Choosing the Right One

Behind George, the other Chapman young men stifled their laughter with their hands over their mouths.

"Ms. Layton, this won't do. If you can't even tolerate your sister, what will happen when George starts getting close to other women? Are you going to drop dead from jealousy?" someone mockingly said.

Another person burst out laughing and added, "Don't you know Ms. Layton here can take out every woman who gets too cozy with George?"

Back then, I had taken up kickboxing because of George. I even ran my mouth, saying I'd beat up anyone who tried to steal him from me.

Now, just thinking about it made me cringe.

Laughter rippled through the room as George stepped toward me.

His voice dripped with disdain as he said, "Grandpa's announcing our engagement today. If you really want to marry me, don't forget what I told you.

"We'll live separate lives once we're married, and you'll stay out of my business. That way, I'll forgive you for being wicked and insufferable."

I stared at him in disbelief. I couldn't wrap my head around how someone so well-educated could say something so absurd.

George mistook my silence for agreement and looked even more smug.

"As long as you listen to me, I'll make sure not to embarrass you," he added.

He was already convinced I'd never marry anyone but him.

The people around us looked on like they were watching a show. Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from inside the house.

Mr. Chapman Senior's assistant, Isaac Brown, stepped out.

"What's all the ruckus about? It's Thanksgiving. Are you trying to upset Mr. Chapman Senior?" he chided.

Trailing behind Isaac was Nathaniel. He wore a suit and wasn't using a wheelchair. Moreover, he looked healthier than before.

When Nathaniel saw me covering my face, he walked past everyone and stopped in front of me.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a low voice.

The moment my eyes landed on him, a memory came rushing back. When I had lost all hope in my previous life, I wandered the streets like someone homeless.

Once, a car pulled up beside me. Then, the window rolled down, and Nathaniel's face came into view.

"Bea, what are you doing here?" he had asked.

He had never once addressed me by my first name. Back then, I had assumed it was because he didn't accept me as his sister-in-law.

It wasn't until right before I died that I realized I had been wrong.

I was still in a daze when Nathaniel asked again, "Does it hurt?"

I looked up upon hearing that and met his gaze. Tears welled in my eyes, but I answered with a smile, "No, I'm fine."

Nearby, George scoffed. "Why do you care if she's in pain? Nathaniel, she's your future sister-in-law."

A flicker of something unreadable crossed Isaac's face. Yet, he said nothing. Instead, he simply urged, "Come now. Mr. Chapman Senior is waiting."

As George brushed past me, he scratched his nose and muttered, "Don't forget what I just told you."

He seemed pleased with himself, as if he could already see himself holding the reins.

Unfortunately for him, that sense of triumph didn't last long.

Once everyone had gathered in the living room, Mr. Chapman Senior made his way down the stairs, leaning on his cane for support. He then stepped onto the platform that had been set up earlier.

His hair was silver now, but his presence was still commanding.

After that, Mr. Chapman Senior took my hand with a smile. "Today is a wonderful day, and I have something important to announce."

He paused, then continued, "Beatrice just turned 20. According to the arrangement her grandfather and I made, she'll marry one of our family's young men. After the wedding, I'll be transferring 80% of my assets to the couple."

Mr. Chapman Senior had spent decades building his business. At this point, his fortune was practically the stuff of legend. Even a fraction of it would be more than what most people could earn in a lifetime.

Everyone in the room went wide-eyed with envy.

"Now, I want to witness their happiness with everyone present," he announced.

George straightened his back, lifted his chin, and took a step forward, only for Mr. Chapman Senior to stop him.

A beat later, he turned to Nathaniel with a smile.

By then, Nathaniel had changed into a new suit. Standing beneath the lights, he looked nothing like the sickly young man he used to be.

With a bouquet in hand, he walked to the front and said, "Beatrice, are you ready?"