Chapter 1

In her past life, when a truck barreled toward them, Lillian Hogan instinctively pushed Elton Ruiz out of harm's way. She paid the price with both her legs crushed.

When she woke up in the hospital, the aloof, noble man lowered his head for the first time.

Standing by her bedside, he promised to marry her. Tearfully, she accepted the proposal from the man she'd loved since she was eight.

But after the wedding, Elton often stayed out all night. His attitude toward her grew cold and harsh.

When an infection from her injuries left her on the brink of death, the billionaire didn't spare a single penny for her care.

"I never thanked you for saving my life," he said. "Our marriage was a mistake from the start. Let me go."

His face grim, he pulled out her oxygen tube.

Lillian's eyes widened in shock. In the agony of betrayal and heartbreak, she took her last breath.

If she could do it all over again, she vowed never to love Elton again.

When her eyes opened again, Lillian Hogan found herself back on the day of the accident.

The same truck sped toward them.

In a split second, her body moved on its own, pushing Elton Ruiz out of the way, just like in her past life.

But this time, Elton reacted instantly, pulling both her and Jill Pratt out of the truck's path.

He grabbed Lillian's shoulders, roaring, "What were you thinking? You could have died! Who asked you to save me?"

Lillian stumbled to the ground, her hands instinctively touching her legs. They were still there.

She'd never forget this day.

At Jill's birthday party, hosted by Elton, Jill had argued with Elton's parents.

Upset, she had run off, nearly getting hit by a truck.

Elton had risked his life to save her, and Lillian, in turn, had pushed him out of danger, losing her legs in the process.

Elton had married her, but he had resented her, feeling forced to give up Jill, his true love.

When Lillian had lain dying from infection, he had ended her life.

Now she was given a second chance, but things played out differently.

She stared at Elton, noticing a strange intensity in his sharp gaze, a weight that didn't match his age.

Lying nearby, Jill let out a weak cry.

Elton released Lillian and rushed to her side, checking her over.

"Jill, are you hurt? Let me see," he said, his voice and movements dripping with a tenderness Lillian had never felt during their marriage in her past life.

Jill shook her head, wincing. "I'm fine. Just can't walk."

Without hesitation, Elton scooped her up in his arms. "I've got you. Let's head back and see the surprise I prepared for you."

He strode back to the party without another glance at Lillian.

Watching him disappear, Lillian gave a bitter smile. But there was a hint of relief in that smile.

Getting back to this moment was good. At least, she wouldn't be Elton's burden.

She pulled out her phone and called her uncle, Alonzo Ballard, who was living abroad.

Alonzo wasn't blood-related to her. Her father used to help him, and they became sworn brothers. He had always treated Lillian like family, offering to take her abroad many times.

She had refused because of her obsession with Elton.

Now she decided to grant Elton's wish and disappear from his world.

"Uncle Alonzo, I've made up my mind. I want to live with you abroad," she said.

On the other end of the phone, Alonzo was thrilled. "That's great! I've got a room ready for you. Whatever you want, be it school or a job, I'll set it up. When are you coming? I'll send someone to pick you up."

Lillian's eyes welled up as she thought of leaving her hometown and cutting ties with her doomed love.

"Give me two weeks to wrap things up here," she replied. "Then I'll come."

Chapter 2

After hanging up, Lillian limped back to the party.

From a distance, she heard a shout. "Lillian, you're hurt?"

Elton's parents rushed toward her, worry etched on their faces. The commotion caught Elton's attention as he led Jill to entertain the guests.

Lillian glanced down and saw that her leg, grazed in the accident, was bleeding. Her white dress was stained.

Alice Ruiz called for someone to bandage her up, then scolded Elton. "Lillian is badly hurt, and you ignore her to fawn over some nobody? Have you forgotten who your fiancée is? This is ridiculous!"

"Enough, Mom!" Elton snapped, shielding Jill. "I never accepted the arrangement. That's all your wishful thinking."

Though Lillian had heard these words countless times in her past life, they still stung.

The Ruiz and Hogan families were old friends. Elton and Lillian had grown up together.

When she was eight, a camping trip turned tragic when a landslide hit.

Her parents protected the young Elton at the critical moments but died in the process. Their bodies were found by the rescue team.

Elton knelt, vowing to protect Lillian forever.

His family adopted her, and he doted on her like a princess. He'd throw lavish birthday parties for her and spend millions at auctions on jewelry she admired.

His tenderness touched her, and she saw him as her future husband until he saved Jill.

Everything changed after that.

Jill found various ways to stay close to him. Their bond grew from pity to desire.

Elton brought her home, telling his parents that Jill was his true love.

Lillian watched as his affection for her turned to resentment.

Alice and Bruce Ruiz had raised her as their future daughter-in-law, announcing her engagement to Elton on her 18th birthday.

But to Elton, that promise became a chain. He accused her of using her parents' sacrifice to trap him.

Lillian pressed Alice's arm, looking at Elton calmly. "You're right, Elton. I've been the one holding on. I shouldn't force you. Let's call off the engagement and go back to being siblings."

Everyone froze, stunned.

Elton clenched his fists, his brows furrowing. "Is this some kind of game? You think playing hard-to-get will make me ditch Jill for you? You'd better mean what you say."

Alice touched Lillian's forehead, worried. "No fever, so why are you talking nonsense? Don't worry. We will make sure Elton keeps his promise to marry you."

Lillian gave a bitter smile.

They all thought she was joking, but living a second life, she refused to repeat that fate.

"Don't worry about me. I'll talk it out with Elton," she said.

"Alright, you two sort it out. Clear up any misunderstandings," the old couple said, shooting Elton a warning look before leaving.

Elton ignored Lillian, pulling Jill to cut the cake.

Watching them share that tender moment, Lillian took a deep breath and whispered to a waiter. Then she stepped into the control booth.

The room suddenly went dark. Then a giant screen lit up, showing photos of Elton and Jill, along with a love letter Elton hadn't sent.

The crowd was moved by the heartfelt words, and Jill teared up.

Elton had spent a month planning this party, inviting the city's elite.

In his past life, the accident had derailed his plan to confess to Jill. In this one, Lillian made it happen for him.

Elton was stunned until a waiter brought a bouquet of roses. He took it and knelt before Jill.

She covered her mouth. "Gosh! Is this the surprise you planned? You did all this for me?"

He smiled softly, his hand trembling as he wiped her tears. He raised the roses and declared, "Jill, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?"

Jill nodded excitedly, taking the bouquet. "Yes!"

They embraced and kissed, and the room erupted in applause.

At the control booth, Lillian set down the mouse, watching with a smile that turned to tears.

Chapter 3

Lillian didn't notice Elton glancing her way.

She slipped to a corner, sipping champagne. After a few glasses, someone snatched her drink.

She looked up to see Elton, his lips red, with a faint trace of Jill's lipstick on his cheek.

Lillian's heart twinged, and she looked away.

Elton's voice was cold. "You set that up? I'm with Jill now. Whatever stunts you pulled to chase me before, I don't want to see them again."

Lillian bit her lip and nodded. "Got it. From now on, I will only see you as my brother."

Her tone felt distant. She hadn't called him that in years.

Hearing it today sparked an odd irritation in him. "You'd better mean it, or I'll think you're scheming again since you couldn't marry me by breaking your legs."

His words hit like a sledgehammer. Lillian froze.

Breaking her legs was from her past life, and he knew.

Apparently, he had been reborn, too.

That was why he could pull her out of harm's way just in time when the truck came, changing the outcome of her past life.

"So, you're reborn, too?" she asked.

He sighed, but his expression didn't soften. "This time, let's both move on."

He turned to leave without another word.

That night, Lillian walked home alone. When she tried her fingerprint to unlock the door, it failed.

She'd lived with Elton since he moved out at 18, and this had never happened before.

As she puzzled over it, the door clicked open.

Jill stood there, wrapped in a bath towel, staring at Lillian before smacking her forehead in mocking regret. "Oh, shoot. Elton must've deleted your fingerprint when he added mine during the day. Come on in."

She ushered Lillian inside like she owned the place.

Lillian noticed several boxes in the living room. At a closer look, she realized those were her belongings.

Elton stepped out of the kitchen and spoke flatly. "Jill and I are engaged. She's moving in."

Lillian understood instantly. She nodded calmly. "Alright, I'll move out."

She grabbed her bags, but Elton snatched them away. "I didn't ask you to leave. My parents already have issues with Jill. You running off will just make things harder for her."

Jill chimed in, "Yeah, you've got it wrong. Elton said your room has better lighting, so I'm taking it. I didn't know where to put your stuff, so it's in the living room."

Elton tossed the bags into a guest room. "You said you wanted to be siblings, right? Then act like it and stay put. Don't cause me any more trouble."

Lillian lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. "Got it."

She'd be gone soon anyway. Where to stay made no difference.

Over the next few days, Elton openly fawned over Jill in front of Lillian, but she stayed calm.

She just quietly packed her things and handled her visa paperwork.

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