Stormwater Collection Station

In my past life, love blinded me, turning me into a pitiful beggar pleading for even a single glance from Alan.

But after living it all again, I finally understood: love cannot be begged for, but dignity can.

Before hanging up, I said my final words: "Mrs Alan, this is my decision—and it’s final. I hope you will respect it. Whether you look for him or not is the Alan family’s affair. I will no longer be involved."

I gave her no chance to argue. The call ended, and her number was blocked immediately.

Peace, at last.

Back home, my father noticed my exhaustion, his eyes full of concern as he asked what was wrong.

I told him everything—only leaving out the part about my rebirth.

"Dad, I'm sorry," I said, hanging my head. "I might have let you down. The marriage alliance with the Alan family… it's over."

He was silent for a long moment before sighing softly. Reaching out, he patted my head, his gaze tender. "Silly child, what are you saying? All your father wants is your happiness. If that boy’s heart isn’t with you, then ending this marriage is for the best. A daughter of Ashley’s Group will have no shortage of suitors."

My eyes stung with warmth, and I buried myself in his arms.

Yes—how could I have been so foolish before? In that past life, I’d broken my family’s heart for a man who never loved me.

The next day, I gathered my resolve. With a project proposal drafted overnight, I walked into my father’s company.

It outlined a preliminary plan to pivot the family business from traditional manufacturing into the new energy sector—a more promising path I’d chosen for Ashley’s Group, guided by memories from my previous life.

As my father read through it, surprise and approval filled his eyes.

"Ashley," he said, "you’ve really grown up."

I smiled.

Yes, I had.

A life without Alan… turned out to be far less heartbreaking than I’d feared.