Chapter 1
Kate Sutton’s daughter was dead, killed by her husband, Chris Cohen, and her so-called elder sister, Kyla Sutton.
Rowena, the little girl, was only seven months old and just barely learning to sit up on her own. She was a sweet little cherub, with two dimples on her smiley face, looking like a real-life doll.
Unfortunately, she just fell and died while Chris and Kyla were supposed to be watching her. They said it was a tragic accident and admitted they weren’t paying enough attention.
Kyla taunted Kate provocatively, “Kate, Chris is mine. He’s the father of my son. As for your daughter, she’s just a little bastard.
“Do you know how your parents died? It was me. They always claimed that I was also their daughter and treated me the same, but when it came to the family fortune, they were only ever going to leave it to you, their biological daughter.
“Go to hell and reunite with your bastard, Kate!”
Kyla’s words hammered in Kate’s ears. The sound of poor Rowena hitting the ground and crying out ripped through her heart. As Rowena’s cries faded, panic took over, and Kate begged them to rush her to the hospital. She swore she’d give up everything—Chris, Sutton Group, all of it—if it meant her daughter could live.
However, they turned a blind eye to everything. By the time she managed to get Rowena to the hospital herself, it was too late. The one thing that really mattered to Kate was gone, and now she felt like she had nothing left.
Kate carried Rowena’s tiny body as she walked out of the hospital, one slow step at a time. It was drizzling outside, and the winter chill seemed to bite even harder with the rain.
Kate’s face was a blank slate, her eyes hollow, but tears continued to spill down her cheeks, drop by drop.
The rain soaked through her hair and clothes, but she felt nothing but the weight of her own regret.
She was the Sutton family’s biological daughter, but somehow got mixed up and swapped at birth. It was just four years ago Kate finally reunited with her family at the age of 25.
Kyla – she was the one who’d been raised under the Sutton roof for over two decades and had gotten real tight with the whole family. The Suttons just couldn’t bring themselves to cut ties with Kyla. So in the end, they decided to keep both girls as part of the household.
When Kate returned to the Sutton family, she was already twenty-five. Her biological parents felt guilty toward her and, after she got accustomed to the high society circle, wanted to arrange a good marriage for her.
At that time, there was a whole passel of wealthy families in Sherpsel trying to get in good with the Suttons. Even the big shots of the bunch, the Davidson family, came calling to propose a marriage alliance. They had their eye on Kate, the Suttons’ one-and-only true daughter.
However, Davidson’s eldest boy, Alfred, he’d been in some big car accident that left him all busted up and crippled. And the guy, therefore, turned from just plain cold and high-and-mighty into downright unapproachable.
All the young ladies who used to be lined up to marry him? They were high-tailing it the other way, like he was the devil himself.
Perhaps worrying about offending the Davidsons, Kate’s parents told Kate she could make the call herself. Fool that she was, Kate fell head over heels for Chris, and flat-out refused to marry Alfred.
Blind and foolish in love, she fell for Chris and refused to marry Alfred. Although her parents didn’t expect her to agree to the marriage alliance with the Davidson family, they didn’t want her to marry into the Cohen family either. It was she who insisted on marrying Chris, and her parents, unable to dissuade her, had to agree.
Her parents didn’t expect her to go for the Davidson marriage alliance, but they sure didn’t want her marrying into the Cohen family either. However, Kate was dead set on Chris, and her parents couldn’t talk her out of it, so they just had to go along with it.
When it comes to marriage, one wrong step can send the whole thing straight to hell.
After Kate married Chris just like she wanted, she soon learned the ugly truth – Chris and Kyla were the ones who really had a thing for each other. But during all the marriage negotiations between the two families, neither Chris nor Kyla had the gumption to speak up and come clean.
It turned out that the two of them had cooked up a real nasty little trick, just waiting for poor Kate to come falling right into it. And Kate was just too simple-minded to see through their little conspiracy.
Then, after that accident that took her parents, and with the birth of Rowena, Chris started getting more and more cold and indifferent toward Kate.
He had the gall to go bringing Kyla right on home for their little trysts. Kate tried her best to defend her marriage, but she was just no match for Kyla. To make things worse, there was not a soul in the whole Cohen family stood by Kate’s side.
*****
With Rowena in her arms, Kate stumbled forward, eyes blank, while crossing the road in a daze.
“SCREECH—”
The screech of brakes filled the air.
With a loud band, Kate got slammed by that car, sent flying up and then coming down hard, blood spreading out all around her on the ground.
Kate felt nothing but pure pain, her whole body aching badly. She fought to crawl her way toward her little girl, but that impact from the car had been too much, sending the kid flying right out of her arms.
“Rowena…” she screamed out.
Kate clawed her way forward, inch by agonizing inch, trying to get to her little girl. She reached out her hand, but just couldn’t quite make it all the way to Rowena.
Then a pair of big feet in shiny black leather shoes came into view in her blurry, fading vision. The man bent down and scooped up Rowena’s small body, placing her right into Kate’s arms.
Kate held her daughter close, overflowing with joy, but the blood from her own wounds was staining poor Rowena’s little body.
Kate was just too hurt to hold on. Struggling to look up at the man, she only saw him sitting there in a wheelchair before the darkness closed in. Eve in that wheelchair, he still exuded a regal aura.
Kate recognized him – after Chris and Kyla ignored her pleas to get Rowena to the hospital, Kate had come running out holding her little girl, flagged down a car, and begged for help to get them to the hospital. This man in the wheelchair had been the one in that car. He’d let them in and told the driver to rush to the hospital.
Though it was still too late to save Rowena, Kate was deeply grateful to that man. Turned out he was the very same Alfred Davidson she was supposed to marry way back when.
When their eyes met, Kate gave him a smile. ‘If I get another chance, I’ll definitely choose to marry you, Alfred,’ she thought to herself.
*****
A deep, cold voice cut right through the fog in Kate’s mind. “When’s she gonna wake up?”
“Mr. Davidson, Dr. Oliver said she just lost a bit too much blood and passed out. Now that the bleeding’s stopped, she should be coming to real soon,” another man answered.
‘Just lost a bit too much blood? Shoot, I was sure I was a goner for sure… Rowena! Rowena!’ Kate suddenly snapped her eyes wide open.
The first thing she saw was not the plain white ceiling of that hospital room, but a pair of cold blue eyes staring right back at her. The man had a really handsome face, but his expression was stern as a preacher, and that sharp, icy glare of his made him seem downright unapproachable.
Kate recognized him right off the bat – he was Alfred, the only one who’d shown her even a lick of kindness when she had nothing left.
“Thank you, Mr. Davidson…” Kate said, gratitude plain as day in her voice.
‘In Sherpsel, everyone always called Alfred “Mr. Davidson,” and treated him with that kinda respectful tone. Even with his disability, he still held a mighty high position in the business world.
Alfred had this cold, hard look in his eyes as he stared on down at Kate. As he rolled his wheelchair along, he gave a frosty instruction to the bodyguard trailing behind him, “She’s awake now, take her back and tell Leland Sutton that I’m not gonna force his daughter to be my wife. Tell him to keep a real close eye on his daughter and make sure she doesn’t come pulling no more suicide stunts in front of me.”
‘Suicide? This whole scene’s starting to feel quite familiar…’ Kate thought to herself. ‘Right, when the Davidson family came to propose marriage, they were specifically asking for me, the Suttons’ one and only real daughter.’
Back then, Kate figured marrying Alfred, who was all banged up, would be a huge burden to bear for the rest of her life. So she slipped over to the Davidson mansion, found Alfred, and put on a real dramatic show by threatening to off herself just to prove she’d rather die than marry him.
Chapter 2
Kate finally realized something was off when she felt pain only in her left wrist and noticed she wasn’t in a hospital.
Two bodyguards approached the bed, their faces
unreadable. “Miss Sutton, get up and follow us,” one of them ordered.
Kate was confused. ‘What the hell is going on? Did I somehow time travel after dying?’ she wondered.
“Can I get a mirror?” She was excited by the possibility but needed confirmation.
Alfred, who had wheeled himself to the door, paused and turned his head, giving Kate a look full of sarcasm. The bodyguards stood by, waiting for Alfred’s response.
After a moment, Alfred pressed his lips together and said coldly, “Give her a phone.”
A phone with a selfie camera would do the job. One of the bodyguards immediately handed his phone to Kate, camera ready.
Kate snatched the phone and saw that she no longer looked haggard or desperate. Her face was a bit pale, probably from the blood loss after cutting her wrist, but overall, she looked much better than before she died.
The reflection staring back at her was from when she was twenty-six. ‘I’ve gone back three years!’ she thought, her heart pounding.
Now, her parents were still alive, she hadn’t married Chris, and all the tragedies hadn’t happened yet. -she had a chance to start over.
She glanced sideways and saw the bodyguard holding the door open for Alfred, who was about to leave.
Quickly, she jumped out of bed, returned the phone, and called out, “Mr. Davidson, please wait!” She rushed to block his path.
Alfred looked at her coldly, and she felt a shiver run down her spine, but she held her ground. “Mr. Davidson…” she called again.
“Spit it out,” he commanded, his voice low, cold, and sharp.
Kate clasped her hands, a nervous habit. “Mr. Davidson-“
“Get her out of here!” Alfred snapped, cutting her off before she could say anything more.
“I’ll marry you, Mr. Davidson. I want to marry you,” Kate blurted out, desperation clear in her voice.
Moved by Alfred’s kindness during her most desperate moment, she was ready to marry him. Despite his temper, his lack of patience, his disability, and his coldness, she was willing to spend her life with him.
The room fell into stunned silence.
Alfred sneered at her. “Miss Sutton, did you mess up your brain instead of your wrist when you tried to off yourself?” Kate flushed bright red. “I… I mean it. I’ve made up my mind. I want to marry you and take care of you for the rest of our lives.”
This time, she was determined to stick with him.
Alfred scoffed. “What? You don’t mind that my legs are shot? You’re not worried I’ll drag you down? You’re not concerned that my injuries might leave me impotent? Didn’t you say the Davidson family was forcing this marriage on you?”
“I don’t care about any of that,” Kate replied.
Before her time travel, Chris had used her pregnancy as an excuse to avoid sleeping with her. It wasn’t until Kyla showed up with a boy about the same age as Kate’s daughter that she realized Chris hadn’t been considerate- he just didn’t want her.
At the hotel, it was her first time. When she woke up from her drunken haze, the first person she saw was Chris. Later, he brought up wanting to marry her soon. Naturally, she assumed he was the one who had been with her in bed that night.
But it turned out that the man she spent the night with wasn’t Chris. And until the day she died, she never found out who her daughter’s father was.
“Kate, who do you think I am? I am not your servant.” Alfred’s gaze was icy. “It wasn’t even my idea to propose to your family. I never had any interest in you.”
Kate went pale.
“Get out of here, now,” Alfred barked.
Kate bit her lower lip, her beautiful eyes fixed on him. Suddenly, she lunged at Alfred, throwing her arms around him. Not only did she embrace him, but she also swiftly ripped open his shirt, revealing his muscular chest. She buried her face in his shoulder and bit down hard.
Alfred gasped in pain. He couldn’t believe she had just bitten him.
Once Alfred regained his composure, he forcefully shoved Kate away, making her stumble and fall to the floor. The bodyguards, who had finally snapped out of their shock, didn’t dare make a sound, but their expressions were a mix of disbelief and awe. ‘No one has ever dared treat Mr. Davidson like this. Where does she find the nerve?’ they thought.
“Alfred, now that I’ve left my mark on you, I have to take responsibility,” Kate said with a mischievous grin as she stood up. “So, what’s it gonna be? You marry me, or I marry you.”
The bodyguards exchanged looks, barely containing their surprise. They all silently thought, ‘Miss Sutton has some serious guts.’
Alfred’s expression turned icy.
Kate walked back over to him, leaned down, and reached out to straighten his clothes.
He swatted her hands away before they even made contact, locking his gaze on her for a long, tense moment. Finally, he asked, his voice cold, “You seriously want to marry me?”
Kate nodded without hesitation. “I do.”
Alfred sneered, “No regrets?”
“None,” Kate replied, her voice steady.
“Do you have your passport on you?” Alfred asked.
Kate answered immediately, “It’s in my wallet, which is in my car.”
“I’m giving you one last chance to walk away. Leave now, and I won’t hold you accountable for that little suicide stunt you pulled to get out of this marriage. We’ll pretend like none of this ever happened,” Alfred said, his tone icy.
After all, given his disability, foul temper, and those rumors about his injury making him impotent, he couldn’t blame her if she decided she didn’t want to marry him after all. But Kate didn’t waver. “I’m not backing out. I’ll marry you. Alfred pressed his lips together, then said, “Fine. Wait for me downstairs.”
Kate didn’t move.
Alfred glared at her. “Didn’t you say you wanted to marry me? Well, once I’ve changed, we’re going to city hall to get this over with.”
He’d given her an out, but she hadn’t taken it. If she was so hell-bent on marrying him, then he’d go through with it. He was curious to see just how long she would stick around. Kate hesitated for a moment. “We’re doing this now?”
“What, getting cold feet?” Alfred asked a touch of sarcasm in his voice.
Kate immediately straightened up. “Of course not!”
But then she faltered slightly, “Mr. Davidson, I only brought my passport. Uh… do we need anything else to get married?”
“With me, no other documents are necessary to get that marriage license,” Alfred said flatly.
Kate thought to herself, ‘Damn, he’s a boss!’ Without another word, she headed downstairs to wait for him.
*****
When they walked out of city hall, Kate clutched the marriage certificate in her hand, feeling like she was in a dream.
‘I actually got married to Alfred. We even have the marriage license to prove it, she thought, pinching her thigh with her free hand. The sharp pain confirmed it wasn’t a dream.
This time, I finally made the right choice.’
Kate couldn’t help but smile to herself. ‘Good to be alive, isn’t it?’
Chapter 3
Alfred sat in his wheelchair, quietly watching Kate as she walked ahead. He couldn’t shake the thought-they were legally married now.
Kate sauntered along, chuckling to herself like she’d just pulled off some grand scheme.
“Kate,” Alfred called out in a low voice.
She stopped and spun around quickly, flashing him a sweet smile. “What’s up, babe?”
Alfred scowled. “Don’t call me that.”
“Alfred,” she corrected herself immediately.
“Come here,” he ordered.
“Sure thing,” she replied, turning back and standing in front of him, waiting for his next command.
“Turn around and squat down,” Alfred said, his request vague. But Kate, without hesitation, followed his instructions, squatting down in front of him with her back to him.
“Alfred, do you want me to carry you?” Kate offered, half-joking. “Hop on. I’m pretty strong, I can probably-“
Before she could finish, a sharp pain shot through the back of her neck. Darkness quickly swallowed her whole.
Alfred stared down at his newlywed wife lying unconscious on the ground, his striking face void of any emotion. In a cold voice, he commanded, “Take her back to the Sutton family. Let her sober up, heal, and then make sure she handles her responsibilities.”
He rolled his wheelchair forward, pausing only to pick up their fallen marriage certificate. He slipped it into his pocket before continuing on.
The bodyguards exchanged uneasy glances, baffled by his orders, but none dared question him. One of them silently lifted the unconscious Kate into the car, ready to deliver her back to the Sutton family.
When Kate woke up, her neck throbbed with sharp pain, and she was starving.
“Kate.” A warm but anxious voice broke through the fog.
Kate blinked her mind clearing, and turned to see her mother, Celia Sutton, whose face was still flawless despite everything.
“How are you feeling, Kate? Dizzy? Hungry? Does your wrist hurt? You scared the hell out of me! I just got you back, and I haven’t even had the chance to make things right. If something had happened to you… God, I don’t even want to think about it.” Celia gripped Kate’s hand tightly, her eyes red with emotion.
The Davidson family’s bodyguards had brought Kate back unconscious, explaining that she’d gone to Alfred’s place and, in an act of desperation, had tried to reject the marriage by slashing her wrists.
Celia had been frantic when she heard, rushing to check for signs of life, only calming down when she found Kate still breathing.
The bodyguards didn’t say much after that mentioned something about taking responsibility after she recovered, and then they left.
Kate, still dazed, asked, “Mom, am I… still alive?”
Celia wiped her tears, gently patting Kate’s shoulder. Then she took Kate’s bandaged hand tenderly in her own. “You silly girl. If you didn’t want to marry into the Davidson family, you could’ve just told us! We’d figure something out, even if it meant pissing off the Davidsons. Look at what you’ve done… Thank God you were saved in time.”
Kate blinked, trying to piece everything together. Her neck still hurt. Slowly, the memory came back-Alfred had knocked her out cold.
She thought, ‘Of course. Who else would knock out their new bride? Alfred is one of a kind.’
“Mom,” Kate called out, her voice raspy.
For now, she pushed thoughts of Alfred aside. What really mattered was that she was alive and back with her family.
Kate felt a wave of joy at the thought of her second chance. Sitting up, she hugged her mother tight, grinning ear to ear. “I missed you so damn much, Mom.”
Before her time travel, after her parents found her, she’d only had three years with them. Just a little over a year into her marriage, they died in a car accident. Altogether, she had only spent four short years with her birth parents.
It wasn’t much time, but their love had been intense and real. Even Kyla had been jealous at times, admitting that the twenty-five years she had with their parents didn’t match the love Kate received in just one.
“Kate…” Celia hesitated, not used to such close gestures from Kate.
After all, even though they were mother and daughter, Kate had spent twenty-five years being raised by another family. And Celia had practically raised Kyla since birth.
But Celia embraced Kate’s affection, no matter how sudden it was. Their relationship had always been a bit awkward, unlike the natural bond Celia shared with Kyla. Kate had come back into her life at twenty-five, and neither of them really knew how to bridge that gap.
“Let me hug you a bit longer, Mom. I was scared I wouldn’t see you again when I woke up,” Kate whispered.
“I’m always here for you, sweetie. You can see me whenever you want,” Celia said softly. After a pause, she gently pushed Kate away, her fingers tenderly brushing a stray lock of hair from Kate’s face.
‘Kate looks like both me and Leland. How did I never realize before that Kyla doesn’t resemble either of us?’ Celia thought. “Kate, promise me, don’t do anything reckless again.”
Kate replied, “Mom, I’m sorry I made you worry. I swear, I won’t do anything stupid from now on.
Having a second chance at life, Kate knew that repeating past mistakes would be downright idiotic. All she wanted now was to live freely, shine brighter than anyone else, protect the Sutton family business, and repay both her birth parents for bringing her into the world and her adoptive parents for raising her.
Previously, Kate’s bond with her adoptive parents didn’t break even after she rejoined the Sutton family. They remained close.
Kyla, who had grown up with the Suttons and knew who her biological parents were, refused to go back to them.
Her biological parents didn’t dare push Kyla to return, thinking that the Suttons had done a great job raising her. To repay the Sutton family for their kindness, they loved
Kate even more.
“About the Davidson family’s marriage proposal…” Celia started, but Kate cut her off, “Mom, I’ve already agreed to marry Alfred.”
But she didn’t tell Celia she had already registered the marriage.
Celia froze for a moment, then instinctively reached out to feel Kate’s forehead, checking for a fever. “Did Mr. Davidson pressure you into this? You know I understand you like Chris. Even though I don’t approve of you marrying him, you don’t have to marry Alfred just because he strong-armed you.”
Clenching her jaw, Celia continued, “Even if the Davidson family forces us into bankruptcy, I’m not gonna let you marry into that family just to end up living like a widow.” Celia had been against the Davidson marriage from the start. It was Leland who feared crossing them, and Kyla who had suggested letting Kate decide. And right before, Celia had almost lost Kate she had longed for all these years.
Kate tried to explain, “Mom, about Mr. Davidson-“
A knock on the door interrupted her.
“Mom, is Kate awake? I made her some food. She should eat something when she wakes up.” It was Kyla’s voice.
Hearing her, Kate’s expression darkened, her eyes burning with hatred. She thought grimly, ‘My sweet sister… It’s good to see you again. You’re the reason my daughter and my parents died…’
Chapter 4
“Kate, your sister made you something to eat. Please, listen to me, don’t starve yourself over Chris. You’ve already lost a lot of blood. If you keep this up, it could kill you,” Celia said gently, brushing her fingers over Kate’s pale face.
Kate swallowed her anger. She believed Kyla was playing the innocent card well, and she didn’t have enough evidence yet. Tearing her mask off now wouldn’t work.
‘That’s okay. As long as I’m alive, I’ll make sure Kyla loses everything, Kate vowed silently.
But her Celia’s words struck a chord of guilt within her. Before her time travel, Kate had gone on a hunger strike to pressure Celia and Leland into agreeing to her marriage with Chris.
After just one day, she believed it was the Davidson
marriage alliance holding them back, so she snuck away to the Davidson family and refused the marriage in the most dramatic way possible.
She had calculated that the Davidsons wouldn’t dare let her die. And she was right. They backed down, and after slashing her wrists and starving herself for days, she forced her parents to give in and allow her to marry Chris. “Kyla, come in,” Celia called.
Kyla entered, looking worlds apart from Kate. Kate had inherited the best traits from their parents, her natural beauty shining even through a harsh upbringing.
Her adoptive parents had nurtured her talents and interests, sending her to music, chess, poetry, and painting classes. Despite the challenges of her life, her elegance couldn’t be hidden.
“Kate, I made some of your favorite dishes. You should eat them while they’re still warm,” Kyla said with a sweet smile. Growing up in the Sutton family, Kyla received an entirely different upbringing from Kate’s. She had the poise of someone from a wealthy background and the sharpness of a professional, seemingly gentle but with a hidden agenda. Kate had fallen for her act in her previously.
Kate glanced at the food Kyla had brought and clung to Celia’s arm, speaking in a cute, almost childlike manner. ” Mom, I want to eat your cooking, not Kyla’s.”
Kyla’s eyes flickered, but she kept her polite smile, unfazed by Kate’s rejection.
The two were actually born on the same day, with Kyla being just half a day older than Kate.
Celia looked at Kyla, who smiled just in time. “Mom, if Kate prefers your cooking, then make it for her. As long as she eats, that’s all that matters,” Kyla said.
Seeing that Kyla wasn’t upset, Celia gently tapped Kate on the forehead, her tone doting. “Kyla dropped everything to rush back and cook for you, but you’re still being picky. I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Mom, I just want to eat your food; it has your love in it,” Kate said, continuing to act sweet.
“Alright, alright, I’ll cook for you.” Celia relented, immediately heading downstairs to start cooking.
Kate didn’t want to stay near Kyla, worried she might not be able to control her anger and end up strangling Kyla right there- which, honestly, would be too easy for Kyla.
In fact, she wanted Kyla to experience the same misery she had endured previously, to expose her for the scheme she truly was, and to let everyone see her for what she really was.
‘Kyla, you homewrecking bitch, Kate cursed in her mind.
As Kate was about to head downstairs, Kyla called out to her.
Kate didn’t stop, didn’t even turn her head. She just said calmly, “I’m hungry, going to grab some snacks.”
Kyla didn’t push it, watching Kate leave the room and head downstairs. She then looked back at the food she’d brought up, her expression darkening as she pressed her lips together.
In the past, Kate loved those dishes, a habit she’d picked up at her adoptive parents’ home. But now, she refused them.
Kyla sensed something had changed about Kate; not only did she no longer want those foods, but she also started acting all cute and close to Celia.
After a moment, Kyla took the food downstairs. Halfway down, she overheard Kate and Celia talking. Kate’s voice was sweet and playful, making Celia laugh again and again. Entering the kitchen with the food, Kyla saw Kate feeding Celia some cookies.
Celia wasn’t fond of sweets, but the way she happily ate the cookies Kate was feeding her, one thinks they were the best thing she’d ever tasted.
“Kate, Mom doesn’t like sweets.” Kyla couldn’t help but lecture, “You’ve been back for over a year now, and you still don’t know that?”
Kate immediately put on a flustered look, blinking her big eyes at Celia, and asked pitifully, “Mom, you really don’t like sweets?”
Seeing Kate looking so wronged, Celia quickly reassured her, “Mom actually loves sweets. I just used to avoid them to keep my figure, but now that I’m older, who cares if I gain a little weight?”
She then looked at Kate with a smile, her tone indulgent. These cookies are delicious. Come on, feed me another one.”
Kate beamed and quickly offered her another cookie. Celia ate it contentedly, nodding. “Mmm, they’re great.” Seeing how pleased Celia was, Kate suddenly blurted out, Mom, once my hand heals, I’ll make some pastries for you.”
Celia laughed at her words, “Then I’ll be eagerly waiting for those pastries.”
Watching the mother-daughter interaction, Kyla kept a smile on her face, but jealousy flickered in her eyes.
She glanced at Kate’s bandaged wrist and said, with a hint of concern, “Kate, don’t ever do something so stupid again. It hurts you, but it hurts us too. You have no idea how scared Mom was when the Davidson family brought you back.”
Kate looked down at her injured wrist, then met Kyla’s gaze, replying firmly, “I won’t do anything stupid again.”
They locked eyes, and that nagging feeling that Kate had changed resurfaced in Kyla’s mind. She told herself, ‘This has to be my imagination.’
Kyla reached out to smooth Kate’s long, flowing hair,
blonde and soft like silk. “As long as you don’t do anything reckless, we can all breathe easy. Mr. Davidson is ruthless; you refuse to marry him… But don’t worry, I won’t let him bother you.”
Celia was very pleased with Kyla’s behavior. Ever since she reunited with Kate, her biggest fear had been that Kyla and Kate wouldn’t get along.
And now her fears seemed unfounded. She thought Kyla was a good sister who genuinely wanted to protect Kate. Just as Celia was about to say something, Kate suddenly asked, “Are you planning to apologize to Mr. Davidson for me? Or are you thinking of marrying him instead?”
Kyla’s hand, which had been gently stroking Kate’s hair, froze mid-motion.
Chapter 5
Kate could clearly remember that the one person Kyla feared most was Alfred.
Kyla quickly regained her composure, her voice taking on a lecturing tone. “Kate, you need to own up to what you did. You pissed off Mr. Davidson, so obviously, you should apologize and show you’re serious. The Davidson family specifically asked for you in marriage. Even if I wanted to marry him for you, I wouldn’t get the chance.”
Kate scoffed and turned to walk away.
Seeing this, Kyla felt a bit speechless. She hurriedly glanced at Celia and explained, “Mom, it’s not that I don’t want to help Kate apologize to Mr. Davidson. But you know what he’s like. It was Kate’s fault, and me apologizing isn’t gonna change anything.”
“What fault? The Davidson family is just throwing their weight around! Mr. Davidson is crippled, and he still wants to marry Kate? Does he think just because Kate grew up poor, he can push her around?” Celia was fiercely protective of Kate, refusing to let anyone blame her. “I need to make dinner for Kate. Kyla, go on, and don’t bother me while I’m cooking.”
Kyla had just claimed she wouldn’t let Alfred mess with Kate, but when it came to apologizing for her, she refused and even had the nerve to lecture her. This didn’t sit well with Celia.
‘Celia suddenly realized that Kyla wasn’t as caring towards Kate as she had previously thought.
In her mind, Kate had grown up in tough conditions and had only been back for about a year. She was still finding her footing in high society. In contrast, Kyla had lived in this world her entire life and had an edge over Kate in every way. However, Kyla couldn’t even do something as small as apologize to Alfred for Kate.
Noticing Celia’s displeasure, Kyla didn’t dare to say more and quietly left the kitchen. Outside, she saw Kate standing there with a pair of scissors in her hand, snipping away at a few delicate flowers she had been tending to.
Those flowers were a gift from Chris, and Kyla’d spent a lot of time nurturing them, placing them inside for her parents to admire. ‘And now she is chopping them up with scissors? Is she trying to kill them faster?’ Kyla thought in shock.
“Kate, what the hell are you doing?” Kyla yelled.
“I’m just pruning them,” Kate said with a smile, turning her head. “Trimming them helps them grow better.” As she spoke, she snipped off another branch.
“Kate!” Kyla rushed over, snatching the scissors out of her hand and looking at the flowers, now butchered beyond recognition. She was livid and tempted to snip at Kate instead.
“What’s going on?” Celia came out of the kitchen, hearing the commotion.
Kate’s eyes welled up with tears. “Mom, I saw these flowers were getting too overgrown, so I thought I’d help trim them. They grow better after being pruned, but Kyla’s blaming me.”
“Do you have any idea how much time I spent caring for these flowers? They’re blooming right now, so I brought them in from the greenhouse for Mom and Dad to enjoy. And now look what you’ve done,” Kyla said angrily.
“Mom, I… I just wanted to help. I didn’t think I’d make it worse,” Kate stammered, looking heartbroken and lost, her eyes brimming with tears.
Celia quickly reassured her. “It’s okay. As long as the flowers aren’t dead, they’ll grow back.” Then she turned to Kyla. “Kate meant well. She doesn’t know as much about flowers as you do. She thought trimming them would help, so don’t be mad at her.”
Celia handed Kate a tissue, cooing, “It’s alright. Kyla’s not mad at you. Stop crying now; you’re still recovering. I’ve made plenty of nutritious food for you. Make sure you eat well later.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Kate wiped at her eyes, though the tissue remained dry. She had forced a few tears, just enough to play the victim and make Celia take her side.
‘I need to open Mom and Dad’s eyes to Kyla’s true colors-
can’t let history repeat itself, she vowed silently.
No one knew Chris had given Kyla those flowers, except Kate. Before the time travel, when Kyla stood gloating in front of her, she had revealed everything.
“Mom!” Kyla blurted out, unable to hold back. “I worked hard to care for those flowers!”
Celia snapped, annoyed, “Do you really think your sister’s feelings are less important than a few pots of flowers? We’ve already said Kate was just trying to help. She didn’t grow up with me, and didn’t get the same education or
understanding as you. The flowers aren’t dead! So why are you making such a fuss? Kate just woke up, she’s still weak, and she trimmed your flowers on an empty stomach.”
Seeing the irritation on Celia’s face, Kyla bit back the rest of her complaints.
“How about I go to the flower market tomorrow and replace them?” Kate offered, looking every bit the guilty party trying to make things right. It made Kyla grit her teeth.
‘Like store-bought flowers can compare to the ones Chris gave me?’ Kyla was boiling inside, but she kept her expression calm.
“Forget it. Just ask next time before you touch anything. Try not to cause more trouble,” Kyla said. She knew arguing over flowers would get her nowhere. Plus, she couldn’t let Celia think she was bullying Kate. After all, she wasn’t Celia’s biological daughter and her place as the Suttons’ eldest heir had been maintained by twenty-five years of effort.
“Alright, that’s enough. Kate, don’t worry about it. If you like trimming flowers, I’ll have someone bring a whole truckload for you to play with tomorrow,” Celia said with a smile.
Kate beamed sweetly. “Thanks, Mom. You’re always so good to me. I love you.”
Celia’s heart melted at her words and smile. “Silly girl, of course, I’m good to you. You’re my daughter, who else would I spoil?” Then she gasped. “Oh, my cooking!” And she rushed back to the kitchen.
Just then, Leland walked in, catching sight of his wife darting toward the stove. He took off his coat and asked, ” What’s going on?”
“Dad, you’re home,” Kyla said, putting down her scissors, but Kate got to him first.
“Here, let me take your coat, Dad.” Kate took it from his hands, smiling warmly as she explained, “Mom got caught up talking with us and forgot about her cooking.”
Leland was taken aback. Ever since Kate came back over a year ago, she had kept her distance. Aside from calling him “Dad,” she hadn’t been this warm. But now, she was smiling, helping with his coat. He thought it was a pleasant change.
His eyes landed on Kate’s bandaged wrist, and he grabbed her hand, concern etched on his face. “What happened to your wrist?”
Before Kate could answer, Kyla jumped in, “Dad, Kate went to the Davidson house and slit her wrists in front of Mr. Davidson to get out of the engagement.”
Leland’s expression darkened as he immediately dropped Kate’s hand. “If you didn’t want to marry him, you should’ve just refused. But slitting your wrists in front of Mr. Davidson? What were you thinking? Do you realize how that reflects on us?”
Chapter 6
Leland shouted, “Have you apologized to Mr. Davidson yet? Did he forgive you? If not, you need to go to the Davidsons right now, beg for his forgiveness, and promise it’ll never happen again.”
He was thinking about how Kate had offended Alfred- something that could spell disaster for Sutton Group. He thought she had to apologize and get Alfred back on her side to protect the family business and everyone in it.
Kyla, who knew Celia would always take Kate’s side while Leland cared more about the company’s future, quickly chimed in, “Dad, Kate just woke up. She probably hasn’t had the chance to apologize yet.”
Sensing Kyla’s eagerness to see the drama unfold, Kate put on a remorseful look. “Dad, you’re right. I need to apologize. Kyla, will you come with me to the Davidsons?”
Kyla was about to refuse when Leland interjected, “Kyla, take Kate to apologize to Mr. Davidson now. You’ve always been sensible. Try to say a few good things about her while you’re there. We can’t afford to turn potential in-laws into enemies.”
“Fine, I’ll take her,” Kyla agreed, reluctantly.
Hearing the noise in the hall, Celia stepped out of the kitchen again and saw her daughters leaving one after another. Casually, she asked her husband, “Where are they off to?”
“To the Davidson family to apologize to Mr. Davidson,” Leland replied.
“Apologize?” Celia was puzzled.
Leland, his expression stern, explained, “Kate went to see Mr. Davidson and tried to kill herself to get out of the marriage. Do you know who Mr. Davidson is? What she did was like slapping him in the face, embarrassing and insulting him. She has to apologize.”
“But-“
Celia began to defend Kate, but Leland cut her off. “Don’t shield her. Our family isn’t just about her. You have to think about the others, too.”
Celia felt frustrated.
Meanwhile, Kyla was driving Kate to the Davidson estate, advising her repeatedly, “When we get there, you need to apologize to Alfred properly. You’ve got to make him forgive you, or we’re not coming home until he does.”
Kate, sitting in the passenger seat, remained quiet, deep in thought.
She recalled that before her time travel, after her suicide attempt, she had been sent back home by the Davidson family’s bodyguards. She locked herself in her room, continued her hunger strike, and forced her parents to agree to her marrying Chris. She never apologized to Alfred. Given Alfred’s character, offending him would have brought trouble to both her and the Sutton family. But until the end of her previous life, Alfred had never sought revenge on her or her family.
She remembered a moment from that past. When she was rushing out of the house with her daughter to flag down a taxi, she had accidentally stopped Alfred’s limo.
He rolled down the window, recognized her, and told his driver to let her in. They sped to the hospital, but her daughter’s injuries were too severe, and she passed away. ‘Was Alfred really that forgiving? Or was there something else at play?’ Kate wondered, her past life filled with unanswered questions.
“Kate, did you hear me?”Kyla’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Her throat was dry from talking so much, and she was getting irritated by Kate’s silence.
“Yeah,” Kate muttered in response.
“Don’t worry too much; Mr. Davidson will probably forgive you. It’s not entirely your fault, after all. Look at him after his accident, he still wanted to marry you. He was probably just using your situation to his advantage. I mean, who can blame you for falling for Chris? If Mr. Davidson hadn’t had that accident, Chris wouldn’t even compare to him. You get that, right?
“When you’re done apologizing, I’ll talk to Mom and Dad about letting you marry Chris. Once you’re married off, the Davidson family won’t give you any more trouble.”
Kyla’s feigned concern only made Kate want to rip off her fake mask. She calmly replied, “I don’t want to marry Chris.” “You don’t? Why?” Kyla sounded genuinely surprised.
“No reason.” Kate turned to look out the window, making it clear she didn’t want to continue the conversation. No matter what Kyla said, she kept her silence.
They arrived at the Davidson estate, and Kate still hadn’t said another word, which only deepened Kyla’s suspicions.
Alfred was sitting in a courtyard pavilion, flipping through some papers. A table in front of him was set with steaming dishes, beautifully presented and smelling divine.
Kate, with her sharp sense of smell, immediately caught the scent as soon as she stepped out of the car, and it stirred her hunger. ‘I haven’t eaten in over 24 hours, she thought, remembering she’d only had a few cookies earlier. “Mr. Davidson.” A bodyguard entered the pavilion and respectfully said, “Ms. Sutton and her sister have come to apologize.”
Alfred acted as though he hadn’t heard anything. After a silent minute, he folded the papers and, his handsome face cold, ordered, “Go to the kitchen and bring me the spiciest chili you can find.”
Then he added, “Bring them in.”
Soon, Kate and Kyla were led to the entrance of the pavilion, where they stopped. The bodyguard went ahead to speak with Alfred.
Kate, meanwhile, was mentally cursing Alfred’s uptight rules, thinking he acted like some ancient emperor. At the same time, her eyes kept drifting to the food on the table.
‘I’m starving. What a terrible time for this. Maybe, since we just got our marriage license, he’ll invite me to join him?’ she thought.
“They’re here,” the bodyguard announced.
Alfred remained silent and didn’t even glance at Kate or Kyla.
Kate noticed Kyla standing beside her, hands at her sides, trembling slightly. She couldn’t help but smirk at the sight of Kyla-who had always seemed unshakable-quivering in fear of Alfred.
‘She must’ve done something to piss him off, Kate thought. Alfred, even in his wheelchair, still carried an air of authority that made him irresistibly attractive.
Kate wickedly wondered if Kyla had tried to seduce him and got thrown out of bed for it. The thought made her grin secretly.
“Are they really here to apologize?” Alfred finally spoke, his voice as deep and cold as ever.
The bodyguard replied, “Miss Kyla Sutton says they are.” Alfred turned his head and locked eyes with Kate, catching her mid-smirk. Her expression froze immediately.
His gaze was intense, piercing right through her, and under the weight of his stare, Kate felt awkward and flustered. Kyla, standing beside her, felt heat rise to her face. Just accompanying Kate to apologize had already been nerve-wracking enough, and Alfred’s delay in letting them into the pavilion made her even more anxious.
To make things worse, the troublemaker Kate had the nerve to smirk and got caught by Alfred.
If Alfred hadn’t been so focused on Kate, Kyla would’ve slapped her on the spot.
His eyes flicked down to the bandage on Kate’s wrist. It was clear she hadn’t even bothered to change her dressing since coming back home.
Alfred finally looked away and said coldly, “They didn’t
come to apologize sincerely. Send them back the way they came.”
Chapter 7
Kyla, panicked, stepped forward. “Mr. Davidson, we really did come here with the utmost sincerity to apologize. Kate was… poorly raised. She’s naive, impulsive, and, well, acted without thinking. Please forgive her.”
Alfred didn’t even spare her a glance. His lips curled in disdain as he replied icily, “Kyla, this is none of your business. If I didn’t ask you to speak, then keep quiet.”
Kyla’s face turned pale. She bit her lower lip hard and clenched her fists but didn’t dare say another word. After all, working at Sutton Group as part of senior management, she knew Alfred’s character far better than Kate did. He wasn’t a man to cross.
Alfred turned his attention back to Kate, who had somehow regained her composure. Instead of walking out, she walked further into the pavilion.
Both Kyla and the bodyguard were stunned.
“Kate!” Kyla hissed. “Come here, now!”
Ignoring her, Kate casually sat down across from Alfred. Inwardly, she admired the dishes laid out on the table- each one looked like a masterpiece. The Davidson family’s chef had truly outdone himself, the food rivaling that of the finest restaurants.
“Mr. Davidson, I’ve come to apologize sincerely,” Kate said, her eyes wandering over the dishes rather than focusing on Alfred.
She was far too hungry to care about anything else.’
Starving is pure hell. What was I even thinking in my past life, going without food for days just to marry Chris?’ she thought.
Alfred watched her closely, his eyes gleaming. He leaned in slightly and asked in a deep voice, “Hungry?”
Kate nodded eagerly, thinking, ‘Hell yes, I’m starving. Please, just feed me already!’
“Want to eat?” he asked again.
She nodded even more vigorously, finally lifting her gaze to meet his. His face was as handsome as ever, and she couldn’t help but swallow hard. ‘Honestly, even if he can’t have sex because of his injury, I could spend the rest of my life just staring at that face, she thought.
Her blatant staring made Alfred’s expression darken. ‘Is she more interested in the food on the table or… me?’ he wondered.
“Kate, get out!” Kyla’s panicked voice called again, clearly terrified that Alfred would lose his temper and drag her into it too.
Alfred’s eyes narrowed, his lips curling as he spoke with a chilling edge. “Throw Kyla out. She’s too damn noisy.”
Kyla froze, wide-eyed in disbelief. Before she could protest, two bodyguards grabbed her and started dragging her away.
“Mr. Davidson! Mr. Davidson! I… I…” Her voice trailed off as she was hauled outside, not even able to finish her sentence before being unceremoniously thrown out. Watching Kyla’s swift removal, Kate instinctively flinched. She recognized that Alfred was ruthless, cold as ice-he didn’t even blink when giving the order.
Considering what she had done to him, Kate figured she was lucky he hadn’t tossed her out like that too.
“Scared?” Alfred’s lips curved up in a sarcastic smile.
Kate immediately softened her tone. “Look… Mr. Davidson, I know I’ve hurt your pride with what I did, and I’m really, really sorry. I came to apologize before I even had a chance to eat. I just hope you can find it in you to forgive me this time.”
“Forgive you this time? So, you’re planning to screw up again?” Alfred’s tone turned sharp as he glanced at Kate’s bandaged wrist.
“No, no, no! Cutting my wrist was agonizing,” Kate quickly replied.
Alfred scoffed, muttering to himself, ‘Agonizing? If it hurt so much, why did you go and pull that stunt right in front of me? You are the only one bold enough to act like a damn fool in my presence.’
“I swear, I won’t do anything stupid like that again. I’ve realized how amazing life is, and I really want to live,” Kate said earnestly. After facing death and coming back from it, she cherished life more than ever.
At that moment, the bodyguard who had been sent to fetch the hottest chili came back, holding a plate piled high with chopped peppers. He walked into the pavilion and handed the plate to Alfred. “Mr. Davidson, here’s the chili you asked for.”
“Add it to these dishes,” Alfred ordered.
Watching this unfold, Kate grew anxious. ‘I don’t eat spicy food, babe.’ But she didn’t dare say it out loud, only watching helplessly as the bodyguard dumped a ridiculous amount of chili into the dishes, the spicy fumes making her sneeze uncontrollably.
“Bring another set of tableware for Mrs. Davidson to join me,” Alfred said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Kate’s mouth twitched. ‘Great. He’s definitely doing this on purpose. But… how does he know I can’t handle spicy food?’ she wondered.
She glanced at the papers folded on the table next to Alfred and thought to herself, ‘Is that my information? Did he have me investigated?’
“What were you grinning about just now?” Alfred suddenly asked.
‘Kate froze. She looked around nervously, too scared to answer, fearing that if she did, he’d force her to eat all that chili.
“Kate,” Alfred called out, his voice low and menacing. “If you keep dodging my gaze, you’ll pay for it.” His cold words sent a shiver down her spine as she stole a glance at him. His handsome face was clouded with anger, his eyes sharp and unyielding, his lips pressed into a thin line. He tapped the table lightly with his right hand, the gesture sending waves of tension through the air. His whole demeanor weighed on her like a ton of bricks.
“I saw Kyla acting terrified of you, and I figured she must’ve
tried to seduce you and got kicked out of bed…” Kate suddenly stopped, realizing she might’ve gone too far.
Alfred’s expression darkened with fury. Seeing her shrink back, he picked up a spoon and tapped it twice on her head.
“Ow!” Kate yelped, rubbing the sore spot, but she didn’t dare complain. She just gingerly touched the spot he’d hit, watching him warily.
“Do you remember what our relationship is now?” Alfred asked, his voice calm but dangerous.
Kate nodded quickly. “Yeah, I remember. We’re legally married. We’re a real couple.”
She started rummaging through her pockets, intending to show him their marriage certificate but came up empty-handed. ‘Where the hell is my marriage license? Did I lose it? Shit, she cursed internally.
“I can’t find our marriage license,” Kate said, her voice filled with anxiety. “I had it with me, and I haven’t changed clothes since I woke up. How the hell could it be missing? Can we get a replacement?”
Alfred stayed calm, but his words were cutting. “You managed to lose our marriage license? Why don’t you try losing yourself while you’re at it?”
“It wasn’t on purpose,” Kate mumbled. “Can we get a new one? Or maybe… could I borrow yours to make a copy?” The thought of not having the license made her uneasy.
Alfred tapped her twice more with the spoon, making Kate wince. She shot him a look, her eyes a mix of anger and frustration.
“Do you enjoy it when other women try to seduce your husband?” Alfred suddenly changed the subject, his tone cold.
‘Hmm, how the hell am I supposed to answer that?’ Kate thought. ‘If I care about you, then yeah, it pisses me off. But if I don’t, then who gives a damn? We might as well just get a divorce.’ She hesitated, delaying her response.
“Answer me!” Alfred’s voice grew darker, his authority pressing down on her. Being around him always felt like walking on eggshells. He was too unpredictable.
“Do I really have to say it?” Kate lowered her gaze, not at the floor but at Alfred’s lower body.
She wondered, ‘Ever since the car accident, there have been rumors that his injuries left him… not quite a man anymore. If a woman tried to seduce him, could he even do anything about it?’
Chapter 8
Alfred frowned, thinking, ‘She has got some nerve messing with me. Fine, just wait and see how I deal with her later.’ “Does Kyla push you around?” he asked suddenly.
Kate was caught off guard; Alfred switched topics so fast she struggled to keep up. “Not outright,” she replied.
Kyla was a master of appearances. Already outstanding, she became even more exceptional after finding out she wasn’t the Suttons’ biological daughter. She played the role of the perfect, considerate daughter and sister, often dragging Kate to social events. At these parties, Kyla thrived while Kate always felt out of place.
“Kyla is the heir your parents have groomed. Your return is the biggest threat to her,” Alfred pointed out bluntly.
After a pause, Kate said, “Honestly, I don’t want to compete with her. I just want the people I care about to be happy.”
In the past, Kate had been too useless to contribute to Sutton Group. Even if her parents had left her the company and all their assets, she wouldn’t have known how to manage it.
The Suttons had always said that she and Kyla were equal, so Kate assumed they’d split the inheritance evenly. She had no idea they’d planned to leave everything to her, a decision that sparked Kyla’s hatred and led to the disaster that befell them.
“You might not want to compete, but Kyla sees you as a rival. Whether you like it or not, you have to fight back,” Alfred said seriously.
Kate looked at him, their eyes locking. She didn’t know why he brought this up. In the past, she hadn’t wanted to compete, but this time was different.
She was determined to protect everything Celia and Leland had built, including their lives, and make sure Kyla didn’t win like she did before.
Just then, a bodyguard brought over some tableware.
Alfred gestured for him to set it in front of Kate.
“Since you’re here to apologize, sit down and eat with me,” he said, serving her food. He explained the nutritional benefits of each dish as if he were some kind of nutrition expert.
Kate pouted. “I don’t eat spicy food.”
Alfred shot her a glare that made her heart skip a beat. She quickly grabbed her fork. “Okay, okay! I’ll eat them. As long as you’re eating with me, I’ll eat it, no matter how hot it is.”
The spicy food burned her mouth, making her want to gag. But with Alfred’s cold eyes on her, she didn’t dare spit it out and forced herself to swallow. ‘God, it’s so spicy! I need water!’ she exclaimed inwardly.
Alfred seemed to read her mind and thoughtfully served her some soup, but it was loaded with chili peppers. Kate didn’t dare take a sip.
Alfred nudged the plate closer to her. “Drink the damn soup, eat the vegetables, finish up, and get out.”
Kate was stunned into silence. An hour later, clutching her stomach, she awkwardly and anxiously asked, “Where’s the bathroom?”
Alfred set down his fork, picked up a napkin, and casually wiped his mouth. He acted as if he hadn’t heard her, forcing Kate to practically beg him.
Luckily, the bodyguard stepped in, summoning a maid to guide Kate to the bathroom.
Kate avoided spicy food because of her weak stomach; it always gave her instant diarrhea. But under Alfred’s threats, she had no choice but to finish everything, and the result was exactly what she feared-she kept rushing to the bathroom.
Alfred finally realized how serious things were when she came back, clutching her stomach, clearly about to make another dash for it.
With a dark expression, he asked, “Did you take laxatives or something?”
“You investigated me and figured out I don’t eat spicy food, but did you bother to find out why? The moment I eat anything spicy, I get hit with the worst diarrhea ever.” With that, Kate rushed off to the bathroom again.
Alfred began to feel he might’ve gone too far. After a tense pause, he ordered grimly, “Get Dr. Oliver.”
“Right away.” The bodyguard quickly pulled out his phone and called Willard Oliver, the Davidson family’s doctor.
By the time Willard arrived, Kate was already worn out from the endless trips to the bathroom.
Willard gave her some medicine, and even after taking it, she still had to make a few more desperate runs before the diarrhea finally stopped.
The stone table under the pavilion had been cleaned and was now set with a few plates of fresh seasonal fruits.
Alfred glanced at Kate, who was slumped over the table, looking like she might pass out any second. After a while, he asked, “Need someone to carry you out?”
Kate weakly raised her head, her lips moving as if to say something, but Alfred couldn’t quite catch it.
“Help me sit on the bench,” Alfred commanded.
Two bodyguards quickly moved to his side, carefully helping him onto the bench.
“Use my wheelchair to push her out,” he ordered.
Without a word, the bodyguards did as they were told.
Kyla, who had been tossed out by the Davidson family’s bodyguards, waited by their gate for over two hours until nightfall. Finally, she saw them wheeling out a chair with Kate sitting in it.
Kyla, still bitter about being thrown out while Kate got to stay inside for hours, couldn’t help but feel a twisted sense of satisfaction now.
She thought, ‘So Kate is in an even worse state than me? Damn, Alfred, you really are a piece of work. You don’t give a damn about women, do you?’
“Kate,” Kyla called out, wearing a smug smile but feigning concern. “What happened to you?”
The bodyguards pushed Kate toward Kyla, signaling for her to take over, then walked away without a word. The gate slammed shut behind them.
Noticing Kate’s pale face and trembling legs, Kyla asked with a hint of fake sympathy, “What did Mr. Davidson do to you?”
“He’s really something else,” Kate murmured softly.
Now she believed the rumors were true. ‘Alfred really is a bastard, she thought.
Kyla snapped, “Mr. Davidson isn’t someone to mess with. You had the nerve to step into the pavilion without his say-so? Didn’t you notice he eats alone out there? No one but his personal bodyguards dares to get close, and even they seem to do it reluctantly.
“His temper’s shot to hell, and he’s unpredictable as all get- out. I’ve heard even the servants in the Davidson household are scared to serve him, and his own family members keep their distance whenever they can.”
Kate didn’t reply. She barely knew Alfred; all she could remember was the small kindness he had shown her in a past life, for which she had been grateful. That was why she decided to marry him as soon as she was reborn. But now, since she had made her decision and married him, she was determined to stick it out.
“Let’s just go home. I’m exhausted,” Kate said, not wanting to discuss it further. All she wanted was to get home and sleep.
Seeing how badly Alfred had treated Kate, Kyla tactfully dropped the subject and helped her into the car to take her home.
Kate rested for several days before finally regaining her strength. During those days, she heard nothing from Alfred. “Heartless bastard,” Kate muttered to herself, picking up
her phone repeatedly, only to find no new calls or messages. “I’m his wife, for crying out loud.”
Suddenly, a knock on the door sounded.
Chapter 9
“Kate, it’s me. Can I come in?” Celia called from outside the door.
Kate quickly slipped her phone into her pocket. “Mom, the door’s not locked. Come in.”
Celia pushed the door open and walked in.
As she approached Kate, she said, “It’s cloudy today, not sunny or hot. Kyla’s secretary is coming by to take you shopping. You can also pick out a few evening gowns at Aura Supreme for the party on Saturday night.”
“What party?” Kate asked casually, though her curiosity was piqued.
“The Weaver family’s daughter’s birthday party. Didn’t I mention it before?” Celia replied.
Kate remembered. There had been a similar event before her time travel as well.
The Weaver family was second only to the Davidson family in Sherpsel, and Grace Weaver, being the only heiress of her generation, was spoiled rotten. Her birthday parties were always grand affairs, with all the influential people in Sherpsel in attendance.
Grace and Kyla were close friends and looked down on Kate, the real heir of the Sutton family, sneering at her because of her humble background.
In the past, Kate had gone to the Weaver party with Kyla, only to be humiliated when Grace “accidentally” spilled red wine all over her white evening gown, leaving her mortified. Kate’s eyes flashed with determination. ‘Last time, I couldn’t fight back, but this time, Grace will get what she deserves, with interest.
“Mom, I already have a few evening gowns. There’s no need to buy more,” Kate said, thinking of the exorbitant prices at Aura Supreme, known for its exclusive and elegant designs.
Even though she was now a wealthy heiress, the cost of one of their gowns still stunned her.
“You’ve worn those dresses before,” Celia coaxed gently. Trust me, sweetie. Go shopping with Vita. If you find something you like, just buy it. And while you’re at it, check out some of the new designs at Aura Supreme.”
Each evening gown from Aura Supreme was a one-of-a-kind creation, ensuring there were no awkward fashion clashes at parties.
Kate was about to refuse, but then she remembered she had torn one of Alfred’s shirts. She felt she ought to replace it. Her resolve softened, and she smiled sweetly. “Okay, Mom, I’ll do as you say.”
Celia lovingly stroked Kate’s long hair, saying affectionately,
“My daughter should always look her best.”
Kate teased, “Mom, don’t I look beautiful even without dressing up?”
“Of course, you do. My girl is always the most beautiful, no matter what,” Celia replied, beaming.
“That’s because of the great genes I got from you and Dad.” Kate laughed.
Celia gently tapped her on the forehead, indulging her. “You little sweet talker.”
Kate playfully stuck out her tongue, making Celia dote on her even more. Celia pulled out a bank card and pressed it into Kate’s hand. “Here’s your spending money. Buy whatever catches your eye. Don’t worry about the cost. Now go on, don’t keep Vita waiting.”
Encouraged by Celia, Kate changed into a fresh outfit,
slipped into high heels, slung the Helmegen bag her mother had given her over her shoulder, and followed Kyla’s secretary, Vita Bax, out the door.
The wealthy of Sherpsel preferred to shop on Elite Street, where every store was a boutique carrying a different luxury brand.
Vita parked at the entrance of Elite Street and turned to Kate. “Miss Sutton, go ahead and take a look around. I’ll park the car and catch up with you in a bit.”
Kate nodded and stepped out of the car. Since returning to the Sutton family, she had visited Elite Street countless
times and knew exactly where to find men’s designer clothes. Without hesitation, she made her way to a specific brand’s boutique.
As she reached the store entrance, she bumped into Chris coming out. They both froze, locking eyes.
Seeing Chris brought back painful memories of her past life, and a surge of anger washed over her. She felt a sudden urge to grab him by the collar and demand why he had married her if he didn’t love her.
She knew the man that night wasn’t him, so she couldn’t figure out why he had pretended and deceived her, leading to their daughter’s death.
“Kate,” Chris called out. He stepped closer, standing right in front of her. His eyes held a hint of suspicion; usually, Kate would light up at the sight of him, but today, he sensed something was different.
“What are you doing here? Are you alone?” Chris looked around, clearly searching for someone.
Kate fought to keep her hatred in check. Seeing him looking around, she knew he was searching for Kyla. She couldn’t help but smirk, though her tone remained cool. “Obviously, I’m here to shop for clothes,” she said as she walked past him.
“Kate, wait.” Chris turned and grabbed her hand.
Kate immediately yanked it away, wincing in pain.
He had grabbed her injured hand by accident. Even though it had been a few days since the injury, the scar was still tender.
Chris paused, noticing the scar on her wrist. Despite her resistance, he took her hand again, his face full of concern. What happened? Who did this to you?”
Kate looked at him with a mocking smile. “Chris, didn’t you say you liked me? How come you didn’t know I was hurt? You haven’t visited me in days.”
Chris’s eyes flickered for a moment before he regained his composure, lying smoothly. “I’ve been really busy lately, didn’t get a chance to visit. How did this happen? It looks like a knife wound.”
“Now that you’ve seen it, can you let go?” Kate asked with a touch of disdain.
Chris frowned, his gaze locked on her. Kyla had complained to him that Kate had changed, that she was growing closer to her parents and even setting traps for her.
He hadn’t believed it at first. But now, he was starting to think Kyla might be right. Kate really was changing.
“This is a knife wound,” she said calmly, pulling her hand back. “It’s from a knife Kyla gave me.” When she had returned to the Sutton family, one of the gifts from Kyla had been a small knife, supposedly for self-defense. Reflecting on it now, Kate realized that Kyla had been leading her into a trap from the moment she returned. “Kyla gave it to you for self-defense. How did you end up cutting yourself? At least it’s healing now,” Chris said, his voice softening at the mention of Kyla, lacking the urgency and concern he’d shown earlier.
The calmer Kate observed him, the more she regretted how blind she had been in her past life.
Chris glanced back at the men’s clothing boutique behind them. “You said you came to buy clothes. This store sells men’s clothing. Who are you buying for?”
“Who I’m buying for is none of your business. But it’s definitely not for you,” Kate retorted.
Chris suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He was used to Kate treating him like a king, always indulging his every whim without him even having to ask. She used to go out of her way to get him what he wanted. But now, faced with Kate’s cold attitude, he felt a void in his heart.
Accustomed to Kate treating him like a treasure, always indulging him in everything he desired without him having to ask, Kate would go to great lengths to get it for him. Suddenly, faced with Kate’s cold attitude toward him, he felt a void in his heart.
“I’m familiar with this brand. Come on, let me help you pick something out,” Chris said, reaching for her again.
Kate sidestepped his hand, and with her head held high,
she walked into the store with a graceful stride.
Meanwhile, Alfred suddenly instructed his driver, “Stop the car.”
Chapter 10
The driver brought the car to an abrupt stop at the entrance of Elite Street.
Alfred hit the window button, his cold, steely gaze locking onto a figure disappearing into a store, with Chris trailing behind.
“I’m going shopping,” he muttered, his voice low and firm. Immediately, his security team sprang into action. Some quickly exited the vehicle, their eyes scanning the area for any threats, while others efficiently retrieved Alfred’s wheelchair from the trunk and carefully helped him out. In no time, Alfred was being pushed down Elite Street by one of his bodyguards, their movements synchronized and swift.
The shopkeepers on Elite Street were quick to recognize him. Even if they hadn’t met Alfred in person, they knew his face from the newspapers. Besides, no one else in the city had an entourage like his. They all politely greeted him.
“Good day, Mr. Davidson.”
“Welcome, Mr. Davidson.”
Every shop owner who got word of his arrival rushed out with smiles to greet him, even if Alfred didn’t know them personally. It didn’t matter-what mattered was that Alfred knew they respected him.
Kate, oblivious to Alfred’s presence on Elite Street, had already entered a store and was busy picking out clothes for him.
Chris stayed close, making small talk with her. When Alfred entered the store, he saw Kate holding up a shirt, seemingly considering it for someone to try on. Chris immediately stepped forward.
Alfred’s expression darkened. In his mind, their marriage might have been rushed and devoid of real emotion, but now that they were officially married, she ought to be faithful and certainly shouldn’t be buying clothes for other men.
“Hello, Mr. Davidson,” everyone in the store greeted him respectfully.
Chris and Kate were the last to notice him.
“Oh, Mr. Davidson,” Chris stammered, clearly not expecting to run into Alfred there.
Despite Alfred’s disability, he was still a giant in Sherpsel’s business world, someone who could shake the city with just a word.
Like everyone else, Chris both respected and feared Alfred. However, he also saw this unexpected encounter as a golden opportunity to get on Alfred’s good side. He pulled Kate over, who was still holding the shirt she had chosen.
Kate, now standing right in front of Alfred, felt a twinge of guilt under his intense gaze. ‘Wait, why should I feel guilty? I haven’t done anything wrong, she told herself.
Straightening her posture, she smiled sweetly. “Mr. Davidson, what a coincidence.”
Her smile caused a flicker in Alfred’s eyes, and even Chris couldn’t help but glance at her a couple of times. He hadn’t expected Kate to have the nerve to smile at Alfred, let alone greet him. After everything that had happened, he thought she would be terrified of Alfred.
Alfred scoffed coldly. “A coincidence, indeed.” But inside, he thought, ‘So, she thinks she can sneak around with her lover and buy him clothes behind my back? Does she think I’m blind?’
Alfred reached out his hand. “Let me see that shirt.”
Kate handed it to him without hesitation.
Alfred pretended to examine the shirt before casually tossing it back into Kate’s arms. “This shirt is crap; the fabric’s cheap. But…” He glanced at Chris and added icily, “It looks just about right for Mr. Cohen.”
After all, Alfred would never wear such clothes; his entire wardrobe was custom-made by top designers using only the finest materials.
The store manager went pale and quickly chimed in, “Mr. Davidson, our brand is renowned worldwide, and we guarantee the highest quality fabrics.”
Alfred’s influence in Sherpsel was enormous, and his criticism could severely impact their business and even the brand’s reputation across the country.
“If I say it’s cheap, then it’s cheap. I don’t wear this brand anyway,” Alfred shot back coldly.
The manager’s face turned even whiter, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.
“Mr. Davidson, this shirt wasn’t for Mr. Cohen.” Kate finally spoke up. “Mr. Cohen and I aren’t close. why would I buy anything for him? I was planning to get it for you. But if you don’t like the brand, forget it. I actually thought it was pretty nice.”
Everyone in the store stared at Kate in shock. Even Alfred was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t expected that Kate had chosen the clothes for him.
However, his surprise quickly faded. He reached out again, took the shirt from her, pretended to examine it once more, and then acted as if he’d reluctantly accept it. “It’s… wearable, I guess,” he said.
“So, should I buy it?” Kate asked.
Alfred tossed the shirt back to her, wheeling himself away as he coldly muttered, “Do whatever you want.”
His bodyguards quickly followed, pushing his wheelchair out of the store.
The store manager and the rest of the staff hurried after him, respectfully saying, “Take care, Mr. Davidson.”
Kate pursed her lips, wondering, ‘He sure knows how to make an entrance, acting like royalty in a store. Does he actually like the shirt? His last comment about it being ‘ wearable’-does that mean he’s okay with it?’
Kate decided to buy the shirt anyway. “If he doesn’t like it, I’ Il just give it to my brother,” she thought, referring to the eldest son of her foster parents.
After Alfred left, Chris gave Kate a complicated look. Uninterested in engaging, Kate paid for the shirt and walked out.
“Kate,” Chris called after her. “Why are you buying clothes for Mr. Davidson?”
Without even looking at him, Kate replied coolly, “And why the hell does that matter to you?”
Chris was left speechless.
Just then, Vita called Kate, asking which store she was in. After telling Vita to wait for her at the entrance of Aura Supreme, Kate hung up and noticed Chris still tailing her. She stopped, turned around, and asked coldly, “Why the hell are you still following me, Mr. Cohen?”
Chris sighed. “You’re acting weird today. Are you still pissed I didn’t visit you?”
Kate sneered internally, ‘The fact that I didn’t strangle you on the spot shows how much self-control I have. Do you seriously expect me to treat you the same way I did in my past life? Keep dreaming.’
Out loud, she said, “What’s so weird? I’m always like this. Stop following me, or I’ll call the cops and report you for stalking and harassment.”
Chris just stared at her in silence. He couldn’t help but think how much Kate had changed. Kyla had mentioned that Kate was different after returning from the Davidson family.
‘She really has changed. What the hell happened to her there?’ he wondered.
“Kate, my family is already picking a date. Once we’ve set it, I’ll come to your house with my parents to finalize our engagement. You don’t have to worry about a thin, just get ready to be my beautiful bride,” Chris said, trying to gauge her reaction.
Kate smiled, but her smile was full of sarcasm. “I don’t remember you ever proposing to me. And hasn’t Kyla told you? I don’t want to marry you anymore.”
‘Kyla is crazy about him. Now that she knows I don’t want to marry him, she must’ve told him, Kate thought.
“Kate,” Chris called softly. “What exactly happened when you were at the Davidson family?”
“How do you know I went to the Davidson family? Kyla must’ve spilled everything, and here you are, playing dumb. Isn’t it exhausting, Mr. Cohen? Well, I’m done. I’m tired of this game,” Kate said, turning to leave. She paused and added, “Stop following me, or you’ll regret it.”
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