Chapter 2

Just then, my phone vibrated. It was my assistant calling: “Young Miss Lincoln, we’ve been calling?”

“Are you sure about this? No wedding? You’re planning to come abroad with me for the project?” My tutor asked again, confirming my decision.

I nodded vigorously, even though I know he couldn’t see me: “I’ve thought it over, and I definitely won’t regret it.”

The tutor breathed a sigh of relief and quickly signed the document, as if afraid I would change my mind:

“Although you’re about to graduate, they’ve always hoped I could keep you. Many people have applied for this project, but no one can replace you.”

“It’s good that you’ve thought it through. You can always consider marriage after you come back in three years; a few years won’t make a difference.”

I felt a little guilty. They had specifically requested me for this project. But before, my mind was completely consumed by Asher, and I refused my tutor’s invitation.

The tutor had no choice but to find someone else, but they couldn’t find a suitable candidate, which delayed the entire project.

I finished processing the last document in the office and was just about to leave when a familiar sob came from outside the door:

“I’ve really worked so hard, but I didn’t expect Scarlett to suddenly take this spot. All my efforts this month have been for nothing, waah…”

It was Sia, Asher’s unattained love, and the woman who made it impossible for Asher and me to reconcile for thirty years in our past life.

I gripped the doorknob, took a deep breath, and opened the door. Asher stood there, looking down at me with an unprecedented sense of menace: “Scarlett, give the spot back.”

Looking at Asher’s expression, and then at Sia behind him, who was crying so hard she could barely breathe, I shook my head: “Impossible.”

“Scarlett…” Disbelief filled Asher’s face. “I’ve already been forced to agree to marry you.

Do you think I don’t know you’ve even arranged the wedding venue? You wouldn’t take on this project at all; you’re just deliberately making things difficult for Sia!”

Sia also stepped forward, her eyes red. “Scarlett, I’ve put so much effort into getting this opportunity. I definitely won’t bother you after I leave, so please be at ease.”

“You know in your heart whether you’ve truly put in the effort; you won’t get this project.” I said.

Before Sia applied, she wanted Asher to accompany her, thinking I couldn’t stop her then.

But because I harmed myself several times, Asher, remembering my parents‘ kindness to his family, still agreed to marry me.

Sia, in a fit of anger, decided to apply on her own, but she’s been acting out of spite these past few months and hasn’t prepared properly. In my previous life, she didn’t succeed.

Asher frowned. “You didn’t even give her a chance. Why are you saying she can’t get it?” I waved the document in my hand. “Professor Carter has already signed and stamped it.”

“Scarlett…” Asher clenched his fist, his eyes filled with disappointment. “I thought you were just being capricious. I didn’t realize you were so malicious.”

“You don’t need this opportunity, but do you even know how much Sia has sacrificed to get where she is today?”

“I can’t believe you’d block her by taking up one of Professor Carter’s spots, just to make things difficult for her! He used my gratitude to force me into marrying you, but because of this, I will never consider you my wife.”

“I know.” I nodded calmly, having heard those words countless times in my previous life. Asher turned and walked away, putting his arm around Sia’s shoulders and softly comfortin her:

“It’s okay, I’ll fund you to find other opportunities. Don’t be sad.” His gentle demeanor was what I had dreamed of countless times in my previous life, but I couldn’t have it then, and I dor want it now. I really should leave, Asher.