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.

When Lillian got her visa, it was the day of the Ruiz Group's annual gala.

As part of the Ruiz family, she had to attend it.

After slipping into the evening gown, she stared at the elegant figure in the mirror. For a moment, it felt like she had stepped into another world.

In her past life, after she lost her legs, Elton kept her hidden away.

Since then, she hadn't worn a dress this beautiful or attended such grand events. Chasing Elton had cost her so much.

As she stepped out, Elton's gaze lingered on her until Jill tugged his arm.

He looked away, and the three rode to the gala together, drawing every eye as they arrived.

Whispers followed.

"Did you hear about Elton's big confession at Jill's birthday bash? They say it was super romantic, but it was for Jill, not Lillian. How did she handle that?"

"No way. Everyone knows Lillian and Elton have been promised to each other since they were kids. The Ruizs raised her like their own. How could he switch to someone else?"

"Something's off with Lillian, too. She's usually glued to Elton, but today she's acting all chill. Is she giving up?"

"Maybe Jill swooped in and stole him. Look at her. She's got game, pushing his childhood sweetheart out of the picture."

A sharp crack cut through the chatter. Everyone froze, turning to see Elton's glare, and lowered their heads.

The man had crushed a wine glass in his hand after hearing someone call Jill the third wheel.

"Elton, your hand!" Jill yelped, prying open his bloodied palm, and saw glass shards embedded in it.

Unperturbed, Elton took her hand with his uninjured one and strode to the center of the room.

"Let me make this clear one last time," he declared. "I never agreed to Lillian being my fiancée. That engagement was never my choice. Jill is the love of my life and the only future Mrs. Ruiz."

He glared at the gossipers, his voice icy. "If I hear anyone badmouth her again, they're out of the Ruiz Group. Understood?"

The crowd nodded nervously. "Yes, sir. It won't happen again."

Elton nodded, comforting Jill before tending to his injured hand.

Lillian watched from the sidelines, a pang of bitterness hitting her as she heard his fierce defense of Jill. She slipped out of the gala and walked home alone.

Back at the house, she packed away every trace of Elton—photos, mementos, and gifts she'd once cherished. She stuffed them into boxes for the trash truck.

Then she began packing her personal belongings into a suitcase.

The next day, Elton noticed. "What are you doing? I told you, you don't have to leave."

He stood in the doorway, staring at her coldly and waiting for an answer.

Lillian didn't hold back anymore.

Lillian lifted her suitcase and faced Elton calmly. "I know you're worried that Bruce and Alice would be upset if I left, but you heard what people said at the gala. Our situation's too messy. My stay isn't good for anyone."

Elton didn't seem to hear her. He reached out a hand to block her.

"You've lived here two lifetimes," he muttered. "Where else can you go?"

Lillian closed her eyes, then let it all out. "I talked to my uncle. He's got a place ready for me abroad. I can move in as soon as I get there."

Elton's eyes widened in disbelief. The room fell silent, only their breathing audible.

Finally, he found his voice. "Is this really necessary? You know how far that is? Who permitted you to leave the country? Just because I brought Jill here, you're running off? I said we could be siblings. I can give you everything except love. Jill never asked you to leave. What are you even thinking?"

Jill, standing nearby, froze.

She'd been thrilled to hear Lillian was leaving, but Elton was trying to stop Lillian.

'Since when did Lillian mean so much to him?' Jill wouldn't allow it.

Oblivious, Elton kept barking orders. "Put the suitcase down. You're not leaving this house without my say-so."

Lillian laughed, raising an eyebrow. "What, can't bear to see me go?"

Elton's face darkened. His fists clenched, his knuckles cracking.

But instead of exploding, he sneered and stepped aside. "You're reading too much into it. Go as far as you like. I'll even drive you."

He reached for her suitcase, but she stepped back. "Don't bother. I'll visit my parents' graves first, and then I'm gone."

Elton softened at the mention of her parents, who died saving him. He'd respect them forever.

"I'll go with you."

"No need."

Suddenly, a cat darted out of the shadows toward her.

Lillian, severely allergic to cat fur, panicked and raised her arm to shield herself, which startled the cat.

She stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her itching throat as she coughed violently.

"Tubby!" Jill rushed to grab the cat but got scratched, her arm bleeding.

Elton scooped her up. "Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital."

As he moved to leave, Lillian weakly grabbed his pant leg. Her chest heaved, her face twisted in pain. She could barely breathe, not to mention speak.

"What's wrong?" Elton crouched to check on her.

Jill let out a soft cry. "Ow, it hurts."

Elton hesitated, then carried Jill out without another glance at Lillian.