Chapter 1
On my twentieth birthday, my parents handed me photos of rich heirs from across the country and told me to pick a marriage partner.
I told my father I’d decide by drawing lots.
In my past life, I had chosen the man I’d long admired–Connor Wright, an heir from Chicago.
Yet it was only after marriage that I learned his first love had gotten drunk at a bar out of heartbreak and was violated.
She tried to take her own life three times, and Connor blamed it all on
- me.
He gave all my family’s assets to his beloved, draining my entire family dry.
In the end, he even let her cut the brake lines, killing all three of my family in a car crash.
Given a second chance at life, I drew Matt Collins, the notoriously aloof heir from Los Angeles.
But when I showed up at our engagement party arm–in–arm with Matt, Connor lost his mind.
***
I placed Matt’s photo in front of my parents.
They exchanged a glance, clearly worried about me.
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Chapter 1
“Stella, we know you’ve liked Connor since you were little. Maybe give it another-”
I shook my head. “If this is destiny, I might as well try following it.”
Besides, I already knew how forcefully marrying him would end.
Seeing I’d made up my mind, they had no choice but to agree.
“Then we’ll talk to the Collins family about the marriage. But since both the Collins family and our family are well–known, it’s best to keep things quiet until the party to avoid unnecessary trouble.”
I agreed. But when I stepped out to attend a charity gala, reporters somehow caught wind of it and immediately swarmed me.
“Ms. Jennings, may we ask which family you’ve chosen to marry?”
Another cut in before I could answer. “Everyone knows you’ve always admired the Wright family’s heir. It’s him, right?”
I looked up and happened to lock eyes with Connor as he walked into the
venue.
Surrounded by cameras, Connor looked at me with the same disdain as always.
“Excuse me. Move aside.”
His bodyguards pushed through the crowd, and he pulled a pale–faced Nina Scott into his arms.
“I’ve only ever loved Nina. Even if I’m forced to marry someone else for the sake of my family, my feelings for her will never change.”
Nina was touched and blushed, clinging tightly to his waist.
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Chisper 1
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A few wealthy heiresses who’d disliked me whispered mockingly nearby,
“So what if she’s the heiress of the prominent Jennings family? Mr. Wright isn’t even interested. He’d rather be with some nouveau riche’s daughter
“She’s really dragging her family name through the mud, throwing herself at Nina’s feet like that,”
Their mocking remarks grew louder, and Nina even lifted her head from Connor’s arms to shoot me a smug, taunting look.
I simply turned away and focused on the gala,
But the organizers arranged for him to sit next to me.
He sat down, still visibly furious,
“Stella, I’ve told you so many times, I don’t want to marry you. Why won’t you let me go?”
I’d heard that line so many times, but it still stung.
“I’m not holding on to you.”
Connor slammed his fist on the table, his face twisted with even more disgust.
“Then why insist on marrying me? Just because your family has power, you think you can control the rest of my life?
“You’re trampling all over my dignity. Even if we do get married, I’ll never give you a second glance.”
He meant every word, just like in my past life, when he never gave me a shred of affection.
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Chapter 1
Right then, the woman he loved so deeply walked over, tears in her eyes. Without a word, she dropped to her knees in front of everyone.
“Ms. Jennings, I know you hate me, but my parents did nothing wrong. You had security throw them out, and my dad almost had a heart attack.
“Please, I’m begging you… Even if it means giving up Connor, I’m willing…”
Her last words broke into sobs. I hadn’t even fully registered what she was implying before Connor pulled her to her feet. His glare at me now
burning with even more hatred.
“What’s between us has nothing to do with Nina. Why are you treating her like this?”
His accusation left me baffled.
“I didn’t-”
“You really were spoiled your whole life, to the point of being completely out of control.”
Before I could respond, someone came over with a flattering smile and handed him a gift box.
“Mr. Wright, this is a congratulatory gift for you and Ms. Jennings on your engagement—”
They didn’t even finish the sentence before Connor grabbed the box and hurled it at me in front of everyone.
“Stella Jennings, apologize to Nina!
“If not, even if my family can’t compare to your family, I’ll refuse this marriage. I will never marry such a cruel woman like you!”
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Chapter 2
bag Vruchers
Chapter 2
