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Chapter 2
The box, elegantly wrapped, had sharp corners that cut my chin as it hit me.
A gasp went through the crowd, but no one dared to step forward.
I reached up to touch it, and my palm was immediately stained with blood.
Vincent’s figure became even more alien to me now, the image of him scolding me for Sylvia in front of everyone flashing in my mind.
My heart grew colder with each passing second. “I won’t apologize for something I didn’t do.”
“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Vincent pulled Sylvia away, leaving the scene.
My parents, frantic when they saw my wound, rushed me home, calling for our private doctor to treat it.
As I watched their anxious expressions, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief.
Thank heavens fate had given me a second chance, allowing me to correct my mistakes.
This time, my parents were still here, and the Winslow family’s wealth hadn’t fallen into the hands of others.
I would stay as far away as possible from Vincent and Sylvia.
A few days later, the Blackwood family sent over the engagement gifts, filling our mansion with large and small items. Among them was an ancestral bracelet from the Blackwood family, symbolizing their respect for the union.
A pang of bitterness filled my chest.
In my past life, the Sterlings had exploited my love for Vincent. They’d spun the narrative that I was the desperate one, that their son had married me out of pity.
That’s why we had no engagement party, no gifts, and the wedding itself was nothing more than a family dinner.
I recalled the sarcastic comments from his parents at that dinner, and Vincent’s indifferent gaze. Seeing how the Blackwood family treated me with respect this time, I was even more grateful for the opportunity to make a different choice.
After much thought, I decided to choose Cyrus’s engagement gifts myself.
At a century–old atelier, I was reviewing cufflink designs with the master tailor when Vincent walked in–hand in hand with Sylvia.
“What are you doing here?” He looked at me with distaste.
The craftsman explained, “Miss Winslow is selecting the groom’s engagement gifts.”
He sneered, glancing at the designs on the table.
“I told you I don’t want to marry you. No matter what you do, my feelings won’t change. I also told you, I hate engraved cufflinks. It’s so tacky.”
I lowered my gaze to the design, realizing he had misunderstood.
Chapter 2
“Actually, these cufflinks are for…”
“Vincent, this dress is beautiful.”
Sylvia suddenly exclaimed, brushing the red silk dress hanging nearby.
Vincent’s expression softened. “If you like it, I’ll have the craftsman make one for you.”
“But I want to wear it tonight to attend the concert with you.”
Sylvia’s voice was almost a soft plea, and Vincent smiled as he gave orders.
“Then please, modify it for her quickly, don’t keep us waiting.”
I frowned. “Vincent, this is my engagement dress.”
He barely seemed to care. “I’m too busy to deal with this engagement banquet. And honestly, Sylvia suits the dress better than you.”
Sylvia turned her back to him, her arrogance evident.
But with a hint of regret in her voice, she said, “Oh, but if Miss Winslow objects… This dress is ‘so refined. Someone like me could never-”
“Nonsense,” Vincent cut in. “You’re worth ten of her. Gemma’s only ‘high class‘ because of her family.”
Vincent said without mercy, handing the dress over to the craftsman.
The craftsman remained composed, waiting for my orders.
After all, the Winslow family had been their biggest client for generations.
But Vincent, growing angry at the craftsman’s deference, snapped.
“You…”
“Miss Rae likes it, so let her have it.”
I interrupted him.
Vincent finally calmed down.
“Since you’re not being unreasonable, after we’re married, I’ll allow you one dinner a month with me.”
His attitude was one of condescension, as if granting me the slightest bit of affection.
At that moment, I understood. Since Vincent had learned that the Winslow family was the most prestigious, while the Sterling family was far behind, his attitude toward me had changed.
Before that, he had never measured people by their wealth, but now he kept saying, “The Winslow family…” as if belittling me and my family.
Honestly, he was jealous.
At that realization, I suddenly smiled.
“Vincent, why are you so sure that I’m marrying you?”
Chapter 2
