Chapter 3 My Wedding to Rosalie Must Be Called Off

"What? Why not?" Abigail fell silent for a moment before letting out a sigh. "But the wedding's been planned, and the invitations have already gone out. How could you back out at this point?" Rosalie buried her face in Abigail's chest, looking like a child who had been wronged. "I just can't bear to leave you, Mom." Abigail gently combed her fingers through Rosalie's hair, her voice softening with sympathy. "Silly girl, you've loved Lucian since you were little. Haven't you always dreamed of marrying him and building a life together? What's brought on this sudden change…?" A bitter knot tightened in Rosalie's chest. Abigail's words jolted her back to reality. Since he was little, Lucian had been raised under the watchful eye of the Ashford family's elders. His talent and capability had earned him both their trust and affection. After their engagement six months ago, her father, William Ashford, had entrusted him with significant company projects. But how could she find the courage to tell Abigail the truth? In Lucian's heart, there had never been a place for her. In her past life, their marriage had been nothing more than an illusion of love and harmony. Rosalie wasn't even permitted to bear his child. She had sacrificed her health for the chance, but all she earned was his indifference. Her family's corporation had been devoured by him, reduced to nothing more than a stepping stone in his rise to power. As the memories of her past life rushed back, a deep sorrow filled Rosalie's heart. "Mrs. Ashford, Ms. Becker has arrived. Mr. Fenwick is with her," the maid, Bernice Flay, called out from just beyond the door. Abigail assumed Lucian had come to discuss the upcoming wedding or perhaps to see how Rosalie was doing. She gently patted Rosalie's hand. "Stop overthinking. Go wash your face and put on something nice. Let's not keep them waiting." Rosalie frowned. What was the reason behind Camelia's return? Still, it wasn't exactly surprising. After all, Lucian had pined for her for seven long years. Now that he had finally won her back, how could he bear to let her out of his sight so soon? Camelia was the daughter of Abigail's close friend, Gertrude Becker. Half a year ago, she had returned from being abroad to attend Rosalie and Lucian's engagement banquet. Afterward, she stayed at the Ashford residence, claiming she wanted to establish herself in the country. Out of respect for her past friendship with Gertrude, Abigail had welcomed Camelia with open arms. Over the past six months, whatever Rosalie had, Abigail made sure to set aside a portion for Camelia. Nothing was ever forgotten. In Rosalie's past life, Abigail had broken down in grief when Camelia tragically perished in the fire. The sheer weight of her sorrow had been too much, leading her to collapse. She had continually berated herself, feeling she had failed to safeguard her best friend's daughter. Her guilt lingered, pressing down on her heart like a heavy, suffocating weight. After her parents' deaths, Rosalie was left with the responsibility of managing their estate. It was during that time that she uncovered a shocking revelation. For years, William had been secretly transferring large sums of money overseas. The amounts were staggering. All that money had ultimately flowed into a single account, one that belonged to Camelia's mother, Gertrude. Unfortunately, both Camelia and William had already passed away by that time. The true motives behind William's actions remained a mystery, one Rosalie would never uncover before her death. But in this life, she had to find a way to warn Abigail. It was clear now that William's loyalties had been divided long ago. Rosalie didn't head downstairs right away. Her ankle still throbbed, so she asked Bernice to wheel her to the upstairs corridor. From that vantage point, she gazed down at the scene below. In the heart of the living room, Lucian stood tall, impeccably dressed in his custom-tailored suit. His voice was cold and steady as he spoke. "Mr. and Mrs. Ashford, aside from bringing Ms. Becker back, there's something else I need to be upfront about. "My wedding to Rosalie must be called off. "All these years, I have only ever seen Rosalie as a younger sister. I've never felt anything romantic between us. "The one I truly love is Camelia. I hope you both can give us your blessing."