Part 2The Blind Man's Eyes

While everyone was still reeling from the shock, I spoke up. “Mom, since that’s the case, I’m not getting married. As for how much of a dowry you can get from them, that’s up to you.”

My mother’s face flushed with embarrassment. One was the son of Crestmont’s richest man, the other the heir to a prominent local family. She couldn’t afford to offend either of them.

And right on cue, Harrison’s competitive streak flared. He stood up, meeting Julian’s gaze. “A gentleman does not steal another’s love. Do you understand?”

Julian returned his look without flinching. “Who is beloved, I believe, is for Miss Evelyn to decide.”

A handsome curve formed on his lips as he turned his gaze, now filled with an overwhelming tenderness, back to Evelyn. “Do you remember, when we were children here in Seabrook, my grandfather set up a chess problem under a tree? You were the only one to solve it, and in less than an hour.”

“I was so captivated by your intelligence then, I swore I would marry no one but you in this life.”

“Don’t feel pressured. I will compete with Harrison fairly. No matter who you choose in the end, I will respect your decision.”

In my past life, I had never understood why his love for Evelyn ran so deep. Now, hearing the reason, I could only find it laughable.

I was the one who solved that chess problem.

But I couldn't blame him for the mistake. Back then, I was perpetually hungry, giving all my food to my siblings. I was shorter and scrawnier than Evelyn.

But I had no intention of revealing the truth. It was all so pointless.

Seeing Evelyn nod, Harrison, though displeased, agreed to the competition. This was no longer just about a girl; it was about the pride of two powerful families from two different cities.

The show was over. I stood up to go to my room, but my mother stopped me.

“Where are you going?”

“Oh, I’m leaving this house to go live with Grandpa.”

“You are not! If you leave, who will they marry?”

I let out a sharp laugh. “Mom, what, you want both wealthy sons-in-law? If you’re that desperate, why don’t you marry one of them yourself? I’m not interested in anyone’s leftovers.”

With that, I went to my room to pack.

The truth was, my grandfather had disowned our family long ago. Twenty years ago, my mother, greedy for money, had boasted that his medical skills could bring the dead back to life. She insisted on bringing a corpse to his clinic, nearly ruining his lifelong reputation. He threw her out and severed all ties.

Only I, after I was old enough, would secretly visit him. I had a natural talent for traditional medicine. In my last life, I could have inherited his legacy. I had to give it all up because I married Julian. I was too busy working odd jobs to pay for his treatments, saving up to take him on trips to lift his spirits.

This time, I would live for myself.