When Lillian got her visa, it was the day of the Ruiz Group's annual gala.

As part of the Ruiz family, she had to attend it.

After slipping into the evening gown, she stared at the elegant figure in the mirror. For a moment, it felt like she had stepped into another world.

In her past life, after she lost her legs, Elton kept her hidden away.

Since then, she hadn't worn a dress this beautiful or attended such grand events. Chasing Elton had cost her so much.

As she stepped out, Elton's gaze lingered on her until Jill tugged his arm.

He looked away, and the three rode to the gala together, drawing every eye as they arrived.

Whispers followed.

"Did you hear about Elton's big confession at Jill's birthday bash? They say it was super romantic, but it was for Jill, not Lillian. How did she handle that?"

"No way. Everyone knows Lillian and Elton have been promised to each other since they were kids. The Ruizs raised her like their own. How could he switch to someone else?"

"Something's off with Lillian, too. She's usually glued to Elton, but today she's acting all chill. Is she giving up?"

"Maybe Jill swooped in and stole him. Look at her. She's got game, pushing his childhood sweetheart out of the picture."

A sharp crack cut through the chatter. Everyone froze, turning to see Elton's glare, and lowered their heads.

The man had crushed a wine glass in his hand after hearing someone call Jill the third wheel.

"Elton, your hand!" Jill yelped, prying open his bloodied palm, and saw glass shards embedded in it.

Unperturbed, Elton took her hand with his uninjured one and strode to the center of the room.

"Let me make this clear one last time," he declared. "I never agreed to Lillian being my fiancée. That engagement was never my choice. Jill is the love of my life and the only future Mrs. Ruiz."

He glared at the gossipers, his voice icy. "If I hear anyone badmouth her again, they're out of the Ruiz Group. Understood?"

The crowd nodded nervously. "Yes, sir. It won't happen again."

Elton nodded, comforting Jill before tending to his injured hand.

Lillian watched from the sidelines, a pang of bitterness hitting her as she heard his fierce defense of Jill. She slipped out of the gala and walked home alone.

Back at the house, she packed away every trace of Elton—photos, mementos, and gifts she'd once cherished. She stuffed them into boxes for the trash truck.

Then she began packing her personal belongings into a suitcase.

The next day, Elton noticed. "What are you doing? I told you, you don't have to leave."

He stood in the doorway, staring at her coldly and waiting for an answer.

Lillian didn't hold back anymore.

Lillian lifted her suitcase and faced Elton calmly. "I know you're worried that Bruce and Alice would be upset if I left, but you heard what people said at the gala. Our situation's too messy. My stay isn't good for anyone."

Elton didn't seem to hear her. He reached out a hand to block her.

"You've lived here two lifetimes," he muttered. "Where else can you go?"

Lillian closed her eyes, then let it all out. "I talked to my uncle. He's got a place ready for me abroad. I can move in as soon as I get there."

Elton's eyes widened in disbelief. The room fell silent, only their breathing audible.

Finally, he found his voice. "Is this really necessary? You know how far that is? Who permitted you to leave the country? Just because I brought Jill here, you're running off? I said we could be siblings. I can give you everything except love. Jill never asked you to leave. What are you even thinking?"

Jill, standing nearby, froze.

She'd been thrilled to hear Lillian was leaving, but Elton was trying to stop Lillian.

'Since when did Lillian mean so much to him?' Jill wouldn't allow it.

Oblivious, Elton kept barking orders. "Put the suitcase down. You're not leaving this house without my say-so."

Lillian laughed, raising an eyebrow. "What, can't bear to see me go?"

Elton's face darkened. His fists clenched, his knuckles cracking.

But instead of exploding, he sneered and stepped aside. "You're reading too much into it. Go as far as you like. I'll even drive you."

He reached for her suitcase, but she stepped back. "Don't bother. I'll visit my parents' graves first, and then I'm gone."

Elton softened at the mention of her parents, who died saving him. He'd respect them forever.

"I'll go with you."

"No need."

Suddenly, a cat darted out of the shadows toward her.

Lillian, severely allergic to cat fur, panicked and raised her arm to shield herself, which startled the cat.

She stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her itching throat as she coughed violently.

"Tubby!" Jill rushed to grab the cat but got scratched, her arm bleeding.

Elton scooped her up. "Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital."

As he moved to leave, Lillian weakly grabbed his pant leg. Her chest heaved, her face twisted in pain. She could barely breathe, not to mention speak.

"What's wrong?" Elton crouched to check on her.

Jill let out a soft cry. "Ow, it hurts."

Elton hesitated, then carried Jill out without another glance at Lillian.

Lillian passed out.

When she opened her eyes again, she was in the hospital, her chest still tight.

She looked around and saw Elton standing by her bed, his expression solemn.

"You..." she started.

Elton cut her off. "Jill and I didn't know about your cat allergy. She's sent Tubby away. I wired you three million to make up for the scare."

Lillian checked her phone. The transfer was there.

She gave a self-mocking smile and shook her head. "Don't worry. I won't hold it against Jill. And I don't need your money."

Elton stopped her from sending it back. "Keep it. Consider it compensation for your last life."

He hesitated, then added, "You need to recover. Your asthma could flare up again. If you ask me, you should stay home instead of running off. There's no point."

Lillian lightly shook her head, meeting his gaze. "I'm fine. This time, let's both move on."

Elton frowned, about to argue, when a knock came.

Jill walked in, glancing at Elton before turning to Lillian, pale on the bed.

"Sorry, Lillian," she said. "I had no idea you were allergic to cats and would end up in the hospital. Next time, let me know about any conditions, okay? I'd feel awful if we accidentally hurt you again."

Lillian replied calmly, "It's fine. I'm leaving soon. You can bring the cat back."

Elton's frown deepened, but Jill tugged his arm. "Lillian is awake and fine now. Let's not disturb her rest. Honestly, since sending Tubby away, I've been feeling down. Maybe it's stress. Since we're here, can you come with me to see a doctor downstairs?"

Elton nodded, concerned, and followed her out.

At the door, he paused and turned back. "Rest up. I'll pick you up before noon tomorrow to visit your parents' graves."

His gaze was deep and unreadable, reminding her of the moment he pulled her oxygen tube in her past life.

The next morning, Elton picked her up as promised and drove toward the cemetery.

Halfway there, he received a voice message from Jill. "My stomach's acting up. It hurts so bad. Can you grab my favorite oatmeal from that place I love?"

Her weak, trembling voice made Elton's face tighten with worry. He pulled over and looked at Lillian apologetically. "Head to the cemetery. I'll settle Jill down and meet you there."

Lillian had expected this. She nodded, got out, and walked the rest of the way.