I Went Back and Set Him Free

Thinking of all this, I let out a long, quiet sigh, dismissed the servant, and turned to Russ nonchalantly.

"Russ, we still need matching pendants for the wedding. Let's go to Axie Jewelers and take a look."

Russ drew his gaze away from the window and looked at me, his eyes sharp and bone-chillingly cold.

"Just finished measuring your dress, and already you're eager to buy matching pendants? Kathy, are you really this anxious to marry me? Well, bad timing, because I have an appointment with Cadence today. You can go alone if you want to."

I forced the bitter ache in my chest down. "Since you have an appointment, go see her first. We'll meet at the entrance at sunset. That way, your parents won't notice."

Russ froze, his eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion.

"Why are you so… considerate today? In the past, if Cadence's name came up, you'd make a scene. What's changed? Do you think that now we're getting married, she's no longer a threat?"

I let out a bitter laugh, but before I could answer, Russ had already turned and left.

I followed him out, circling the streets until nearly sunset, before heading toward the Williams estate.

I didn't see Russ, but instead ran straight into his parents, Gordon and Linda Williams.

With the wedding approaching, here I was, out shopping for wedding things alone with my maid. They immediately understood.

Linda stepped forward, her hand warm around mine. "Kathy, that brat is making you suffer again! Trust me, after a man marries, he'll change.

"He's just stubborn and reserved. Look—he even had Axie Jewellers attendants bring several pendant options. See which one you like. A wedding is a big deal—you must choose carefully.

"I've always hoped the two of you would be happy. Don't worry, I will make sure you marry into our family in style!"

They all assumed Russ and I had feelings for each other, just that he was stubborn and reserved.

But I knew the truth. His behavior was only out of habit and guilt.

In my last life, even without Cadence, we could never have been equal partners in marriage. He had treated me well, yes, but it was the care of a brother, nothing more.

I carefully chose the finest pendant for his future wife.

No sooner had the Axie Jewelers attendants left than Russ's personal servant came running in, holding a letter.

"Since you've chosen the pendant, from now on, you will behave as the lady of the Williams estate. Don't interfere in my matters."

A wave of sorrow struck me. I held back tears as I instructed the servant, "Please tell him I understand my place. He needn't worry."

The servant was about to leave when Linda stopped him. "Wait. Where is that rebellious boy?"

The servant trembled. "The Young Master… is at the Bree residence."

Gordon exploded with rage. "That insolent boy! Sneaking off to see Cadence again!"

"Kathy, don't be upset. I will take care of this for you. When he comes back, I'll make sure to break his legs!" Gordon's words had barely fallen when the manager of the Williams family shops came running up in a panic.

He reported that Russ, to smooth relations for Cadence's father, who was under investigation, had given away multiple shops and even money.

The intensity of his actions spoke for itself.

Gordon was livid, and Linda frowned deeply, patting my hand gently to comfort me, fearful I might be upset.

Watching their concerned faces, I couldn't help but feel my eyes grow wet.

Ever since my parents had passed, they treated me as their own. Knowing my heart was bound to Russ, they endlessly found ways to create chances for us.