Chapter 2

The weeks flew by, and soon, it was the day of the wedding.

Trixie and I held our ceremonies on the same day—just like in my past life.

Back then, Cillian hadn't shown up for the ceremony, leaving me standing at the altar alone while the guests whispered. Meanwhile, Felix had arrived early, scooping Trixie into his arms in a display of perfect devotion.

This time, history repeated itself.

Felix showed up in a crisp white tux, rushing in to carry Trixie like a princess. As they passed me, Trixie gave me a smug look. "Why didn't Cillian come to pick you up?"

I just smiled calmly. "Don't worry about me. Focus on your own life."

Her smile dropped, her face darkening.

[Keep laughing. I'll see if you're still smiling once he starts hitting you.]

That was what she was thinking as she left with Felix.

But it was way too soon for her to celebrate.

Cillian didn't come to the wedding ceremony, just like last time. People started gossiping, casting pitying looks in my direction. Trixie looked thrilled, clinging to Felix and blurting out, "I love you, Felix," before pulling him into a kiss.

I knew Trixie just wanted to see me embarrassed.

But I wasn't stupid. I wasn't going to storm out like she did in my last life, giving everyone in the room and the Sterlings something to gossip about.

I remembered how everyone back then had said Trixie wasn't calm enough and wasn't fit to be the Sterlings' eldest daughter-in-law. After that, Samantha never treated her kindly, and Trixie suffered endlessly in the Sterling household.

I took the microphone, smiled confidently at the guests, and said, "Cillian had an important deal to handle today. When it's time for the toast, I'll be standing in for him. I hope you all don't mind."

As soon as the words left my mouth, the whispers in the room stopped.

From her seat at the head table, Samantha gave me a look of approval.

The wealthy and successful Sterlings cared most about appearances and other people's opinions. In moments like this, a daughter-in-law had to stay calm and show she could carry herself like the lady of the house.

Trixie noticed Samantha's approving look as well, and her eyes flashed with anger.

[Gross. Just wait till the toast. I'll make sure you embarrass yourself.]

Honestly, being able to hear people's thoughts felt like a blessing. Having that secret ability made everything so much easier.

When it was time for the toast, I lifted my gown and walked toward the stage with a steady pace.

Trixie's eyes were glued to me as she silently counted, [One, two, three…]

Right at the third beat, I stepped aside to fix my heel, and Trixie went crashing to the floor, breaking her glass and getting the champagne all over herself.

"You okay?"

Felix rushed to help her, but his thoughts betrayed him. [What an idiot!]

All eyes in the room turned to watch, while Samantha's face darkened with anger.

"How clumsy! You don't even act the way a Sterling should!"

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," Trixie stammered. Her words sounded apologetic, but her eyes were burning with resentment.

If it were me, I would've chosen to stay low and live quietly this time around.

But Trixie couldn't stand to see me living well, so naturally, I wasn't going to let her walk all over me.