Chapter 2: The Birthday That Changed Fate

Morning sunlight poured through the enormous windows of the Chapman Estate, illuminating crystal chandeliers and polished marble floors. Servants hurried through the mansion carrying trays of fresh flowers, expensive wines, and carefully prepared desserts. Every detail had been planned to perfection. Officially, it was a birthday celebration for Beatrice Layton. Unofficially, it was the day that would determine the future of the Chapman family.

Luxury cars began arriving one after another, filling the circular driveway outside the mansion. Influential business leaders, politicians, and old family friends stepped inside, exchanging greetings while admiring the elegant decorations.

Everyone wondered the same thing.

Which Chapman grandson would Beatrice choose?

Most believed they already knew the answer.

"George has loved her attention for years," one guest whispered.

"She follows him everywhere."

"Of course she'll choose him."

"Who else could it possibly be?"

Inside one of the guest rooms, Beatrice stood quietly before a large mirror.

She wore a graceful champagne-colored evening gown embroidered with delicate silver patterns. Her long chestnut hair rested softly over one shoulder while a pair of pearl earrings completed the elegant look.

Mrs. Chapman smiled warmly.

"You look just like your grandmother today."

Beatrice smiled politely.

"Thank you."

"Are you nervous?"

"A little."

"That's normal."

"Just remember," the older woman said gently, "choose the man who brings you peace—not excitement."

Those simple words echoed inside Beatrice's heart.

In her previous life, she had confused obsession with love.

This time...

She intended to choose peace.

Meanwhile, George stood confidently among his cousins in the grand ballroom.

He wore a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, his expression carrying the quiet arrogance of someone already convinced victory belonged to him.

"You should start practicing your acceptance speech," one cousin joked.

"Future head of the Chapman family."

Everyone laughed.

George simply smiled.

"Grandpa knows who's best suited."

"And Beatrice has chased me for years."

"There won't be any surprises today."

Although his words sounded confident, something inside him felt strangely unsettled.

Ever since seeing Beatrice yesterday, she had behaved differently.

Too calm.

Too distant.

Almost...

As though she no longer cared.

That thought irritated him far more than he cared to admit.

At the opposite end of the ballroom stood Nathaniel Chapman.

Unlike his cousins, he showed little interest in the inheritance discussion.

Dressed in a navy-blue suit, he quietly greeted guests while helping several elderly visitors find their seats.

He had always preferred actions over attention.

Few people noticed him.

That never seemed to bother him.

Shortly before noon, Mr. Chapman Senior entered the ballroom.

The conversations immediately stopped.

Although age had slowed his steps, his commanding presence remained unchanged.

"Thank you all for coming," he began.

"Today we celebrate Beatrice's twentieth birthday."

Applause filled the room.

Beatrice stepped beside the elderly businessman.

He looked at her with the affection of a proud grandfather.

"Many years ago," he continued, "I made a promise to my oldest friend."

"His granddaughter would always have a place in this family."

"Today, I intend to fulfill that promise."

The room grew completely silent.

A servant approached carrying a polished wooden box.

Mr. Chapman Senior slowly opened it.

Inside lay several elegant photographs.

One photograph for each eligible Chapman grandson.

"Beatrice," he said kindly.

"Choose the man you wish to spend your future with."

"The person you choose today will not only become your husband..."

"He will also become my successor."

A wave of whispers spread across the ballroom.

Everyone leaned forward.

George smiled confidently.

His cousins exchanged excited glances.

Even Isabella watched eagerly, though her smile looked strangely forced.

Beatrice lowered her eyes toward the photographs.

George.

Edward.

Charles.

William.

Nathaniel.

Her fingers paused.

Painful memories flashed before her eyes.

Hospital rooms.

Lonely nights.

George standing beside Isabella.

The bottle of poisoned medicine.

The child she never held.

She slowly closed her eyes.

"Never again," she whispered inside her heart.

When she opened them once more...

Her decision had already been made.

She reached forward calmly.

Without the slightest hesitation...

She picked up Nathaniel's photograph.

"Grandpa," she said clearly.

"I've made my decision."

"I choose Nathaniel Chapman."

Silence.

Complete silence.

The ballroom became so quiet that even the ticking of the antique grandfather clock echoed through the hall.

Nobody moved.

Nobody spoke.

George's smile froze instantly.

"...What?"

His cousins stared at Beatrice in disbelief.

"Did she just say Nathaniel?"

"That's impossible."

"She loves George!"

"She always has!"

Even Isabella's eyes widened.

Nathaniel himself looked genuinely surprised.

For several long seconds, he simply looked at Beatrice, unsure whether he had heard correctly.

Mr. Chapman Senior, however...

Smiled.

A genuine smile.

"Excellent choice," he said softly.

"Nathaniel, come here."

Nathaniel walked toward them with calm, measured steps.

"Grandfather."

"Beatrice has chosen you."

"Do you accept?"

Nathaniel looked directly into Beatrice's eyes.

Unlike everyone else, he wasn't searching for an explanation.

He simply waited patiently.

"If Miss Layton truly wishes it," he answered respectfully,

"then I accept with gratitude."

Another wave of whispers spread through the guests.

"He actually accepted."

"This changes everything."

"The inheritance..."

"George just lost it."

George's expression darkened.

He stepped forward.

"Beatrice..."

"Is this some kind of joke?"

"Trying to make me jealous?"

She met his gaze calmly.

"No."

"I'm simply making the choice that's best for my future."

"You're lying," George snapped.

"You've loved me since childhood."

"People don't change overnight."

Beatrice gave a small smile.

"Sometimes..."

"One lifetime is enough to change everything."

Her mysterious answer left George standing speechless.

For a brief moment...

Something unfamiliar appeared in his eyes.

Not anger.

Not arrogance.

But fear.

As though he had suddenly realized the future he expected was slipping away before his very eyes.

Across the ballroom, Mr. Chapman Senior quietly watched the exchange.

His experienced eyes noticed far more than anyone else.

Destiny had taken an unexpected turn.

And deep inside, he suspected this was only the beginning.

Outside the mansion, dark clouds slowly gathered above the estate.

A storm was approaching.

Not just in the sky...

But within the Chapman family itself.