Chapter 1

When the three sets of haute couture jewelry necklaces arrived at the manor, Andre was accompanying his adopted sister Alice as she selected a dress for the banquet.

Before his assistant could even ask, he had already made his decision.

"Let Alice wear one when she appears at the banquet. Keep the other two for her collection."

The assistant hesitated and reminded him, "These were chosen by the godmother."

Only then did Andre remember.

These were the pieces I had prepared for their tenth wedding anniversary celebration next month.

But instead of changing his mind, he said, "They don't suit her anyway. Isn't there a complimentary necklace included? Give that one to her."

A cheap silver necklace that came as a free gift.

That was the only bit of dignity he had given me in ten years.

I knew he blamed me because I refused to give up the casino during the family's power struggle, which resulted in Alice being criticized by the elders and losing her chance to become a core member of the family.

He had hated me for ten years.

And he had wasted ten years of my life.

When he was shot and dying, the only thing he asked me was whether I regretted marrying him.

In his will, his entire inheritance was still left to Alice.

All I received was an abandoned club in a remote town.

I let go of his hand and walked away.

The moment I opened the door, I returned to ten years earlier.

It was still that engagement party that had drawn the attention of the entire family.

The priest threw the family ring into the sea.

"Whoever retrieves it first will become the godmother."

In my previous life, I had jumped into the ocean without hesitation and nearly frozen to death.

But this time, I watched the ring sink beneath the waves.

Then I turned around and walked away.

Chapter 1

The lively party fell silent for several seconds, leaving only the priest with an awkward smile on his face.

I had only walked a few steps before someone stopped me.

Alice stood in front of me arrogantly. She forced a smile and said,

"Phoebe, you've admired Andre for so many years. Why are you hesitating now?"

"Jump in. Bring the ring back, and you'll be able to marry into our family."

I looked at her without saying anything.

In my previous life, Alice had said the exact same thing.

Back then, she had stood on the stage with a microphone in her hand, smiling as she told everyone the story of how I had pursued Andre.

The entire crowd had urged me to jump into the sea and retrieve the ring.

The seawater had been freezing cold, and I had nearly died beneath the waves.

When I finally brought the ring back, my entire body had turned pale from the cold, and my teeth had been chattering uncontrollably.

Andre had only glanced at me coldly.

Then he placed his coat around Alice's shoulders and told her the wind was strong and that she should go inside to rest.

Thinking of those memories, I only felt that my past self had been ridiculous.

This time, I would never do such a thing again.

I glanced at the place where the ring had fallen and prepared to walk around Alice.

Andre walked over, his expression dark and unreadable.

He was wearing a black striped suit.

It was the birthday gift I had given him last year.

He had said it did not look good and had never worn it.

Until Alice told him that black looked good on him.

Only then did he take out the clothes.

"Where are you going? Don't keep everyone waiting too long."

Andre's voice was calm, as if he was certain I would jump into the water.

Alice said,

"Maybe Phoebe is too afraid to go in. If she really can't do it, we can have someone else retrieve it for her. We won't blame her."

"With so many cameras watching, I understand why Phoebe doesn't want to embarrass herself by getting soaked."

Her words sounded like a reminder to Andre.

There were cameras everywhere.

If I refused, I would make him lose face.

Andre said indifferently,

"Go down. Nothing will happen."

Nothing will happen.

I sneered inwardly.

In my previous life, I remembered clearly that after I climbed out, I developed a high fever that would not go away and nearly died from an infection.

But to Andre, it was nothing more than a casual sentence.

Everyone around me was watching.

Some people began whispering, convinced that my devotion was so deep that I would definitely retrieve the ring.

"The Don's proposal is truly extraordinary."

"How romantic. She'll retrieve the ring, and then the Don will propose."

I looked around.

There were several cameras installed in every corner.

So my humiliation in my previous life had been witnessed by everyone.

"Don't keep everyone waiting."

Andre glanced at his watch.

A gust of wind blew past, and my ankles turned cold.

I was wearing only a thin dress that barely covered my knees.

I shivered.

Andre noticed.

He took off his suit jacket and walked toward me.

But after Alice gave a soft cough, Andre froze.

Then he placed the jacket over her shoulders instead.

Alice held Andre's hand and smiled sweetly.

Her eyes fell on my wrists, already pale from the cold.

I had always been afraid of the cold.

Yet in my previous life, because of Andre, I deliberately dressed up for him.

Even on snowy days, I wore thin dresses to outdoor parties.

I became sick because of the choices I made.

Nearly dying from a high fever was also my choice.

Even marrying someone who did not love me was my choice.

This time, I would no longer make the same choices.

Alice continued laughing mockingly.

"Make sure you record this properly. Miss Phoebe's touching moment of devotion needs to be captured."

I smiled faintly.

"I never planned to jump."

Everyone's expression changed.

Andre's face darkened.

I walked past him and headed toward the lounge.

Behind me, Andre's voice turned harsh.

"Where are you going?"

His gaze was icy.

"Phoebe, if you leave here today, you will regret it."

I did not look back, and I closed the door

The silence finally returned around me.

Inside the lounge, there were diving suits and life rings prepared.

In my previous life, when I jumped into the sea, no one had ever told me that these things were available in the lounge.

After I retrieved the ring from the water, Andre still showed no reaction.

Later, when I fell seriously ill after catching a cold from the freezing seawater, he only asked the servants to bring me some medicine.

At first, I was grateful.

Until I heard that Alice had caught a cold from the night breeze that same evening.

For her, Andre had summoned the most elite medical team and gathered them all at the manor.

Only then did I realize that the concern he had shown me was nothing more than a small act of charity and It was insignificant.

I had stayed in the lounge for less than ten minutes.

My body had not even warmed up yet.

Then Andre's assistant walked in.

Chapter 2

"Miss Phoebe, the Don said that you should change into another outfit before coming outside for the photos. Everyone is waiting for you."

I stood up and wrapped my shawl tighter around myself.

"This is fine."

The assistant hesitated.

"The Don said you should dress more appropriately. Please come with me and change into another outfit."

Before I could respond, she had already turned around and led the way.

She stopped in front of a room and pushed open the door.

On both sides were rows of haute couture dresses, along with matching jewelry and accessories.

I immediately knew.

This was Alice's private dressing room.

The assistant walked to the very corner and took down a black evening gown.

"The Don asked you to wear this first."

I ran my fingers over the fabric.

This dress had been altered.

Andre remembered my measurements.

Whenever Alice no longer wanted a dress, he always had it adjusted perfectly to fit me.

"You're asking me to wear this dress for the photos?"

I looked at her and let out a laugh.

Before the assistant could answer, Alice suddenly walked in.

"Phoebe, don't blame Don. This is the only dress that happens to fit your size."

"I haven't even worn this dress before, but it was altered to your measurements. If you wear it for the appearance, it will definitely make Don look good."

She held my hand and smiled warmly.

Alice had not only changed her dress, but even her jewelry had been replaced.

Around her neck was the Ocean's Heart gemstone necklace, which had only been mined last month.

"I won't wear it."

My voice was harsh.

Displeasure flashed across Alice's face.

Tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.

"Phoebe, why are you always so heartless?"

Andre rushed in.

His expression was terrifyingly dark.

"Phoebe, don't go too far with your words. Alice only prepared this outfit for you out of kindness."

His voice carried an unquestionable authority.

I glanced at him.

"If she wants to wear it, then let her wear it. I won't."

After saying that, I walked straight past him.

Alice looked even more aggrieved and burst into tears.

Andre chased after me.

He grabbed my wrist.

"Stop"

"It's cold outside!"

I used to love the warmth of his palm.

It made me feel safe.

Alice followed behind and grabbed his arm, reminding him, "Don, this hasn't been cleared up yet. If she goes out like this, how will the reporters cover this engagement ceremony?"

I pulled my hand away.

I laughed at myself for still clinging to that little bit of warmth from him.

Andre frowned and looked at Alice.

"Alice!"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Alice put on that same pitiful expression again, looking as if she had been wronged.

Unfortunately, I had already heard everything.

Without turning back, I continued walking out.

Andre's voice was harsh as ice behind me.

"Phoebe! Are you sure you want to do this today?!"

I did not answer.

I simply walked out.

When I arrived at the main hall, I found that many people were waiting outside.

They were all waiting for me to take the engagement photos.

When they saw me coming out alone, their faces were filled with surprise.

I even heard some people whispering about the unusual relationship between Andre and his adopted sister.

No wonder they needed me.

That was why Andre had reminded me that it was cold outside.

It was never about the cold.

He was only afraid that if I walked out alone, the rumors would cause trouble for them.

I walked past everyone.

And without hesitation, I chose to go home.

Chapter 3

I couldn't withstand the chill and came down with a cold.

The next day, my fever still hadn't gone down when Andre came to my house with a clarification statement, placing it lightly on the table.

"Sign this."

I sat down against the sofa and picked up the statement, giving it a quick glance.

It said that I had left early the previous day because I was unwell.

It had nothing to do with the ring-retrieval game at the party.

It also stated that Miss Alice was an adopted daughter of the Edward family and that there was no improper relationship between her and Andre.

This statement was meant to protect Alice.

I let out a laugh grimly.

"Why should I speak up for her?"

"Yesterday's incident had nothing to do with her."

Andre's reply was brief.

"Then did it have something to do with me?"

I challenged him.

Andre continued to look at me coldly.

"You did not go into the water to retrieve the ring, and you left the party early."

So I was the culprit?

I almost laughed at the absurdity of it.

Why did refusing to play their little game make me the one at fault?

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Alice walked in carrying a gift box.

"Phoebe, I'm here to apologize."

She opened the gift box.

Inside was the coat she had worn to shield herself from the wind the night before.

She had brought me something she had already worn and expected me to be grateful for it.

"I only wore it once. I hope you don't mind."

Andre looked at her, his voice gentle.

"You were out in the cold yesterday. Why did you come all the way here?"

Alice shook her head.

"It's nothing. I upset Phoebe, so I should come and apologize to her in person."

As she spoke, tears streamed down her face, and she pushed the coat into my hands.

My head was throbbing badly, and I couldn't help coughing several times.

My mother tried to ease the tension.

"Andre, Phoebe is still sick…"

"Madam, I think you should know that the Camorra family's influence has been declining day by day."

He was right.

Ever since my father passed away, the Camorra family's power had been steadily eroded.

So I had backed down again and again, telling myself that I was doing it for the sake of the family.

I did not want to argue with them anymore.

I signed the statement and handed it back to Andre.

"I don't need the coat. Take it back. I've signed the document. Now leave my house."

Seeing that I was ignoring her, Alice put on a wounded expression.

"Phoebe, if you're really unhappy, I'll just take it back. I won't give you things without asking again."

"Good."

My reply was cold.

Andre's expression changed instantly.

"Phoebe, Alice was only trying to be kind. How can you talk to her like that?!"

A sheen of cold sweat had appeared on my forehead from the fever.

I lowered my head and said nothing.

Noticing how weak I was, Andre did not continue.

Instead, his tone shifted into that of someone delivering a command.

"Our family council is meeting tomorrow. Mother will be there as well. I'll have the driver pick you up on time."

I nodded.

"Okay."

Andre finally seemed satisfied and turned to leave.

Before Alice followed him out, she bent down and whispered into my ear,

"For the sake of your Camorra family, you really are willing to put up with a lot. Let's see how long you can keep enduring it."

She smiled faintly, clearly wanting to see me break down.

But I simply looked at her without moving.

The smile on her face slowly faded.

I hadn't argued with her like I had in my previous life.

Having been given another chance, I would never walk down that same road again.

Chapter 4

When my mother saw me out, she slipped a document into the inner pocket of my coat.

Her voice was soft, but firm.

"Phoebe, if the Edward family is only mocking you, then bear with it. But if they refuse to show any restraint, let them know that the Camorra family is not someone they can bully at will."

I touched the document through my coat and said nothing.

In my previous life, I had been too afraid to tell her that the Edward family had forced me to admit fault and kneel.

I had only told her that the family banquet had gone smoothly.

That was why I did not see this document for the first time until she was on her deathbed.

This time, it had reached my hands early.

When I arrived at the Edward family estate, I discovered that my seat had been arranged at the very end of the long table.

There wasn't even a place setting in front of me.

Andre's mother and Alice had been chatting happily, but the moment they saw me arrive, their conversation came to an end.

Andre's mother said, "Phoebe, we've already taken care of what happened at the party, but you should understand that our family's patience has its limits."

Alice immediately followed.

"Mother, don't blame her. She must regret not going into the water."

Andre's mother patted the back of her hand and smiled approvingly.

"At least you know how to behave."

She gestured to the underboss standing nearby, signaling him to bring out a tray.

On the tray lay a ring bearing the Edward family crest.

It symbolized the family's honor and was reserved exclusively for the godmother.

In my previous life, I had only worn it for a few hours during my wedding ceremony.

Afterward, Andre had taken it away and kept it in his private collection.

I never expected to see it displayed so openly in this life.

Andre's mother turned to Alice.

"I know you'll be attending their wedding, and you don't have anything worthy of the occasion. Wear this."

"That won't do, Mother. It's far too valuable."

"If I'm giving it to you, then take it."

Andre spoke up.

At once, everyone at the table began praising the ring, saying how perfectly it suited her.

I remained seated in silence.

Andre glanced at me.

He seemed almost unaccustomed to my silence and explained, "She's part of our family too. Don't be upset."

Andre's mother personally slipped the ring onto Alice's finger.

In an instant, Alice became the most dazzling person in the room.

And I, the woman engaged to Andre, looked like nothing more than a clown.

After the meal, Andre's mother said, "All the family elders are here today. Phoebe, it's time to settle the matter of you taking Alice's casino. Today, you should apologize to her."

Alice's eyes filled with tears as she held Andre's mother's hand.

"It happened so long ago. I simply wasn't capable enough. You can't blame Phoebe."

Everyone in the underworld knew about the dispute between Alice and me over the casino.

Andre, who had remained silent for a long time, finally said quietly, "Let's settle this today. It won't be brought up again after this. Just apologize to Alice, and we'll consider the matter closed."

He had said the same thing in my previous life.

I had done nothing wrong, yet for the sake of the family, I had chosen to kneel before Alice and apologize.

What I received in return was nothing but them dredging up the past again and again and tightening their suppression of me.

When I still did not move, displeasure appeared on Andre's mother's face.

"Kneel down and apologize. Only then will I know that you truly intend to become part of the Edward family."

I let out a cold laugh.

Alice had not had the courage to defend the casino herself.

She had abandoned her men and fled for her life, only to turn around and claim that I had stolen her casino.

But no one bothered to investigate the truth.

They had convicted me based solely on Alice's word, without even giving me a chance to explain myself.

The lights in the banquet hall were dazzling.

I stood up and slowly looked around the room, but made no move to kneel.

The family elders began pointing at me and whispering among themselves.

Every one of them was staring at me, waiting to see me give in.

I remained completely unhurried.

Then I took out the agreement signed by both families when our marriage alliance was arranged.

Andre's mother's expression changed drastically.

Back then, when the two families signed the agreement, it stated that if Andre and I married, I would bring the Camorra family's more than one hundred arms supply routes, along with its medical businesses, into the Edward family.

But if I chose to cancel the engagement, the arms and financial support our family had previously provided to them would immediately be cut off.

"What are you doing, Phoebe?!"

She shot to her feet.

I did not say anything, I used the candle on the table to set fire to one corner of the agreement.

The flames immediately leaped upward.

Andre rushed over and reached out to snatch the document from me.

But all he managed to tear away was half a page of charred paper.

He lowered his head.

My name was still visible on the remaining fragment.

Phoebe.

Beneath it was a line of text, half-consumed by the flames:

If Phoebe cancels the engagement, the Camorra family has the right to terminate all cooperation between the two families and reclaim its arms supply routes and all associated assets. The Edward family shall have no right to interfere.

Andre's hand froze.

His mother's voice turned sharp.

"Stop her! Don't let her leave!"

I released the final corner of the marriage agreement.

Then I took off the ring he had given me when he was eighteen and placed it in his palm.

I had worn it for ten years.

A faint white mark circled my finger where the ring had been.

Andre stared at that empty mark.

For the first time, his voice was unsteady.

"Phoebe, put the ring back on."

I stood up."Andre, you've always wanted to hear me admit that I was wrong."

I looked at him and spoke slowly.

"Now I admit it."

"I was wrong to believe that one day, you would turn back to me."

Andre's face went frighteningly pale.

I turned and walked out.

He tried to follow me, but the family members stopped him.

He could only stand there in a daze, staring at the ring I had taken off.