Chapter 2

Now he probably couldn't keep up the performance, so he simply faked amnesia and openly declared he only remembered Rain, reluctantly agreeing to marry me to get my family's power and resources.

There's no such free lunch in this world.

I wanted to argue with Declan, but seeing how confident he was that I'd chosen him, I swallowed my words.

Let him be smug for two more days. When he hears Father publicly announce the truth at the banquet, I'm curious to see his reaction.

Seeing my silence, Jason lightly bumped my shoulder.

"Faye, so is Declan the one you chose?"

I said calmly,

"You'll all find out at the family banquet in two days."

With that, I turned to leave.

Behind me, Marcus clicked his tongue twice.

"Declan, she definitely chose you. Let me tell you, back when your family's business was in trouble, Faye searched everywhere for connections. When she heard there was an opportunity up north, she went alone to negotiate and almost got herself killed. She's crazy about you."

"Is that so?"

Declan laughed softly, his voice magnetic.

"I had no idea she was so devoted to me."

My heart twisted painfully, but I held back my tears.

My obsession with Declan was an open secret.

Everyone laughed at how blind I was, but I didn't care.

I lost my birth parents young, and my adoptive parents were constantly traveling for family business. I became an easily overlooked legitimate heir in the organization.

Only Declan would step up to defend me when other family heirs challenged me.

I'd depended on him since childhood. When he proposed to me, I was overjoyed and swore to support him with all my family's power.

But all his protection had ulterior motives. He didn't deserve my sincere feelings.

"Faye, wait."

Someone called out behind me. I turned to see Declan.

He walked up to me arrogantly.

"I know you just chose me. I'll fulfill the marriage contract, but my heart belongs only to Rain. I hope you understand and won't interfere too much between us."

I stared at him steadily.

"Aren't you suffering from amnesia and forgot a lot of things? Why are you so sure I chose you?"

Declan frowned.

"Everyone says your heart beats only for me. Who else would you choose besides me?"

I smiled bitterly.

So Declan knew about my complete devotion to him.

Did he have to trample on my sincerity like this?

"Don't worry. From now on I won't maintain our relationship one-sidedly anymore. I'll let you two be together."

And I figured if he knew I'd chosen Adrian, he'd probably be thrilled.

Hearing my quick agreement, Declan froze for a moment.

I continued walking toward the main hall. He instinctively reached out to grab me.

Suddenly there was a commotion. A clumsy server rushed over with a tray, and scalding soup splashed onto my leg.

I stumbled and fell, my palm scraping against the rough floor. Pain instantly swept over me.

Rain's face changed. She quickly put down what she was holding, trying to help me up.

"Faye, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. Please don't be mad at me."

Before I could speak, words from Mother appeared:

"This bad girl is so awful! In your past life she did the same thing - either playing weak or making accusations, wrapping Declan around her finger. Neither of them is any good!"