Chapter 3A Decade of His Hatred

Halfway there, our car was stopped. It was Evelyn’s personal assistant. She said Evelyn was suffering from a terrible migraine and wanted to see Anton.

He frowned at the news and immediately got out of the car. “Evelyn’s not well. I have to go see her. You go back to the estate. I’ll meet you at Starlight Point tonight.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

He looked at me, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. “You used to hate it when I went to see her. What’s changed?”

I opened my mouth, but he cut me off with another sneer. “Right. We’re about to be married. I guess she’s not a threat to you anymore.”

He walked away, never seeing the desolate smile on my face.

I never tried to stop him from caring for Evelyn. I only intervened once, when I discovered she was having an affair with a married government official. I tried desperately to keep Anton away from her, to protect him from the inevitable scandal. But he never knew. After she died, he grieved her loss for a decade.

If I had to choose, I would rather see him with her and happy, than see him tormented and dying for me.

My first stop was the passport office to arrange my travel documents. Then, I returned to the McGaw estate.

Mrs. McGaw had prepared a feast, a table laden with all my favorite dishes. As I always did, I took off my white fur-trimmed coat and draped it over her shoulders. “It’s cold, Amelia. You need to take care of yourself.”

She beamed at me, her face alight with joy. “Grace, you’re always so thoughtful. Quick, let me see the marriage contract! I’ve waited so long to finally call you my daughter.”

Mr. McGaw, noticing I was alone, bristled with anger. “That boy didn’t come back with you again? The contract is finalized, and he still doesn’t know how to cherish you? When he gets home, I’ll give him a piece of my mind!”

Their genuine affection was a bittersweet ache in my chest. They had raised me after my own parents died, giving me a home, giving me their love. I had always been the dutiful, obedient daughter. But this time, I had to betray their hopes.

I looked at them, my voice heavy. “Arthur, Amelia… I’m not marrying Anton.”

“I’m leaving for the coast tomorrow. I won’t be here to look after you anymore, so you must promise to take good care of each other.”

Amelia stared, her smile faltering. “Your parents died serving this country. You grew up here. This estate is your home. Where would you go?”

Her eyes filled with alarm. “Is it because of that Lin girl? Did Anton hurt you? Is that why you’re calling off the wedding?”

“Don’t do this, Grace. He has feelings for you, I know he does. He risked his life for you twice! Every year for your birthday, he spends months searching for the perfect gift. I know you love him too. You learned to cook for him, you massage his hand every night to ease the pain. You would be so happy together!”

“Besides, that Lin girl is trouble. We can’t let her win. Please, don’t leave out of anger.”

In my past life, they had said the same things. In the end, I lost my husband, and they lost their son. We all lived with a lifetime of regret.

I gently wiped a tear from her cheek. “Amelia, you can’t force love. Anton’s heart belongs to someone else. It’s wrong of me to force him to marry me.”

“Last night, I had a dream. I dreamt that he and I were married. But he wouldn’t see me. He worked himself to the bone, driving his body into the ground. He wouldn’t eat the food I made for him, wouldn’t let me care for him when he was sick. He told me that the pain I brought him was greater than any happiness. He even… he even died at thirty, saving my life.”

The words were a physical pain, making it hard to breathe.

Amelia was stunned. “But… that’s just a dream, Grace. Anton wouldn’t…”

I sniffled, forcing a smile. “Dreams can be warnings, Amelia. I want him to live a long life. It’s better that we’re not husband and wife.”

“He’s a man of privilege, but he’s never truly been free to make his own choices. At the very least, he should be able to choose who he marries.”

I knelt before them and bowed my head to the floor three times. “My travel papers are ready. Please, grant me this one wish. I will never forget your kindness. I will repay it for the rest of my life.”

Arthur’s lips thinned. He helped me to my feet. Amelia, wiping her tears, pressed a thick stack of bills into my hand. “If this is what you’ve decided, then I will respect your choice. But remember, no matter what happens, this will always be your home.”

My own tears finally fell, and I hugged her tightly. “Thank you, Amelia.”

By cutting my ties with Anton, the tragedy of our past life would never happen. He would live a long life. His parents wouldn't lose their son and grow to hate me. This time, everyone would have a happy ending.

The second of his regrets was fulfilled. Now, only one remained.

That evening, I went to Starlight Point. The scenic overlook was crowded with couples, all there to wish for a shared destiny.

“Grace.” A familiar voice cut through the crowd. I turned, my heart leaping, only to see Anton’s thunderous expression. He grabbed my wrist, his eyes blazing with a furious, crimson light.

“You know how much I despise people who abuse their power. I didn’t escort you home, so you ran to my parents and tattled, making them humiliate Evelyn. She tried to kill herself, Grace. She took poison. Are you satisfied now?”