Chapter 2

I woke up in my room, unsure who had saved me. Word was that Preston had "handled" the situation. When the cruise docked, he personally escorted Roxanne home. By the time I arrived home, I walked right into his voice saying, "Rox put her reputation on the line to save me. Of course, I have to take responsibility. Let's consider the engagement settled." My steps faltered. I'd already decided to let him go in this life, but hearing that still hit somewhere deep. He thought Roxanne had risked her reputation for him. However, if I did the same, he'd just think I was desperate and shameless. Back then, rumors had spread so wildly in our circle that they reached my parents. They went to the Gale residence, and only after enough pressure did Preston reluctantly agree to marry me. When Roxanne saw me walk in, she put on a troubled expression. "That might not be right, Uncle Liam, Aunt Patricia. Pres is someone Lexi likes. I don't mind people talking, but I don't want to hurt her." My parents hadn't even said a word yet. Preston's tall figure blocked my path at the door. "Since you heard everything, I'll be honest. Lexi, I don't like you. "No matter what you do, it won't change anything. You should just let it go. It's better for both of us." I nodded lightly. "Okay, don't worry. I won't bother you or Roxanne anymore. I hope you two are happy." Preston narrowed his eyes and looked at me like he was searching for something. Behind me, my mom sighed. "You should've figured this out earlier. Once your dad and I start arranging dates for you, don't you dare turn them down again." I ignored the way Preston's gaze lingered on me and smiled at her. "Alright." After the engagement was set, Preston started showing up at the Shaw residence constantly. Before, it was nearly impossible to even see him once. I had to ask around through his friends to find out where he was. And if anyone mocked me for chasing after him, I couldn't even get angry. Now, in just half a month, I had seen him more times than I had in the previous year. Yet none of it made me happy. Roxanne always put on a sweet act in front of me, clearly flaunting as she did so. "Lexi, these are the roses Pres sent me. Do you want one? "He had this necklace shipped from overseas. Do you want to try it on? He's sending me so many, I can't even keep up with them all." In my past life, I had been the one who bought our wedding rings. I was lost in thought when suddenly, Roxanne yanked the necklace off. The chain snapped. The pearls scattered across the floor, rolling all the way to a pair of black leather shoes. "Pres!" she cried, throwing herself against Preston and glancing at me. "Lexi must've done it by accident. Don't blame her. I'm the one who didn't protect the gift you gave me…" Preston's face darkened. "Lexi, you always act so obedient in front of your parents. Now that they're away, you show your true colors, huh? "You've been picking on Rox since you were kids. Are you still not done?" Bitterness crept up my throat. "I didn't," I forced the words out evenly. Roxanne lowered her head right on cue. "Pres, it's all my fault. I'm the one to blame." He shielded her behind him, his tone laced with warning. "I stayed out of your family's business before, but Rox is my fiancee now. For the time being, I'll be staying here until Liam and Patricia return." Back then, I probably would've been thrilled just to be living under the same roof as him. Now, I just stayed silent. Seeing I wasn't saying anything, he paused and added, "Stay out of our way. I don't want Rox getting the wrong idea." That night, Roxanne whined and coaxed him into blow-drying her hair, purposely making enough noise for me to hear. I passed by without stopping, and Preston didn't react either. The next day, he noticed my sudden short haircut and smirked knowingly. "Did you cut it just for me?"