put on a show.

"Where did you hire your actor? Quite convincing, I must say."

Seeing his attention drifting, Roxanne quickly piped up, crying pitifully.

"Lexi, since you already have a boyfriend, shouldn't you let go of whatever feelings you had for Pres? Why make such a scene today? Are you trying to two-time both of them?

"If I don't get married today, are you hoping to have another chance with Pres?"

Preton scoffed. "In her dreams."

My parents must have heard the commotion. They hurried over from the main hall.

They didn't know the full story, only seeing me in Patrick's arms, in an intimate pose. They exchanged a glance, confused.

They had startled looks on their faces. "Mr. Lloyd, what's going on between you and Lex?"

The second the words left their mouths, Preston froze. His expression flickered, and he muttered under his breath, "Patrick Lloyd from the Lloyd family in Juville…"

He finally realized who Patrick was. Unease rippled across his face, but he forced himself to stay calm, chin lifting with fake composure.

"Who would've thought that Mr. Lloyd would have so much free time? Coming all this way just to pretend to be some woman's boyfriend?"

Patrick didn't bother responding to him. He simply answered my parents politely, "Liam, Patricia, I'll explain everything between Lexi and me later. Right now, we need to deal with what's happening."

That was when my parents noticed Roxanne hiding behind Preston, her eyes swollen and tear-stained.

"Rox, why are you crying? What happened? Did someone bully you?

"Tell us. We'll take care of it."

Roxanne choked twice, glancing at me with scared, trembling eyes. "N-no one… No one bullied me."

She looked like she was swallowing her frustration, forcing herself to stay silent.

"Rox is kind-hearted. She doesn't want to make things harder for you," Preston said calmly.

"Lexi ruined Rox's wedding dress out of jealousy and even wrote 'go die' on her mirror. That's downright cruel. So I gave her a little punishment."

My parents' faces were drained of color. They looked at me, stunned and hurt.

"Is that true? Lex, didn't you promise Mom you were over him? Why would you do something like this?"

"Say something, Lexi. If you did it, admit it. If you didn't, explain yourself!"

My tears soaked through Patrick's shirt as he held me tighter.

It was infuriating to be misunderstood by Preston. However, when my parents didn't believe me, it hurt so much that I felt completely hollow inside.

I lifted my head. When they saw the smudged lipstick on my face, with faint letters barely visible, they all gasped.

"Dad, Mom, it wasn't me. They set me up. They didn't even give me a chance to speak."

My dad's gaze snapped to Preston, anger shaking his voice. "So before you even had evidence, you just decided it was my daughter's fault? And you dared lay your hands on her?

"That's what you call a small punishment?"

Preston met his glare without flinching. "The surveillance footage was deleted. The most likely culprit has to be Lexi. There's no one else."

Patrick raised an eyebrow. "Deleted? Well, that's convenient. I happen to be an expert in data recovery."

Roxanne went pale instantly.