In my previous life, Corbin Hatfield's beloved first love died because of me. Heartbroken, he pretended to marry me for the family's benefit and then used every means possible to drive my family into bankruptcy.

He tormented me until I suffered from severe depression, driving me to despair and ultimately to jump from a building.

In the moment before my death, Corbin stood coldly in front of me, covering my eyes with his hand.

"Aubrey, if you meet Mel and me in your next life, remember to stay away from us."

When I opened my eyes again, I had returned to seven years ago, on the school path I took every day.

In the distance, Corbin and Melanie Calhoun were walking towards me.

Melanie spotted me first, happily waving in my direction.

"Aubrey! We're over here!"

My dazed mind was instantly jolted into panic. I reacted as if I'd seen ghosts, violently throwing my backpack at them before turning and sprinting away!

"Aubrey! Class is about to start! Where are you going?"

Ignoring my classmate's shouts, I ran alone against the current of students in uniforms.

The wind carried the sunlight with it, slipping quietly through me over and over.

It was wonderful!

Being alive was wonderful!

The heavy burden I shouldered in my previous life was gone.

Now, I was a seventeen-year-old Aubrielle Cooper.

Healthy, lively, bright.

The Cooper and Hatfield families had been close for generations. Corbin was a year older than me and had always been particularly doting on me since childhood.

From a piece of candy in early childhood, to princess dresses in our youth, to the sapphire necklace on my sixteenth birthday, his kindness filled a full third of my life.

Many girls liked him, but I was the only one by his side.

He was like an older brother to me, and also someone I had quietly begun to love.

Everything changed during the school's freshman sports meeting when I suddenly fainted, and it was Melanie who took me to the infirmary.

From then on, there was a Melanie between Corbin and me.

They shared similar hobbies, were both outstanding in character and academics, and always had endless things to talk about when they were together.

I gradually became the invisible one in the trio.

***

In my previous life, the story of Melanie being assaulted by her stepfather spread throughout the entire campus.

Before she jumped off, her hair was disheveled, and she stared at me with fierce hatred.

"Aubrielle, remember this! You are the one who killed me!"

Then she resolutely jumped, giving no one any time to pull her back.

Not even... giving me a chance to explain.

Corbin went mad after seeing the note she left.

He gripped my shoulders tightly, his crimson eyes burning with a hatred that terrified me.

"Aubrielle! Why? Why would you do this?

"You were the only one who knew about this!"

"I..."

My throat tightened repeatedly. I barely managed to endure the sharp pain in my shoulders and force out a few fragmented words.

"I didn't.

"It wasn't me."

But no one believed me.

Melanie's emphatic accusation before her death had already branded me as the murderer.

Any defense seemed feeble against the victim's direct accusation.

Consequently, I faced unprecedented bullying and isolation.

Everyone saw me as a murderer. Every classmate looked at me with resentment in their eyes.

Especially Corbin.

Four years later, the Hatfield family proposed an alliance marriage with my family. He agreed.

He seemed to have forgotten all about Melanie, reverting to his incredibly kind and attentive self towards me.

I thought Corbin had finally chosen to believe me.

He ruffled my hair gently, just like he had all our lives, his eyes soft and warm.

"Aubrey, let's get married."

The Corbin from my memories was always gentle and doting. I thought the old him had returned.

It lasted until the Cooper Group's secrets fell into Corbin's hands. My family's businesses were ruthlessly suppressed by him. My parents were driven out of Birmingham, and I was confined to the house.

Hostility and emotional neglect filled every moment of my existence.

Corbin stopped pretending. The way he looked at me was icy and distant.

"Aubrey, you should taste every bit of the suffering Melanie endured.

"Aubrey, why don't you just die? If you died, I might... be able to forgive you."

As Corbin wished, seven years later, Aubrielle also jumped from a building, as despairing as Melanie had been.

***

I stood dazedly on the street, the school's class bell still echoing in my ears.

The agony of my skull fracturing, my soul detaching, and Corbin's cold, heartless whisper before my death finally began to recede from my mind.

"Aubrey, if you meet Mel and me in your next life, remember to stay away from us."

I let out a long, slow breath.

In this life, I will definitely stay far, far away from Corbin and Melanie.

I turned and quickly ran towards home.

"Aubrey? Shouldn't you be in class right now?"

Just inside the door, my mother was sitting in the backyard, leisurely sipping coffee. She was surprised to see me burst in suddenly.

With wet eyes, I rushed forward and hugged her tightly.

In my previous life, their life's work was destroyed. They were driven out of Birmingham by Corbin, whom they had watched grow up, and I didn't even get to see them one last time before I died.

"You're still so clingy with your mom even at this age? What will you do when you get married?"

Above me, my mother's gentle complaint sounded softly.

But I shivered involuntarily at the mention of "getting married".

I held her even tighter.

"I won't get married. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay home, being with you and Dad, relying on our family company, being a trust-fund kid who just lazes around..."

My mother pretended to be helpless, but her smile deepened.

"Is that so? Well, I guess we'll just have to let you, our little freeloader, live off us for life then."

***

After spending the evening settling my emotions, the next day, I started attending school normally.

The driver dropped me off at the school gate.

As I got out of the car, I glimpsed Corbin and Melanie standing and chatting at the intersection not far away.

That was our usual meeting spot. They were waiting for me.

Terrified of being spotted by them, I quickly ducked my head, grabbed my backpack, and rushed into the school.

On the school path, during our walks as a trio, my eyes were on Corbin, but Corbin's eyes were always on Melanie.

This unrequited love should have ended long ago.

Yet, in my youthful ignorance, I used to secretly rejoice that I could catch one more glimpse of Corbin on that little path.

***

After school, I dawdled as I left. Corbin and Melanie were waiting at the school gate.

There was no avoiding them. I had no choice but to steel myself and walk out.

Melanie didn't ask me why I had run away at the sight of them yesterday. Instead, she linked her arm with mine as intimately as ever.

"Aubrey! We waited for you for a long time at the intersection today. Why didn't you come?"

I struggled to hold back, but ultimately couldn't stop myself from subtly withdrawing my hand from hers.

Melanie's expression stiffened briefly but quickly returned to normal.

"It's my birthday today, Aubrey. Don't you plan to celebrate with me?"

My heart gave a sudden tremble.

In my previous life, it was on the night of Melanie's birthday that she got drunk. With red-rimmed eyes, we confided in each other, and she unintentionally told me about being assaulted by her stepfather when she was younger.

This time, how could I dare to listen to her secrets again?

I didn't dare look at Corbin standing beside her, only keeping my head down and making up my excuse.

"I... I have something at home. I can't go. Happy Birthday."

After saying that, I ignored Melanie's instantly reddening eyes, turned, and walked away quickly.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps sounded behind me.

"Aubrielle."

It was Corbin.

My heart lurched in fear, and I walked even faster with my head down.

Corbin caught up with me in just a few strides, blocking my path ahead. His shadow instantly fell over me.

"What are you running from?"

Finally, for the first time, I raised my head to look at Corbin, who had just turned eighteen.

He wore the familiar school uniform, his facial features clear and sharp. But the deep, detached look in his eyes was identical to the Corbin from my previous life.

Suddenly, I realized that an eighteen-year-old Corbin wouldn't look at me with such an expression.

I panicked abruptly, instinctively stepping back a few paces, nearly losing my balance.

Corbin, however, stepped on my shadow as he advanced step by step.

"Aubrielle, you seem... afraid of me?"

The next moment, Corbin's expression suddenly softened. He reached out and ruffled my hair, just like he used to.

"Aubrey, are you feeling unwell? Why are you hiding from Mel and me?

"It's Mel's birthday today. She'll be very sad if you don't come. Let's go celebrate together, okay?"

Corbin was smiling, but I sensed a probing undertone.

It made sense. Since yesterday, my behavior had been rare. I avoided them whenever possible, and I didn't act as eagerly towards Corbin as I had in my past life.

If... Corbin wasn't the eighteen-year-old Corbin either, he would surely suspect whether I was still the seventeen-year-old Aubrey.

After three years of marriage, any feelings I had for Corbin had long vanished.

Now, I felt both hatred and fear towards him.

"I... I..."

I forced a smile, but Corbin had already taken the initiative. He spoke to Jay, who was waiting to pick me up by the roadside, "Jay, it's a classmate's birthday today. I'll take Aubrey to celebrate and then see her home later."

Jay, aware of the close relationship between the Cooper and Hatfield families, smiled, nodded, and drove away.

I had no choice but to trail silently behind the two of them.

In the past, during our walks as a trio, I often watched, my heart aching with sorrow, as Corbin and Melanie chatted and laughed. They bonded naturally.

But now, I just looked at them indifferently, my heart completely calm.

I was even planning what excuse I could use to leave early.

***

The night before I jumped to my death was the anniversary of Melanie's death.

Corbin, who was always out enjoying himself, came home for once. He smiled gently and delivered words that pierced my heart.

"Aubrey, do you remember that time in your senior year when you were cornered in the back alley? I happened to be back at school that day. I stood at the mouth of the alley and watched you for a long time."

The floor-to-ceiling window reflected my instantly pale face.

That day... I would never forget it.

Some students forced me into the school's back alley. They called me a murderer, took turns slapping me, tore my books to shreds, and scattered them all over the alley.

Finally, they forced me to kneel and say "I was wrong, Ms. Calhoun" one hundred times.

I numbly complied with their demands because only then would the bullying end.

On graduation day, I thought it was finally over. I tried my best to forget those humiliating memories and sealed away everything related to Melanie.

I thought I could start over.

But Corbin later told me he had been there all along, on that deeply humiliating day.

That Corbin, who had held my hand since childhood and accompanied me like an older brother as I grew up, had stood somewhere, watching indifferently as I was bullied, hit, insulted, and forced to kneel and apologize.

Corbin leaned close to my ear and continued speaking calmly.

"Oh, and Aubrey, your mother is sick now but has no money for treatment. Your father, at his age, has to work on construction sites. He hurt his back and struggles every day.

"All of this is your fault. They could have lived a life of ease and comfort, but now they have to atone for your mistakes."

I saw my own vacant pupils in the reflection grow utterly lifeless with Corbin's words.

So, as long as I, the "sinner", remained alive in this world, as long as Corbin remained in my life, nothing could ever truly end.

I could only atone for my "sins" through death, to break free by dying.

On the way, Corbin called the manager of his family's club and reserved a private room not open to the public.

Hearing his calm, authoritative tone as he made the arrangements suddenly reminded me of the Corbin after our marriage.

In my memory, such a Corbin only emerged after he inherited the family business.

Had he... also been reborn?

The thought made me nervous.

No matter what, I couldn't let Corbin detect anything unusual about me.

If Corbin had indeed been reborn and if the events of the previous life repeated themselves, I would still be the "sole culprit" who harmed Melanie in his eyes.

After all... I was the only one who knew Melanie's secret.

In the private room, Melanie shyly picked a love song and invited Corbin to sing a duet with her.

Their classmates started teasing and egging them on.

In their eyes, the noble, polite Corbin and the beautiful, resilient Melanie were destined to be together eventually.

I watched it all calmly, finding the entire birthday celebration tedious and drawn-out.

Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a woman dressed like a socialite appeared at the entrance.

"Corb?"

It was Corbin's mother.

Dressed in an haute couture suit, she looked commanding. The lively noise in the room ceased abruptly with her arrival.

When her gaze swept over Melanie, who was sitting very close to Corbin, she frowned slightly. But when she looked at me sitting in the corner, her face instantly broke into a smile.

"Aubrey, I was wondering why my Corb went through so much trouble to reserve this room at the club today. So it was because you wanted to come and have some fun."

I had no choice but to stand up awkwardly.

"Catherine, actually, it's..."

"It's fine," Catherine smiled at me, her eyes full of affection. "I was supposed to entertain clients here today. I didn't expect Corb to take my room. I thought it was for some cheeky little girl.

"As long as it's you who wants to come, any room in this club is yours."

As soon as she said this, the atmosphere in the room instantly turned awkward. Corbin looked displeased, while Melanie only managed to maintain her look of embarrassment for a few seconds before restoring her smile.

I wanted to say something more, but Catherine cut me off directly.

"Oh, and Aubrey, remember to come over with your parents this weekend. I've hired a new chef who's especially skilled at making your favorite dishes."

"I..." The words stuck in my throat, but I couldn't think of any way to refuse, so I just said stiffly, "Thank you, Catherine."

Catherine left satisfied, but I began to feel restless and uneasy.

Fortunately, no one dwelled too much, and before long, the noise and chatter started up again.

Melanie, however, was clearly somewhat dispirited. After a few drinks, she came over, linked arms with me intimately, and complained.

"Aubrey, Corbin gave me a custom-made necklace today. It's too expensive. I tried to refuse, but he said it was just a normal gift.

"What can I do with him? Was he always this 'normal' for your birthdays in the past?"

I paused. The extra seven years finally allowed me to understand Melanie's implication this time.

She was trying to find out if Corbin treated her differently.

I smiled and said, "No."

"Really?"

Melanie's eyes instantly held a trace of delight, mixed with a hint of suspicion.

"Aubrey, you seem a bit unhappy today. Is it because... Corbin only gave me a necklace?"

I froze for a moment, suddenly realizing that perhaps the feelings I thought I had hidden so well in my previous life had been noticed by Melanie all along.

"No."

I quickly took Melanie's hand and spoke sincerely, "Ms. Calhoun, I'm genuinely happy for you that Corb treats you well. I hope... You both will always be well."

Amidst the noise, Corbin suddenly glanced in our direction.

Melanie was clearly preparing to confide more in me, but right now, I just wanted to get away from anywhere she and Corbin were. I pretended to have severe stomach cramps and fled the club as if escaping.

***

Away from the place where Corbin was, I felt a sense of relief, and my steps instantly lightened.

I was trying to hail a taxi by the roadside when Corbin appeared out of nowhere behind me.

"Aubrey, didn't you just say... You weren't feeling well?"

I shuddered all over, instantly flustered and stammering, "I... I started feeling a bit better after I came out."

Corbin's looming figure was intensely oppressive, his gaze gloomy and probing.

"But Aubrey, I recall that you only started calling her... Ms. Calhoun... after she died."