chapter 5

5.

I watched his back disappear into the distance, hatred bubbling up inside me.

In my last life, if Liam had shown me even a shred of genuine affection, would he really have driven my father to his death?

On my wedding day, the motorcade had barely left the house when my phone rang.

"Isla," Liam's voice came through the line. "I've arranged someone to pick you up at the Yangflow Promenade intersection. Just get into the black Maybach."

I answered flatly, "No need."

His tone softened, coaxing. "Isla, don't make a scene. I know you're still upset about what happened before, but this isn't the time to be stubborn. Just listen to me, okay? I'm doing this for your own good. I'll send someone to manage your movements and stage your death for the outside world. Once things calm down, I'll get you a new identity, and we can start over."

I let out a cold laugh. "You really think you're that important, don't you? You think I'll still be your little puppet, dancing to your tune?"

Liam's voice grew urgent.

"Isla, this is your last chance. Leave that man and come with me—you'll finally be happy. Otherwise, you'll spend the rest of your life with a corpse that can't even breathe on its own…"

"Liam," I cut him off sharply, "who the hell do you think you are? If you dare ruin my wedding, I"ll kill you!"

I spat out the words and hung up.

At the wedding, Owen didn't show up. It was just me.

After the brief ceremony and sending off the guests, it was already dusk by the time I returned to the house.

Fresh rose petals carpeted the floor, and Owen lay motionless on the bed—lifeless.

I sat on the edge of the bed, watching the handsome man lie unconscious, then slowly and carefully began to work my hands over him—inch by inch.

His skin, his build, his face… damn, the man was flawless!

I didn't hold back—my hand lingered on his chest.

And then, my phone rang again.

Liam.

"Come out for a minute," he said. "I need to talk to you."

I smiled faintly. "Mr. Graham, I'm Mrs. Graham now."

"That man you married doesn't count for anything!" he snapped. "I'll send someone to save you—"

"That"s enough!" I cut him off, my patience snapping. "How long do you plan on pestering me?"

"Who's there?"

The unfamiliar male voice came from right behind me.

I froze, then slowly turned around.

There, sitting up in bed, was Owen—the Weston family's heir.

His sharp brows and clear, dark eyes were filled with life—nothing like the motionless patient he'd been just moments ago.

I'd always been told I was born with a special fate—marry me, and your family would prosper.

I could bring luck and ward off misfortune.

I'd known that long before marrying Owen. That was why I decided to take the gamble.

Looks like I won.

"Who were you just talking to?" Owen's voice was low and slightly hoarse.

Before I could answer, a maid came in carrying tea.

With a loud clatter, the tray slipped from her hands, cups shattering across the floor.

A second later, she screamed, "Mr. Owen Weston's awake! Mrs. Graham, Mr. Owen Weston's awake!"

The news spread through the Weston household like wildfire.

Within minutes, the room was packed.

My phone was still in my hand—Liam's voice echoed faintly from the speaker, "Isla, what's happening? Who woke up?"

Only then did I realize the call hadn't ended. I hung up instantly.

Owen's mom rushed over, tears of joy streaming down her face.

She gripped my hand tightly. "Isla! You came, and Owen woke up! You did it! You are our family's lucky star!"

She slipped an emerald jade bracelet onto my wrist. "This is our family heirloom. It's yours now."

I looked down. The jade gleamed with the same vibrant luster as the one my mother left me.

Owen's dad came over next, beaming. "Isla, Owen woke up because of you! Here—fifty million. Take it."

Owen pointed at me. "Who is she?"

His mom was grinning ear to ear. "This is Isla, the wife your father and I chose for you. The moment she married in, you woke up. Isn't that fate? Isla is our family's savior. You'd better treat her right, Owen."

Then she turned to the others. "Alright, everyone out! Tonight's Owen and Isla's wedding night!"

The room cleared in a rush.

Silence settled, broken only by Owen's steady breathing.

Then, suddenly, he reached out and pulled me into his arms.

I tried to push him away, but his grip only tightened.

I looked up, right into his dark, intense eyes.

The desire in his gaze made my heart skip a beat. Heat rushed to my face, and I quickly looked away.

"Isla," he murmured, tasting my name like a secret. "Your name sounds so good. You really are exactly what I want…"

As he spoke, he leaned in, his lips brushing softly against my cheek in a tender kiss.

Just then, my phone rang again.

Liam.

Without a word, I declined the call and blocked his number—right in front of Owen.

Owen smiled faintly, then kissed my forehead. "Isla, good girl. My woman should be loyal to me—and only me."

I met his gaze. "And what about you? Will you be loyal to me?"