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Chapter 4
My heart constricted until breathing became agony.
Lady Mother was stunned. “But… it was just a dream, Sera. Vince wouldn’t do that.”
I sniffed, forcing a faint smile.
“Lord Father, Lady Mother, dreams can be omens. I think he doesn’t have to marry me. We don’t need to be husband and wife, but I want him to live a long life. Though born to privilege, he’s shackled by obligations. At least in matters of the heart, he deserves choice.”
I bowed three times to show my determination.
“I’ve secured passage beyond the city Please, Lord Father and Lady Mother, grant me your approval. I will never forget the kindness you’ve shown me. I’ll repay it for the rest of my life.”
Lord Father pursed his lips and helped me rise.
Lady Mother wiped her tears and handed me a purse of silver marks.
“Since this is your decision, we yield. But remember, no matter what happens, the Duke’s estate will always be your home.”
Tears suddenly welled up in my eyes, and I embraced Lady Mother. “Thank you, Lady Mother.”
If I sever ties with Vince now, the tragedy will unravel. He’ll grow old. Lord Father and Lady Mother won’t bury their son in grief. This time, all threads will weave into peace.
Vince’s second regret, the one written in his journal, should also be resolved now.
I had to fulfill all three of his regrets within twelve hours. The final one… Would I succeed?
That evening, I went to The Astral Keep.
Couples, side by side, were all there seeking a destiny of eternal love.
“Seraphina.”
Suddenly, I heard a familiar voice and turned, my heart leaping with joy, only
to be
met
by Vince’s angry expression.
He grabbed my wrist, his eyes darkened with fury.
“You know how much I despise those who use their power to bully others. Because I missed your damned family supper, you poisoned my parents against Gwen! Now she’s swallowed nightshade in despair. Are you satisfied?”
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My wrist felt like it was about to be crushed, and my face turned pale.
In ay past life, after Vince and I wed, Guinevere drank the Black Mandrake Elixix in despair. The poison coiled through her veins, and without a maiden’s heart’s blood to break its hold, Vince could only watch as she choked on her last breath.
He hated me for it, and that hatred lasted until the moment he died.
But in this life, I hadn’t married him, so why would Guinevere still commit suicide?
I had been wondering how to fulfill his third regret,
Now, it seemed, fate had delivered it right to me.
Chapter 4
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