After Jonathan left, I blinked away the phantom tears, dropping the whole fragile act I'd put on for his benefit. My hazel eyes—usually warm, inviting—now mirrored a steely chill.

I knew damn well Jonathan was only keeping me around because he thought I had some use. The second I didn't, I'd be tossed aside like yesterday's trash—just another inconvenience with nowhere to go.

In my past life, I'd been terrified of him. I ran not long after we got married. It took Jonathan almost a year to approach me cautiously. I never figured out when he fell for me, but it was deep—unforgettable.

This time around, I was dead set on being the one to reach out, to protect him, to love him.

I headed into the bathroom to freshen up, but the mirror showed a face riddled with reddish-brown acne, deep shadows under my eyes, and a pallid, almost ghostly complexion—even with my delicate features.

“Ugh…” I muttered, barely holding it together. How the hell did I face Jonathan looking like this? No wonder he let me go. Who'd want to hold a ghastly apparition like me?

Staring at my reflection, the memories came flooding back. Before I was forced into marriage, I'd run myself ragged putting together a financial proposal for my brother Mason—five straight nights with zero sleep. The acne? That was from testing a treatment for my brother Rue, digging through medical texts until my face was ruined.

I clenched my fists, knuckles cracking. In my last life, I'd craved family love, desperately seeking the Kelly family's approval—only to end up cremated, my ashes left unclaimed by anyone. I'd been so naive!

This time, I wouldn't make the same mistakes. No more being their damn workhorse!

I was exhausted and didn't sleep well. The sun was already high by the time I finally caught up on rest. Reaching for my phone—which had died overnight—I found a pile of missed messages and calls once it powered on.

Sure enough, a familiar number popped up. Adriel Kelly was calling.

"Why did you deliberately disappear?" he demanded the second I answered, irritation dripping from his voice.

As a top-tier pop star, his voice was usually warm and alluring, but now it came out sharp and frustrated: "Luciana, when will you learn to be as considerate as Elianna?"

His words almost made me laugh out loud. "Oh, my husband was quite insistent last night. I just couldn't get up," I replied, my tone flat, my hazel eyes narrowing with indifference.

Adriel was taken aback—surprised I seemed to actually accept Jonathan, who he believed to be crippled, and even more shocked by my brazenness.

But that wasn't his main concern. His voice grew more agitated. "Luciana, do you have any idea how inconsiderate you are, bringing this up again?"

The whole family resented me for marrying in Elianna's place, but it was the only way to protect her. They had no other choice. And even though my sarcasm made them uncomfortable, Adriel's conscience twinged a little.

I curled my lips into a cold smile. "Laughable, really. I'm the one who got married—not you. I didn't ask you to share a bed with him, so why all the drama?"

I vividly remembered the moment they forced this on me. My father had clutched my hand with his aged fingers, his voice pleading. "Luciana, your sister has a heart condition. She can't handle stress. I'm begging you—please marry into the Perez family for her sake."

My mother had gently stroked my hair, offering a warmth I hadn't felt in years. "Luciana, I know it's unfair, but Elianna can't handle the stress of this marriage. You're stronger than she is. Please do this for the family."

Their pleas left me cold. I hadn't felt my mother's love since I got lost as a child. Just because I was the healthy one, I was supposed to be the sacrificial lamb?

Her five brothers stood silent, their hopeful gazes boring into me, waiting for me to step into Elianna's place and marry a disfigured, disabled man.

Finally, my grandmother threatened to tell the entire family I had abandoned my sick sister unless I put on the wedding dress...

Now they had the nerve to act disgusted?

Adriel's tone softened after my sharp retort. "Still, even if you were wronged by replacing Elianna, you shouldn't have taken the USB with the financial proposal for Mason. Elianna spent five nights working on it. Taking it without asking is stealing! Luciana, you've let everyone down. What exactly did you learn while you were away?"

His voice trembled with anger and disappointment.

I listened calmly, having expected this confrontation. In my past life, the accusation of "stealing the USB" spread like wildfire. Even though my sister Elianna pleaded with me privately, I caved and accepted the blame. But now... why should I let them off the hook?

I laughed mockingly. "Adriel, you're such a fool!" I said, then hung up.

When my phone rang again, I blocked his number. Next, I quickly blocked my parents, grandmother, brothers, and Elianna's contacts.

Adriel stood in disbelief, listening to the busy tone. For the first time, he felt like Luciana had slipped right through his fingers. When he tried calling back and realized he was blocked, pure frustration took over his face.

Jonathan's wheelchair sat at the doorway just as I finished blocking my family's numbers. His fingers tapped idly on the armrest, his deep eyes unreadable.

"Good morning, Mr. Perez," I chirped, my eyes curving into warm crescents, my smile bright and inviting. Inside, I was praying like crazy: You didn't hear anything, you didn't hear anything!

But luck was never on my side. Jonathan's low, icy voice cut through the silence, his tone a mix of teasing and seduction, his eyes shadowed with amusement: "Was I too persistent last night?"

His words sent a shockwave through me—my toes curling in embarrassment under the covers.

"Misunderstand... it's a misunderstanding!" I stammered. I hadn't meant to run my mouth like that. I swear, it was on purpose!

I had no real intention of divorcing Jonathan. If anything, I planned to have him wrapped around my finger eventually. But having him overhear me? Mortifying.

Jonathan's eyes glinted as they swept over me, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Kept you from even getting up?" he added, and those words jolted me upright from my prone position.

I scrambled out of bed, bare feet hitting the cold floor as I rushed to his side. Squatting in front of him, I gazed up with wide, sincere eyes, my nose slightly red—looking like a lost little rabbit. I tugged lightly at his pant leg, my voice soft and earnest: "Jonathan, I'll be good. Please don't send me away."

As my fingers gently clasped the fabric, the warmth seemed to seep through, brushing against his skin...

Apart from last night, no woman had ever been this close to him.

Jonathan's eyes darkened. He pressed a finger to my forehead, pushing me back slightly. His tone was impatient, but there was a stiffness that betrayed him: "Just focus on helping me recover. Don't entertain... other ideas."

The last two words came out with unexpected awkwardness.

In the shadows, Ahmir Oliver—Jonathan's bodyguard—was nearly slack-jawed with disbelief: Was Jonathan actually letting a woman touch him willingly?

Jonathan's condition wasn't the kind you could fix with a simple shot—especially with his leg in the state it was. The treatment called for a whole list of ingredients. Problem was, my medical kit was still sitting back at the Kelly estate, so I had to go get it.

After a quick lunch, I asked Ahmir Oliver—Jonathan's bodyguard—to step aside for a moment. In this new life, besides Jonathan, Ahmir was the only person I half-knew. In our past lives, he hadn't exactly hid his dislike for me. Cold shoulder, snide looks, you name it. But his loyalty? Unshakeable. After I died, he was the one who helped Jonathan gather my ashes. He'd often stare at the urn and mutter, "Mrs. Perez, I only ever recognized you as Jonathan’s wife."

—

An hour later, the sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to the gates of the Kelly estate. The guard recognized the Perez plate, the gates swung open, and we rolled down the winding drive until the car stopped in front of a somewhat neglected courtyard. From there, I'd have to go on foot.

I stepped out and turned to Ahmir. "Wait here for me."

I walked into the courtyard with confidence. The walls were weathered—a quiet testament to time—but the flowers and herbs around added a warmth, a kind of nostalgia that clung to the air.

The moment I stepped inside, a woman in her fifties, simply dressed, came up to me. "Miss, you've finally come back. Let me look at you. Have they been treating you well?" Her voice was soft but a little hoarse, thick with regret. "I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you."

Warmth flooded my chest. Without thinking, I pulled Janice into a hug, tears stinging my eyes. In my past life, when the Kellys had me locked up for something I didn't do, my own family barely showed—maybe once a year. But Janice came almost every single month, bringing me treats, warm clothes, even little gifts to lift my spirits.

When I was brought back to the Kelly estate at sixteen, my room was basically a storage closet. The family had all their attention on Elianna, who claimed to have a bad heart. So I got left in Janice's care in this courtyard. I remember those freezing winters, wrapped in blankets while she cried in frustration, muttering how I was a Kelly daughter too, yet treated like I was nothing.

And even after I came home at sixteen, only to be shipped off as Elianna's stand-in at twenty, the Kellys never thought I deserved my name or a place in this family. I was so foolish back then, desperate for even a scrap of their approval, giving myself away like some joke.

Now, looking back at that obsession, I realized how blind I'd been to Janice's kindness. She wasn't blood, but she was more family than any Kelly had ever been.

I steadied myself, then said, "Janice, how many times do I have to tell you? Just call me Lucy."

"I'm only here to move my things to the Perez estate."

"I have a new home now, Janice."

My smile lit up my eyes, dimples showing as I spoke. Anyone watching couldn't help but catch the joy. After all, Jonathan was destined to be my husband. I was dead set on winning his heart, and soon, the Perez estate would be my forever home!

Janice looked briefly startled—probably worried I might get hurt again—but she was genuinely happy for me. "Alright, alright, I’ll help you move."

Even though I'd stayed in the main villa at eighteen, my things there were few. Late nights drafting proposals for Mason, digging through medical texts for Rue, composing music for Adriel, blending calming scents for one of my brothers, stitching boxing gloves for Grey—all of that happened here, in this courtyard.

I got Ahmir to load most of my stuff into the car, but my medical kit was still upstairs in the main villa. I had to go fetch it myself.

Walking into the main villa alone, I caught voices drifting from inside.

"Wasn't the Perez car supposed to have arrived by now? So why hasn't Lucy come to apologize? Adriel, did you tell her to return Elianna's proposal yet?"

"How could Luciana keep work that belongs to Elianna? Does she have no shame?"

Mason Kelly had that sharp, elegant profile—tall, commanding, all composed and refined energy. But his eyes were dark and intense, with a single light mole under his left eye. I had the same one, though hardly anyone noticed.

His brows were drawn in anger, making him look even more intimidating and cold.

Elianna stood there in a soft lavender dress, long brown hair spilling down, delicate features arranged in that fragile, I-have-a-heart-condition air.

She grabbed Mason's wrist, flashing an innocent smile. "Mason, don't be upset. Lucy didn't steal my proposal. She has her own talents..."

Adriel Kelly—whose call I'd just blocked—was already on edge, and couldn't stop himself from cutting in: "Talents? The kind that got her kicked out of Columbia, maybe?"

"No grades, no character? Caught cheating, almost expelled—what exactly can you say in her defense?"

His words soured everyone's mood, painting me as nothing but a disgrace.

How could they even have a sister like me? I was nothing next to Elianna, who—despite a bad heart—was already making a name in showbiz while I had zero to show for myself.

Elianna faked a wince, her face twisting as if in pain, and lightly scolded Adriel: "There must be a misunderstanding. Lucy's always been great in school. I've always admired her for that..."

"Unlike me, who can't even balance school and work because of my heart condition. I even had to give up dancing."

Her tone was full of regret, brows knitted, practically begging for sympathy.

I walked in just as they were about to comfort her. The second they spotted me, Mason and Adriel's faces turned sour.

"Lucy, finally decided to show your face?" Mason mocked, a faint smirk tugging at his lips, clearly waiting for my apology.

Adriel turned away, expecting me to admit fault.

Elianna floated over, a sweet smile on her lips, footsteps light. "Luciana, you're finally back?"

"I'm sorry. It's my fault you had to marry into the Perez family. You have every right to be mad at me."

She reached for my hand—I sidestepped her touch without a second thought.

Her words only reminded Mason and Adriel of the so-called stolen USB, stoking their frustration.

Mason confronted me, eyes hard. "Lucy, give the proposal back to Elianna!"

I looked at the three of them with pure disdain. Their accusations were ridiculous.

Same old story—quick to blame me without knowing a single fact. I'd swallowed this crap too many times in my past life. But this time? I felt nothing.

I scoffed, locked eyes with Mason, and said each word slowly, "That proposal? I wrote it after five sleepless nights!"

"Why the hell should I hand it over to her?"

Rage flared in Mason's eyes. Disbelief twisted his features as he stepped forward and gripped my shoulder tight. "Lucy, have you no shame?"

"Elianna has never lied. Not once. We both watched her burn the midnight oil on that project. You stole her hard work out of pure selfishness. How could you sink this low?"

I let out a dry laugh, shook off his grip, and took a step back, putting distance between us. "Low?"

"And you think you're any better?"

My decision to walk away landed harder than either man expected. Mason’s jaw locked, and Adriel’s expression tightened.

Adriel’s voice cut through the air, taut with anger. "Luciana, what the hell are you playing at now? Mason's been worried sick, and Elianna's the one who got hurt. They're handing you a chance to own up, but you're too ungrateful to take it!"

In the past, I would've swallowed my feelings, slapped on a smile, and done everything to smooth things over with my brothers. But not tonight. Tonight, my gaze was colder than theirs, and my resolve was forged in iron.

Sensing the rising tension, Elianna stepped in as the peacemaker, all wide-eyed innocence as she gently tugged Adriel's sleeve. "Adriel, please don't be harsh with Luciana. She stepped in for me with Jonathan, and I don't blame her for it..."

Her words were gracious enough, but her face was a carefully crafted mask of mild grievance and quiet endurance.

"A swap is a swap, and taking someone's proposal is stealing. How can you even compare the two?" Mason cut in, his tone authoritative. "Besides, you chose to agree to Mom and Grandma's request to take her place. Elianna didn't know a thing, so it's not her fault. Elianna, you've got a heart of gold. Don't let Luciana walk all over you."

Adriel turned to comfort Elianna, his voice soft and reassuring. He reached out to pat her head, treating her with a tenderness that stood in stark contrast to the venom he'd just spit at me.

Elianna's face lit up with a winsome smile. "Adriel, I'm so glad you're here." Then, with a hint of hesitation, she added, "But Luciana is still family. She's just having a rough day."

Mason looked at Elianna's understanding demeanor, then shot a glance at my calm, defiant stance. Our eyes locked, and his displeasure was written all over his face.

"She's not having a rough day—she's just spoiled by her too-gentle little sister."

"Rude, bullying her own sibling, and talking back to her brothers—Luciana's completely lost her grip on decency."

"Luciana, no matter what, you're handing over Elianna's proposal USB today, or you're not setting foot out of here."

"Did you come back to pack your things?"

"Nothing here belongs to you. You won't take a single thing with you!"

Mason’s jaw tightened, disdain and simmering fury written across his face. He wasn't necessarily looking for a brawl; he just wanted me to lower my head and admit I was wrong. Wrong was wrong, and someone had to face the consequences.

But I couldn't be bothered with their drama. "Move it. Stop blocking the way like a pack of dogs!" I snapped, turning to head upstairs.

"Luciana, maybe you should just apologize to Mason? We're family, after all. Let's keep the peace..."

Seeing me move, Elianna hurried to grab my arm.

But I was already walking fast, and the hem of her long tailored silk dress caught under my step. She stumbled, and before she could hit the floor, Mason caught her.

Elianna let out a tiny gasp. "Ah! It hurts..."

"Luciana, I'm sorry—Mason and Adriel didn't mean to be harsh with you. If you're going to blame anyone, blame me..."

Adriel rushed over, crouching beside her to check her sprained ankle, his face tight with worry. "Elianna, I'm getting a doctor right now!"

He shot me a look full of pure venom, the so-called "troublemaker," and barked, "Luciana, haven't you done enough?"

"Apologize to Elianna!"

Elianna whimpered, tears streaming down her cheeks as she played the victim, yet still managing to look pitifully noble. "Adriel, don't be mad at Luciana. I wasn't careful and twisted my ankle on my own."

"She's just still upset... she didn't mean it."

Her words grew more heartbreaking, and her act was flawless.

Adriel's fury spiked. He stepped forward and grabbed my wrist hard. "I said—apologize!"

I shook off his grip coldly, making him stumble back a step, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Apologize for what?"

"Is Elianna's sprained ankle my fault?"

A playful smirk tugged at my lips. I sauntered closer to Elianna, who was still being supported by Mason, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"You brought this on yourself."

Then, right in front of everyone, I gave her ankle a sharp, deliberate kick.

A clean, echoing snap sliced through the air.

"That one's on me."

I smiled, calm as ever, my icy mask dropping to reveal a raw, audacious confidence and sheer defiance.

That kick set Mason and Adriel's blood to a boil.

Mason, who was closest, raised his hand to slap me, fury blazing in his eyes.

But before his palm could reach my face, a strong hand caught it mid-air.

Mason's hand froze just an inch from my cheek.

Then he was shoved backward with enough force to send both him and Elianna tumbling to the ground.

"Mrs. Perez, are you all right?"

Ahmir Oliver stood beside me, unshakeable as solid rock.

His imposing frame—nearly six foot three—was sculpted by years of boxing, his strength seemingly without limits.

He surveyed the room with a menacing glint in his eyes. "Mrs. Perez is part of the Perez family now. The Kellys don't get to push her around."

The intensity rolling off Ahmir made Elianna cling to Mason in fear.

Mason scrambled to shield her, his face pale with frustration.

Adriel's anger cooled a notch, but he still glared at me with barely concealed resentment, his eyes nearly bloodshot.

"No worries—accompany me upstairs to grab my sewing kit."

I replied coolly, not giving them a second glance.

My frame was slight, but it carried a rigid dignity. Even with blemished features, there was an undeniable, mysterious allure about me.

I might have looked delicate, but I stood there unshaken—self-possessed, isolated, and completely beyond their control.

Mason stared at my back, sensing something suddenly unfamiliar in the way I moved.

Adriel attended to Elianna's ankle, bitterness written all over his face.

Elianna watched me head upstairs, her light brown eyes darkening as realization began to sink in.

Upstairs, I found my room had been rummaged through.

My sewing kit lay sprawled across the bed, needles bent as if someone had set a careless trap meant to hurt me if I lay down.

Outside, housekeepers were watching suspiciously, led by Mrs. Harris—a woman who'd always fawned over Elianna. Her smug smile was a taunt in itself.

"Luciana, didn't you just get married? You tied the knot with that scarred, disabled loser."

"What, couldn't wait to bring another man home for fun on day two?"

Mrs. Harris sneered. She'd been waiting in the loft since the Perez car pulled into the Kelly estate.

She was relishing my downfall, having loved the days I sought approval from the Kellys and treated her well.

Now her mockery knew no bounds.

My gaze darkened. I closed the distance and clamped my hand around Mrs. Harris's neck, shoving her onto the bed—the one loaded with needles.

"Ahhhh!!"

Her scream tore through the Kelly mansion like a siren.

My smile thinned, all warmth draining from it. "Say that again."

"Jonathan Perez—what about him?"

My eyes gleamed with unsettling clarity. I leaned over the bed, my smile growing sweeter.

But Mrs. Harris's scalp prickled with pure dread.

In just one night, Luciana had changed.