Second Life New Choices

Chapter 2

After leaving Nightscape Bar, Jolene went to the hospital to treat her wound. When she returned home, she packed everything that was related to Preston into a box.

Just then, Francis and Gloria returned. They were stunned to see what she was doing. "Jo, have you really let go of your feelings for Preston? Don't you love him anymore?"

As she nodded without hesitation, they felt relieved and smiled. “That's great. Cedric is abroad, and he's up to his neck in work. Together with the Norwoods, we video-called him today and had a mutual agreement regarding the marriage.

“Compared to Preston, Cedric is more sensible and mature. He's indeed a better match for you. It's just that given his good reputation, we thought it would be too farfetched to consider him as a candidate for the marriage arrangement. That's why we never did.

"We originally thought he would disagree with the proposal, but to our surprise, he agreed without a fuss." Jolene's eyes reddened instantly. When she made the decision, she already knew Cedric would agree.

In her past life, descendants of the noble families, herself included, were afraid of Cedric due to their age difference. She rarely interacted with him, and they almost never met each other outside of family banquets. All she knew about him was how he devoted himself to his career and single-handedly established an unparalleled business empire. He also never got married.

It wasn't until he took his life when he was 35 years old that others found a stack of love letters among his belongings in his bedroom.

Every letter was directed to someone named "Starley", and no one in the Norwood family knew who he was writing to.

Only Jolene knew.

On the day she was born, the sky was lit up by numerous stars. “Starley” was the nickname that her dearest elder gave her, with hopes that she would shine as brightly as a star.

She never knew that Cedric, who was cold and out of her league, had secretly loved her his entire life. Since fate gave her another chance to live, she was willing to give him and herself a chance.

While she was dazed, Francis and Gloria took out a gift box and handed it to her.

They sounded pleased as they said, “Jo, it's your birthday tomorrow. Cedric couldn't make it, but he asked his assistant to take this from his study and give it to you. Take a look and see if you like his gift."

The moment Jolene opened the box, a brilliant ring came into view. It was the most expensive diamond ring that Sotheby's had auctioned in the span of 50 years, “Eternal Star".

Jolene laid eyes on it once and could never forget it. She didn't expect Cedric to gift her such a priceless present. At that moment, she felt a burst of warmth in her heart.

In her past life, Preston stopped giving her any presents ever since word of their marriage spread. She had long since forgotten how it felt to receive a gift from a loved one.

The next day, Jolene's birthday banquet took place in the most luxurious hotel in the city at 7:00 pm sharp.

Guests offered her well wishes. With her marriage arrangement finally decided, Jolene felt that a burden was lifted off her chest. Her smile never left her face.

It was all good until a commotion arose amid the crowd. Everyone looked toward the entrance. Following their gazes, Jolene saw Preston entering with Simone.

That wasn't as insulting as the fact that his friends were walking toward her with a signboard, on which was written "Hypocrite".

The guests flocked around them, wanting to know more. They murmured among themselves.

Jolene's face turned as white as ash. Clenching her fists, she stared those troublemakers in the eyes. She asked coldly, "What's the meaning of this?"

Preston's friends scoffed as they looked at her. They teased her out loud.

"We have to ask you the same question! Didn't you tell us yesterday that Pres won't be your groom? Then explain why his family is already preparing for the wedding. No one's better at playing hard to get than you are, Ms. Miller! I think this signboard describes you pretty well!"

"I told you she was just being stubborn yesterday. She's been pursuing Pres for so many years. Everyone knows she even cast aside her dignity for him. Claiming that she doesn't love him anymore and isn't going to marry him is merely a trick to stall for time. Preston is the only person among the Norwoods who's of her age. Who else can she marry if not him?"

Laughter rang out across the hall.

Preston looked at her icily. “Jolene, stop being such a hypocrite and stop trying to get my attention. After we get married, I won't give you anything other than the identity of my wife."

Jolene heard that too in her previous life. He stayed true to his word. Throughout their seven years of marriage, she gained nothing except her identity as his wife.

The crowd discussed among themselves. Jolene inhaled deeply and raised her voice, saying, "Preston Norwood! I don't need you to give me anything. Listen carefully. The person I'll be marrying isn't you, and he isn't someone of my age either. He's your—”

Before she could say Cedric's name, an incident interrupted her.

Simone suddenly covered her mouth and nose as rashes appeared on her face. With reddened eyes, she leaned into Preston's arms. “Mr. Norwood, it's so itchy. Why are there so many hyacinths here? I'm allergic to hyacinths!"

Hyacinths were Jolene's favorite flowers, so they were used to decorate every corner of the hall.

As Simone's breathing grew more rapid, Preston felt anxious. He kept calling her name and eventually carried her.

He left behind only two instructions. The first was directed toward Jolene. “Jolene, you're not allowed to plant or place hyacinths anywhere after we get married!"

The other was directed toward his friends. "Wreck this entire hall after I leave."

“Leave it to us, Pres!” They immediately heaved chairs and tables, smashing them around like hooligans.

Jolene's birthday cake was splattered across the floor. Utensils were smashed into pieces, guests trampled on the flowers as they scurried away.

"Stop! Who said you could ruin my birthday banquet? I said, stop!"

"You're going to marry Preston, after all. You should obey him in everything as he'll be your husband." Preston's friends burst out laughing.

Jolene couldn't stop their brash act despite how hard she tried. Instead, she was mocked thoroughly. Eventually, the guests left, and her birthday ended in a mess.