Luckily, the elevator doors opened just in time. I rushed in and frantically hit the close button, desperate to get out of there.

With things blowing up like that, there was no way I was driving the car he gave me. Once outside, I tossed the keys onto the hood and flagged down a cab.

"Where to?" the driver asked casually.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Gracehill Cemetery."

The car sped through the city. Just as we pulled up at the cemetery entrance, my phone rang. My expression instantly turned cold.

"Dad?"

A deep male voice came through the speaker, full of energy.

"Isabella, it's been a while since you came home. Since you're free today, why not swing by? Let's have a little family get-together. I also have something to discuss with you."

I pressed my lips together, already used to my father's routines. After a moment of hesitation, I agreed.

"Okay."

After getting out of the cab, I walked barefoot past rows of graves, each one still and silent, until I stopped at one particular headstone.

I looked at the headstone, zoning out for a moment, then gave a faint smile. "Mom, I came to see you."

I sat down in front of the grave, brushing the dust from the carved letters. Her name was still so familiar. My eyes stung.

"Sorry I took so long to come. Are you mad at me?" I whispered. "Please don't be. I promise I'll visit more often now."

"I'm so sorry, Mom. I should've listened to you. Marrying Ronald was such a mistake. I regret it so much, more than I can even say..." My voice cracked as I choked out the words. "I messed up, Mom. I really did."

A year ago, when I agreed to marry into the Wright family for a business alliance, Mom was the only one who said no.

She tried everything to stop me, begging me not to marry a man who didn't love me. She said a woman would never find happiness living like that-all that waited ahead was a lifetime of pain.

She told me she'd given everything to raise me, that all she wanted was for me to live a safe, happy life. She warned me not to end up like her.

But I was stubborn. Love clouded my judgment, and I threw all her warnings aside, convinced I'd be happy-only to fall hard on my face.

Now I get it. Being with a man who doesn't love you? Yeah, that's living hell.

I poured my heart out to her, all the pain and confusion from this life and the last. It felt like a huge weight lifted from my chest. But just as I started to feel more at ease, a sudden sound behind me made me turn around in alarm.

A man in a wheelchair sat not far off, silently watching.

He wore a casual shirt. His skin had the roughness of someone who's seen tough days, and a faint stubble shadowed his face, but his features were still striking-he had that rugged, mature kind of charm.

But his eyes... his eyes were tired, like someone who'd been through a lot. And now, they were locked on me, red-rimmed and intense.

As soon as I saw his face clearly, I froze, completely stunned.

That evening, I went back to my father's house. The table was already set, and the smell of food filled the air. When I looked up, I saw three people happily chatting around the table.

There was my dad, Thomas Carter-heavyset, grinning from ear to ear. On his left sat Olivia Harrison, my mom's sister, dressed to impress with her designer outfit and sparkly jewelry. And on his right, a petite girl with delicate features in a short skirt-Sophia.

Together, they looked like the perfect little happy family, chatting away without a care.

The moment Thomas spotted me, he waved me over enthusiastically.

"Isabella! You're finally here. Why are you just standing there? Your aunt and cousin came all this way to see you. Come on, join us-we were just about to eat."

"Oh dear, miss, where are your shoes? Did you hurt your foot?" The housekeeper, Sarah Wilson, hurried over and flung open the shoe cabinet. "Hold on, I'll get you a pair of slippers."

I gave a bitter smile. Even Sarah noticed I was barefoot and asked if I was okay.

But my dad? He was too busy pouring someone a drink.

It wasn't until Sarah spoke up that anyone realized something was off.

Sophia's eyes went wide the moment she turned to look, and then she let out a half-laugh, sounding way too amused.

"Oh wow, what happened to you? Not even a piece of jewelry? And now no shoes? You're looking a bit too... tragic today.

"Seriously, you look like someone who just got tossed out of their own home.

"Don't tell me you and Ronnie fought again? Isa, let me give you a little advice-being able to marry into the Wright family is a huge win. Try not to act all spoiled, okay? Just... suck it up."

Last time around, I put up with all this for the sake of "family." Not anymore.

I walked over calmly and took a seat, my tone icy. "Ronald's my husband. Maybe stop acting like he's yours.

"And trying to step into my shoes, Sophia? Don't you think it's a bit much? Or are you trying to take my place?"

That hit her like a slap. Sophia's smile froze, and then her eyes got all red like she was about to cry. She turned to complain like a poor little victim.

"Uncle Thomas, how could she say that about me? I only said it for her own good. If someone else hears this, it'll ruin my reputation."

My dad's face darkened instantly, and my aunt Olivia-who definitely isn't as sweet as she pretends to be-stood up like she was gonna play peacekeeper.

"Come on, Sophia, even if Bella messed up and Ronald kicked her out, you shouldn't rub it in. You two are cousins. Act like it. Say sorry to her."

She said it while sneaking glances at my dad, clearly stirring the pot instead of actually trying to smooth things over.

I just watched coldly, a mocking smile tugging at my lips.

Back then, I was too blind to see through her act. Took me years to find out Sophia wasn't my cousin-she was my half-sister. And that aunt of mine? A homewrecker who waltzed right in and stole my mom's place in our family.

My mother, in their eyes, was nothing but a joke. I was so furious, I used Ronald during our messy fights to drain my father's company dry, and ended up ruining it completely.

After the collapse, that heartless mother-daughter duo vanished into thin air without a second thought.

I didn't have the means to deal with them in my last life. But this time? I'm not letting them get away.

Of course Sophia refused to say sorry. "She insulted me, and now I have to apologize?"

Thomas slammed his fork down and stared at me with frustration.

"You're the older one. That's how you talk to your little cousin? Didn't you learn anything at school?"

Sophia gave a smug little snort and smirked at me like she'd just won.

I didn't respond. Deep down, I knew I was always the outsider in this house.

Thomas's glare went colder. "So? Did you really fight with Ronald?"

"Nope," I replied casually while picking up a piece of fish.

He instantly relaxed like he'd just let out a breath he'd been holding. Even the flab on his cheeks seemed to jiggle in relief.

"Your aunt and Sophia are right, you know. With what we've got here, marrying into the Wright family was a stroke of luck. You better appreciate it.

"Where we are now? All thanks to Ronald giving us face.

"You'd better stop acting spoiled. Make him happy, keep him on your side-whatever you want will come easy then.

"Right now, the company's got a deal stuck 'cause we're short on cash. You've got to sweet-talk him into covering it, got it?

Same old story. Always the same.

He worked so hard to marry me into the Wright family just to latch onto their power. Since the day I got married, every single time he calls me back home, it's always for this kind of crap.

In both lifetimes, I've just been his means to an end. All I've ever heard from him is "keep Ronald happy" so he can suck a little more benefit from our connection.

Never once cared how I was doing. And I, like an idiot, kept helping out just for a sliver of so-called family love. Truth be told, Ronald was right-I've been living like a parasite that can't survive without him.

I forced down my emotions, picked up a piece of fish, and looked up with a mocking glint in my eyes. My voice was calm, "He doesn't owe us anything. And I'm not planning on owing him either. If you want an investment, ask him yourself."

First time I ever defied him like that. Everyone looked stunned like they couldn't believe that the usual pushover me had finally snapped.

Thomas's pride took a real hit. He slammed his fork down, glaring and shouting, "Isabella! How did I raise such an ungrateful daughter?

"I'm still able to provide for myself and this is how you treat me? When I get old, who knows what you'll do to me!

"Let me tell you-no matter what, I'm your father! You married well, and now I ask you for a bit of help and you act like it's a crime? This isn't optional! You're doing it, period!"

Olivia grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down, then turned to me with her usual fake warmth. "Isabella, sweetheart, you're still part of the Carter family, right? Your family's your backup. If we're doing well, that only strengthens your position as Mrs. Wright, right?

"It's not a big favor-just mention this to Ronald, get us a little bit of support. If your dad's business gets running smoothly, everyone wins, don't you think?"

I gave a cold smile. Sure, it's great for them-if I throw myself under the bus.

I didn't blow up just yet. Let him gloat a little longer. One day, he'll watch everything he built collapse, lose every ally he's got, and regret it all on his knees.

"Open the business if you want, but we'll talk about everything else when the time comes."

That was enough to make Thomas's face ease a bit. "Now that's more like it. While you're at it, talk to Ronald about getting Sophia a job at his company."

Hearing that, Sophia's entire attitude changed. She looked at me like I was her last hope. "Isa, don't let him overwork me, okay? Also, the pay's gotta be decent. You have to help me out with this."

Bang. I dropped my fork onto the table and said in a flat, cold voice, "And why should I?"

Sophia stiffened, completely shocked, like she didn't even recognize me anymore.

Even Olivia was caught off guard, then quickly recovered with a laugh, "Come on, Isabella, you're her cousin and Ronald's wife. Sophia just graduated. If she starts from the bottom in another company, she's gonna be running coffee and making copies all day!"

"You know how spoiled she is. She can't handle that kind of hard life. I know it's nothing for you to arrange a little job. I'm thanking you in advance, okay?"

I raised a hand, cutting her off. "Whoa, hold on. I didn't agree to anything yet-save your thanks."

"Every time I'm back here, it's something. One minute it's about money, the next it's a job. Feels like every meal is just an ambush."

Thomas's face went dark fast. He slammed his hand on the table. "Watch your tone, who do you think you're talking to-?"

I cut him off outright, scoffing coldly.

"Before now, when you needed something and I could help, I helped. But from now on, if anyone wants anything from Ronald, they can go ask him face to face. I'm out of it.

"Dad, seriously? You do realize favors like this aren't easy to repay, right? Making me deal with this kind of stuff all the time-what if someone gets annoyed and suddenly says they want a divorce? Then everyone's screwed. Think it through."

The room instantly went quiet. Thomas's face turned darker by the second, and I could feel his eyes stabbing into me, but he didn't say another word.

"Okay, okay, let's just eat. The food's getting cold," he said to break the ice.

Sophia and her mom shared a glance, their jaws clenched so tight I could hear the grinding. But they said nothing either.

I gave them a quick look and let out a dry laugh, picking up my fork again. Out of everyone at that table, I was the only one eating like I was actually enjoying the meal.

Healthy body, good appetite, right?

Once we were done, I headed upstairs to look for a pair of shoes.

Just as I reached the stairs, I heard Olivia whispering to Thomas, "Don't you think Isabella's acting. different lately? Like she's a whole other person."

I didn't respond and kept walking. Reaching my room, I realized almost all my stuff was gone.

Face calm, I searched around for a while before finally digging out a shoe box deep in the closet.

Thankfully, there was still a pair of canvas sneakers. I slipped them on, ready to head out.

But as soon as I turned around, there she was-Sophia-standing at the door, eyes full of smug disdain.

I tried to ignore her, but she blocked the doorway, chin slightly raised, attitude screaming provocation.

"You need something?" I asked flatly.

"Oh yeah, I'm just here to check on how you're doing." Her tone was syrupy sweet and deliberately slow.

"Those two tiny requests earlier-are you really saying they're a big deal? Sounds like your life in the Wright family isn't all sunshine and roses. Ronald doesn't spoil you or something?"

"Or." she tilted her head, "is it that you just don't want me in the company?"

I stared at her. "What are you trying to say?"

"I'm just wondering." She smiled like she had the upper hand. "Are you scared that Ronald might like me better? I mean, I'm younger and prettier than you."

I couldn't help but let out a cold laugh at her smug little act.

In Ronald's world, there's only that one woman he's always been obsessed with. Where did Sophia get the confidence to think she had any shot?

"How about this," I suggested. "Why don't you just call Ronald yourself? If he says yes, I won't stop you."

She agreed immediately.

I dialed Ronald. He picked up pretty fast, and I put the phone on speaker.

"Hello." That deep, distant voice came through.

Sophia snatched the phone like it was gold and squeaked, "Ronnie, it's me, Sophia~"

He paused, then asked, "Where's Isabella?"

I raised a brow, not sure what he was thinking.

"She's right here," Sophia said quickly. "I'm the one who wanted to talk to you. Just a little something I wanted to bring up."

"What is it?" Ronald asked, voice still cold.

Sophia licked her lips and turned on her sugary charm.

"I just graduated college, and I was thinking. it'd be amazing to work at your company. You're always so kind, I figured there's no way you'd say no, right? But Isabella's kinda against it. Thinks I might steal your attention or something, since I'm younger and, well. you know."

"Mm." Ronald's reply was short and icy.

Sophia lit up like she'd won the lottery, thinking he was on board.

Then came the slap in the face.

"I don't run a daycare, and I definitely don't need people who think too highly of themselves."

Sophia's face froze. "Ronnie, I-"

The corner of my mouth twitched upward, holding back a full-on grin. Ronald's voice came again, even colder than before.

"Who told you it was okay to call me that? Have you no sense of decency? Is this how your family raised you?"

"You're not even half as attractive as Isabella. No brains, no skills. What's she supposed to be afraid of? That you'll lose your mind?"

Sophia's hand trembled as she held the phone, her face pale as a ghost.

I couldn't hold back anymore-I actually laughed. Then Ronald added, "Isabella, I know you're there. Take the phone."

Hearing the voice on the phone, I quickly snatched it away and hung up.

Sophia stared at the now-disconnected screen, sheer rage twisting her face. Her hand trembled, tears clinging to her lashes.

I clicked my tongue twice. Ronald's sharp tongue? He was being fairly polite today, honestly.

I pinched Sophia's chin, taking in the mix of hatred, fury, and those watery eyes staring back at me.

With a chill smile, I said, "Sophia, cut the drama. Don't mess with me."

She flushed, eyes wide with frustration and embarrassment, glaring at me like she wanted to eat me alive.

"You definitely told Ronald bad things about me, didn't you? Otherwise, he wouldn't treat me like this-I hate you!"

Then she gave me a shove and stormed off crying, full-on drama mode.

I took a couple of unsteady steps back, letting out a breathless laugh.

Seriously? No skills, no self-awareness, just dreaming of getting everything handed to her. And when things don't go her way, she blames everyone but herself. What a piece of work.

I didn't bother following her. Just headed downstairs. But before leaving the house, I made a quick stop by the study.

Thomas was there, fiddling with his computer, clearly busy with something.

Not thrilled to see me, he barely glanced up, just kept clicking away.

I walked right up to the table and got straight to the point. "Dad, I need some money."

His face instantly turned sour. Without even looking at me, he asked, "What for?"

"Ronald's mom's not feeling great lately. I wanna get her some health supplements."

As soon as I mentioned Lisa, his grumpy expression froze. He reached for his phone, about to transfer me some money, then suddenly paused.

"You don't have any money on you? Always running to me for cash."

I glanced at his moody face and answered calmly, "I'm broke. And come on, can't show up to my mother-in-law's place with cheap stuff, right?"

Truth is, I really didn't have any cash. Growing up, my dad barely gave me a cent. My mom helped now and then, but she didn't have control over the money either. So, since high school, I taught myself design and earned a bit on the side.

But yeah, I was the queen of dumb love. Whatever savings I had after marriage? All got poured into trying to please Ronald and his mom. Every last dime.

Thomas gave me this sharp, calculating look, clearly trying to figure out if I was lying. After a while, maybe deciding I wasn't faking it, he begrudgingly relented and transferred me ten grand without a fuss.

"Get something nice for your mother-in-law. Pick the expensive stuff, got it? If it's not enough, just ask for more."

I shot him a look of pure disgust. Nothing I hated more than that fake, bootlicking version of him. It made my skin crawl.

In his world, everyone else would always matter more than me or my mom.Whenever we got sick, he'd pinch every penny, always whining about how hard it was to make money, telling us to just tough it out.

For twenty-three years, he never once acted like a real dad. He never made up for how much my mom poured into this family.

But when it comes to the Wrights or Sophia and her mom, it's like he becomes a completely different person-generous like money grows on trees.

Everyone thinks he's such a great guy. What a joke.

I stared at the cash in my hand, eyes cold, no hesitation as I turned and walked away.

I took a cab to the hospital and paid the hospital fee at the reception.

"Bed 26, Richard Harrison-how's he doing now?" I asked.

The nurse glanced at the chart, "He's stable now, should wake up soon."

I gave a quick nod and found his room. Inside, a bearded man lay motionless on the bed, pale-faced, an oxygen mask over his nose.

That was the same man I saw by the gravestone yesterday-my uncle.

I walked over and pulled the blanket up for him just as his eyelashes trembled. Slowly, his eyes opened.

Disoriented, he looked around and tried hard to ask through chapped lips, "Where... am I?"

His face, unshaven and weary, looked like he'd been through hell. My gaze stayed flat, like something had burnt out inside me.

"You're in the hospital. You collapsed from a heart attack yesterday. If I hadn't gotten you here in time, you might not be alive now, Uncle Richard."

Yeah, this was my uncle-my mom's younger brother. Probably around ten or fifteen years older than me.

I hardly had any connection with my mom's family. I barely knew anything about them. In my last life, I thought they were cold, always looking down on my dad and our family just because they had money.

Even when we were struggling, they could've helped without blinking-but they didn't.

Then when my mom passed away, none of them even showed up for her funeral. I cut ties with them after that. Never saw or spoke to them again before I died in my previous life.

What really shocked me though-was yesterday, at my mom's grave.

This uncle of mine, crippled and all, actually dragged himself across the country just to see her.

When he saw me, his eyes went red, lips pressed together, tears falling one by one. Took him forever to squeeze out just one line:

"She's gone... why didn't anyone tell us?"

I didn't know what to say. I didn't expect that kind of emotion from him-raw, painful. Nothing cold or distant about it.

But what hit me most was realizing he really didn't know she'd been gone for over six months.

Just as I was about to respond, he suddenly clutched his chest, gasping, then passed out in pain.

"Uncle Richard!" I shouted, panic bursting through me as I rushed to give him emergency meds and called for help.

Thank God I got him to the hospital in time. The doctor said if I'd been even a little later, they wouldn't have been able to save him.

Funny thing is, in my past life, he passed away early-I didn't make it to his funeral, but I vaguely remember it happened around this time too.

So. I accidentally saved Uncle Richard's life?

"Isabella." Richard Harrison's voice was rough and low, pulling me back from my thoughts. I looked over and saw him staring at me, eyes bloodshot, face full of grief. His voice sounded like he was holding back everything.

"When. when did she pass? What was it? Why didn't anyone tell us?"

I pressed my lips together and explained, "Half a year ago. It was an illness. I thought Dad told you all, so I didn't mention it again."

Back then, I'd assumed they were just holding a grudge and didn't care enough to come to Mom's funeral.

Turns out. they had no idea.

Richard closed his eyes tightly. I could clearly see the tears sliding down his face. His lips were trembling-he looked completely broken.

In that instant, he seemed older, years older. My chest tightened with guilt.

In my vague childhood memories, Uncle Richard was really good to me.

Whenever we went to Grandpa's house, he always played with me patiently. He was tall and strong and had a clean, handsome face. I loved sitting on his shoulders pretending to ride a horse. He'd always lift me up and run around, making me laugh so hard.

Grandpa would scold him constantly for that, but Uncle Richard just grinned and brushed it off, saying he'd keep me safe, no problem. I had such a good impression of him.

But after I grew up, we drifted apart. Some misunderstandings came up. In the end, we basically became strangers.

"Uncle Richard. did something happen back at Grandpa's place? What's going on with your leg?"

He didn't respond. I called him again, not ready to give up.

But Richard just turned away without a word. The silence said it all. I guessed maybe he had a falling-out with Grandpa, felt awful, wanted to see Mom. then found out she was gone.

I didn't push him. With people like me who aren't close with anyone in the family, I honestly didn't know what to say.

Instead, I just said, "The doctor said your heart problem is serious. You should get a full check-up and schedule the surgery soon. It can't wait too long."

With that, I grabbed the electric kettle and stepped out to get some hot water.

The doctor's office was right next to the break room.

As I filled the kettle, I caught the sound of someone talking on the phone inside.

"Mom, it's next Monday's flight. Don't worry! Once I'm abroad, I'll focus and get my grades up."

The word "abroad" made my ears perk up. Instinctively, I turned to look-and there she was. Wearing a white coat, all smiles and sweet voice.

Ronald's precious first love.

She was leaving the country.

I froze. My gaze went blank.

And suddenly, memories from the past life rushed in.

It was after she left the country that Ronald realized he couldn't let her go.

That was when he dropped everything. and chased after her.