I leaned against the stone pillar, my arm throbbing. The family members around me started whispering and pointing.

"What a disgrace..."

"During such an important ritual..."

"To attack her own sister..."

Julian helped Seraphina to her feet. She nestled against his chest, tears still streaming down her face.

"Elara." Julian turned to me, his voice hard as steel. "Apologize to Seraphina."

I wiped a trickle of blood from my lip and looked him straight in the eye. "I did nothing wrong."

"You're still denying it?!" Julian's voice grew louder with rage. "Everyone saw you!"

"Saw what? Saw her fall on her own and then blame me?"

A new wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd. A few of Julian's followers stepped forward.

"Miss Elara, please watch your words," one of the young men said. "Miss Seraphina is gentle and kind, she would never..."

"Exactly. You're just jealous that she has Lord Julian's favor," another chimed in.

"So petty."

"What do you expect from a minor family..."

The taunts brought back the humiliation of my past life. But this time, I wouldn't take it.

"Enough," I said coldly.

"Enough?" Julian sneered. "Elara, I think you need a reminder of your place. Don't think this engagement gives you the right to act out in front of me."

"You should be grateful I'm willing to marry you," he continued, his voice dripping with superiority. "Who else would want a vicious, worthless girl like you? You depend on me. Remember that."

In his arms, Seraphina gave a faint, triumphant smile.

I was about to speak my truth when the crowd parted.

Alistair's advisor walked forward, followed by a familiar figure.

Damien.

He was still in his black cloak, his silver-tipped cane tapping softly on the floor. His steps were slow, but they carried an undeniable authority.

"What happened here?" the advisor asked.

Julian spoke immediately. "Elara pushed Seraphina during the ritual. She almost fell into the sacred fire."

Damien ignored Julian and walked straight to me.

As he got closer, I saw the concern in his eyes. His deep-set gaze studied me, finally resting on my trembling arm.

A memory from my past life surfaced—

After being betrayed by the man I loved and my own sister, I was a ghost of myself.

It was Damien who appeared, silently encouraging me. He even saved me when I tried to end my own life.

I had just found the courage to live again when Julian and Seraphina came for me.

They poisoned me together, making me die in agony.

Maybe because my death was so unjust, my spirit lingered for a while.

I saw Damien, driving his car like a madman, trying to crash into Julian—

He failed. Julian used it against him, captured him, and had him locked away.

"She's your future sister-in-law, Damien," Julian's voice cut through my thoughts. "You don't need to worry about her. I'll handle her."

Julian was clearly annoyed that Damien was getting closer to me. His words were a clear claim of ownership, as if I were his property.

Damien glanced at Julian, then his eyes returned to me.

He leaned in, his voice a low whisper only I could hear.

"You okay?"

Those two simple words were warmer than any grand speech. No doubt, no blame, just pure concern.

I looked at his pale but sincere face, and a warmth spread through my chest.

"I'm fine."

This time, I thought, I'm going to be the one protecting you.

The farce ended with a sharp rebuke from the Don. His stern gaze swept over Seraphina and Julian. Seraphina flinched and hid behind Julian. Finally, he gave me a reassuring look.

Alistair slowly ascended the dais, his voice echoing through the hall. "Today, there is an important announcement to be made. As per the agreement made years ago, Elara will choose her husband. Her choice will also influence my decision on who will be the next Don."

All eyes turned to me.

"As a member of this family," Alistair continued, "Elara will receive the status and power she is owed."

He paused, looking around the hall. "From this night on, control of the North Docks, a thirty percent stake in the Moonglow Syndicate, and the casinos in the East will be her dowry."

The hall erupted in gasps.

Alistair valued me more than any of them had imagined.

The value of those assets was beyond comprehension for most family members. The North Docks controlled a third of the city's goods. The Moonglow Syndicate was one of the family's most critical sources of income.

A flash of greed and triumph crossed Julian's face. He straightened his collar, ready to walk to the altar.

Everyone assumed he was the one.

"Now," Alistair's voice rang out, "will the two parties to this union please come forward."

Julian took the first step, a confident smirk on his face.

"Damien," Alistair's voice announced, clear and firm.

Julian froze mid-step.

Everyone was stunned.

"What?" someone gasped.

Alistair continued, "After careful consideration, Elara has chosen Damien as her husband. This is her free choice, and it is the will of the family."

The hall exploded with shocked chatter.

"How is that possible..."

"The sixth son? The..."

"Is she insane?"

Julian's face went from pale to crimson. He whirled around, his eyes burning with a furious fire.

"No! This is impossible!" he strode towards me, his voice losing control. "Elara, what kind of joke is this? How could you choose him?"

He pointed a shaking finger at Damien, his voice laced with disbelief. "He's a waste of space! A broken, damaged thing! Why would you choose him?"

All eyes darted between me, Julian, and Damien.

I looked at Damien. He was just standing there, calm. No surprise, no elation. He just watched me.

"Elara!" Julian grabbed my arm, his voice trembling. "Tell them! Tell them it's a mistake! You can't possibly choose him!"

I gently pulled my arm free and looked at his frantic, furious face.

In that moment, I remembered all the humiliation of my past life, his betrayal, and the memory of Damien going mad for my sake.

"I choose Damien," my voice was clear and steady, carrying across the entire hall.

Julian looked like he'd been struck by lightning. He staggered back.

"You... you..." he stammered, pointing at me, unable to form a complete sentence.

To stop Julian from disrupting the ceremony further, the Don gave a subtle nod. Two men quickly moved in and escorted a struggling Julian away.

I breathed a sigh of relief.

The advisor approached me with a signed contract in hand—the official document for the transfer of Blackwood assets.

"Miss Elara," the advisor said respectfully. "A small token from the Don. Please accept it."

I took the file, feeling its weight. This wasn't just paper; it was a symbol of power and status.

From this night on, I would no longer be a pawn in someone else's game.

I would have my own strength, my own choices.

And it all started with my choice of Damien.