Mistress Obsessed, Wife and Foe Refuse to Marry

The room was crowded on the day I died, my bitter rival among them. Only my husband William was absentin Iceland with his mistress and their son, watching the Northern Lights.

As I took my last breath, his text lit my phone: I married you for the family, but you were a good wife. You took the birth control, never asked for children. If theres a next life, Id still choose you. Rest in peace.

Victoria saw it and laughed coldly. You were never fit to be Mrs. Grant. Next life, dont even compete.

I never imagined her words would come true. When I woke, we were back at the Grant family lottery, deciding our fates.

William said coldly, Alice, you drew the short straw. Youll be the young mistress.

Without hesitation, I pushed the paper into Victorias hand.

The title of Mrs. Grant suits you better.

Mrs. Grants face clouded with confusion.

Alice, dear, your rivalry over William was the talk of the town for years.

Now that fate is on your side, why would you refuse it?

The Lindens, the Winslows, and the Grants were the three unshakable pillars of the citys elite. We were equals, each keeping to our own affairs.

But Victoria and I had both fallen for the same man: William Grant.

To avoid offending either of our powerful families, the Grants had devised what they called the fairest solution, a simple draw of lots.

In my past life, when I drew the winning straw, Id cried tears of joy.

I had no idea that victory would condemn me to a lifetime of loneliness and quiet suffering.

Given a second chance, I didn't dare accept this twist of fate. I didn't want it.

I answered Mrs. Grant with a calm I didn't know I possessed.

Mrs. Grant, Im not ruthless enough. I fear I wouldnt be able to manage a family as powerful and complex as yours.

Victoria is known for her decisive nature. She is, truly, a much better fit.

Seeing my resolve, Mrs. Grant turned to her son. William? What do you think?

William was sitting at the table, meticulously pouring tea, and didn't even bother to look up.

It doesn't matter who I marry.

Of course. When you cant marry the one you love, anyone else is just a placeholder.

Williams true love was a woman named Jessica, the same one he kept as his mistress in our past life.

Jessica sold motorcycles.

During his sophomore year of college, a friend dragged William to a biker rally. He saw Jessica, wild and free on her bike, and never forgot her.

He thought she was thrilling, different from the polished women of our world. He believed that only with her could he live a life of passion.

But the vast Grant empire would never permit him to marry a woman with no connections.

He had to accept his fate and choose a bride from either the Linden or Winslow family.

Since William didn't object, Mrs. Grant had little else to say.

She simply advised us, Settle this between yourselves.

Our three families have been allies for generations. We can't let this cause a rift.

I understood her concern.

Victoria and I had both orbited William since we were children.

My nature was softer; I never fought for his attention.

But Victoria was no pushover.

William, seeing me as the gentler of the two, always showed me a little more favor, a little more care.

Victoria felt slighted and targeted me at every turn.

Accusing me of cheating on exams, spreading rumors that I was a manipulative little snake, it was all just part of our routine.

I had grown used to it, rarely getting angry. Only when pushed too far would I offer a weak, half-hearted defense.

Now, living this life again and knowing the truth of Williams heart, I realized we were both just clowns in his tragedy.

What was the point in fighting anymore?

I nodded calmly. Don't worry, Mrs. Grant. Victoria and I have already discussed it. There will be no trouble.

Only then did she seem satisfied.

Good. William's grandfather is very ill and doesn't have much time. The wedding will be in three days.

After leaving the Grant estate, Victoria and I had just found a cafe to catch up when William appeared, with Jessica in tow.

He wasn't here for me.

He took Jessicas hand and stood before Victoria, his expression one of entitled certainty.

Victoria, since our marriage is settled, there's something you need to know.

You know I love Jessica. Marrying you isn't going to change that. I'm not leaving her.

Unless theres a major family event, Ill be living with her.

In my past life, William had said the exact same words to me.

It was the first thing he had ever asked of me. I didnt want to disappoint him, so I agreed.

Back then, I believed his infatuation with Jessica was just a phase.

Once the novelty wore off, he would come back to our home, to our life.

I never realized how deeply he loved her.

And Jessica was not the docile woman she pretended to be.

Her jealousy was a poison. Every few days, she would find a new way to torment me, from backhanded insults to staging accidents and framing me to drive a wedge between William and me.

The reason William never wanted a child with me was because Jessica had orchestrated the "loss" of their first baby, a fall she blamed entirely on me.

William believed her. He made me pay for it with a lifetime of childlessness.

A familiar bitterness rose in my throat, but Victoria's voice cut through my thoughts.

She laughed, the sound sharp and scornful.

William, what century do you think this is? You want to play the part of some ancient emperor with a wife and a harem?

Listen to me carefully. If you dare move in with Jessica, I will make sure she can never set foot in this city again!

A shiver ran through William.

Victoria was famously fierce, but she had always reserved her gentler side for him.

He didn't know we had both been reborn, so he couldn't comprehend her sudden transformation.

He assumed Jessicas presence had provoked her and softened his tone.

Victoria, don't be ridiculous. Jessicas pregnant.

She needs me to take care of her.

Victoria wasn't buying it. She shot a cold look at Jessica. Shes a grown woman. If she can't even take care of herself while pregnant, what business does she have having a baby?

She should just get rid of it.

Jessica's face went deathly pale.

William was beside himself with worry for her.

He dropped the pretense, his face darkening with anger. Victoria, shut your mouth.

Jessica and I have wanted this baby for a long time. We are not getting rid of it.

Victoria shrugged, completely unfazed.

Do what you want. But remember this: if you move in with her after were married, I have a thousand ways to make you regret it.

As if disgusted by their very presence, Victoria grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the cafe.

But Jessica followed us out alone.

She caught Victorias sleeve, her face a mask of pitiful distress.

Miss Winslow, I know you don't like me, but the baby is innocent. He can't be born without a father.

Please, Im begging you, don't push us into a corner.

I instinctively glanced back at the cafe. Just as I expected, William was watching us, his gaze fixed and intense.

A chill went down my spine. This was exactly what happened in my past life.

Seven days after William and I were married, he announced he was moving out.

I tried to stop him, and then Jessica came to me alone, pleading and apologizing.

She had grabbed my arm just like this, then faked a fall down the stairs, creating the illusion that I had pushed her and caused a miscarriage.

My heart leaped into my throat. I had to warn Victoria. But before I could speak, Jessica was already repeating her act, tilting her head back and letting her body fall backward.

This time, she wasn't framing me, but after everything, Victoria had become my friend in those final days of my previous life. I couldn't let it happen.

But at the last second, Victorias hand shot out, grabbing a fistful of Jessicas collar.

She turned to me, her eyes burning. Was this the baby she used to frame you? The reason you could never have children?

I gave a heavy nod.

Victorias gaze snapped back to Jessica, a cruel smile playing on her lips. To pull a stunt this dirty, you must not want this baby very much.

In that case, let me help you out. Itll save you the trouble of framing me.

And with that, Victoria let go.

Jessica tumbled backward onto the street.

A car, turning the corner too quickly, had no time to swerve. The front of the car slammed hard into Jessica's stomach.

From a distance, William sprinted toward us, his eyes a terrifying shade of red.

He cradled Jessicas blood-soaked body, his furious glare fixed on Victoria. Victoria, you're a monster!

Someone like you doesn't deserve to be a Grant!

I wouldn't marry you now if you got on your knees and begged me.

Then, his eyes found mine, and his voice was filled with an arrogant, unshakeable command.

Alice, go home and get ready. Youre marrying me in three days!

Before I could even refuse, the ambulance had arrived.

William climbed in with Jessica, not sparing me another glance.

As the ambulance disappeared down the street, I turned to Victoria. This is what my life was like.

Now that youve seen it, do you still want to marry him?

Victoria looked dazed, lost in thought. After a long moment, she finally answered. I have one last thing to do. If he disappoints me again, Ill give you my answer.

With that, she pulled out her phone and made a call.

Dad, can you meet me at the hospital?

I understood Victoria's hesitation completely.

Because I, too, was once that unwilling to let go.

William believed Jessicas lies, misunderstanding me time and time again.

My friends urged me to divorce him.

But he was the man I had loved since childhood. I just couldn't bear to leave.

So I kept telling myself he was just bewitched, that it wasn't the real him.

Again and again, I convinced myself to forgive him.

I knew that when it comes to matters of the heart, you have to find your own way out. No one can do it for you.

So I didn't press her. I just said calmly, Alright. Whatever you need to do, I'll go with you.

By the time we reached the hospital, Jessica was awake and stable.

The moment we stepped into the room, William shielded her protectively.

Victoria, Jessica lost the baby. I haven't even settled the score with you, and you have the nerve to show your face here?

A flash of pain crossed Victoria's eyes. William, I wasn't trying to hurt her, she explained.

She was trying to set me up. I was just defending myself.

Jessica immediately began to sob. William, no, I wasn't.

I just wanted to apologize to Miss Winslow in private, to beg her to forgive me and stop putting so much pressure on you.

But she wouldn't listen. She called our baby a bastard who didn't deserve to be born.

William, it's all my fault. I'm not good enough for you. Maybe maybe we should just end this

Panic seized William. He pulled her into his arms, kissing her forehead tenderly.

Don't say such foolish things. You're the only person in the world who is good enough for me!

He turned back to Victoria, his face a dark mask.

Victoria, I told you, the wedding is off.

In three days, Im marrying into the Linden family.

Victoria scoffed. William, you really think if you don't marry me, Alice will just

I will.

My voice was quiet, but it was enough to make Victoria stare at me, utterly stunned.

I didn't explain myself to her yet. I just continued, speaking to William. The Linden family will proceed with the union.

But Miss Jessica is unwell, and you probably don't have the mind for wedding preparations. Ill handle everything.

In three days, you can come directly to the Linden estate to pick up the bride. We can file the marriage license later.

William was stunned, then a relieved smile spread across his face. Alice, youve always been the gentle and understanding one.

I held up a hand to stop him.

But I have one condition.

I saw what happened today. Victoria was telling the truth.

So, your Jessica needs to apologize to her.

Jessica whined, clinging to him. William, she's lying about me

Williams brow furrowed, his voice laced with annoyance.

Alice, I thought you were better than this. I cant believe youre just as bad as Victoria!

I gave a bitter, self-deprecating laugh.

William, the three of us grew up together. We know each other better than anyone.

Why won't you believe us?

He snorted with disdain.

Because I know Jessica even better!

Every time we go on a ride, she insists on visiting the local nursing homes and orphanages, buying food and clothes for them.

How could someone so kind possibly frame Victoria?!

I think the two of you are just consumed by jealousy, ganging up on her!

If my family wasn't forcing my hand, I would never in a million years have considered either of you!

A wave of disappointment, identical to Victorias, washed over me.

I shook my head wearily. So, you dont want to marry either of us, is that right?

Thats right, he said without hesitation. Youre lucky to be marrying me.

Don't expect anything more.

Behave yourself, and youll always be Mrs. Grant.

But if you don't, don't blame me for what happens next.

Victoria was simmering with rage, but I held her back.

I simply said, Alright, I understand.

Ill have the wedding ready. Just don't be late.

The moment we were out of the room, Victoria grabbed my arm, her voice a furious whisper. Are you insane?

I came here to kill my own foolish hopes, not to watch you jump back in!

Wasn't one lifetime of misery enough for you?!

I closed the door gently behind us before I answered.

Relax. I said our families could form an alliance.

I never said I would be the one getting married