Chapter 1
“Zeke Ferguson was a well–known heir from Los Angeles. His family’s fortune had been built on generations of tomb raiding.
But generations ago, they broke a sacred rule during one of their digs, and ever since, no man in the Ferguson family had lived past the age of 25.”
The only way to break the curse was to marry a woman with a shadow–bound body.
In my previous life, my adopted sister, Xyla Yeager, stole my wedding dress and tried to take my place to marry Zeke. I arrived at the ceremony just in time to expose her. –
one in Los Angeles mocked her. Eventually, she ended her life by slitting her wrist. My parents blamed me,
e a jinx, and cut off all ties with me.
ented me deeply. On the anniversary of Xyla’s death, he locked me in a room and set it on fire.
at shadow–bound body? You’re just after my family’s fortune and glory!
“Xyla was carrying my child. You killed them both. You’ll pay with your life!”
When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back on my wedding day.
This time, I planned to give Xyla and Zeke a special wedding gift.
***
I walked into the venue, carrying my handbag. On stage, the couple had already finished exchanging rings.
The guests nearby looked up and noticed me. At first, they were stunned. Then, exclamations filled the scene.
“Whitney? Why’s she here?”
“Wait, isn’t today supposed to be Whitney and Zeke’s wedding?”
“She’s here. Then who’s that bride up there?”
Instantly, everyone was staring at me, especially the Ferguson family seated at the front.
Zeke’s father, Desmond Ferguson, stood up first, his face dark with anger.
“What’s happening? Whitney was supposed to marry Zeke! Who’s that girl on stage?”
Zeke’s mother, Rebecca Ferguson, marched up the stage and yanked the bride’s veil away.
Gasps echoed through the audience.
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Chapter 1
“Isn’t that the Yeager family’s adopted daughter?”
“What’s going on? Did Xyla take Whitney’s place?”
11 288 Wouchers
“Only Whitney has the shadow–bound body to save Zeke. What’s the point of Xyla marrying him?”
Nyla stood frozen, not knowing what to do. Zeke gave her hand a small squeeze and looked at her gently. Then he turned to his parents, walked over, and dropped to his knees,
“Dad, Mom, Xyla’s the one I love, I won’t marry anyone else,
“And I don’t care about that so–called curse. All the men in our family have lived long lives!”
Desmond angrily slammed his cane against the floor.
“Zeke, the only reason your uncles lived that long is because they married women with the shadow–bound body!
“Your 25th birthday is tomorrow. Stop messing around!”
Rebecca’s eyes were filled with panic.
“Zeke, we never lied to you. I have the same shadow–bound body, which is why I married your dad.
“As someone born into the Ferguson family, you were never meant to choose who you love.”
Zeke stayed on his knees, refusing to stand.
“I’d rather die young than spend my life with someone I don’t love. I won’t live like a lifeless shell.”
I watched him calmly and understood what was going on.
He was also reborn.
This time, we both chose not to be tied to each other.
Realizing Zeke wouldn’t back down, Desmond shifted his anger toward me.
“So you never wanted to marry Zeke? You even dared to trick us with an adopted girl! Your family is so gutsy!
“If you don’t explain yourself right now, your family won’t be able to stay in Los Angeles!”
My mother stepped forward, held my arm tightly, and shoved me toward the Ferguson family with a forced smile.
“Whitney, I know you didn’t want the marriage we arranged, and you deliberately convinced your sister to take your place. Hurry and apologize to Sir Ferguson and Mrs. Ferguson!”
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