Chapter 8 Instinctively , Connor turned to his father for support , but all he got was a sharp glare . The bodyguards dragged him away , though he kept muttering curses under his breath . " Mark my words , Helen Starks ! You'll regret this ! " Watching him vanish from view , an uneasy chill crept up my spine . Liam leaned close , his voice low and steady . " Don't be afraid . As long as I'm here , he'll never hurt you . " The guests were still buzzing from the chaos , but amid the noise , Liam quietly lifted my veil and pressed his lips to mine . With our breaths mingling , the thudding of my heart was the only sound I noticed . After the wedding , the Gregory family head granted Liam an unusually long leave . Officially , it was for our honeymoon , but it was clear to everyone that it was really meant to clear the path for Connor . Since his outburst , Connor had changed . The spoiled , coddled son was gone ; he now threw himself into the family company , eager to prove himself . Being the head's only biological son , his efforts quickly paid off . Soon , the old Mr. Gregory hinted that Connor might one day replace Liam at the company's helm . As compensation , Liam and I received a fortune enough to last lifetimes . Rumors spread quickly that the family's power balance was shifting . Liam didn't care . He was too busy enjoying our honeymoon , exploring the world with me , laughing , and living in the moment . One day , I teased , " The tabloids say marriage has made you lose all ambition . If this keeps up , they'll start calling me the wicked lady who bewitched the company's CEO . " Liam laughed , warm and full - bodied . " Who says I've lost ambition ? My greatest ambition now is to be a good husband . " He meant it . The once cold - blooded business elite spent his days experimenting in the kitchen , learning my favorite dishes , and planning trips to places he knew I'd love . He never missed an anniversary and always found ways to surprise me . No gift repeated ; every gesture thoughtful and unique . Seeing how little he cared for the family power struggle , I began to settle into our peaceful life with him . 1/2 Chapter 8 +25 Bonus During one trip , I ran into Connor again . He looked steadier than before , but seeing him stirred nothing in me . My heart was calm . Connor , however , could not hide the pride in his eyes , even as he forced a composed expression . " Helen , I'm the new CEO of the Gregory Group . When I heard you were here , I had to see you . If you like , I can offer you the position of wife to the head of the family . My uncle could never give you that . " Even now , he still didn't understand me , and talking to him felt impossible . " I don't want it , " I said firmly . "I don't need it . " Connor's irritation flared . " You're only saying that because of Rachel , aren't you ? I've divorced her . I was tricked into marrying her . She only ever wanted my money . But now I know you're the only woman meant for me . " I understand you better than my uncle ever could . I'll treat you right . Just come with me . " He hadn't changed . Arrogant . Self - righteous . I had had enough . It was time to end this cleanly . " Do you really think being reborn makes you special ? " When I saw that marriage certificate between you and Rachel in my last life , there was no going back for us . " And don't forget - you were the one who killed me . How dare you stand here and talk about treating me well ? " Only then did Connor realize I , too , had been reborn . The light in his eyes dimmed instantly . I didn't spare him another glance . My gaze shifted to the man waiting by the ice cream stand , not far away . Liam caught sight of me and broke into a warm , sunlit smile . " There are quite a few people in line . It'll take a while . The sun's too hot - you should sit down for a bit . " I shook my head . " I'll wait with you . There's an annoying pest over there . " Liam lifted his head just as his eyes met Connor's , striding toward us in a hurry . Support