Chapter 2: The Engagement She Never Wanted

The morning after the Elite Match Gala, Southport was buzzing with gossip.

Every entertainment page featured photographs of Connor Buxton proposing to Vicky Herbert.

Headlines praised them as the city's perfect couple.

Meanwhile, Zoe quietly packed away the evening gown she had worn to the gala.

Unlike her previous life, she didn't cry.

She didn't stare at Connor's photos.

She simply folded the dress neatly and placed it inside a suitcase.

That chapter of her life was already over.

As she was organizing her belongings, the bedroom door suddenly opened.

"Zoe," a gentle voice called.

Her father, Charles Herbert, slowly walked inside with the help of his cane.

Although he had regained consciousness after months in a coma, his health remained fragile.

Seeing him standing there instantly softened Zoe's expression.

"Dad."

"You should be resting."

Charles smiled faintly.

"I heard about last night."

"Are you alright?"

Looking at the concern in his eyes, Zoe suddenly remembered something.

In her previous life, she had ignored every one of her father's warnings.

He had repeatedly advised her not to force Connor into marriage.

She refused to listen.

Eventually, he passed away believing his daughter would never be happy.

This time...

She wouldn't disappoint him again.

"I'm fine," Zoe answered honestly.

"Actually... I've made a decision."

"I want to honor the engagement you arranged."

Charles looked genuinely surprised.

"You mean Lucian Lyttelton?"

"Yes."

"Are you certain?"

"Very certain."

He studied her quietly.

"This isn't because Connor chose Vicky?"

Zoe smiled calmly.

"No."

"It's because I finally realized someone who doesn't love me will never become my home."

"I'm simply choosing a different future."

Charles let out a long sigh of relief.

"Your mother would've been proud of you."

"Lucian is a good man."

"His grandfather and I were close friends for decades."

"The Lyttelton family values loyalty above everything else."

"I believe you'll be safe with them."

Safe.

Such an ordinary word.

Yet it sounded far more comforting than hearing someone promise love.

After leaving her father's room, Zoe found Vicky waiting downstairs.

"Sister!"

Vicky hurried over with a bright smile.

"Connor wants us to have lunch together."

"He's already reserved a table at the Royal Garden Restaurant."

Zoe calmly shook her head.

"You two enjoy yourselves."

"I'm busy today."

Vicky blinked.

"Busy?"

"Doing what?"

"Preparing to leave Southport."

Those words instantly wiped the smile off Vicky's face.

"Leave?"

"Where are you going?"

"Khelmark City."

"Why?"

"Because that's where my fiancé lives."

Vicky stared at her in disbelief.

"Fiancé?"

"Since when?"

"Since years ago."

"Father arranged the engagement before his accident."

"I simply decided to accept it."

For several seconds, Vicky couldn't say a word.

She had spent years competing with Zoe.

Everything Zoe wanted eventually became something Vicky wanted too.

But now...

Zoe was willingly walking away.

It felt strangely unsettling.

Just then, Connor entered the Herbert residence.

He was carrying an expensive bouquet of white roses.

The moment he saw Zoe standing beside the staircase, his footsteps paused.

"Zoe," he greeted.

"I'm glad you're here."

"There's something I wanted to discuss."

"Go ahead," she replied politely.

Connor looked slightly uncomfortable.

"About yesterday..."

"I know my words were a little harsh."

"But I hope you understand."

"I only wanted to avoid misunderstandings between us."

"You don't owe me an explanation," Zoe answered.

"I've already accepted everything."

Connor frowned.

"Accepted?"

"Yes."

"You and Vicky love each other."

"I sincerely wish you both happiness."

"As for me..."

"I'll be getting married soon as well."

The room suddenly fell silent.

"Married?" Connor repeated.

"To whom?"

"Lucian Lyttelton."

The name clearly surprised him.

"The Lyttelton family?"

"You're serious?"

"Very."

"I'll be leaving Southport next week."

Connor stared at her as though hearing a foreign language.

For years, Zoe had followed him everywhere.

She remembered every birthday.

Every anniversary.

Every business achievement.

She never once talked about another man.

Yet today...

She casually announced she was marrying someone else.

"You're only saying this because you're upset," Connor said after a moment.

"Take some time to calm down."

"Don't make life-changing decisions out of impulse."

Zoe almost laughed.

If anyone was impulsive...

It had been the old Zoe.

The girl who threw away her future chasing someone who never intended to catch her.

"This isn't impulse," she replied calmly.

"It's probably the most rational decision I've ever made."

Connor felt strangely irritated.

"Do you even know Lucian?"

"Hardly."

"Then why would you marry him?"

"Because marriage isn't only about love."

"It's also about respect."

"Something I've finally learned to value."

Connor opened his mouth to argue.

But no words came.

Before he could continue, Vicky gently linked her arm around his.

"Connor," she said softly.

"Maybe Zoe just needs some space."

"Let's not pressure her."

Connor reluctantly nodded.

"Fine."

"But if you ever need help..."

"You can still come to me."

Zoe smiled politely.

"Thank you."

"I don't think that'll be necessary."

Those simple words somehow made Connor feel unexpectedly uncomfortable.

He couldn't explain why.

Watching Zoe walk upstairs without looking back left an unfamiliar emptiness in his chest.

That evening, Zoe continued packing.

Old photographs.

Letters she had once treasured.

Birthday gifts from Connor.

She carefully placed everything inside a cardboard box.

Then carried it into the backyard.

One by one...

The memories disappeared into the flames.

She watched silently until nothing remained except ashes.

Just then, her phone vibrated.

A new message appeared.

It was from Lucian.

[My assistant has arrived in Southport.]

[Your engagement gift should reach you within the hour.]

[I hope it brings you a little happiness.]

Before Zoe could reply, the front gate bell rang.

A black luxury sedan stopped outside the Herbert residence.

Several professionally dressed bodyguards stepped out.

One of them respectfully carried an elegant velvet box toward the entrance.

Zoe had no idea...

That opening this gift would mark the true beginning of her new life.