The crown prince of the Westbridge elite circle, Julian Fletcher, built his legacy through high–level finance.>
But because one of his ancestors violated a powerful taboo, every male in the Fletcher Family was cursed never to live past the age of twenty–five.
The only way to break the curse? Marry a woman with a rare, extremely “cold–bodied” constitution.
In my previous life, my adopted sister, Vivian Moore, stole my wedding dress and tried to marry Julian in my place. I rushed to the ceremony to stop her.
As a result, Vivian became the laughingstock of Westbridge society–and in a fit of humiliation, she slashed her wrists.
My parents called me a disgrace and cut all ties with me. Julian blamed me too.
On the anniversary of Vivian’s death, he locked me in a room and set it on fire.}
“What cold–bodied nonsense? You were just after the Fletcher Family’s money and status!“}
“Did you know Vivian was pregnant? You killed her–and the child. Now you’ll pay for both their lives!“>
When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to the day of that wedding.
This time, I wasn’t going to stop Vivian.§
I was going to give her and Julian a wedding gift they’d never forget.
Uwalked into the grand hall with my handbag slung over my shoulder. The ceremony was nearly over–the bride and groom had just exchanged rings.
Guests near the aisle turned to look. Their eyes widened. Murmurs spread fast.
“Isn’t that Evelyn Moore? What is she doing here?“}
“Wait, isn’t this Julian Fletcher and Evelyn’s wedding?“}
“If she’s here… who’s the bride onstage?“}
All eyes turned toward me. Especially the Fletcher Family, seated in the front row.
The old man of the Fletchers, Donald Fletcher, was the first to stand, his expression darkening instantly.
“What’s going on here? We arranged this marriage with Evelyn Moore. So who the hell is that on the stage?” His wife, Maddie, marched up the steps and yanked off the lace veil from the bride’s head.
The room gasped.”
“Isn’t that the adopted daughter of the Moore Family?”
“Seriously? Are they doing a sister–for–sister swap?“}
“But Evelyn’s the only one with the rare cold constitution. Vivian marrying in does nothing…”
Vivian, still in the wedding dress, looked completely overwhelmed. Her eyes darted from face to face in panic.
Julian squeezed her hand, then turned to his parents and knelt before them.
“Mom. Dad. The woman I love is Vivian. I won’t marry anyone else.”}
“i don’t believe in this stupid curse. Every man in our family has lived full lives.”}
Donald slammed his cane to the floor.
“You fool! Your uncles survived because they married women with that rare condition!“}
“You turn twenty–five tomorrow. Stop this madness before it’s too late!“}
Maddie’s eyes brimmed with tears.
“Julian, we never lied to you. I have the same condition. That’s why I could marry your father.”}
“You were born into the Fletcher Family. You don’t get to choose love.“>
But Julian stayed kneeling, unshaken.
“If I have to marry someone I don’t love and live like a dead man, I’d rather die early.“}
I stood still, watching him.
And I understood then–Julian had been reborn too.
In this life, we had both made our decision; we would never marry each other again.
Realizing he couldn’t sway his son, Mr. Fletcher turned his fury on me.”
“Evelyn Moore, so you never intended to marry into our family? You let your adopted sister trick us? The Moore Family has guts.”
“If you don’t give a proper explanation, your family can forget about ever surviving in Westbridge.“>
My mother suddenly stepped forward, pulling me by the arm with a forced smile. She pushed me in front of the Fletchers.
“Evelyn, I know you weren’t happy about the arranged marriage. That’s why you let your sister take your place. Why don’t you apologize to Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher before things get worse?“}]
