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. Chapter 1 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 leave it at that." Zoe stayed quiet. Connor's voice snapped. "Zoe! Be mature about this. Whether you accept it or not, Vicky is your sister-in-law now. Don't be selfish!" His words hit like a slap. The crowd started murmuring. "That's the girl who simped over Connor her whole life, huh? And he ends up falling for her sister..." "She knew he liked her sister and still kept throwing herself at him. Total drama magnet. Probably got used to playing the homewrecker." "Seriously? Going after your own sister's man? She looks decent, but wow—desperate much?" Zoe's face went pale. She stared at Connor—he wasn't giving her a choice. To protect Vicky, the girl he loved, he'd trash her dignity right here in front of everyone. A bitter smile pulled at her lips. This was the guy she'd wasted over ten years on. Gave him everything. Every version of her. And sure, he was loyal. Just not to her. "Vicky, I was the one being immature," Zoe said. "Let's not make it a thing." Vicky blinked. That... wasn't the reaction she'd planned for. Zoe was supposed to lose it—go off and make a scene. That would've let Vicky play innocent and soak up Connor's pity. But now? Connor actually relaxed. Reached out and patted Zoe's head like she was some kid. "That's more like it. No drama between sisters, right?" "Go freshen up. You're gonna be Vicky's bridesmaid." Zoe had to fight the urge to slap his hand away. The farce was over. People swarmed Connor and Vicky, tossing out congratulations like candy. Zoe used the chaos to slip out of the banquet hall, quiet and unseen. *** Back at the Buxton estate, Connor's mom—Eleanor—was curled up on the couch. "Zoe? Why are you back so early?" The surprise in her voice made Zoe's chest tighten. "Mrs. Buxton... Connor didn't choose me." "What? That—no, that can't be right. Connor's always been closest to you. We all saw it. He even said when he was little he'd marry you one day! He must've been tricked by some girl with bad intentions. Zoe, just wait—I'll talk to him—" Zoe gave her a tired smile and gently stopped her from reaching for the phone. "He was just a kid back then. Stuff like that doesn't mean anything." Her voice cracked, eyes full of quiet heartbreak. Eleanor's face fell. She pulled Zoe into a hug, hand rubbing her back like she used to. And just like that, wrapped in a warmth she hadn't felt in forever, Zoe finally broke. The weight of her past life still clung to her—heavy, unshakable. This time, all she wanted was to stay far, far away from Connor and Vicky and finally live her own life. "Mrs. Buxton, Connor said it himself—Vicky's the only one he loves. Not me. Yeah, I used to like him, but I've made peace with it. Forcing something fake doesn't make it real." Eleanor didn't say a word. Zoe wiped her tears, pulled together a small smile. "But hey, I'll still visit. You've always taken care of me. You're the only one who's ever felt like a real mom." After a few more soft words, Zoe turned and walked away from the Buxton estate—for good. Only then did she check her phone—three unread messages. All from Lucian Lyttelton. Heir to the powerful Lyttelton family in Khelmark City. Now the head of it. Her arranged fiancé, picked by her dad before he slipped into a coma. [I'm glad you've agreed to honor the engagement, Ms. Hertbert.] [I'll send someone to Southport to pick you up in a week. Please make preparations accordingly.] [Also, I've prepared a small gift for you. It'll arrive with the escort.] Chapter 2 Zoe was done with Southport, but she had one last thing to cross off her list. In her past life, she hadn't even known about her mom's keepsake until right before she died—found out it had shown up at some auction. And that auction? Happening exactly three days after the Elite Match Gala. She threw her last few things into a bag and showed up that night looking drop-dead stunning. Zoe tuned out the whispers and zeroed in on one thing. The moment that familiar gemstone bangle popped up, she raised her paddle. "Three hundred thousand." It wasn't in the best shape, but she threw out a high bid fast—hoping to lock it down without any fuss. Right as the gavel started to drop, a voice cut through the room. "Three-fifty!" Zoe whipped around and locked eyes with Vicky, who stared her down like it was a game. Her stomach dropped. She lifted her paddle. "Four hundred." Vicky fired back. "Five hundred." Zoe clenched her jaw. "Seven." The crowd started buzzing. That bangle wasn't worth nearly that much. Vicky hesitated, lowering her paddle—until a hand stopped her. Connor. "One million," he said, cool as ever. "It's just a bangle. If Vicky wants it, no reason to let someone else take it. "Zoe, don't be difficult. What's hers isn't yours." His tone was icy, but to Zoe, it felt like a slap. Zoe stared at him, stunned. "It was mine first!" Connor's eyes narrowed. "Your dad spoiled you rotten. You've had more jewelry than you can count. "Vicky got sent away as a kid. She's your sister too, and she had to figure everything out on her own. And now you're really going to fight her over some bangle?" Zoe met his blank stare, and her whole body went cold. She flashed back to middle school—some kid had tried to snatch her lottery prize just because he liked it more. She'd clung to it, crying, too small to fight back. Connor had stormed in, grabbed the kid by the collar, and snarled, "No one takes what's yours." That version of him? Long gone. Now, he barely looked at her. Just flicked his hand. "I'll take on every bid. Let's not waste time." The room stirred—everyone got the message. He was locking it down for Vicky. Zoe's jaw clenched so tight she could taste blood. Rage, grief, and all those buried memories came rushing back. In her last life, Connor had waved his hand just like that—right before her explicit photos got blasted on a giant public screen. Zoe let out a bitter laugh, eyes locked on Connor and the pale-faced Vicky. "Connor, what's the rush? Trying to impress your girl and lovechild already? "Vicky, just because you're the daughter of a mistress doesn't mean you get to play lady of the house by taking my mother's bangle." Smack! The slap echoed like a gunshot. Zoe's head snapped to the side. She stared at Connor, stunned, caught in the chill of his disgusted glare. "You've got no manners, Zoe. Talking like that about your own sister—did your mom teach you anything before she died?" The jab landed hard. Her eyes stung. She glanced at the bangle, vision blurring. She wanted to speak, to tell him it was the only thing her mom left her— But before a word could leave her mouth, Connor was already waving security over. "Get her out. There are rules here. Don't let her crash the party again." Chapter 3 Zoe got tossed out of the auction hall like trash, right in front of everyone. Her dress was wrecked, her body ached from where security had roughed her up—but none of it hurt like her heart did. Outside, fireworks lit up the sky—used only when someone locked in a win. She just stood there, staring. By the time she blinked, her cheeks were already soaked. Whatever was left of her feelings for Connor burned out right then, gone with her mom's stolen bangle. She wiped her face, pulled herself together, and grabbed every asset she still had. She was going to his place. That bangle was the one thing she wasn't walking away from. *** Zoe showed up just as Connor's car rolled through the gate. Vicky froze when she saw her, instantly shoving the hand with the gemstone bangle behind her back. Zoe's face was pale, her hands clutching a fresh stack of financial statements. "Give me back my mother's bangle. All of this—it's yours," she said, voice shaking in the cold but steady as ever. Connor's jaw tightened. At the word "bangle", his scowl deepened. "Vicky's the lady of my house now. We don't need your money." Zoe didn't say a word. She just stepped in their way, arm out, eyes locked on them. Vicky placed a soft hand on Connor's arm. "Go inside, Connor. This is between me and Zoe. I'll handle it." He paused, then turned and walked off. The second he was gone, Vicky's whole vibe flipped cold. She smacked the papers out of Zoe's hands like they were nothing. Then she smirked, lifted her wrist—and chucked the bangle straight into the pond. Zoe didn't even think—she watched the bangle disappear and dove in after it. The freezing water slammed into her, stealing her breath and numbing her on contact. She thrashed for a second, then the panic hit. She couldn't swim. The cold, the dark, the blind panic—it all blurred together. She had no idea where the bangle went. Water thrashed around her as distant, muffled shouting came from the shore—then another splash. Someone else had jumped in. Her skin felt like it was on fire, every inch stabbed with ice, the weight of the water pressing in. Through the blur of water and panic, Zoe barely made out Connor rushing over. He was yelling. "Vicky! Vicky, are you okay?" So Vicky had jumped in too. But... why? Zoe didn't have time to figure it out. Her fingers suddenly brushed something solid—round, smooth. She grabbed it, heart pounding. It had to be the bangle. With everything she had left, she kicked toward the surface. Onshore, Connor dragged a soaked Vicky out of the water, barking for the butler to take her inside. Vicky was coughing, gasping, trying to say something. But Connor didn't answer. He just stood there, silent, eyes locked on the water, brows drawn tight. Chapter 4 The only sound cutting through the dark water was Zoe thrashing, struggling to stay up. Connor froze. He knew—Zoe had never learned to swim. As a kid, she'd fallen into a river once. He'd jumped in right after her, no hesitation. She'd been terrified of water ever since. Wouldn't even go near a deep pond. But tonight? Just to go head-to-head with Vicky over a bangle, she dove in like it meant everything. Connor didn't get why he felt so on edge. He told himself it was just frustration—Zoe being her usual stubborn self. It was just a bangle. Why couldn't she let Vicky have it? Vicky was marrying into his family. That meant Zoe was still family, too. It's not like Vicky would lock the thing away and never let her see it. No—Zoe was just jealous. Jealous that Vicky had him now. That's why she always tried to take things from her. The more he fed himself that story, the colder his expression turned. Any hint of doubt disappeared as he watched Zoe flailing in the water. He turned his back. "Zoe, I hope this snaps you out of it," he said flatly. "Stop going at Vicky. Do that, and I'll treat you like I used to. Keep pushing, and I promise—it'll only get worse." Then he walked away without a glance. His words carried on the wind, brushing past Zoe's ears—but her mind couldn't even register them. Connor thought the pond was shallow. No big deal. What he didn't get was that for someone who couldn't swim, even knee-deep water could turn deadly. In the dark, Zoe couldn't see the shore. Had no clue which way to go. She kicked and flailed toward what she thought was land—but she wasn't moving. Not an inch. The cold, murky water filled her mouth and nose. Her limbs were giving out. Her body temperature tanked. Her right leg locked up, stiff and useless. Connor's last words echoed in her head, colder than the water. She opened her hand—just a metal ring. Probably from a bag. Not the bangle. Not even close. All the fight left her in a snap. She'd been given a second shot at life... and she still hadn't done anything that mattered. "Ms. Hertbert!" Two splashes tore through the water. Someone grabbed her and hauled her back to shore. It took a full fifteen minutes before Zoe's vision cleared. She was in a car, dripping and dazed, staring at a group of strangers in all black. Her voice came out raw. "Who are you?" One of them handed her a folder. "Ms. Hertbert, our boss asked us to give you this. Please take a look." She opened it under the dim car light—and froze. Inside was a share transfer agreement. Five percent of Lyttelton Group. And a full stack of documents returning every bit of Hertbert family property that had been sold off. She looked up, stunned. The man's tone was calm, but it carried the weight of someone else entirely. "He also said—everything's set for the wedding in five days. He's just waiting on you." Chapter 5 Soaked and shivering from the cold night air, Zoe came down with a fever that knocked her out for three days. Right as she started to bounce back, the nurse texted— [Mr. Pierre Hertbert was awake.] Her dad, finally out of that coma. Zoe didn't know how to feel. The guy had cheated on her mom while she was pregnant, dragged Vicky—the other daughter—into their lives, and basically shattered everything. Her mom never recovered. Yeah, Zoe would never forgive him for that. Still, after her mom died, Pierre had sent Vicky away like he was trying to make things right. He kept her out of Zoe's world for years, and during that time? He spoiled Zoe like crazy. Now, with her bags almost packed and Southport in the rearview, she figured she owed him one last visit. *** The hospital room was quiet—but not empty. Vicky stood by the bed, smirking down at Pierre like she owned the place. "Waiting for Zoe? Sucks for you. Pretty sure she's done wasting time on you." Pierre, strapped to a ventilator, glared back, eyes burning. Couldn't speak. Couldn't stop her. Vicky's voice went cold. "Your perfect little angel? She's been crawling after Connor like a total simp. "Too bad. Even throwing herself at him didn't work." She grinned. "We're getting married in two days. Bet Zoe's off crying her eyes out somewhere." Then came the dagger. "Oh—Connor shoved her into a pool the other day. And she's terrified of water. No clue if anyone fished her out. She could already be dead." Pierre's eyes went wide. He slammed his fists against the bed, the sound echoing off the walls. The heart monitor screamed. Didn't matter. Vicky had made sure no doctors were around. She watched in silence, lips curled in victory, as Pierre's eyes slowly drifted shut. Bang! The door flew open. Zoe stormed in, breathless, and rushed to the bed. One look at Pierre—not breathing—and her face crumpled. She grabbed Vicky by the collar. "What did you do?! What did you say to him?! The nurse said he was fine this morning!" Her voice cracked. Tears poured down her cheeks. Vicky didn't flinch. The sweet-girl act she wore around Connor? Gone. All that was left was this eerie calm. "You're crying over him?" Her voice was flat, almost confused. "He killed your mom. Did that not matter to you? What are you even crying for?" "Shut up! You don't get to talk about my mom!" Zoe shouted. "No matter what he did, he was still my last family. And if he killed her, you're just as guilty! You helped him! Wasn't he your dad too? How could you—" Vicky cut in, voice shaking. "He doesn't deserve to be called a father." Her face twisted, and the words came out broken. "He forced himself on my mom. Got her pregnant, then made her keep it... When his wife died, he blamed us for everything. "What did I do wrong? I didn't ask to be born!" Zoe froze, everything spinning. Zoe opened her mouth to say something, but Vicky's gaze slid past her. In a flash, that hollow pain vanished—replaced by her usual helpless little act. Behind her, Connor's voice cut through the room, low and cold. "Didn't I tell you to stay away from Vicky?" Chapter 6 Zoe swayed, her knees almost giving out. She hadn't even processed her dad's death before Vicky's words crushed her all over again. Her face went pale. Connor caught the look and, for a split second, something twisted in his chest. Zoe lifted a shaky finger at Vicky. Her voice was flat, but her hands trembled. "She's the one who killed him. "The nurse said he was fine this morning. Then she shows up, and he's dead? "She did it—she pushed him too far on purpose." Vicky broke into sobs, lips trembling as she clung to Connor. "How could I... Connor, he was my dad too. Why would I ever...?" Whatever flicker of concern Connor felt vanished. He pulled Vicky close, steadying her. "Zoe, seriously? You sound insane. "You really gonna make up crap like this just to stop our wedding? "Instead of blaming her, maybe look in a mirror. You look like a ghost. How are you even supposed to stand next to her as a bridesmaid like this?" And just like that, he turned his back on her—leading Vicky out of the room. Zoe sank to the floor, clutching her face, knees pressed to the cold tile beside Pierre's bed. The rest of the day blurred by as she handled the funeral. Her face didn't change once—like she was hollow inside. Connor kept trying to reach her. She blocked every number. Thankfully, he chalked it up to her being dramatic and didn't bother showing up. At this point, Zoe felt nothing for him. Even the memories—their so-called childhood bond—just made her sick. So when Lucian called, she didn't even pause. Cradling Pierre's urn, she got in the car and left Southport for good. *** At the wedding venue, Connor was pacing. "Where is Zoe? She's not seriously pulling this crap today. It's Vicky's big moment—call her again!" But Zoe ghosted. He tried calling—blocked everywhere. The chatter around him buzzed, but it all felt...empty. Like something real was just gone. Shaking it off, he pulled out a sapphire bracelet he'd had custom-made. It was meant to mean something to Vicky—though she probably forgot. Whatever. He'd tell her the story himself before popping the question. Connor was wiping it down, making sure it sparkled— When a confused voice behind him sliced through the noise. "Isn't that Zoe's bracelet?" Eleanor stared, brows drawn. Connor froze. He turned, slow. "What do you mean, Zoe's?"