I Took the Fall for My Sister

Chapter 2

This same scene had played out in my past life.

Charles was ready to give up his inheritance from the Anderson family for Freya, just to break our engagement.

Back then, I loved him like my own life. I rushed in, stood in front of Charles, begged for mercy on his behalf, and even threatened to kill myself, and that was the only reason our engagement survived.

But this forced marriage eventually became shackles for us both.

Charles noticed me, a flash of disgust crossing his eyes.

"Ava, perfect timing," he said coldly. "I've only ever seen you as my sister. Why do you keep clinging to me? Even if I can't marry Freya, I won't marry you either."

Every word struck my heart.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the dull ache in my chest.

Without glancing at him, I walked straight to James. "Grandfather, I came to discuss canceling the engagement."

Charles froze.

James was equally stunned. "Ava, you..."

I interrupted him. "Grandfather, you can't force love. I won't marry a man who loves someone else."

Turning to Charles, my gaze steady, I said, "Charles, you're free."

His face fell instantly. He clearly hadn't expected me to yield so easily.

He grabbed my wrist. "Ava, what's your game now? Is this your ploy? Playing hard to get? You know Freya's facing prison. Are you trying to drive her to death by canceling now?"

My heart clenched painfully.

To him, I'd always be the villain without scruples.

"If she doesn't go, then I will. So I deserve to die instead?" I countered coldly.

His eyes wavered, but he still clung to his argument. "Freya's frail. She can't survive a place like prison! You're different. You..."

'You're strong enough to handle it.' I gave a bitter laugh.

Of course, I was always the strong one. So I deserved to suffer.

"Charles, I'll repay the Scott family's debts myself."

I wrenched my hand free and declared, "As for you—I'm done with you."

"Ava!" His voice cracked with emotion.

I didn't look back, walking straight to the door.

The tears finally came, unstoppable.

'Charles, in this lifetime, I wish you and your true love a lifetime of happiness together.'

When I returned home, I began packing my things.

There wasn't much to pack, really. Once you went to prison, you couldn't take anything with you.

I just wanted something to do, to make myself seem less pathetic.

I didn't sleep all night.

It would be a lie to say I wasn't afraid of prison.

It was a ten-year sentence, maybe longer.

In my past life, I'd heard of the suffering Freya endured inside. Now that it was my turn, how long could I survive there?

The next morning, I decided to visit my mother's grave as my final goodbye.

Just as I stepped out of the gates, a figure suddenly lunged at me, viciously choking me.

The sharp stench of alcohol hit me.

Charles's eyes were bloodshot, like a demon straight from hell.

"Ava! Are you really going to stand by and watch Freya die?"

His grip tightened, and I could barely breathe.

"Let... go..." I gasped, feebly beating at his arm.

But he only roared like a madman. "You've bullied her since you were kids, and now you want to take her life too?"