Chapter 2

However, Stephan's angry shout at this moment was somewhat awkward. He approached with great momentum but froze on the spot. The group of people each held a few tens of Chinese yuan, smiling at me like they had just hit the jackpot, almost calling me "sister" right there.

Before leaving, the leader of the group even bid me farewell. "Beautiful lady, next time, feel free to call me, I'll be there in no time!"

Stephan was completely dumbfounded. Of course, he was.

Because this wasn't what he expected. According to the events in my previous life, I should have been trembling with fear, crying and begging for mercy while these "thugs" tormented me. Then, Stephan would swoop in, single-handedly drive them away, and gently squat in front of me with a warm smile, saying, "Little girl, you're safe now."

In my previous life, I was immersed in the shock and joy of love suddenly appearing, and my heart was filled with excitement, as if in that instant, I had decided on my lifelong happiness.

But now, I felt like I had eaten something terrible.

— How could I have fallen for this average-looking, dark-skinned, and not much taller than me young man?

I raised an eyebrow and said intentionally, "Are you with them too? I don't have any money now. You should go ask them for a share."

Stephan's face turned pale.

I ignored him and pulled Monica away.

The farther we walked, the more resolute I became. Now that I, Zelda, had returned, I was going to sort things out one by one. Those who were scheming in the shadows would be revealed one by one.

I always remembered the words someone whispered in my ear just before I lost consciousness in my previous life: "This young girl has been cursed."

Yes, I had indeed been cursed.

Even though I fell in love with Stephan at first sight in my previous life, I wasn't an inexperienced girl when it came to love. Often, my feelings for someone were just a fleeting fancy. But then, I started loving Stephan more and more, unable to do without him, even though he treated me inhumanely. I couldn't have acted that way on my own. The only possibility was that someone had tampered with my feelings.

Standing by the road, I waited for a car, filled with worry. Monica suddenly spoke beside me.

"Zelda, weren't you scared at all just now?"

Her voice was still slightly trembling, indicating that she had indeed been frightened.

I reassured her, "In a society governed by law, there's nothing to fear when money can resolve the issue. Don't think about it, dear."

After a pause, Monica continued, "But I feel… the guy who arrived later seemed different from the others. I saw the expression on his face; he seemed genuinely concerned about us, wanting to save us. And don't you think he's quite handsome?"

I turned my head abruptly to look at Monica.

In her pure, innocent face, her eyes were crystal clear. Yet there was a probing hint that sent a chill down my spine.

Perhaps my expression had frightened her, as the probing look in Monica's eyes disappeared, and she smiled sweetly, as usual.

"Oh dear, I'm such a daydreamer. I see a handsome guy, and I'm unable to move a step. Zelda, you better not make fun of me."

I forced a smile, my heart sinking like a stone.

I suddenly remembered something—Monica suggested going to the bar; it was her birthday, and she wanted to experience the joy of a night out with me. I agreed to accompany her. In my previous life, when I encountered the group of "thugs," Monica and I had stayed at the bar until very late, around two or three in the morning. But this time, even though I left early, they still appeared. Monica's visit to the restroom before we left and her deliberate exoneration of Stephan made me suspicious.

The night air brushed against my face, and at that moment, I couldn't bring myself to look at my once dearest friend.

Monica, have you also— fallen into their plan to destroy my life?

Back at the Chasey family before midnight…

I entered the house using the passcode. I had too much on my mind, so I didn't call any maids to attend to me. As I was preparing to go upstairs to freshen up, I heard some hushed voices coming from the garden on the ground floor.

It was Hazel, my stepmother.

"Why did it fail?" Her voice sounded somewhat frustrated. "Wasn't everything planned?"

"She really just walked away?"

"She thought you were in cahoots with them? You idiot! If you can't even handle such a small matter, don't expect to get rich!"

"Next time? How long will we have to wait for the next opportunity? Fine, let's discuss it and then inform you."

I keenly noticed two words in her conversation: "next time."

More than just Hazel was involved in this conspiracy, and the person who cursed me wasn't just Hazel.

I rushed back to my room and began writing down the names of everyone who could be plotting against me. Hazel, Monica...

When I wrote down Monica's name, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of heartache. I looked up and froze.

On the desk was a family portrait.

My father, Hazel, me, and...

My paternal half-sister, Virginia Chasey.

In my previous life, she acted as an instigator, whispering sweet words in my ear, praising Stephan as an exceptional man, and teaching me that as long as I cooked the raw rice, my parents wouldn't object. She believed Stephan was such a perfect man.

So, I'll fulfill her wishes in this life.

I hope they have a great life together this time.