Chapter 12 Chapter 12 LILITH Dean's appearance threw me into confusion . He wasn't supposed to be here . At least , not according to my memories from my past life - he hadn't attended this banquet In fact , I'd never once crossed paths with him . To me , he was just a familiar stranger- someone whose name occasionally came up during conversations with Brandon's family . Often with anger and resentment . The last I'd heard of him before I died was the story about how he handled the inheritance his paternal grandfather left him . A change brought about by my rebirth ? Urgency burned in my chest . I wanted to ask May about it right away , but I knew this wasn't the time . I couldn't afford to be distracted . First , I needed to understand what Dean was up to , and what exactly he meant by saying that to my father . " What are you trying to do ? " I asked in a low , furious whisper . " Helping you ," he murmured , leaning down so close I felt his breath graze my ear . " From the looks of it , your parents still haven't changed their minds about marrying you off to your cheating fiancé . " " But what if- " his tone became lower and conspiratorial " a new , unexpected player enters the game and throws them off guard ? " He drew back slightly . " So unless you have a solid plan ready ... play along with me . Think of it as buying time - until you come up with something better . " " Of course , " he added with a faint smirk , " if you don't mind staying engaged to Brandon a little longer , feel free to ignore me . " Just the thought of continuing to bear the label of that scum's fiancée made my stomach churn . 08:49 Chapter 12 No way . So yes . He had a point . His proposal was tempting . But still ... 11 288 Vouchers " Why are you helping me ? " I asked , my eyes searching his . " What's your real agenda ? " I wasn't naïve enough to believe someone , no different from a stranger , would offer help without wanting something in return . Instead of answering , he tapped me lightly on the forehead , amusement and some other unreadable emotion in his gaze . " So young and already this mistrustful . I wonder what you've been through . " The way he sounded as though I was a wayward child , and he , the elder , almost made me roll my eyes . If only he knew my mental age . " Sometimes , the answer to a problem isn't as complicated as you think , Lily " he added , seeing that I still look unconvinced . Forget it . He was right . I had no better option right now . And frankly , I wasn't sure I had anything of enough value for him to be scheming after . For me , any choice was better than being tied to Brandon . " Okay , " I said after a moment's hesitation . He smiled . " Good girl . " 08:49 Chapter 12 : 11 288 Vouchers The exchange between us had taken only a few seconds . Then , I took his hand and walked up the stairs to the raised stage at the head of the ballroom . Gripping the microphone , I faced the crowd . " Everyone , may I have your attention , please ? " The room quieted at once . " I know tonight's events have been ... unexpected . Different from what you were all expecting when you accepted the invitation . For that , on behalf of my family , I sincerely apologize . " I bowed slightly . Straightening up again , I continued , " But now that things have come this far , there are a few things I need to make clear . " " First , my engagement to Brandon Scott is officially off the table . I refuse to marry him , under any circumstances . " Below the stage , Paula's face contorted as she shrieked , " It's not your place to decide that ! " My mom's face had darkened too . " Lilith , stop this nonsense and come down this instant ! " I ignored them both . "It's clear to anyone here that Mr. Brandon and his beloved , Miss Claire Brooks , are deeply in love . " I deliberately emphasized ' beloved , ' my eyes locking with Brandon's gloomy gaze . He looked as if he still hadn't figured out how I and everything else , changed so much in a single night . 08.49 Chapter 12 I turned to the crowd . " Unfortunately , it seems my rumored engagement with him led them to keep their relationship a secret , which in turn resulted in tonight's situation . " " For that , I also offer my apologies . " " Why are you apologizing ? It's clearly their fault ! " someone shouted , " Exactly ! You're the victim here , Lilith ! " I couldn't help but smile . Having other people's genuine support felt surprisingly ... warm . " Thank you for your kind words ," I said , bowing again . " Now that I've stepped aside . I hope Mr. Brandon and Miss Claire can pursue their relationship freely . I wish them a loving , long- lasting future . " My words were followed with booing noise . " On that note ," I said , pausing for effect , " I have another announcement to make ." The noise died down . I turned and clutched Dean's hand tightly , then raised it high in the air . " Although this is my first time seeing him again after ten years , I felt an instant connection . So I've decided - he will be my new fiancé . " Gasps rippled through the room . 08:49 Chapter 12 Then came the cheers , mostly from the younger guests " But don't get the wrong idea , " I added . " He's not a replacement or a matte According to what he said earlier , the original engagement promise was made hack when he and tos mother were still part of the Scott family . So technically ... the engagement was hus from the start . " " I support this couple ! " a young woman shouted . " Same ! " " You're so cool , Lilith ! " I smiled , feeling as though a huge load had been lifted off my chest . With this move , it would be impossible for my parents to force my hand again - at least , not without causing public backlash . I had to admit that Dean was a genius . Somehow , he had managed to turn a private scandal into a power struggle . And this time ... I was on the winning side . As the atmosphere in the ballroom became energized , I glanced at my dad Weirdly enough , he hadn't tried to stop me since I began speaking . Even now , he wasn't doing anything . Instead , his face was contemplative . I turned to Mr. Scott and saw the same look on his face . 08:49 Chapter 12 That's when it hit me . : Brandon ... was likely about to became an abandoned chess piece . 288 Vouchers Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!