My mother picked two suitors: a wealthy gentleman for my sister Evelyn, and a blind, wheelchair-bound scholar's son for me. I devoted myself to his care—funding treatments, describing the world, becoming his eyes. Doctors said his legs were fine; perhaps it was psychological. Then we were kidnapped. As a knife stabbed toward Evelyn, my husband suddenly stood, yanking me in front of her. The blade pierced my heart. His bodyguards called him "Young Master." He wasn’t disabled. His father, the city’s richest man, had staged this to test sincerity. "You passed," he whispered as I died. "But I love Evelyn. I’ll repay you next life." I awoke back at the choosing day. 1 In the living room, my mother was all smiles, chatting with two young men. One was Julian Harelik, sitting in a wheelchair. The other was the impeccably dressed Harrison Ford. Just like last time, my sister Evelyn’s gaze was fixed entirely on Harrison. My younger brother, Will, ever the troublemaker, saw my pale face and decided to poke fun. “Is there even a choice here? Rachel’s dressed like a farm girl. She and the blind guy are a perfect match.” He smirked. “But Evelyn has been the campus queen since we were kids. We can’t let a cripple ruin her.” My fists clenched. “So what you’re saying is that I, the sister who has fed and clothed you your whole life, deserve to be ruined?” “Don’t you forget how you’re still alive today!” Evelyn and Will were twins, three years my junior. From a young age, my parents had drilled one idea into my head: the eldest sister is like a mother. I had to care for my siblings like an adult and help support the family. So, the best food always went to them. New clothes were always for them. When Will needed a kidney transplant, it was my kidney that I gave. Now, Will wanted to marry some socialite, but we couldn't afford the bride price. So my mother, shameless as ever, had contacted the Harelik and Ford families—families we hadn’t spoken to in over a decade—to demand they honor some casual, long-forgotten marriage pact made by our grandparents. She planned to use my and Evelyn's dowries to pay for my brother's wedding. But having lived and died once already, I had nothing left to lose. “I choose Harrison,” I announced, my voice ringing with a newfound firmness. “Or I won’t marry at all.” Everyone stared at me, stunned. Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes. I had never been so assertive, never dared to claim something she wanted. She immediately cast a pleading look at Harrison. He understood. He sat down beside her, pulling her into his arms. “Evelyn and I felt a connection the moment we met. As her older sister, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to stand in the way of her happiness.” Evelyn clung to his hand, her eyes misty. “And you know I’m terrible at taking care of people. I couldn’t possibly live with Julian. What if his condition gets worse because of me? I’d feel so guilty. Rachel, you learned traditional medicine from Grandpa, didn't you? If you were with him, you might even be able to cure him. It would be a good deed.” I glanced at the silent Julian, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. “So, you’ve decided on Harrison, then.” She nodded. My mother quickly sealed the deal. “Alright, it’s settled then.” But in the next moment, Julian moved. He lifted a slender hand, removed his dark glasses, and revealed a pair of startlingly bright eyes. Then, he stood up from his wheelchair. He walked past me, straight to Evelyn, a smile gracing his lips. “You don’t have to worry about taking care of me. I was just playing a little joke on everyone. And while I’m not from this city, my father is the wealthiest man in Crestmont. You’ll live a very comfortable life with me.” His voice was smooth as silk. “Evelyn, would you give me a chance to win your heart?” I scoffed inwardly. Of course. He was reborn, too. That made things much easier. 2 While everyone was still reeling from the shock, I spoke up. “Mom, since that’s the case, I’m not getting married. As for how much of a dowry you can get from them, that’s up to you.” My mother’s face flushed with embarrassment. One was the son of Crestmont’s richest man, the other the heir to a prominent local family. She couldn’t afford to offend either of them. And right on cue, Harrison’s competitive streak flared. He stood up, meeting Julian’s gaze. “A gentleman does not steal another’s love. Do you understand?” Julian returned his look without flinching. “Who is beloved, I believe, is for Miss Evelyn to decide.” A handsome curve formed on his lips as he turned his gaze, now filled with an overwhelming tenderness, back to Evelyn. “Do you remember, when we were children here in Seabrook, my grandfather set up a chess problem under a tree? You were the only one to solve it, and in less than an hour.” “I was so captivated by your intelligence then, I swore I would marry no one but you in this life.” “Don’t feel pressured. I will compete with Harrison fairly. No matter who you choose in the end, I will respect your decision.” In my past life, I had never understood why his love for Evelyn ran so deep. Now, hearing the reason, I could only find it laughable. I was the one who solved that chess problem. But I couldn't blame him for the mistake. Back then, I was perpetually hungry, giving all my food to my siblings. I was shorter and scrawnier than Evelyn. But I had no intention of revealing the truth. It was all so pointless. Seeing Evelyn nod, Harrison, though displeased, agreed to the competition. This was no longer just about a girl; it was about the pride of two powerful families from two different cities. The show was over. I stood up to go to my room, but my mother stopped me. “Where are you going?” “Oh, I’m leaving this house to go live with Grandpa.” “You are not! If you leave, who will they marry?” I let out a sharp laugh. “Mom, what, you want both wealthy sons-in-law? If you’re that desperate, why don’t you marry one of them yourself? I’m not interested in anyone’s leftovers.” With that, I went to my room to pack. The truth was, my grandfather had disowned our family long ago. Twenty years ago, my mother, greedy for money, had boasted that his medical skills could bring the dead back to life. She insisted on bringing a corpse to his clinic, nearly ruining his lifelong reputation. He threw her out and severed all ties. Only I, after I was old enough, would secretly visit him. I had a natural talent for traditional medicine. In my last life, I could have inherited his legacy. I had to give it all up because I married Julian. I was too busy working odd jobs to pay for his treatments, saving up to take him on trips to lift his spirits. This time, I would live for myself. 3 After packing, I hurried to the entrance of our neighborhood to catch a cab. But Julian was there, blocking my path. It was the first time I had ever stood so close to him. I realized then how tall and perfectly sculpted he was. A beautiful vessel, but a rotten core. “Rachel, you’re reborn too, aren’t you?” I met his gaze, my head held high. “Yes. I remember every one of your cold glances, every lie you told me. And I remember the piercing pain of that knife.” He sighed. “I’m sorry.” “Save your cheap apologies. I will never forgive you. Now get out of my way.” Suddenly, his hand clamped around my arm like a vise. “You can’t leave.” In the next second, two of his bodyguards dragged me into a car. I was taken to a lavish villa and surrounded by his men. “Julian, what the hell are you doing? I’m not bothering you and Evelyn anymore. Why are you holding me captive?” “Rachel, in our last life, I said I would compensate you. If she doesn’t choose me this time, I will marry you and ensure you live a life of ease.” I snorted. “And if she does choose you?” “Then I’ll give you a sum of money and let you go. For now, I need your help. Tell me everything she likes.” He leaned in closer. “Tell me what she likes to eat. I’ve invited her for dinner. I’m going to cook for her myself.” Though my heart was filled with hatred, seeing him so devoted to Evelyn still sent a pang of pain through me. I bit my lip, refusing to speak, but his grip tightened until I thought my bones would break. “Expensive things,” I finally choked out. “The more expensive, the better.” After he went into the kitchen, I scouted the villa, looking for any possible escape route. Soon, the doorbell rang. Evelyn stood at the door in a pink dress, her face a picture of shy anticipation. Julian greeted her with a warm smile. “Thank you,” she cooed, her voice artificially sweet, before noticing my presence. “What are you doing here?” Julian quickly explained. “She’s here to help me win you over. I figured your sister would know your preferences best.” Though her eyes were filled with disdain, she forced a gentle smile. “Julian, you’re so thoughtful.” When we sat down to eat, I didn’t hold back, digging into the air-freighted lobster and king crab. But Evelyn was busy tapping on her phone. Soon, it rang urgently. “Mom? Calm down, what’s wrong?” “What? I’ll be right there.” After hanging up, she suddenly dropped to her knees in front of me. “Rachel, Will needs another kidney transplant! Please, help him! You can’t just let him die!” My mind went blank. After the last surgery, the doctor had said Will’s recovery was excellent and a relapse was highly unlikely. “You’re a match, too. Why don’t you donate?” But she acted as if she couldn’t hear me, banging her head on the floor. “Rachel, please, I’m begging you, save him!” Julian, his heart aching for her, pulled her up from the floor and into his arms. He then turned to me, his eyes blazing with anger. “You’re so selfish!” With that, he swept Evelyn out of the house, but not before ordering his guards to keep a close watch on me. 4 I was locked in a room on the third floor. No amount of pounding on the door did any good. I found a heavy trophy on a shelf and, without hesitation, smashed it against the window. Looking down from the third-floor height, my legs trembled. I closed my eyes and jumped. But fate was not on my side. I landed hard, breaking several ribs. The pain was so intense I could barely breathe. Just then, Julian walked over. I instinctively begged for help. “Take… take me to a hospital.” But his voice was glacial. “You’re not going anywhere. You’re staying here to donate a kidney to your brother.” I stared at him in disbelief, tears streaming down my face. “I only have one kidney left. If I give it to him, I’ll die.” “Yes,” he said flatly. “I know.” My heart turned to ice. “This is your compensation?” “I’m sorry. I can’t bear to see Evelyn sad. Just consider it another debt I owe you.” I lay in bed for days, my injuries slowly healing, but my life was ticking away. The feeling of waiting for death was a slow, creeping despair. Five days later, Evelyn came into my room alone. Seeing me tied to the bed, she burst out laughing. “Sister, since you’re about to die, I’ll tell you the truth. The one who needs the kidney isn’t Will. It’s the person he hit with his car. And what a coincidence, they’re a perfect match for you.” Tears poured from my eyes. “Have I ever been anything but good to you? Why are you doing this to me?” She shot me a venomous glare. “If you want to blame someone, blame Julian. If he were really a cripple, I would have let you have him. But he’s not. So I want them both!” I closed my eyes in sorrow. She untied my restraints. I got up and followed her slowly. As we reached the door, I suddenly shoved her out with all my might and slammed the door, locking it from the inside. I grabbed the can of gasoline I had prepared and doused the room, then struck a match. Evelyn pounded on the door frantically. “What are you doing? You can’t die! I’m calling Julian right now!” My voice was calm, detached. “I’ve already called the police. If you don’t want Julian to find out you conspired to trick him, you’d better pray I burn to death!” The pounding stopped. I stood amidst the swirling flames and laughed, a wild, liberating sound. Finally, release. Farewell, to this world that had never once been kind to me.
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