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.

Lillian passed out.

When she opened her eyes again, she was in the hospital, her chest still tight.

She looked around and saw Elton standing by her bed, his expression solemn.

"You..." she started.

Elton cut her off. "Jill and I didn't know about your cat allergy. She's sent Tubby away. I wired you three million to make up for the scare."

Lillian checked her phone. The transfer was there.

She gave a self-mocking smile and shook her head. "Don't worry. I won't hold it against Jill. And I don't need your money."

Elton stopped her from sending it back. "Keep it. Consider it compensation for your last life."

He hesitated, then added, "You need to recover. Your asthma could flare up again. If you ask me, you should stay home instead of running off. There's no point."

Lillian lightly shook her head, meeting his gaze. "I'm fine. This time, let's both move on."

Elton frowned, about to argue, when a knock came.

Jill walked in, glancing at Elton before turning to Lillian, pale on the bed.

"Sorry, Lillian," she said. "I had no idea you were allergic to cats and would end up in the hospital. Next time, let me know about any conditions, okay? I'd feel awful if we accidentally hurt you again."

Lillian replied calmly, "It's fine. I'm leaving soon. You can bring the cat back."

Elton's frown deepened, but Jill tugged his arm. "Lillian is awake and fine now. Let's not disturb her rest. Honestly, since sending Tubby away, I've been feeling down. Maybe it's stress. Since we're here, can you come with me to see a doctor downstairs?"

Elton nodded, concerned, and followed her out.

At the door, he paused and turned back. "Rest up. I'll pick you up before noon tomorrow to visit your parents' graves."

His gaze was deep and unreadable, reminding her of the moment he pulled her oxygen tube in her past life.

The next morning, Elton picked her up as promised and drove toward the cemetery.

Halfway there, he received a voice message from Jill. "My stomach's acting up. It hurts so bad. Can you grab my favorite oatmeal from that place I love?"

Her weak, trembling voice made Elton's face tighten with worry. He pulled over and looked at Lillian apologetically. "Head to the cemetery. I'll settle Jill down and meet you there."

Lillian had expected this. She nodded, got out, and walked the rest of the way.

At her parents' graves, Lillian bowed slowly.

In the past, when Elton hurt her, she'd come here to pour out her heart.

This time, she didn't cry.

She just spoke firmly. "Mom, Dad, I'm done with Elton. I'm going abroad to live with Uncle Alonzo. I don't know when I'll see you guys again."

After paying her respects, she didn't wait for Elton.

As she prepared to leave, someone grabbed her, covering her mouth and dragging her to a shadowy spot.

She struggled desperately, then saw a familiar figure step out from behind a tree.

Jill came over and slapped her across the face. "Do you think I can't see through your little act? You think playing the victim and bringing up your parents will make Elton love you? He's with me now. You still won't give up? Do you think I'm invisible? Since you love playing weak so much, let me help you out."

Jill smirked and signaled behind her. Several men with leering grins lunged at Lillian.

She tried to scream, but the man holding her stuffed a rag in her mouth.

"Stop struggling. No one's coming," Jill taunted, looking down at her. "Oh, and one more thing. I asked Elton what he'd do if he married anyone but me. He said he'd kill her, then himself. He loves me so much. No way he could be swayed by you. Honestly, I just can't stand you. How dare you try to steal him from me? Get ready to face the consequences."

Lillian's mind reeled. 'So, that's why Elton was reborn, too.'

After pulling her oxygen tube, he'd taken his own life, consumed by guilt over Jill. Even now, when she'd stepped back, they wouldn't let her go.

Lillian fought to protect herself, a tear sliding down her cheek.

"What do we do with her, boss?" one man asked.

"Useless idiots!" Jill snapped, taking out a pill from her bag and tossing it to him. "Make her swallow this. It'll sap her strength and make her cooperate."

Lillian stared at the pill in horror, scrambling back.

Suddenly, Elton's voice cut through. "Jill, are you there?"

Lillian thrashed, muffled cries escaping the rag, hoping to draw him over.

The hooligan panicked, shoving the rag deeper in a hurry.

Elton caught the noise and started toward them. "Jill, is that you?"

"Shit, he found us," groaned the hooligan.

"Damn it," Jill cursed under her breath. "I forgot the tracker on my phone."

She gritted her teeth and messed up her hair before grabbing the pill from the hooligan and swallowing it. "Quick, grab me. Make it look like you're attacking me."

The hooligans hesitated. "Uh, is that okay?"

"Do it!" Jill hissed. "Say Lillian set you up. You'll get a big reward."

She yanked the rag from Lillian's mouth and shoved her aside before collapsing dramatically.

Before Lillian could scream, she wailed, "Help! Elton, where are you? Save me! Get away from me! Help!"

"Jill!" Elton sprinted over, his eyes blazing at the scene.