I once risked my life to save Jaxson Rourke on a rainy night. He remembered my face. Yet, when he came to propose, he mistook Elena for me simply because we shared a similar appearance. My stepmother forbade me from revealing the truth. Tragically, Elena was frail and passed away from illness before the wedding.

My father couldn't bear to let such immense wealth and status slip away, so he decided to hand the marriage to me instead. He thought that I would surely win the Jaxson’s favor, thinking I closely resembled Elena, enough to replace her.

But, my father was wrong. Jaxson only has hatred for me, "You two look so much alike.” He sneered, “Why did she have to be the one who died, and not you?"

After the marriage, Jaxson remained indifferent towards me, never believing a word I said.

Now, I have been reborn to the time when Jaxson had just gotten engaged…I knelt before my stepmother and pleaded, "To avoid any unexpected trouble, please arrange my marriage as soon as possible.

My stepmother, Carmela, was visibly stunned, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"

Just a few days ago, I had still held my ground, refusing to bow down. It was only when she threatened my birth mother's life that I had been forced to reveal the details of how I saved that man.

I never expect Jaxson to show up for the engagement himself just two month later. It wasn't until he arrived at our door that I realized the person I had saved was none other than the Mafia Godfather, Jaxson Rourke.

In the study, my father, Paul Koval, paced back and forth, demanding answers, “How did you get to know Jaxson? Why did her propose to you?”

“I…I don’t know him. I don’t know why he comes to propose to me.” I stammered.

My stepmother, Carmela Soprano, frowned with confusion, “Is that so?” She glared at me, her voice dropping to a threatening whisper, “Don’t lie to me. Tell me all the details.”

When she threatened to cut off my mother's medical treatment, I had no choice but to spill the truth.

[Flashback]

The memory of that day remained crystal clear. The rainy season always was pervaded by a lingering and inescapable scent of rust. I sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, unconsciously twirling a scalpel in my hand. Outside, the neon lights blurred into colorful patches in the curtain of rain, reminiscing about the peach blossoms shattered upon the river's surface in New Valetta that year.

Jaxson was hunted by a rival family that night. He was shot and fell into the freezing seawater. It was me who dragged him ashore through the torrential downpour. In that abandoned fishing shack, with trembling fingers, I extracted the bullets from his body and stitched up the gunshot wounds on his chest.

Burning with a high fever, Jaxson still clutched my wrist and glared at me yet carrying a trace of imperceptible vulnerability, "You saved me! Tell me your name...I will repay you.”

“I’m…Vale.”

He rasped, “Where can I find you?"

“I’m leaving for my home in New Valetta soon.”

He nodded, “I’ll remember you.”

I didn’t expect anything from him in return. After treating his wounds, I left him alone. Jaxson had no idea that Elena looked exactly like me as if we shared the same face.

[End of Flashback]

Carmela said, a pleased smile spreading across her face, “Now your sister is called ‌Vale. It was her who saved Jaxson.”

My sister, Elena Koval‌, flushed with shame and coughed softly, “I also have feelings for Jaxson. But I don't know what he's talking about. Who is Vale?" She hastily made an excuse and turned around.

Carmela turned her gaze to me. She knew Vale was my childhood nickname. But, few people called me that since my mother was hospitalized.

"It's you," Carmela murmured, stroking the long hair falling over Elena's shoulder, "From now on, you are Vale."

I was shocked, “How could you?”

“The person Jaxson wants to marry is your sister, not you.” With that, she signaled her underlings to shove me into a cell and lock the door.

Paul clapped his hands anxiously, desperate for a solution. "How could you do this?"

Carmela whispered in his ears, “‌The Rourkes are a well-known and influential family in New Valetta, and Jaxson Rourke is the designated heir. If we can bring together him and our daughter, you’ll never have to worry about the future again.”

Paul looked puzzled, “But, Elena is not ‌Vale. She is not the person Jaxson wants.”

Carmela smirked with ill intent, “Don’t forget they are so alike that even we can’t distinguish between them sometimes. We can make Elena impersonate Vale…”

Upon hearing Carmela’s scheme, Paul nodded in agreement.

Carmela forced me to let Elena marry Jaxson Rourke in my place. Coincidentally, Elena had been frail since childhood and had been recuperating away from home for two years. Jaxson believed her story, and proposed. Everything fell perfectly into place, but I became a hidden danger.

"You are sensible." Carmela smiled contentedly, "I will select a good husband for you and prepare a generous dowry. After the wedding, you can take your mother back home."

I let out a long breath and nodded softly. I must get my engagement settled as soon as possible. I knew Elena would die from illness after a few months. ‌If she died, I wouldn’t have a chance to leave.

[Flashback]

Elena had been weak and sensitive since she was young. When Jaxson proposed to her, she was devoted to Jaxson. The better Jaxson treated her, the more regretful she felt. She lived in constant fear that Jaxson would find out the truth. Unfortunately, a single cold wind left her bedridden.

Paul and Carmela hungry for fame and gains from the Rourkes compelled me to replace Elena as the bride, keeping the truth from him.

However, no one can wrap a fire in paper. Jaxson was informed of the news of Elena’s death, and he grieved and withdrew for months. But, he agreed to marry me for the sake of this similar face. He thought I was only after his wealth and power, so he had no affection for me at all.

On the wedding night, he stared at me for a moment and sneered, "I want to marry Elena. Since you have the same face, why did she have to die, not you?"

It was three years ago that I saved him. My memory was already blurred. What I said might not be clearer than what Elena had told him. But, I still gathered up my courage and asked him, "What if I had been Vale who saved you back at that night…"

Jaxson swept the scrolls off the table, the items clattering to the floor like a sudden storm. He furrowed tightly and sneered at me, “"You've gotten wealth and power just by looking a little like Elena, that's enough. Now you even want to steal the things she did. How despicable can you be?"

Jaxson thought I was deliberately imitating Elena. He flied into a rage and punished me to kneel on the steps. As fine rain drifted off the tiles, no one dared to hold an umbrella for me. I was soaked through and collapsed wearily at the foot of the steps.

When I woke up, only my maid was by my side. She looked hesitant and told me, “Jaxson was preparing himself with Elena’s funeral. No one dared to disturb him.”

[End of Flashback]

I lay with my back to the window and tears ran from my face down onto my lapel. And I regretted it so much. If I could go back a few years, I would never have saved him. If only I could go back a few months ago...

Carmela and Elena handed me several dossiers. The profiles showed that they were all talented, handsome, and held official titles, though none were from New Valetta, or were about to leave for their businesses elsewhere.

She truly wanted to find a “good” husband for me because I read her mind and Elena still needed a final favor from me.

"What exactly did you do with him back then?" Elena looked pale, with a faint scent of medicine clinging to her. Yet, the moment Jaxson was mentioned, a light returned to her eyes.

I tried my best to recall the details, "My mother was critically ill, and I was desperate for money.”

She carefully wrote down every word, "Oh, I got it. I'll say the nanny embezzled my allowance and made my life difficult.”

Elena meticulously fabricated the story, inventing plausible reasons for every detail. Even though she pieced up a perfect story, it was full of flaws. I couldn't be bothered to deal with her. In my previous life, Elena had successfully fooled Jaxson with this exact story.

Elena flipped through several photos, looking utterly uninterested, “None of them is even half as good as Jaxson.‌”

She looked up at me, her gaze probing, "Valentina, do you really take this lying down?”‌

My heart remained completely unmoved, “Yes, I do. Jaxson is a lofty godfather. He is not someone I should ever dream of."

Elena smirked and casually pulled out a portrait, stuffing it into my hand, "Go meet him tomorrow. If you like him, I can still see you off before my own wedding."

The man Elena casually picked for me was Adrian Volkov, a businessman who had dealings with Dad. He was planning to immigrate to the United States instead of establishing his own business in New Valetta.

I thought about it and agreed. Soon we met at a teahouse by the lake. Adrian was incredibly handsome. His demeanor was upright and dignified, appearing somewhat cold and unapproachable. A slender, well-defined hand gently pushed a teacup toward me.

"Here is my family rule. The Volkov’s men can only have one wife in the lifetime. Remarriage is forbidden if a spouse passes away. If you marry me, all the properties and shops under my name will be handed over to you. If you like, you can pick up your mother and take care of her."

It hit me instantly that he already knew everything about my situation.

"But, I will be leaving New Valetta soon. The wedding will be rushed, and I might not treat you with the grandeur you deserve."

Adrian was a good man. After thinking it over, I didn’t think nothing unsatisfactory about him. A rushed wedding was exactly what I wanted.

I drank the tea he poured and agreed to his terms one by one. I also told him things my stepmother hadn't mentioned. I was a surgeon, so I wasn't very skilled at household chores...

Adrian looked at me and smiled. We had a delightful conversation. Before we parted, he promised to visit my parents for proposal within three days.

As I was leaving, a commotion broke out downstairs. I bumped right into Jaxson. He was dressed in plain clothes, as if trying to conceal his identity.

Adrian recognized him and greeted, "Jaxson".

I stood behind Adrian, turning sideways to keep my face hidden.

Jaxson held a food box, leaning against the railing with a soft chuckle, "My fiancée loves the pastries from here. I came to buy them myself so I can find an excuse to see her again later."

"And you?" His voice was lazy and teasing. I didn’t expect to see you meeting a lady in private. Is a wedding approaching?"

"Yes," he admitted calmly. "I plan to hold the ceremony in Carmine Port. I'm afraid I won't be able to invite you for my wedding."

"Carmine Port…" Jaxson repeated, "That is a nice place."

Carmine Port was the place where I first met Jaxson. By the riverbank, I dragged him out of water. It was a regret that had haunted me for a lifetime.

His gaze passed through the crowd, landed on me, and then gently looked away, "Which family's daughter did you get engaged to?" he raised his hands and vaguely pointed in my dir, "She looks familiar. I probably know her, but I just can't recall right now."

“If Paul Koval’s daughter gets married, everyone in New Valetta would know about it.” Adrian tried to show off because my background was hardly something that needed to be hidden.

Jaxson was a little confused, “So you…”

Adrian answered casually, “My fiancée is Valentina Koval.”

The moment the words fell, the surroundings seemed to go quiet. Jaxson froze, his mind drifting for a split second.

When I returned to the mansion, the sky was already dim.

Carmela asked me about the date with Adrian. Her gaze fell on my face, a hint of warmth softening her stern expression, "You look so much like my daughter. I don't wish to see you suffer. But, the best marriage must go to her.”

I nodded in silence.

Carmela continued, "Adrian Volkov is a nice choice for you. You should be grateful.

I lowered my head and answered softly, "Mm."

"Adrian is a good man. Thank you."

Carmela felt relaxed, "Just go back and have a rest."

To reach my courtyard, I had to walk through a long corridor and pass the reception hall. I had only taken a few steps when I was abruptly interrupted by Carmela.

"Hold on." She pointed to another path. "Elena is meeting with Jaxson. Take a detour."

To those seeing us for the first time, it was hard to tell the difference between Elena and me. But in reality, we were distinguishable.

Over the past two years, I had lived a life of luxury and gained some weight. Elena, however, due to her illness, remained as frail as a willow in the wind. She looked more like me from two years ago.

I let out a soft breath. Suddenly, I heard voices coming from over the wall. It was Jaxson and Elena, talking a walk the courtyard.

Jaxson brought it up casually, "You never mentioned that you have an elder sister close to your age."

Elena paused, her tone slightly uneasy, "I was recovering from illness in New Valetta and wasn't close to my sister back home."

Jaxson neither confirmed nor denied it. He simply smiled as if teasing, "‌You're so much gentler today than you hauled me out of the water with all that strength.“”

Elena smiled awkwardly, saying nothing.

I didn't want to eavesdrop further. Keeping my head down and watching steps, I quietly slipped away.

At night, the lamps in the mansion were lit. Jaxson had long since left. I served my mother medicine and helped her lie down. Due to the illness, she had been out of touch with worldly affairs for a long time. But, she have had heard about Jaxson’s proposing to Elena.

Her eyes turned red, "‌Vale, did I hold you back? I know you were the one who saved Jaxson. The current was so strong, and only you dared to jump in...”

I tried to reassure her, "You’re not a burden."

I had given up on revealing my identity in my previous life because I was convinced Carmela would never give me a chance. I had saved more people than just Jaxson, and I never thought of relying on a life-saving favor to ask for anything in return. Besides, Jaxson was never a good match to begin with. I didn’t think there was anything to regret.

I continued, "I’m getting engaged to Adrian. His family has an upright reputation and he is a lawyer in Carmine Port. Whether there is love or not, he will never treat me unfairly."

I put away the medicine bowl, looked up, and smiled at my mother, "Soon, we will be leaving New Valetta."

The next day, Adrian came to propose marriage as promised. He took the engagement very seriously, and invited the highly respected aristocrat, ‌Michael Corleone, to accompany him. Both Paul and Carmela were very pleased.

My wedding date was set for the following week. Despite being rushed, all the proper rituals were meticulously followed. After seven days, I would put on my wedding dress and leave New Valetta with him.

In my previous life, I was filled with anxiety before I married to Jaxson. Paul read my mind, “Jaxson is annoyed. You don’t need to deliberately please him anymore. This is not what we want.” Paul even wanted to give up his original scheme.

But, Jaxson insisted on marrying me. Jaxson grabbed my wrist and dragged me behind a rockery, "I agreed to marry you." He glared at me, his tone cold and hard, "Cut your hypocrisy!"

Before the wedding, Adrian also sent me a lot of little trinkets, including medical books and flower seedlings. He clearly remembered my preferences. The medical book he gave me was an out-of-print edition. It must have taken his considerable effort.

When I asked him about it, he didn't elaborate, "We are couple. If these trinkets can make you happy, my effort is entirely worthwhile."

Elena even felt a twinge of envy. As I watered the flower seedlings, she clutched a hand warmer, her tone filled with utter desolation, "Such thoughtfulness...Jaxson has never spared it for me."

In my previous life, I married to Jaxson. However, he sent me desserts every single day, never caring I didn't have a sweet tooth. I dislike the moon-white color, yet he only gave it to me because it was Elena’s favorite color. On the rare occasion I went out with him and picked out jewelry, he would only choose gold hairpins for me. After Elena died, Jaxson fell into a deep depression and wore white mourning clothes for months. He laid her to rest with full honors. Anyway, Jaxson truly treated Elena with favor.

As she spoke, her tone became increasingly emotional. Her eyes reddened, and she lowered her head, coughing for a while. Her words came out in broken fragments, barely forming complete sentences, "You…you only spent three days with Adrian. Can it be unforgettable?"

At that time, I knew saying too much would only lead to trouble.

I remained silent for a moment, and then said, "You admire Jaxson and will marry to him soon. Your wish has come true."

"Yes." she forced a smile and her brows knitted with melancholy, "Even if I have to make up a story for a lifetime, I will be Jaxson’s wife."