Chapter 1: A Second Chance to Let Go

The moment Zoe Herbert opened her eyes, the dazzling crystal chandeliers of the Grand Southport Hotel came into view.

Elegant music drifted through the magnificent ballroom while members of the city's wealthiest families chatted with glasses of champagne in their hands.

For several long seconds, Zoe simply stood there, frozen.

Her breathing became uneven.

She slowly lowered her gaze toward the silver token resting in her palm.

Number Eight.

The Elite Match Gala.

She knew this place.

Not only did she know it—she had died because of everything that began here.

A sharp pain flashed through her chest as memories from her previous life flooded back.

Connor Buxton had chosen her that night.

Everyone congratulated them, believing they were the perfect match.

She believed it too.

She foolishly believed that if she loved him enough, one day he would return those feelings.

Instead, their wedding became her greatest nightmare.

On the day they were supposed to exchange vows, Connor disappeared.

He left her standing alone before hundreds of guests.

Before anyone could understand what was happening, masked attackers stormed into the venue.

The chaos left her scarred forever.

A knife sliced across her face.

The media mocked her.

The Herbert family became the laughingstock of Southport.

Even after Connor finally returned, there was no apology.

No comfort.

No concern.

Only endless coldness.

She had spent years trying to become the perfect wife.

Cooking meals he never touched.

Waiting late into the night for someone who rarely came home.

Pretending not to notice whenever he looked at another woman with warmth he had never shown her.

Until the day she lay dying inside a hospital room.

Only then did she discover the truth.

Connor had loved Vicky all along.

Her own half-sister.

Everything he had done...

Every ounce of indifference...

Every cruel rejection...

Had never been because she wasn't good enough.

It was because she had never been the woman he wanted.

A bitter smile appeared on Zoe's lips.

"So... Heaven really gave me another chance."

She tightened her fingers around the token.

This time...

She refused to repeat the same mistake.

Across the ballroom stood Vicky Herbert.

She looked breathtaking in a champagne-colored evening gown, surrounded by several socialites who complimented her beauty.

Just like in the previous life.

Everything had returned to the beginning.

Without hesitation, Zoe calmly walked toward her.

"Vicky," she called softly.

Her half-sister turned around with a sweet smile.

"Zoe?"

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"I think we accidentally received the wrong numbers."

Before Vicky could react, Zoe naturally exchanged the tokens between them.

The entire movement took less than two seconds.

Vicky glanced at the new number in confusion.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

"It doesn't really matter which one we have."

Zoe smiled gently.

Only she knew exactly how much that tiny exchange would change both of their destinies.

The host soon walked onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this year's Elite Match Gala."

"As tradition dictates, every gentleman may choose his future partner according to the numbered bouquet ceremony."

"May destiny guide your hearts."

Thunderous applause echoed throughout the ballroom.

Elegant attendants carried bouquets decorated with matching silver numbers.

One after another, Southport's elite heirs stepped forward.

Several couples quickly formed amid cheers and applause.

Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.

"Mr. Connor Buxton."

Connor walked confidently toward the center of the ballroom.

His tailored black suit perfectly highlighted his tall figure.

His handsome appearance immediately attracted countless admiring gazes.

Just as before...

He searched the crowd.

In her previous life, his eyes had landed on Zoe only because of the token she carried.

This time...

They found Vicky instead.

His expression softened instantly.

Without the slightest hesitation, he picked up the bouquet marked with her number and walked directly toward her.

"Vicky," he said warmly.

"Will you become my one and only wife?"

Vicky's cheeks flushed crimson.

"Yes."

Applause exploded across the ballroom.

The two looked like the picture-perfect couple everyone expected.

Standing nearby, Zoe quietly watched the scene unfold.

Strangely...

Her heart remained much calmer than she had imagined.

It still hurt.

But it no longer felt unbearable.

Connor gently kissed the back of Vicky's hand before finally noticing Zoe standing beside them.

For a brief second, guilt flashed across his face.

Then it disappeared.

"Zoe," he said.

"You've always been like a little sister to me."

"I hope you won't misunderstand today's decision."

"I'll always look after you like family."

The familiar words echoed through the ballroom exactly as they had in her memories.

Several guests exchanged awkward glances.

Everyone in Southport knew how openly Zoe had adored Connor for years.

Many expected her to cry.

Some even anticipated a dramatic confrontation.

Instead...

Zoe smiled gracefully.

"Congratulations, Mr. Buxton."

"Congratulations, Sister."

"I sincerely wish both of you a lifetime of happiness."

Her calm voice stunned everyone.

Connor frowned slightly.

This wasn't the reaction he had expected.

Before he could say anything else, Vicky suddenly stepped forward with teary eyes.

"Zoe..."

"I'm sorry."

"You've always liked Connor."

"I know I've taken away the man you loved."

"Please don't hate me."

Connor immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"Vicky, stop apologizing."

"Love isn't something you can force."

He looked coldly toward Zoe.

"Be mature."

"Whether you accept it or not, Vicky will become my wife."

"Don't embarrass yourself."

His sharp words echoed across the silent ballroom.

In her previous life, they had shattered her completely.

Today...

They merely reminded her why she had to leave.

She lowered her head slightly before looking back at both of them.

"You're right."

"I was immature before."

"From today onward, I'll stop bothering either of you."

"I truly hope you'll be happy together."

There wasn't the slightest trace of sarcasm in her voice.

She genuinely meant it.

Because their happiness...

No longer had anything to do with her.

Vicky stared at Zoe in disbelief.

She had prepared countless responses for an angry confrontation.

She never imagined Zoe would simply bless them and walk away.

The opportunity to play the innocent victim disappeared instantly.

As guests surrounded Connor and Vicky with congratulations, Zoe quietly slipped out of the ballroom unnoticed.

The cool evening breeze greeted her as she stepped outside.

For the first time in years, she felt like she could finally breathe.

Her phone vibrated inside her handbag.

Three unread messages appeared on the screen.

Every single one came from the same person.

Lucian Lyttelton.

The heir to the influential Lyttelton family of Khelmark City.

Also...

The man her father had chosen as her fiancé before falling into a coma.

The first message read:

"I'm pleased you've agreed to honor our engagement, Miss Herbert."

The second said:

"I'll send a private escort to Southport in one week. Please prepare for your departure."

The final message made her pause.

"I've also prepared a small welcome gift for you. I hope you'll like it."

Zoe stared at the screen for several moments.

In her previous life, she had rejected this marriage without hesitation.

She had believed Connor was her destiny.

Now she finally understood.

Sometimes destiny wasn't the person you chased.

It was the person quietly waiting for you while you were looking in the wrong direction.

A gentle smile slowly appeared on her face.

She looked back at the brightly lit ballroom one final time.

"Goodbye, Connor."

"This life... I'm choosing myself."

With that, Zoe turned around and walked into the night without looking back once.