No Longer Yours to Break

The second Zoe reset her life and landed back at the Elite Match Gala, she swapped her token with her half-sister's. No hesitation.

Connor grabbed the bouquet meant for Vicky, eyes lighting up.

He slipped his fingers into hers, all soft and serious.

"Vicky, you're it for me. My one and only."

Then he turned to Zoe—and the warmth vanished.

"Zoe, you've always been like a little sister to me. Don't even think about stepping into Vicky's place."

That hit like a slap. Cold, sharp, humiliating.

Whispers exploded around her, just like before.

Everyone thought she was pathetic. The girl who chased Connor for a decade... only for him to fall for her sister.

In Southport, everybody knew Connor Buxton had fans. Zoe Hertbert? She was the most hopeless of them all.

Last time, she got picked at the Elite Match Gala—only for Connor to ditch her on their wedding day. Her face got slashed, her heart shattered, and she died humiliated.

So the first thing she did after waking up in the past? Swap her number with Vicky's.

Connor stared at the number card—Vicky's now. His eyes lit up.

He walked right over and kissed her hand. "Vicky, will you be my one and only wife?"

She gave a shy little nod.

The crowd lost it.

Zoe stood next to them, watching their hands like she didn't care. Face unreadable.

Connor turned. Everyone followed his gaze.

He froze for a beat. Guilt flickered across his face—but he still held on to Vicky.

"Zoe, you've always been like a little sister to me."

He actually said that. With a straight face.

"Don't worry, I'll still look out for you. Like family."

Then he smiled at Vicky. "She's the love of my life. And since you two are sisters, just treat her like your sister-in-law. Take care of her for me, yeah?"

The crowd hushed, all eyes drifting to Zoe with mixed looks.

Everyone in Southport knew she'd been obsessed with Connor. So obsessed, it was pathetic—especially since he was clearly into her half-sister the whole time.

A few guests even smirked.

Zoe didn't move, but her nails dug red crescents into her palms.

Connor still looked flawless, just like always. And that soft, dreamy look in his eyes? She used to think it was for her.

Now it was all for Vicky.

Zoe smiled. "You're too kind, Mr. Buxton. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness."

Voice smooth. Perfectly polite.

Connor stiffened. That glow from before? Gone. His brows tightened.

Before he could speak, Vicky's eyes welled up. "Zoe, I know you've always had feelings for Connor... I'm sorry. I took the guy you loved...

"I always gave you everything growing up—but not Connor... I love him. Please don't hate me—"

Connor rushed to her side. "Vicky! I've only ever loved you. You don't need to apologize."

His tone was soft, but there was urgency behind it. He shot Zoe a look—cold, almost blaming.

"She's your sister-in-law now. Let's just