1 When news of my ward’s death reached me, I felt no sorrow. Instead, with a speed that startled even myself, I initiated the stock reclamation and death certificate issuance processes. This swift decisiveness stemmed from a vivid memory of my past life, a life I was now reliving. In that previous existence, as the son of one of the nation’s wealthiest men, my father, concerned I might face hardship in marriage, had taken it upon himself to select three young women to be raised in our home, groomed as potential brides. From them, I chose Harper Sterling, the most captivating, to be my wife. Yet, barely three days into our marriage, she mysteriously “died.” Drowning in grief, I was easily persuaded by the other two wards to abandon all thoughts of remarriage. I spent my entire life a lonely widower. But at eighty, when I revisited Provence, our chosen spot for declaring our love, I stumbled upon Harper—the woman who had supposedly died sixty years prior! She was accompanied by Finn Miller, my driver who had disappeared years ago, surrounded by a lively brood of grandchildren, living a life of blissful contentment. The realization that I had been cruelly deceived for an entire lifetime ignited a furious rage within me. My heart gave out, and I succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage right there. My eyes snapped open once more, and it was this very day – the day her death was announced. I wanted to see how a "nameless person," officially declared dead, would manage to survive in this world. “Ethan, Harper’s brief life was devoted to you. Even trekking up the mountain in the rain was for your sake, for your projects. Now that she’s gone, you absolutely mustn’t remarry. How heartbroken would she be, knowing from the grave?” “Oh, and by the way, why don't you transfer Harper's shares to us, her sisters? We’ll work with you, meticulously guarding everything she left behind.” Hearing those sickeningly familiar voices, I bolted upright in bed. I had truly been reborn—back to the very day Harper faked her death and eloped with her lover! “Where’s Finn Miller?” I demanded, my voice icy. Olivia and Chloe Sterling froze, stunned. “Harper just passed, and you’re already indifferent? Why are you asking about a driver’s whereabouts instead?” Olivia shot back, her face contorting with indignation. “Is that how little you think of us, your own wards?” Watching their infuriated, ugly expressions, I felt no anger, only a slight curl of my lips. “Since Harper Sterling is dead, immediately reclaim all shares transferred into her name.” Then I turned to my assistant. “Come with me to the County Clerk’s office. We’re cancelling her identity and getting a death certificate issued!” My assistant quickly followed, while Olivia and Chloe remained rooted to the spot, as if struck by lightning. “Ethan, she just ‘left’! How can you be so heartless, reclaiming everything of hers? Shouldn’t it be distributed to us?!” Their eyes were bloodshot, their voices thick with naked greed. In my previous life, upon hearing Harper’s death, I had wept until I fainted, my heart set on remaining a widower for her sake. Her shares, under their subtle prompting, had indeed been transferred to Olivia and Chloe. It wasn’t until I encountered Harper and the Millers in Provence that I realized something was terribly amiss. A quick audit revealed the shocking truth: these two foster sisters, using the shares I’d transferred, had been sending Harper five million a month in living expenses, enabling her and the driver to live lavishly abroad! In my last life, I had unknowingly served as their unwitting benefactor. This time, the “death announcement” couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment! As the car pulled up to the Department of Vital Records, news came from the company: the 30% of shares under Harper Sterling’s name had been fully reclaimed, returning to my ownership. I nodded, satisfied, and handed the documents to the clerk. “These are all the identification documents for my deceased wife, Harper Sterling. Please assist with her identity cancellation.” The clerk looked at Harper’s photo, a note of regret in her voice. “So young, a graduate of a prestigious university, and a Vance family daughter-in-law. What a tragedy.” She quickly input the information and reached for the official stamp. Just then, Olivia and Chloe burst in, breathless. “Don’t stamp it!” Seeing the beads of sweat on their foreheads, a bitter pang went through me. Though I had chosen Harper as my wife, in terms of my genuine concern and past treatment, I had never once shown them any harshness—aside from the shares, they had enjoyed everything Harper possessed. Yet, from the very beginning, they had conspired to deceive me, a lie that spanned six decades! While they were wiring money to Harper, telling her to “take good care” of Finn abroad, I was continually investing in them, hoping they would live prosperous lives. While they indulged in video calls and photos to “ease their longing,” I, the son of a billionaire, was in the kitchen, apron on, personally cooking for them. While they travelled abroad for “business meetings,” I was secretly acquiring their favorite gaming company, planning a grand surprise. I had regarded them as family; they had played me for a fool, manipulating me at every turn. Now, it was time for them to face reality—without the Vance family’s prestige, they were nothing more than the orphans I had taken in from a children’s home and raised. “Olivia, Chloe. From now on, when you speak to me, remember to use respectful terms.” Olivia’s mouth fell open, her eyes blazing with indignation. “We considered you our closest family! How dare you order us around like this?!” Chloe’s brows furrowed. “Ethan, what’s wrong with you today? Has Harper’s death hit you too hard?” I scoffed, shedding the gentle demeanor I once held for them, resuming the authoritative presence of the Vance heir. “Do I need to explain my state of mind to you?” Seeing my expression, their faces were etched with disbelief. Their fingernails dug deep into their palms, but ultimately, they lowered their heads submissively. “Yes, Mr. Vance. We just heard the news of Harper Sterling’s passing and were… momentarily distraught.” I wasn’t interested in their excuses. I raised a hand, cutting them off. “Stamp it.” The moment the official seal fell, it wasn't just proof of Harper Sterling’s "death." It was the beginning of my complete severance from a sixty-year-long deception. 2 To pull off her elaborate charade, Harper Sterling had acquired a legitimate death certificate from a hospital. The clerk verified the details, confirming everything, and promptly stamped the document as I instructed. “Mr. Vance, my condolences. Here is your wife’s death certificate.” I murmured a perfunctory acknowledgment, tucking it casually into my bag. I’d barely taken two steps when Olivia’s phone vibrated wildly. She glanced at me uneasily before retreating to a corner to answer. Though she was some distance away, I still caught a few snippets of her frantic whispers. “How was I supposed to know that man would be so ruthless?” “Your identity’s been revoked nationwide? You’re stuck at the boarding gate, can’t leave the country?!” “Don’t panic yet, we’ll figure something out together. Just make sure to take good care of Finn. Don’t let him suffer.” Olivia and Chloe’s faces were grim. After the call, they strode towards me, hands clenched. Before they could speak, I beat them to it. “Help me issue a public announcement: that I, Ethan Vance, am a widower, and am openly seeking a new wife!” Their eyes immediately blazed red with fury. “Ethan Vance! Harper just died, and you’re already looking for a new wife?! Are you trying to kill her again?!” “You’re just from a good family! Your character is worse than even your household driver! Do you really think anyone outside of us, your own wards, would marry you?!” I suppressed the disgust churning within me, looking coldly at their raging figures. “What I say is law. Go do it. Now!” Olivia and Chloe exchanged a glance, their expressions dripping with disdain. “If you think this is some elaborate ploy to provoke us into marrying you, then I’m sorry, but in our hearts, you’re not even worth one of Finn’s pinky fingers!” “Fine, it’s just an announcement. Ethan Vance, there will come a day when you’re begging us!” My father, upon learning of this, called me home immediately. The two women tried to follow, but I stopped them with a raised hand. “Vance family matters are no concern of yours.” Stymied twice, they spun on their heels and stormed off in a huff. When Dad saw me, he let out a long sigh. “Ethan, you loved Harper so much. Are you truly set on moving forward?” Seeing me nod, he pulled an envelope from his desk drawer. “If you’re certain, I do have someone in mind.” I accepted it without even a glance. “Anyone Dad approves of must be exceptional. She’s the one.” A faint smile touched Dad’s weary face at my resolve. He said he’d ask Vivian Hayes to return to the States quickly, to be my right hand. Hearing that name, my heart began to pound uncontrollably. Dad’s preferred candidate—it was her! Dad explained that Vivian had urgent matters to attend to, and the earliest she could return was in a week. I suppressed my excitement and simply took a much-needed break at home, focusing on my well-being for the entire week. Olivia and Chloe hadn’t come looking for me; I had no idea what scheme they were cooking up, but I relished the peace. Finally, the day arrived with news of Vivian’s return. I was just about to head to the airport when, standing ramrod straight at the villa’s entrance, was my supposedly deceased wife, Harper Sterling. The luxury clothes I’d bought her had been replaced by a cheap, roadside T-shirt. From her former stunning beauty, she had become utterly unremarkable. Beside her, Finn Miller looked thoroughly aggrieved, while Olivia and Chloe hovered, endlessly comforting him. What a dramatic resurrection! It seemed they couldn’t leave the country, so they'd slunk back with their tails between their legs. I took a deep breath, stepped forward, and spoke, my voice devoid of emotion. “Harper Sterling. You’re not dead?” Before Harper could utter a word, Finn stepped in front of her, shielding her. “Mr. Vance, can’t you be less harsh? She’s your wife! Do you really want her dead?!” I raised a brow slightly, looking at the woman who, in my previous life, had lived a life of luxury abroad on the Vance family’s dime. “And who are you to snap at me?” Finn, realizing his impropriety, lowered his gaze. Harper immediately interceded, stepping back in front of him. “This is my savior! Who are you, and why are you disrespecting my benefactor?!” Olivia and Chloe, seeing their cue, began to explain, tripping over each other’s words. They claimed Harper had accidentally fallen off a cliff while scouting for me on the mountain. She was unharmed, but her head had hit a rock, causing amnesia. They insisted that Finn had coincidentally passed by and rescued Harper, and therefore, he was no longer just a Vance family driver; he was the savior of my wife, and thus, a benefactor to the entire Vance family. After listening to their convoluted tale, Finn shoved his bag into Harper’s hands, then lifted his chin at me. “I’m tired. I’ll have to trouble you, Mr. Vance, to find a temporary room for me, your savior.” Harper immediately started guiding Finn towards the house. I snapped my fingers, and the butler, without a word, closed the grand entrance gates directly in front of them. Harper spun around, glaring at me furiously. “They said you’re my husband! That means my benefactor is your benefactor! How can you be so disrespectful?!” I let out a soft, amused laugh. What a performance. If I hadn’t been reborn, I truly might have welcomed Finn as an honored guest! “Harper Sterling, you may be my wife, but in the Vance household, I am the sole master.” 3 “Get in the car and drive me to the airport. That’s an order.” Harper’s eyes nearly shot flames. Finn, sensing the tension, subtly tugged at her sleeve, shaking his head almost imperceptibly. After a tense silence, Harper bent her proud back, opening the passenger door. Finn effortlessly slid into the seat. “Apologies, Mr. Vance. Harper just recovered, and as her rescuer, I’m deeply concerned about her condition. As a gentleman of your standing, you surely wouldn’t mind, would you?” Harper didn’t even glance at me, instead leaning in to buckle Finn’s seatbelt for him. Then she pulled open the driver’s door for herself. “If you’re going, get in.” Hearing Harper’s indifferent tone towards me, a faint smirk played on Finn’s lips. I scoffed, sliding into the back seat. They were trying to assert their dominance. But what they didn’t know was that I was going to the airport to pick up my new wife. Thinking of Vivian Hayes, I let out a deep sigh. In my previous life, when I resolved to remain a widower for Harper, Vivian had also stayed unmarried, tending to me faithfully her entire life without any formal title. Now, through an unexpected twist of fate, she was the very person my father had chosen for me. A strange nervousness fluttered in my chest. Just then, the car lurched violently, and a split second later, Harper screamed, frantically wrenching the steering wheel. She deliberately angled the car, ramming the entire left side—my side, and hers—into a runaway truck. Excruciating pain ripped through me, but Harper’s first words were to ask if Finn was okay. Finn was in the passenger seat, the safest position! What could possibly happen to him? I tried to call for help, but my phone had been flung somewhere, lost in the wreckage. Gritting my teeth against the pain, I checked my injuries. My thigh was trapped in the twisted metal of the seat, and an artery had been severed. Blood and life were rapidly draining away. My vision swam with black spots from the blood loss. I pressed my hand against the wound, praying for the paramedics to arrive quickly. When the emergency responders finally rushed to the scene, Harper leaned out of the shattered window, shouting desperately. “The person in the back isn’t hurt! Don’t worry about him! Save the passenger first!” My outstretched hand, reaching for help, froze. Harper’s words felt like a knife plunging deep into my chest. She knew my life was on the line, yet she wouldn't even bother to put on an act! In the passenger seat, Finn wailed repeatedly about how much pain he was in, demanding that the police break open his door first. Harper’s eyes welled with tears. Ignoring her own injured arm, she clung to Finn, embracing him tightly. Seeing this tableau, the police simply went around to the back, forcibly shattered the window, and carefully extracted me. As Harper frantically chastised them, their faces remained impassive. “You two are screaming and yelling, which means your lives aren’t in immediate danger. I understand you’re desperate to save your loved one, but we cannot allow a critically injured person in the back seat to bleed to death!” Even strangers could see their relationship. How much trust I must have placed in Harper in my previous life, to have never noticed a single thing amiss. I awoke again in the hospital. Olivia and Chloe were huddled near my bed, whispering conspiratorially. “The old man doesn’t know about this yet. If he finds out Harper was involved in Ethan’s car crash, we’re all done for.” “What’s the rush? Harper’s donating blood for Finn. When Ethan wakes up, we’ll make him tell the old man he was driving himself when the accident happened. Not only will we be off the hook, but we can also extort them for enough money for Finn’s overseas studies.” My entire body ached, and my heart throbbed in unison. Just then, Harper rushed into the room. “He’s not awake yet, is he? Quick, give him anesthesia now! We need to graft the skin from his face onto Finn!” Olivia and Chloe gasped, horrified. “What happened to Finn? Why does he need skin grafts?!” “He’s in the emergency room. I couldn’t see the specifics, but I heard him crying, saying his skin was ruined and needed grafts.” “Since it’s for Finn, let’s hurry. I’ve practiced Ethan’s signature. I’ll sign the consent form. And this is a sedative; you two, force him to drink it.” Listening to their chilling conversation, my heart turned to ice. I flung my eyes open, reaching for the nurse call button by my bed. Harper was faster. She lunged, pressing down on my hand, her face a mask of malevolent determination. “Ethan, Finn cares deeply about his appearance. You have to help him this time.” Olivia, seeing her chance, swiftly signed my name on the consent form. Chloe picked up a glass of milk, laced with sedatives, and without hesitation, began to force it into my mouth. “Ethan Vance, why did you have to wake up now? Wouldn’t it be easier to just be a compliant donor for Finn?!” I tried to struggle, but my body was covered in casts and bandages, making movement impossible. Their eyes were cold, devoid of empathy. They forced me to swallow the sedative, then clamped a hand over my mouth, stifling my cries, waiting for the drug to take effect. My brain grew heavy, my consciousness blurring at the edges. Just then, the hospital room door was abruptly kicked open with a resounding thud.
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