"These two sons of mine are always buried in their medical research. They're almost 30 and still not married. How am I ever supposed to have grandchildren?" George lamented with a sigh.

Everyone in the room understood that tonight's banquet was essentially a matchmaking event. George was there to find suitable partners for his sons.

His eldest son, Bruce, was born to his first wife. He was exceptionally talented and widely respected in the medical world as a master of alternative medicine.

His younger son, Owen, was born to George's current wife. Rumors swirled that Owen had been conceived out of wedlock, making him an illegitimate child.

Despite this, his reputation remained spotless. Everyone saw him as gentle and kind-hearted.

In my past life, Owen had already done his research on every socialite attending the banquet.

His medical skills were far inferior to Bruce's. Having been pampered all his life, he lacked the discipline to truly dedicate himself to medicine.

Thus, he longed for a brilliant child to make up for his own deficiencies in the field. This was also the reason he had set his sights on me from the beginning.

But in this life, he didn't even spare me a glance. Instead, he walked straight up to Poppy. To the shock of everyone present, he took her hand and said, "I like you. Will you marry me?"

The room fell into a deep silence. People soon began whispering amongst themselves, trying to figure out who Poppy was.

Although the McKellens had some wealth to their name, they weren't even on the guest list for this banquet.

In fact, Poppy had begged me to bring her along because she had a crush on Owen.

I hadn't given it much thought at the time. After all, these matchmaking events were meant for families of equal standing. I'd assumed she was simply here for the experience.

George frowned. "Owen, are you sure about this?"

Owen smiled and nodded. "I've had feelings for Ms. McKellen for a long time. I wanted to use this opportunity to confess and propose to her."

As he spoke, his gaze lingered affectionately on Poppy.

Poppy was filled with excitement. "Yes! I'll marry you!" she blurted without a second thought.

In that instant, Owen glanced at me, but all I saw in his eyes was contempt and disgust.

A cold shiver ran through me as memories of the fear and hatred I'd felt before my death in my past life came rushing back.

I clenched my fists tightly, nails digging into my palms. The sharp pain jolted through me, awakening every nerve.

Just as I was about to lose control and slap Owen across the face, a warm hand wrapped around my cold wrist.

I instinctively looked up, only to be met by a pair of dark, penetrating eyes.

The man standing before me wore a fitted suit, his demeanor cold yet composed. A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"Shall we get married?" Bruce asked.

The crowd exchanged glances, murmuring amongst themselves. Was there some unspoken rivalry between the Lockwood brothers?

Everyone was aware of the crisis at my family's hospital. Anyone hoping to marry me would first have to address that issue. In other words, they would need to cover my family's losses before they could reap any benefits.

When I was selected as a potential bride for the Lockwood brothers, no one considered me a serious contender.

Despite the frown on his face, George said nothing. Deep inside, he knew it was ultimately Bruce who would make the final call.

Standing next to him, Owen's expression grew colder. "I suggest you check Greta's health before marrying her. You wouldn't want to regret it later if she turns out to be infertile."

A surge of anger welled up in my chest, threatening to explode. Just as I was about to lash out, Bruce tightened his grip on my hand.

His tone remained even and calm. "Who I marry is none of your business. Perhaps you should focus on your own fiancee instead.

"Besides, I'm marrying Greta because I truly care about her, not because of her fertility."

Owen's expression faltered, the weight of Bruce's jab sinking in.

Miriam Horan quickly stepped forward, trying to smooth things over for her sons. "Bruce, your brother is just looking out for you.

"Anyway, since both of you have chosen your partners, let's set a wedding date and make it official. Both Ms. McKellen and Ms. Ellsworth appear to be on board with the idea," she said.

George remained quiet, silently giving his approval to both of his sons' choices.

Seeing the situation unfold, the guests let out a sigh and began finding excuses to leave.

Owen put on his usual gentle facade as he escorted Poppy out. But as they were leaving, he let out a disdainful snort in my direction.

"Bruce, Greta may have a pretty face, but there are countless others out there who are just as beautiful.

"Don't let one rash decision mess up your future. Eventually, you'll see that looks are all she has to offer. I hope you don't regret it."

Back at home, my parents had already caught wind of the news. After months of stress over the hospital, they finally felt a sense of relief.

They wasted no time coordinating with the Lockwood family to finalize the wedding plans. At the same time, they began discussing how the Lockwoods might be able to support us.

The day before Owen's wedding, Poppy came to visit.

Her face was full of joy, but as soon as she saw me, she became visibly uncomfortable.

"Greta, I was honestly shocked when Owen confessed to me that day. That's why I couldn't defend you at the moment.

"I really like Owen. He promised me he'd give me everything I've ever wanted."

After a brief pause, she whispered, "I've heard that Bruce is pretty cold-hearted. Marrying you could just be a way for him to take over your family's hospital. You should be careful."

As I looked at Poppy's pretentious smile, I couldn't help but sneer to myself.

Before her wedding, Poppy had been a genuine friend. But once she married, she transformed into a sister-in-law who seemed to take pleasure in my misery.

In my past life, she had also told me that Owen didn't care for me and had urged me to marry someone I truly loved.

When I was tormented by Owen's cruelty, she simply smiled and said, "See? I told you so, but you didn't listen. Since you're unable to have children, just let Owen find someone else to give him an heir. You can still care for the child without all the pain."

If Poppy had experienced the hardships I endured in my past life, would she still hold the same view?

She had always envisioned a lavish wedding for herself. After all, it was her chance to display her newfound status.

But unexpectedly, Owen had no interest in a grand celebration. Instead, what he proposed was downright modest.

He simply booked a few tables at a hotel for close friends and family, arranged some flowers, and hired a host. That was the full extent of their wedding.

Poppy's frustration overflowed, and tears filled her eyes.

Owen gently comforted her by saying, "My father isn't one for extravagance. Once we have a child, we'll hold a proper celebration to make up for it."

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.

Poppy's family was nowhere near joining Jewel Creek's high society. The only reason Owen selected her as his partner was that she had given birth to three medical prodigies in her past life.

Still, Owen was all about appearances. With Poppy's humble background, he saw no reason to spend extravagantly on a wedding.

Didn't Poppy realize that the Lockwood family had more than enough money for a grand celebration?

It was almost heartbreaking to see her fall for his excuses.

In my past life, I had been just as blinded, lured in by Owen's smooth words and charm.

I'd truly believed that his marriage to me and his kindness were rooted in genuine affection.

But after three years of trying and failing to conceive, everything changed.

Presently, my wedding day eventually arrived. Bruce arranged for the ceremony to be held at the Lockwood residence and invited many of Jewel Creek's high-society families.

He wore a white tuxedo, and his usually detached expression betrayed a flicker of joy.

Bruce pulled me close, his arm wrapped around my waist. As the crowd cheered, he lifted my veil and kissed me softly. "Happy wedding day, my love."

My cheeks flushed, and my heart raced faster with every beat.

Wasn't Bruce supposed to be cold and aloof?

Why did he seem so different from the rumors?

In my past life, he hardly ever appeared with Poppy and always seemed cold at family gatherings. Focused on his studies, he spent his days either at the hospital or locked away in his apartment.

Aside from mocking me, Poppy would often joke that Bruce was nothing more than a "working robot".

After the ceremony, Bruce took me to stay in his apartment.

I was taken aback. "Aren't we supposed to live at the Lockwood residence?"

In my past life, Owen had always insisted on living with his parents. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving them alone.

Bruce adjusted his tie. "It's fine. How would we ever have any time to ourselves if we lived with them?"

My cheeks reddened, and I didn't know how to respond.

Without another word, Bruce lifted me into his arms and carried me to the bedroom.

When I woke up next, the housekeeper told me that Bruce had left on a business trip to treat a patient.

As I read the message he'd sent me, a sense of emptiness settled in my chest.

It seemed he truly was a workaholic.

Everyone in our circle believed that Poppy was Owen's one true love. In their eyes, they were the picture-perfect couple.

After all, Owen went above and beyond to care for Poppy's health, spending lavishly on supplements for her.

He even had heated arguments with Miriam just to protect her.

With his dutiful, submissive nature, Owen was hailed by the media as the ideal husband.

Meanwhile, news about me began to spread at the hospital where I worked.

"Her husband went on a business trip the day after the wedding. As expected, she's just a pawn in this arranged marriage. Maybe Bruce has a lover elsewhere!"

"That's definitely a possibility! What's the point of such a grand wedding if it's all for show? These marriages among the rich aren't real. They're just two people going through the motions and living separate lives."

My colleagues couldn't help but gossip behind my back. I honestly had no idea who I had offended.

Of course, the media took it a step further, blowing the whole story out of proportion. "The heir to the prestigious Lockwood family was forced to marry a woman he doesn't even like. After the wedding, he's gone into hiding and refuses to return home."

The rumors ultimately reached their breaking point during a family banquet.

However, things weren't as they seemed.

A year later, Poppy didn't look as flawless as everyone had claimed. She had gained some weight, looked tired, and a few pimples had started to show on her face.

When she saw me, her gaze flickered with a mix of shock and envy. "Damn, Greta! I didn't expect you to be doing so well without Bruce around."

I smiled faintly. "He's away for work and seems to be having a great time. Why wouldn't I be perfectly fine as well?"

Poppy pursed her lips and wrapped her arm around Owen's.

"Owen treats me so well," she said with a smug smile. "He hates being away on business for long and even told me not to work too hard. All he wants is for me to relax at home and enjoy myself."

Seeing that I wasn't fazed, she continued, "Why don't you quit your job, too, Greta? Working at the hospital must be exhausting. Isn't Bruce giving you any money to spend?"

I couldn't help but laugh. "Since when do I need a man to support me? Haven't you always known that my family is wealthy? Besides, how do you know Bruce isn't giving me money?"

Poppy fell silent at that. Before she could formulate a response, Owen spoke up. "Looks like you have a soft spot for my missing brother, huh?"

"Of course," I replied evenly. "He's my husband, after all."

My words struck Owen like a thunderclap. His face darkened, and he let out a cold snort.

Poppy was taken aback, her eyes shifting between Owen and me.

When she tried to pull him away, Owen forcefully shook her off, causing her to stumble backward. In that moment, his usual compliant nature completely vanished.

With a cold, hard stare, Owen snapped, "Damn it, Greta. Ever since you married Bruce, you've been acting like you're above everyone else. Do you really think your marriage is unshakable?

"Bruce may be able to fix your family's problems, but that doesn't matter. I can just as easily send them crashing back into chaos."

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. Not wanting to drag this conversation out, I turned on my heel and walked away.

But to my surprise, Owen reached out and grabbed my hand. "I won't let you love anyone else!" he spat.

As I fought to break free, a cold, commanding voice echoed from the doorway.

"Let her go!"