Chapter 2
The edge of the gift box was as sharp as a blade.
It left a bloody mark on my chin.
Gasps echoed around me.
Yet no one dared to come closer.
My fingertips lightly touched the wound.
Warm blood stained my fingers.
Zephyr Ashcroft's face gradually twisted.
It overlapped with the image from my past life.
The way he humiliated me in public for Seraphina Vance.
A chill spread from the depths of my heart.
"I won't apologize."
"I didn't do it."
Zephyr's eyes turned cold.
"Then don't regret it!"
He wrapped his arm around Seraphina and walked away.
His back was resolute.
My parents rushed over.
My mother's hands were trembling.
"Does it hurt, Astrid?"
"Let's go home."
The private doctor carefully treated the wound.
I looked at my parents' anxious faces.
My eyes grew warm.
I thanked heaven for giving me a second chance.
Everything was still within reach.
The Valrose family's business was intact.
My parents were healthy and safe.
I would stay far away from Zephyr.
And Seraphina.
Three days later.
The Cortez family sent the engagement gifts.
The living room was filled with an array of luxurious items.
A jade bracelet lay quietly in a brocade box.
It was the Cortez family's heirloom.
A symbol of their seriousness about this marriage.
A bittersweet feeling rose in my heart.
In my past life, the Ashcroft family had claimed.
That I was the one who clung desperately to marry into their family.
There was no engagement gala.
No dowry.
Even the wedding was just a simple meal.
The Ashcroft elders' sneers.
Zephyr's indifference.
All of it was still vivid in my mind.
The Cortez family's respect made me grateful.
My choice in this life was not wrong.
I decided to personally select a gift for Alistair Cortez.
The century-old shop was filled with the scent of sandalwood.
The old craftsman adjusted his glasses.
"What design would you like, Miss Valrose?"
The blueprint was spread on the table.
I had just pointed to the cufflink design.
When the shop's bell suddenly rang.
Zephyr walked in, holding Seraphina's hand.
His brows immediately furrowed.
"What are you doing here?"
The old craftsman respectfully answered.
"Miss Valrose is preparing her engagement attire."
Zephyr glanced at the design.
He sneered.
"The engraving is tacky."
"Don't waste your time."
I looked down at the "C" on the cufflink.
About to explain.
Seraphina suddenly exclaimed.
"Zephyr, this cheongsam is so beautiful."
She stepped past me to touch the red cheongsam.
Her eyes were filled with desire.
Zephyr's tone instantly softened.
"If you like it, have one custom-made."
"But the concert tonight..."
Seraphina cooed.
"I want to wear it for you."
Zephyr turned to the old craftsman.
"Alter it now."
"Don't waste our time."
I held onto the cheongsam.
"This is my engagement dress."
Zephyr raised a disdainful brow.
"Seraphina looks better in a cheongsam than you."
Seraphina, with her back to him.
Gave me a triumphant smile.
Her voice, however, was pitiful.
"I don't deserve such an expensive dress..."
"Nonsense."
Zephyr shot me a cold look.
"Astrid Valrose is just relying on her family."
The old craftsman stood quietly.
Waiting for my instructions.
The Valrose family had been a patron of this shop for a century.
Our families had a deep connection.
I gently let go.
"Let Miss Vance have it."
Zephyr's expression softened slightly.
"After we're married, I'll have dinner with you once a month."
His condescending tone.
Suddenly made me see the truth.
Ever since he found out the Valrose family was a top-tier elite.
While the Ashcroft family was just nouveau riche.
He had been belittling me to hide his own insecurities.
I once loved him for his disregard of power.
Now it only seemed laughable.
The corners of my lips curved up.
"Zephyr Ashcroft."
"Who told youโ"
"That I'm marrying you?"