Kieran was eventually disciplined by the university for plagiarism. I never found out what he told Raina, but she decided I'd framed him.
In my previous life, nothing I said could change her mind. This time, I didn't bother playing nice.
"Oh, come off it! That study-abroad spot was mine. With his grades, he wouldn't qualify even if you curved the whole class for him."
Raina snapped, screaming at me in fury, "Rowan, how dare you insult Kieran? He may not have money, but at least he's not a fake like you! If you speak about him like that again, I don't care what our parents arranged, I won't marry you!"
With that, she grabbed Kieran's hand and stormed off.
I laughed under my breath.
Raina, I never planned to marry you this time.
...
The next day was my birthday, and my parents threw a large party.
Wilson Whitmore arrived with his daughters and his sister, Elara Whitmore. Raina, however, never showed.
Only when the party was winding down and guests were preparing to leave did Raina appear unhurriedly with Kieran at her side.
Raina wore a high-neck gown, and Kieran had a few fresh scratches across his neck.
The way they stood together was far too close for comfort.
I felt nothing. I lifted my glass and drank as if none of it concerned me.
Seeing my indifference, Raina frowned. "Rowan, what's with the attitude? I'm your fiancee, and Kieran's your friend. Why didn't you come say hello? Apologize to both of us, or you can forget your birthday present!"
Raina held a gift box in her hands. Kieran took it from her and gave it a smug little shake. "Rowan, Raina had this custom-made for you! She put a lot of thought into it!"
My eyes followed the box and landed on the custom watch on his wrist—the same brand as the box.
I scoffed. "The thought went into the watch you're wearing, right?"
He stifled a grin and feigned innocence. "No way. This was just a freebie that came with your gift."
He flipped open the box and tossed it to me, but I didn't catch it. The box hit the floor, and a pair of cuff links skittered out with a clink.
Raina frowned, her voice sharp. "Rowan, why are you just standing there? Didn't you see my gift fall? Pick it up!"
I snorted. "You call cuff links that came free with a watch a gift?"
I set my glass down and stepped over the cufflinks lying on the floor as I walked out.
Raina spread her arms, blocking me, fury blazing in her eyes. "How dare you step on my gift! Pick it up and clean it right now, or our engagement is off!"
I met her gaze, a cold smirk tugging at my lips. "Raina, I never planned to marry you."
The room fell silent, every gaze shifting between us.
Raina froze for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Come on! You've been chasing after me for ten years. Who else would you even marry? My sisters have watched you grovel at my feet all this time. None of them wants to marry you.
"Oh, right! I almost forgot about my sickly aunt. But she's not going to live long. Do you think the Harts would ever let you marry her?"
I almost told her that Elara was exactly who I intended to marry, but Wilson's warning echoed in my mind.
"I don't know what made you change your mind and choose Elara, but she's scheduled for surgery soon. Keep it quiet and let her recover in peace."
Instinctively, I glanced toward Elara, who sat silently in her wheelchair.
