chapter 1

After getting married, Eric Hudson and I tormented each other relentlessly.

He resented me for scheming to make Felicia Chapman agree to a marriage alliance with the Austin family.

I resented him for marrying me, yet his words always carried another woman's name.

Seven years of conflict had turned our marriage into nothing more than a burden for both of us.

But when the earthquake hit, Eric threw himself in front of me to shield me from falling debris, only to be crushed under the collapsing roof.

On his deathbed, he whispered, "Nicole, our marriage was a mistake. In your next life, make sure you marry someone who truly loves you."

No sooner had the words left his lips than another aftershock struck, and I didn't survive either.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day of my marriage alliance with Eric.

I told Dad, "Dad, I'll agree to the marriage alliance with Austin family."

This time, I would give Eric back both love and freedom.

...

"Nicole, are you really going to take Felicia's place and marry into the Austin family abroad?"

Dad was so shocked that the cup in his hand shook violently, spilling tea everywhere, and he didn't even notice.

Still, his reaction was understandable.

I had hated Felicia to my core and would have been glad to see her suffer.

My sudden decision to take her place and marry into the Austin family in the Entogow was simply unbelievable.

Dad looked puzzled. "But didn't you always say you'd only ever like Eric?"

I shrugged. "That was before. Now, I don't like him anymore. Let him be with Felicia."

His eyes softened with relief. "Nicole, you're becoming so sensible!"

I knew he didn't entirely mean it. He had always favored Felicia, his illegitimate daughter, more than me, the real heiress of the Chapman family.

I snorted quietly, deciding not to expose his hypocrisy.

As I left the room, I nearly ran straight into someone.

It was Eric.

"How's it going? Did you make a decision?" His deep, dark eyes fixed on me intently.

I met his gaze coldly. "I've got an answer. I doubt it will go the way you hope."

Eric froze, then grabbed my arm. "Nicole, what do you mean?"

I yanked my arm free and walked away quickly.

I just wanted to keep him on edge, make him suffer with anxiety.

In my previous life, being with me had frustrated him endlessly, so why not let him suffer a few more days?

That way, when he found out the woman he was going to marry was Felicia, I could only imagine his surprise at that.

I couldn't help but feel a pang remembering how, in my previous life, when the earthquake struck, he risked everything to push me to safety outside, only to be crushed by the falling debris.

My nose ached a little.

I had tried every possible way to make Eric marry me, but he only gave me his body while his heart remained with Felicia.

I considered it repayment for him saving my life.

This time, I would let him be with Felicia.

That night, I tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

The Austin family wielded immense power and controlled the Chapman family's overseas business empire, making them the Chapmans' greatest rivals.

In my previous life, Felicia had been extremely reluctant to marry into Entogow, and less than a month later, she secretly ran away.

When she returned, she had lost a lot of weight, and none of her former proud, haughty attitude remained.

That very night, the Austin family made an international call to Keith Chapman demanding her return.

Keith, who had always spoiled Felicia, was reluctant but feared offending the Austin family and risking the collapse of their business empire in Entogow, so the next morning, he hurriedly sent her back.

Unexpectedly, Felicia refused to return to Entogow at all costs and even jumped from Keith's private plane, dying on impact.

This made Eric despise me to his core.

Now that I was the one being sent to Entogow for the marriage alliance, how could I be sure I wouldn't meet the same fate as Felicia?