Chapter 7: The Final Trade

7

I also looked at those wedding gifts. Judging by how hard the staff worked to carry them, they were all real and substantial.

A full 108 boxes.

I sneered inwardly.

The engagement gifts Derek gave me were the standard 88 boxes, but for Aubrey, his supposed sister-in-law, he gave 108.

Dad’s face darkened. He gripped the porch rail like he might snap it in half. "Derek, my daughter is your fiancée and will be your wife in a month. Why are you giving such a generous gift to Aubrey?"

He tried to keep his voice calm, but the tension was obvious, his hand tightening on the porch railing.

Derek frowned. "Nat’s got everything. Let Aubrey have this one, alright? I just want to help her out. These are just things."

He looked at me again and said matter-of-factly, "C’mon, Nat’s got everything. Let Aubrey have this one, alright?"

"When you marry me, you should always look after Aubrey."

I was truly angered by his self-righteousness. If he wanted to repay a debt, why should I be the one to suffer?

I tested him: "Since you don’t like me, why don’t we just call off the engagement?"

When I said this, Aubrey’s body clearly tensed, and she looked at Derek nervously.

She clutched her hands so tightly her knuckles turned white. For a second, the world held its breath.

"Are you serious right now?"

Derek was clearly stunned, then frowned tightly. "This engagement was set since we were kids. Everyone in Silver Hollow knows. With only a month left, how could we call it off?"

His voice softened a little. "I was harsh last time and may have embarrassed you. It’s just that you’re too stubborn, but after marriage, I’ll try to be more understanding."

"But Aubrey saved my life. Don’t pick on her anymore. You’re sisters. For my sake, look out for her."

Aubrey obviously breathed a sigh of relief, her face turning shy and moved.

But I also saw a fleeting look of pride in her eyes as she lowered her head.

I felt very calm.

But I gave up on directly suggesting breaking off the engagement and swapping marriages.

I know this man too well.

He’s too conceited and would never believe I’ve truly given up on him. He’d just think I’m being dramatic.

If I brought it up, he would definitely refuse and get suspicious. It’s better to just quietly swap the marriages.

Once it’s done, no one can change it.

I felt a strange sense of relief—like I’d finally finished a marathon I never wanted to run.