Chapter 1

Elara's POV

I opened my eyes, and the scent of roast beef and expensive wine hit me instantly.

I was back.

Back to the day that ruined my life. Or rather, the day I let Trixie ruin it.

Across the long mahogany dining table sat two men. They were brothers, heirs to the Sterling empire, but they couldn't be more different.

On the left sat Cillian Sterling. He was a statue carved from ice—sharp jawline, cold gray eyes, and an aura so intimidating that the air around him seemed to drop ten degrees. He was the legitimate heir, the ruthless businessman who allegedly had no heart.

On the right sat Felix Sterling. The illegitimate son. He had a soft smile, warm brown eyes, and a gentle demeanor that screamed "perfect husband."

In my past life, Trixie had chosen Cillian because of his power. I had married Felix because of his kindness.

We were both wrong. Dead wrong.

[This time, I’m not making the same mistake. Felix is mine.]

A shrill voice echoed in my head.

I blinked, looking around. Trixie, my stepsister, was sitting right next to me, her lips sealed tight. But her eyes... her eyes were locked on Felix with a hunger that made my stomach churn.

[Just look at him. Gentle, easy to manipulate... and he inherits everything in the end. Cillian can go to hell with his cold attitude. Let Elara suffer with the ice block this time.]

My breath hitched.

I could hear her. I could hear her thoughts.

It hit me like a lightning bolt. Not only had I been reborn, but I had come back with a gift. And judging by Trixie's predatory gaze, she had memories of her past life too.

She knew Felix would eventually take over the family business after Cillian's mysterious death. She knew Cillian was rumored to be impotent and abusive. She wanted the "easy" life I had supposedly lived.

Little did she know, Felix was a monster wrapped in a gentle smile.

Sure enough, before Father could even finish his introduction, Trixie stood up.

"I choose Felix," she announced, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness. She walked over to him, placing a possessive hand on his arm. "I feel a connection with him. He seems... kind."

Father frowned but turned to me. "Elara? If Trixie chooses Felix, that leaves you with Cillian."

The room went silent. Everyone looked at me with pity. Marrying Cillian Sterling was seen as a death sentence for a woman's happiness.

In my last life, Trixie had been thrown out of the Sterling manor, bruised and broken, claiming Cillian was a cold-hearted tyrant. Meanwhile, Felix had poisoned me slowly while pretending to be the doting husband.

I looked at Cillian.

He sat there, indifferent, swirling the red wine in his glass. He didn't even look at me. He looked like a man who could crush you without blinking.

But I tried to listen. I focused on him, trying to hear his cruel thoughts.

Silence.

Complete, utter silence.

Then I looked at Felix. He was smiling at Trixie, but his mind was a cesspool.

[Stupid bitch. Throwing herself at me already? Fine. She looks easier to break than Elara anyway.]

A chill ran down my spine.

I stood up, my legs trembling slightly, and walked towards the side of the table everyone feared.

"I'll marry Cillian," I said, my voice steady.

Cillian's hand paused on his glass. Slowly, he lifted his gaze.

Those gray eyes locked onto mine. There was no warmth, no welcome. Just a sharp, assessing look that made me feel like he was seeing straight through my soul.

Without thinking, I reached out and took his hand.

It was large, calloused, and... surprisingly warm.

He flinched, startled by the contact. For a split second, the ice cracked.

I quickly let go, sitting down beside him. "I think we'll get along just fine."

The guests whispered. Trixie smirked at me from across the table, her eyes gleaming with triumph.

[Good luck, sister. Enjoy the cold, lonely nights. I'll be the Queen of the Sterling empire soon enough.]

I picked up my fork, ignoring her.

She could have the "future heir." She could have the gentle smile that hid a killer.

This time, I wasn't looking for love. I wasn't looking for a savior.

I looked at Cillian's sharp profile. He was terrifying, yes. But he was quiet. And right now, quiet was exactly what I needed to build my own empire.

Let her have Felix, I thought, slicing into my steak. She has no idea she just walked willingly into hell.