Rowena withdrew her gaze from the photo and turned to look at me, her eyes filled with bone-chilling coldness.

She sneered. "We just finished choosing the wedding dress, and you're already in a hurry to buy a diamond ring? Nathan, are you that eager to marry me?"

She added coolly, "Unfortunately for you, I already have a date with Preston today. I'm afraid I won't be able to go with you."

I forced down the bitterness welling up in my chest. "Since you've made plans, go see him first. I'll come find you later. It'll be late enough that your parents won't notice."

Rowena froze for a moment, then looked at me suspiciously.

"Why are you being so considerate today? You'd typically get angry the moment Preston is mentioned.

"What? Do you think now that we're getting married, he's no longer a threat?" she asked.

I smiled bitterly at her words. Before I could respond, Rowena turned and walked out.

I left as well, wandering around the streets for a long time. It was not until nearly seven in the evening that I finally headed back to the Atkinson residence.

I did not see Rowena, but I ran straight into her parents.

The wedding date was approaching, yet I was out shopping for wedding items alone, accompanied only by the housekeeper.

They immediately understood what had happened.

Rowena's mother, Ophelia Barnes, stepped forward and took my hand with a pained expression.

"Nathan, that girl has really wronged you! Believe me: once you're married, she'll change these bad habits. She's always saying one thing and meaning another.

"Look, she even had her assistant buy several different styles of rings. Come, see which one you like. Marriage is a big deal, so you have to choose carefully."

She added warmly, "I've been hoping the two of you would work out. Don't worry, I'll make sure your wedding is grand and proper."

In their eyes, Rowena and I clearly loved each other–that she was just too stubborn to admit it.

I knew better, though.

Rowena did all this out of guilt and long-standing habit, nothing more.

In my previous life, even without Preston, Rowena and I could never have lived as a loving couple.

She was good to me, but only as a sister.

I carefully chose the most exquisite diamond ring for her future husband.

Not long after, I received a message from Rowena.

[Since the ring has been chosen, learn to behave yourself. Stay in your place in the Atkinson family, and don't even think about meddling in my affairs.]

A wave of sorrow surged through me. With reddened eyes, I typed back in the chat window.

[You don't need to tell me. I know my limits. Don't worry.]

When Ophelia saw the message on my phone, she flew into a rage. "That wretched girl! Where did she go?"

The housekeeper answered softly, "Ms. Atkinson… She's at the Keller residence."

"That ungrateful girl!" Ophelia snapped. "She's sneaking off to see Preston again!"

"Nathan, don't be upset," she finally said, turning to me. "I'll talk some sense into her for you!"

Just as her words fell, Atkinson Corporation's personal assistant rushed over in a panic.

He reported that Rowena had given out large sums of money and even gifted a brand-new car in order to help smooth things over for Preston's father, Callaghan Keller, who was under investigation.

Rowena's father, Edwin Atkinson, exploded in fury.

Meanwhile, Ophelia frowned deeply, then quickly patted my shoulder, afraid I might feel hurt.

Looking at the concern written all over their faces, my throat tightened painfully.

Ever since my parents had passed away, they treated me as their own son.

They knew how deeply I loved Rowena, so they tried everything–scheming and arranging opportunities–just to bring us closer together.

No matter what was done, though, Rowena and I were never meant to be.

After a moment of thought, I got down on my knees in front of them.

I said softly, "Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, I've failed you. I'm sorry for making you worry. You've treated me like your own, and I know that in my heart. But matters of the heart can never be forced.

"We all know that the person Rowena loves is Preston. She and I are only siblings in name and feeling. Since that's the case… I'll step aside and fulfill Rowena's wish."

"I've already made preparations to return to my hometown in the south," I said quietly. "Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson, I hope you can grant me this simple wish."

Ophelia's gaze looked forlorn as she turned to me. "Don't be so impulsive, Nathan. We've seen how well Rowena treats you; she just doesn't realize her own feelings yet.

"Don't be angry. Once she comes back, I'll speak up for you!

"Think about it. If she truly had no feelings for you, why would she have begged us to take you into our home back then?"

Edwin let out a helpless sigh. "The Keller family has poor morals, and they're just as scheming and ruthless in business. Sooner or later, they'll fall apart. Rowena's only been deceived by Preston. I'm sure she'll come around sooner or later."

He then added, "Besides, you haven't been back to the south in so many years. How could we possibly feel at ease letting you go back alone?"

They spoke earnestly, trying to persuade me to change my mind.

Little did they know that past-me, who followed their wishes in my previous life, ended up with misery when I married Rowena with a heart full of hope.

This time, I refused to walk the same road.

I led the two of them to Rowena's room and pointed at a large delivery box.

"These are all the gifts I've given her over the years. She never even looked at them. She just tossed them all into this box. But the stuffed toy Preston bought on a whim? She treats it like a treasure. She hugs it to sleep every night.

"It's clear as day who she truly loves.

"I really can't keep lying to myself anymore. If you can't bear to part with me... How about you take me as your godson? That way, we preserve the bond between our families, and Rowena can finally have her wish fulfilled."

Seeing that my resolve was firm, Ophelia and Edwin let out a long sigh and accepted my suggestion. They no longer tried to persuade me.

Ophelia pressed a black card into my hand, urging me to take good care of myself.

Holding her hand, I smiled through tears. "Please don't tell Rowena about this yet. I want to give her a surprise."

Back in my bedroom, I slipped the card into my wallet.

Then, I had my assistant bring out all the gifts Rowena had given me over the years.

Since I had decided to let go, these things needed to be dealt with sooner rather than later.

I had the boxes sent to the backyard, then flicked the lighter…and set everything ablaze.

As the flames rose, Preston suddenly rushed out from nowhere. He wordlessly grabbed my hand and slammed himself violently into the wall.

Before I could even react, Rowena–who arrived moments later–struck me hard across the face.

"Have you lost your mind, Nathan?! Preston only came today to thank the Atkinson family for their help!"

My cheek burned and swelled as I stared at her in shock.

Preston's eyes were red as he said innocently, "I knew you two were getting married. I wanted to congratulate you in person, but I didn't expect Nathan to hate me so much… He even attacked me…"

Rowena's expression darkened instantly as she looked at me, fury blazing in her eyes.

She snapped, "We're not even married yet, and you're already acting like the master of the Atkinson household? It seems stirring up trouble wasn't enough, and you even resorted to violence! Nathan Wilde, how did you become like this?

"And tell me: did you have someone smear the Keller family today and ruin Mr. Keller's reputation?"

I stared at her in disbelief, as if seeing her for the first time.

I explained slowly, "I don't know what you're talking about. The Keller family's affairs have nothing to do with me. I've never spoken a single ill word about Preston in front of your parents. I told you that I'd help you, and I won't go back on my word."

Rowena frowned, then noticed sharply that many of the items in the boxes were gifts she had once given me–even the photos she had taken of me. By then, half of them had already been burned.

Her expression grew uglier.

"What are you doing?" she demanded. "Are you trying to play some kind of push-and-pull game with me?"

"I'm telling you now: no matter what you do, I'll never like you!" Rowena snapped. "You clinging to me like this only makes me feel sick!"

She continued coldly, "And if anything happens to Preston, I'll never forgive you!"

With that, she supported Preston–whose forehead was injured from the collision–and hurried toward the hospital, dragging me along as well.

On the way there, Preston lost consciousness.

In my previous life, Preston had been utterly alone and, in despair, jumped from a building.

Even this time, with Rowena giving him her full support, he still refused to leave me alone.

My chest ached watching Rowena panic and rush about for Preston's sake; it felt like my heart was pierced by one too many needles. My gaze dimmed.

Thankfully, the doctor said there was nothing serious, and Preston had only fainted from emotional shock.

Rowena finally relaxed, then shot me a vicious glare. "This is all your fault. Tonight, you stay here and watch over Preston. Consider it your atonement. If anything happens to him, I'll be holding you accountable."

With that, she turned and left without looking back.

I stayed by Preston's bedside all night, keeping watch until dawn.

Not long after, Rowena personally came in carrying a bowl of oatmeal. Seeing how exhausted I looked, she hesitated, a trace of softness crossing her face.

"Why didn't you go get some rest?"

"I'm not tired."

"You've worked hard. Go rest now."

Never in my life did I expect that I would still hear words of comfort from her.

I stood up quickly, ready to leave.

My obedience clearly pleased Rowena. She spoke again, a little awkwardly.

"Tomorrow, I'll have the designer come by again. The suit you tried last time was too plain. Let's try a few different styles.

"And about what I said yesterday, don't overthink it. I was anxious and spoke without thinking. I apologize.

"But Preston is innocent. Don't make things difficult for him because of me, okay?"

I looked into her eyes.

I had so much to say…but chose to say nothing in the end.

She probably had no interest in knowing that I was about to return to my hometown anyway.

I smiled faintly and said sincerely, "There's no need. If I get to marry you, anything I wear is fine.

"Rowena... May you have a happy marriage."

Suspicion flickered across Rowena's face. She was just about to speak when Preston stirred.

He frowned and slowly opened his eyes. "What happened to me?"

In an instant, Rowena pushed me out of her mind. She hurried over, carefully helping him sit up and gently feeding him the oatmeal.

By the time she thought of me again, the hospital room was already empty.

I had long since returned to my own room and begun packing my luggage.

When the maid saw me, she sighed and shook her head, clearly hoping I would stay.

As I packed, I said softly, "It's fine. Please tell Ms. Atkinson she doesn't owe me anything. I owe her far too much."

In my previous life, no matter how much Rowena hated me, Ms. Atkinson still protected me, never allowing anyone to slight me during our marriage.

She even died trying to save me. Her debt of kindness was too heavy.

No matter what she wanted to do, I would never object.

On the day of the wedding, I solemnly bid farewell to Ophelia and Edwin and boarded a flight bound for the south.

...

Inside the banquet hall, the groom was nowhere to be seen.

An inexplicable sense of panic rose in Rowena's heart.

She murmured, "Nathan is still not ready? It's almost time. He's always said he wanted to marry me... Why does he suddenly not seem anxious at all?"

Edwin was just about to answer when the secretary rushed in, pale and breathless.

"Ms. Atkinson… Mr. Nathan Wilde won't be coming. The flight he was on...had an accident."