My Cousin's Engagement Turned My Life Around

Claire Brooks was causing a scene, insisting on breaking off her engagement with Regent Victor Hale that day.
Unexpectedly, I overheard the Regent's inner thoughts:
'How blind was I in my past life to become so obsessed with her?'
'And to end up dying such a miserable death? What a disgrace!'
'This life, I'll avenge both old grudges and new!'
'I might as well get rid of this whole family of fools early.'
'Torture, execution, cruel punishments...'
Before he could finish his mental list, I dropped to my knees with a thud:
'Regent! Please marry me instead!'
'I'm begging you!'