I was arrested for running a late-night street stall without a permit. The police officer at the station pulled up my file and gave me a confused look. "You graduated from Harvard. Why are you selling trinkets on the street at 2 AM?" That’s when I saw it. The Social Security number on the file was mine, but the photo was of her. Bianca White. Twenty years ago, I got into Harvard! I stumbled home in a daze, only to hear my husband, Gabe Jenkins, talking on the phone. "Bianca, don't worry. I won't let Claire disturb your life. You can go abroad with peace of mind." It was him! Gabe helped Bianca steal my life! Nausea roiled in my stomach. I turned to expose him and Bianca, but before I could scream, Gabe strangled me with his belt. "I'm sorry, Claire. You can't ruin Bianca's future..." When I opened my eyes again, I was back in high school. The homeroom teacher was handing out college application forms. This time, I’m taking back my life! Chapter 1 "Claire, have you decided which college you're going to?" My desk mate's voice snapped me back to reality. A second ago, I was suffocating, dying. I looked at the young, unfamiliar face of the girl next to me and realized I had been reborn. "Claire, are you okay?" Joy surged through me. I shook my head vigorously. The homeroom teacher spoke up. "Fill out these forms first. Let me get an idea of your choices." I stared at the teacher, Mr. Jenkins. He just happened to be Gabe Jenkins’s father. Scores were already out. We didn't need to fill out paper forms; we could just do it online at home. Mr. Jenkins was just finding an excuse to gather everyone. He was scouting for a victim to sacrifice for Bianca. I clenched my fists, remembering my past life. This was exactly when Gabe started pursuing me. I stared at the form and filled it out randomly. Maybe it was my imagination, but I felt Mr. Jenkins glance at me. Sure enough, after collecting the forms, he said, "Claire Lewis, come to my office." Then he left with the papers. My desk mate grabbed my arm. "You did so well this time. You'll definitely get into Harvard." I had the highest score in the class, a perfect 1600 SAT (equivalent). Yet, I ended up rejected everywhere. I went to Mr. Jenkins many times. He said I aimed too high and messed up my application. But he was the one who suggested Pre-Law. I glanced at Gabe, who was sleeping in the corner, and nodded to my desk mate. Yes. In this life, I won't make the same mistake. I pushed open the office door. Mr. Jenkins looked at me. "Claire, you did great. Why did you pick these community colleges?" I had filled in random vocational schools. "High employment rate," I said, enunciating every word. Mr. Jenkins fell silent, then spoke earnestly. "Don't fill it out randomly. Law is a better path for a girl." As he spoke, he opened his computer and pulled up the application portal. I stared at the screen, sarcasm in my eyes. Seeing I wasn't cooperating, was he planning to force me? To eventually swap me with Bianca? "No thanks, Mr. Jenkins. I just really want to drive a tractor." With that, I turned to leave and bumped right into Gabe walking in. "Claire, if you have any questions about colleges, you can ask me. I've always wanted to study Law." Hearing this, my alarm bells rang. So that's how it was. Both father and son were hinting at Law. But this time, I wouldn't let them have their way. I nodded. "Thanks, but no need. I have a major in mind." Gabe looked down and smiled. "Okay." I ran out of the office, saw Gabe close the door instinctively, and doubled back to eavesdrop. "Dad, if Claire doesn't cooperate, can't we choose someone else?" My heart skipped a beat. Gabe wanted to harm another student! Mr. Jenkins's voice was cold. "Claire has the best grades. She's the safest bet. Our family owes Bianca. You understand that." I turned and left, sneering internally. They owed Bianca, so they had to pay with my life? In my past life, after I got together with Gabe, I worked day and night preparing to retake the exams. Gabe said he'd help me register, but "failed." He claimed they weren't allowing retakes anymore, that regulations were strict. I believed him. Later, I wanted to take adult education exams. He said it was useless, but I insisted. But on the day of the exam, my alarm didn't go off. I was late. I asked Gabe if he turned it off. He looked innocent and said he was worried about me not getting enough rest. I trembled with rage. Gabe hugged me and said, "Claire, let's get married. Whether you pass or not, I'll always love you." I cried in his arms for a long time. Even in my dreams, I was solving math problems. How could I accept this? Later, Gabe said his business owed a huge debt. Love-struck me worked three or four jobs a day to pay it off. Thinking back, Gabe only got with me to control me. He was afraid I'd affect Bianca's future. That's why he blocked my path at every turn. Back in the classroom, I packed my bag and left. When I got home, my desk mate texted me saying Gabe was looking for me everywhere. I replied casually. He hadn't given up yet. My parents worked out of state all year. After hearing my scores, they sent me money and ordered a cake, saying they'd be back next month. I understood. They worked construction. A day off meant a day without pay. I wasn't worried about the application. I had two days left. But while I wasn't anxious, someone else was. That evening, I went for a walk and bumped into Gabe. Gabe smiled at me. "Claire! What a coincidence." "I remember you live on the west side." Gabe looked natural. "Here for some business. Where are you going? I'll walk with you." I said coldly, "No need. Stay away from me." Gabe froze, looking hurt. "Do you... hate me?" I stared him down. "Yes, I hate you. Stay away from me." Gabe's breath hitched. Maybe he couldn't understand why the popular Prom King was so detested by me. If it weren't illegal, I would have stabbed him right there. I wanted him dead. "Claire, if you hate me, give me a reason." Gabe's voice was low, his eyes fixed on me. He did have a good face. Otherwise, I wouldn't have fallen for him in my past life. Suddenly, a voice came from nearby. "Gabe? What are you doing here?" Bianca jogged over and hugged Gabe's arm. I saw him stiffen. This was the first time I saw Bianca up close—the person who stole my future. "Who are you?" Bianca looked at me warily. I smiled. "Claire Lewis. Gabe's classmate." Bianca's face changed slightly. "Didn't you say you were buying me snacks?" So it really was a coincidence. Gabe reacted smoothly. "Forgot. You go home first; I have something to do here." Bianca raised her voice. "Gabe, what do you mean?" Gabe pushed Bianca away. I don't know what he whispered to her, but he came back. "Claire, she's the daughter of my mom's friend." I asked back, "Why tell me?" Gabe sounded serious. "I like you. I don't want you to misunderstand." Hearing this, I felt sick to my stomach. Here we go again. "I don't like you. Seeing you makes me nauseous," I said coldly. Gabe's face turned visibly pale. He clenched his fists. "What did I do wrong?" I stared at him. "You're too ugly." And despicable. Gabe's mouth opened slightly. I didn't want to engage further and kept walking. "Claire! I won't give up!" Gabe shouted behind me. I sneered internally. Two days left. What can you do? I'll submit my application at the very last second. They won't have a chance to swap anything. Chapter 2 The next day after school, I found a pile of roses at my door. Gabe stood in the hallway, tall and elegant. He stared at me intently. "Claire, yesterday was too hasty. I want to be serious now." I said coldly, "No matter how serious you are, I won't like you." "Then who do you like? Is there anyone better looking than me?" Gabe sounded urgent. I took out my key to open the door, but Gabe blocked me. "Claire, I really like you. I want to go to Law School with you." I looked at him strangely. When did I ever say I wanted to study Law? I laughed. "Sorry, your scores aren't high enough. Give it a rest, garbage." Gabe's tone leveled out. "Claire, can you stop being so mean?" I stared at him silently. "Since you've decided on Law, you should fill out the application soon." A sudden urge to tease him rose in me. "No. I want to drive a tractor." I saw a vein throb in Gabe's temple. I opened the door, stepped in, and slammed it shut, almost hitting his nose. The next day, I received tons of texts. The Prom King confessed to me, and the whole school knew. Gabe spread the news, obviously. Mr. Jenkins called me many times. I didn't answer. Seconds later, he called again. He cut to the chase. "Claire, you're a good kid. I have no objection to you dating Gabe." He had no objection in my past life either. Back then, I was happy he didn't mind that I "failed" getting into college. "My son has always wanted to study Law and become a great lawyer. I hope you can work hard together." I smiled, a glint in my eyes. "Sure." Mr. Jenkins paused, then his voice filled with smiles. "It's great that you agree." I hung up, almost laughing maniacally. Just now, I changed my mind. Playing them would be fun. I want to make sure Bianca never goes to college. Without me, I worry there will be another victim. Knowing I agreed to date him, Gabe came to find me immediately. He asked, "Did you submit the application?" "Not yet. Tomorrow." Gabe breathed a sigh of relief. "Want to hang out? My friends are having a dinner party." I nodded. "Okay." Gabe looked at me, still uneasy, not understanding my sudden change. But so what? He was the one running out of time. Bianca was there too. She rolled her eyes hard when she saw me. I said bluntly, "Bianca, is your eye twitching?" "What?" Bianca was stunned. Me: "Why roll your eyes at me? Do it again, and I'll poke them out." Bianca stood up abruptly but was pushed down by Gabe. "Bianca, behave." Bianca's eyes turned red with anger. "Gabe, how can you talk to me like that?" I raised my hand and slapped her. The room froze. Bianca covered her face. Gabe's expression changed. "Claire! You dare hit me!" Bianca lunged at me like a madwoman but was blocked by Gabe. "Bianca! Calm down! Endure it!" Gabe's words calmed her down. She glared at me viciously. "Claire! Just wait! You'll cry soon enough." I smiled and sat down to eat, ignoring everyone else's stares. I told Gabe to peel shrimp for me. He obeyed obediently. Bianca couldn't stand it and excused herself to the restroom. Gabe followed shortly after. "Valedictorian, how did you make the Prom King so devoted to you?" a classmate asked. I looked up. "Score high enough, and he'll suck up to you too." The person laughed awkwardly, not believing me. Sometimes I wonder, if Bianca and I were both boys, would Gabe sacrifice himself for college? I put down my chopsticks and walked to the restroom. Bianca was leaning in Gabe's arms, crying. "Gabe, why are you always taking her side?" Gabe held her. "Bianca, endure it. It'll be over tomorrow." "I'm doing this for your college dream. I'll get you into Law School." Bianca finally smiled, but her expression froze seconds later. Our eyes met. Bianca scrambled out of Gabe's arms. She said dryly, "Claire, you misunderstand. He was just comforting me." Gabe saw me and went blank for a few seconds. "Claire..." "Listen to your explanation?" I looked mocking and sneered. "Let's break up." Agreeing to date him was just to play him. Gabe begged immediately. "I love you! I don't want to break up!" He wasn't sure how much I heard, so he didn't dare say more. I feigned hurt and pointed at Bianca. "Then why were you hugging her?" Sure enough, Gabe breathed a sigh of relief. He walked slowly toward me. "She was upset just now. I was comforting her." Bianca chimed in. "Yes, he was just comforting me." Even if she hated me, she had to win me back right now. I covered my face to stop myself from laughing. "No. I want to break up. I don't want dirty things." Gabe's expression twisted. I left the restaurant and walked straight into the police station. I looked troubled. "Officer, I don't have a computer at home. Can you help me submit my college application?" The female officer was very helpful and let me use their computer immediately. She asked, "What was your score?" "1600." The officer was shocked and smiled. "That high? You must be going to Harvard." I nodded. "I want to study Finance at Harvard." After submitting, I received several small gifts. The officer said, "Let us know when you get your acceptance letter. We'll celebrate." Tears welled up in my eyes. "I will." What I longed for in my past life, I must get in this one. When I got home, I saw Gabe squatting at my door. Seeing me, he ran over. "Claire, listen to me. There's nothing between me and Bianca. She's just my mom's friend's daughter." I took a step back. "Stop harassing me. I'll just consider myself unlucky to meet a scumbag, okay?" "No..." Gabe put on a soulful face. Suddenly his phone rang. He saw it was his dad and wanted to hang up. I smiled. "Answer it." Gabe stared at me and obediently answered. He instinctively turned his back to me. The volume was low; I couldn't hear. But I knew what Mr. Jenkins would say. I spoke up from behind him. "I already submitted my application." Gabe held the phone. The other end went silent. I smiled. "Are you guys still coveting my score?" Gabe's expression changed. "What are you talking about?" "Want Bianca to go to my college?" My voice was light. "No way." Gabe hung up. "You're overthinking it." Seeing him play dumb, I slapped him hard. "Gabe, you're shameless. Trying to use my future to please Bianca? Disgusting." Gabe's cheek reddened. He stared at me. "Claire, you misunderstand." "I applied to Harvard, not Law School. Your sweetheart can't be a lawyer now." Gabe finally panicked. He grabbed my shoulders. "Claire, I beg you. Give this college spot to Bianca." "I'll give you whatever you want." I shook him off violently. "Give me ten billion dollars." "What?" "Give me ten billion, and I'll give her the spot." Gabe froze. I laughed. "Can't afford it? Then don't ask. Shameless." Gabe seemed indifferent to the insults now. He said bluntly, "Claire, Bianca's parents died saving me. I owe her this." I kicked him hard, raising my voice. "Your family owes her! What does that have to do with me? Why should I pay your debt?" Gabe tried to grab me. I screamed, agitated. "Get out! Don't touch me! You people are nauseating!" Gabe looked hurt. "I'm sorry, Claire. I beg you to change your application..." How could he say such disgusting things? "Get lost. If you want to repay her, trade your own future." I took out my key and opened the door. Gabe hugged me, begging incessantly. "If you give it to her, I won't go to college either. I'll stay with you forever." I backhanded him across the face. "Get off! Filth!" Not satisfied, I kicked him repeatedly. Gabe dodged and begged, his thick skin appalling. Finally, I kicked him in the stomach, sending him rolling down the stairs. I stood at the top, watching coldly as Gabe struggled to stand up in pain. I turned and went inside. I wasn't afraid Mr. Jenkins would secretly change my application; I had changed the password long ago. Maybe Gabe gave up. He didn't come to harass me again. Chapter 3 I waited half a month but didn't receive an acceptance letter. I realized my college spot was stolen after all. So, Bianca gave up on Law School and decided to go to Harvard. Anger surged in my heart. I forced myself to calm down. I dialed 911, crying, "My college admission was stolen." The same female officer responded. She asked, "Are you sure?" I nodded. "I didn't get a letter, but Bianca did." "I scored 1600. She only got 900 something." It was obvious. Something was wrong. The officer and her partner went to Mr. Jenkins's house. I followed. Mr. Jenkins looked panicked seeing us. I cried, "It's him! He replaced me!" Mr. Jenkins feigned calm. "Claire, what are you talking about?" "I didn't receive my acceptance letter." I stared at him, enunciating clearly. Mr. Jenkins argued, "Is it possible you aimed too high? You can't blame me for replacing you if you just didn't get in." The officer spoke up. "Claire submitted her application right in front of me. Her score is enough for Harvard." Mr. Jenkins's face changed. He looked sharply at me. I gave him a sly smile. I knew what you were doing all along. At this moment, Bianca and Gabe walked out. Seeing me, Gabe panicked. I raised my voice. "Bianca! Where is your acceptance letter?" Seeing the police, Bianca realized something was wrong. "Acceptance letter? I haven't received it yet." I stared at her. "Impossible." The officer patted my back gently to comfort me. "It's okay, Claire. We'll solve this." Mr. Jenkins straightened his back. "Claire, if you suspect me, you need evidence." I wiped my tears. "The letter is evidence." It has my social security number on it. Back then, online verification wasn't as robust. If it were, identity theft wouldn't be possible. Bianca turned pale, looking at Gabe instinctively. Gabe hung his head silently. The officer walked in. "Bianca, please bring out your acceptance letter." Bianca looked panicked. "You have no right to see my letter." The officer smiled and showed her badge. Bianca finally broke down crying. "Dad, what do I do..." Mr. Jenkins closed his eyes. Hearing "Dad," Gabe asked blankly, "What did you call him?" Bianca shut up, shaking her head frantically, just crying. I looked at Bianca, then at Mr. Jenkins. They did look alike. I realized they were likely biological father and daughter. "Mr. Jenkins, is Bianca your daughter?" As soon as I said it, Gabe's voice cracked. "Dad, Bianca is your daughter?" He stared at Mr. Jenkins fiercely. "Dad! How could you do this to me? To Mom?" "You cheated on Mom with that woman!" Mr. Jenkins took a deep breath, his face gray, offering no explanation. Bianca cried, trying to grab Gabe's hand, but he flung her away violently. Bianca fell to the ground, sobbing. "Get away! You make me sick!" I never expected Gabe to say Bianca made him sick. In my past life, Gabe lit up whenever he mentioned Bianca. If I got jealous, he'd say he used to like her, but it was in the past. Sometimes he celebrated her birthday. I fought with him about it. He said Bianca was like a daughter to his dad, that he went for social reasons. When I asked to go with him, he always found excuses to keep me away from her. I suddenly remembered Bianca used my identity, and nominally my name too. Now that Bianca was really Mr. Jenkins's daughter, why wasn't Gabe happy? Gabe kept screaming, "Get out! You disgust me!" Bianca crawled up, crying, trying to touch him. "Gabe, I..." Gabe laughed, eyes bloodshot. "No wonder! No wonder you rejected me when I confessed! You're my dad's bastard daughter!" I leaned against the door, enjoying the chaotic scene. The police took Bianca, Mr. Jenkins, and Gabe away. Investigation revealed Mr. Jenkins was a repeat offender. Suddenly, my case became the small one. After giving my statement, I walked out of the police station. Gabe followed me. He looked terrible. He called out to me. "Claire." I turned to look at him. "I'm sorry. Are you satisfied now?" Gabe looked ready to cry. I looked at the living Gabe and shook my head. "No. I'll only be satisfied if you die." Gabe looked hurt. I was confused. Why keep pretending at this point? "Claire, I liked you. Since a year ago, I've been watching you." Hearing this, I felt disgusted. I exposed him mercilessly. "You just picked me as the sacrifice." Gabe shook his head violently, crying. "No! I really liked you! You like the food from the last window in the cafeteria. You memorize vocab while looking out the window. I know so many of your habits." I realized past-life Gabe really did know me well. If he liked me, why kill me? I didn't think he liked me. "Do you want me to forgive your dad and Bianca?" My tone was subtle. Gabe paused. "No, I don't mean that." "Why do you always think the worst of me?" I laughed. "I know people like you too well. Despicable, shameless, low." "Others like you because they're deceived by your mask. You look human, but inside you're dirtier than a public toilet." Maybe my words were too harsh; Gabe's expression shifted constantly. Finally, he asked, "Can we still be together?" I looked at him like he was mentally challenged. Psycho. My parents rushed back when they heard the news. Just like in my past life, they listened to me firmly. Even without money, they scraped together tuition. Dad sat aside smoking, sighing. Mom kept crying, terrified. I comforted her softly. "Mom, I got into college." Mom broke down, hugging me. "It's been hard on you. Your dad and I don't know anything; you had to solve this yourself. I don't know how to be a parent." I patted Mom's hand. Dad finished his cigarette, eyes red. I knew they blamed themselves, but this was all because of Gabe and his family. In my past life, I didn't know how broken they were when they heard I died. To stop me from hindering Bianca's future, he went that far. In this life, would he still love Bianca that much? After calming my parents, I went back to the station. Several reporters were waiting outside. This kind of news naturally attracted media. They stopped me. "Are you Claire Lewis?" I said calmly, "I am." "How do you feel about your college spot being stolen?" I twitched my lips. "Anger. Because my teacher conspired with his son to deceive me, trying to use my future to compensate someone else." "Is that someone your teacher's illegitimate daughter?" I nodded and was pulled away by the officer. I wanted Bianca's whole family to be shunned by society. The college entrance exam is sensitive. This scandal would be remembered for years. I learned the truth about Bianca's parents saving Gabe from the officer. The Jenkins house caught fire because Mr. Jenkins was with Bianca's mom and forgot the stove. Bianca's dad discovered the fire and ran in to help. Mr. Jenkins had to flee out the window to avoid being seen. Young Gabe was napping inside. Bianca's dad saved Gabe, then went back for his wife, but it was too late. Both of Bianca's parents burned to death. Hearing this, I sighed. When I got my actual acceptance letter, a tear rolled down my cheek. In this life, I finally made it to college. Chapter 4 After the media reports, the Jenkins family became notorious. People cursed them daily. With the internet, the spit of the public almost drowned them. But the sentences for Mr. Jenkins and Bianca hadn't come down yet. I relaxed, thinking the dust had settled. I didn't expect Gabe to find me again. He blocked me on my way to buy groceries. He looked haggard, head down, blocking me silently. I gripped the butterfly knife in my pocket, alert. "What do you want?" Gabe looked up, eyes complex, voice hoarse. "Claire..." I didn't speak. Did he want me to forgive them? "You were reborn, right?" My expression changed drastically. I turned to run. "I... I won't hurt you!" Gabe said urgently. I stopped, staring at him. "Gabe, you're disgusting." He accepted my abuse. "I'm sorry. I regret it. I really loved you..." I stared at him with hatred and slapped him hard. My palm stung. Gabe knelt before me, covering his face and crying. "I'm sorry. I don't know what happened that day. I really regret it..." I stood there, looking down at him, my heart a barren wasteland. "After you died, I turned myself in. I loved you..." "For so many years, I was held hostage by that debt of gratitude. I couldn't breathe. Turns out I was the biggest joke." "I used to like Bianca, but I moved on long ago. Every minute with you, I was happy." He couldn't accept that Bianca was his half-sister. He couldn't imagine his gentle father had betrayed his mother long ago. How much his mother must be suffering in the afterlife. My tone was flat. "Why should someone else pay for your debt of gratitude?" "What about my ten years of deception?" I couldn't find a decent job. Even if I got into a bigger company, I'd get fired for inexplicable reasons. It turned out it was all Gabe's doing. Gabe burst into tears. He said he didn't expect forgiveness anymore. He asked what he could do to make me feel better. I smiled. "Get lost. I never want to see you again." Gabe's face turned white, shattering. I returned home. The class group chat was buzzing daily. Everyone was shocked by Mr. Jenkins's actions. They were terrified their spots might have been stolen too. Someone asked how I was doing. I replied simply: Everything is good. My parents made a big meal and stayed a few extra days before leaving for work. After that, gifts appeared at my door daily. All from Gabe. Annoyed, I threw them all away. Did Gabe not understand human language? Just stay away. In this life, I want to shine. I don't want to deal with trash people. Maybe because I threw them away every time, Gabe stopped sending them. The verdict came down. Bianca got five months detention. Mr. Jenkins got three years. Hearing this, I smiled. Bianca, who wanted to study Law, finally paid for her actions.
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