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00:04I was reborn on the day my sister, Tilda Wright, and I had to pick our husbands.
00:09That was when I realized I could hear people's thoughts.
00:12I heard Tilda say,
00:14This time, I'm gonna make sure I grab the best husband first.
00:20Across the dinner table sat two men, both about the same age.
00:23One was Mike Pearson, the older brother who was cold and distant.
00:27The other was Phil Pearson, the younger brother, but born out of wedlock.
00:32He seemed gentle and easy-goanding.
00:35This time, I'm gonna make sure I grab the best husband first.
00:39Alright.
00:41I'm definitely gonna steal you away.
00:43A girl's voice echoed in my head.
00:46It was Tilda's voice.
00:47I glanced at her, but she hadn't actually spoken.
00:51Her eyes were locked on Phil.
00:55Sure enough, a second later, she walked straight over to Phil and sat beside him, all shy smiles.
01:00Hi, I'm Tilda.
01:01I really like you.
01:02Skye, since Tilda has chosen Phil, you'll marry Mike.
01:05The moment he said that, pride flashed in Tilda's eyes, beside me.
01:09Disson, you can take the beating for me.
01:11In my past life, Tilda had married Mike.
01:13He was a strong businessman and was always buried in work.
01:16I also heard he was cold when it came to matters in bed.
01:19Tilda had tried many times to seduce him, but every time she ended up bruised and thrown out of his
01:23room.
01:23Eventually, because she never had children, Mike's mother, Samantha Pearson, declared that she must be sick and kicked her out
01:28of the Pearsons' house.
01:30As for me, I married Phil.
01:31He didn't have much influence in the Pearsons, but he gave me food, clothes, and comfort.
01:35He took me shopping, ate with me, and went on dates with me, spoiling me completely.
01:39Everyone the Pearsons knew how close we were, and Phil or Mike inherited died from family business.
01:43My status in the Pearsons skyrocketed overnight.
01:45Tilda was jealous.
01:46One day, while I was out shopping, she rammed her car into mine, dragging me with her into death.
01:50Sure, Dad.
01:50I like Mike a lot anyway, I said with a smile.
01:52I had to admit, his presence was overwhelming.
01:55The moment I sat down, walking over to sit beside Mike,
01:58I felt as if a wave of icy air had surrounded me, choking off my words.
02:02No wonder Tilna had been beaten so badly in her last life.
02:04Hear his thoughts, but there was nothing.
02:06He didn't think a single word.
02:08But when Phil smiled at Tilda, I caught his thoughts.
02:10Such a pretty little thing.
02:12A chill ran through my entire body.
02:14Without thinking, I grabbed Mike's hand.
02:16Even though he had a cold personality, his hand was surprisingly warm.
02:20He glanced down at me because of my sudden move.
02:22I quickly let go and he stayed quiet.
02:23This man looked terrifying, but honestly, I'd rather stick with him than fall into some poison-ish and trap.
02:28This time, I was determined to change my meme,
02:30then's gone on my own, and andarily on anyone.
02:32Tilda and I had our weddings on the same day.
02:34It had been that way in my last life, too.
02:37Back then, Mike hadn't shown up for the ceremony, but Phil came early.
02:40Everyone had said he was the more thoughtful husband, and this time, it was exactly the same.
02:44Phil showed up in a crisp, white tux, rushing in to scoop Tilda into his arms.
02:49As they passed me, Tilda gave me a smug look.
02:50Why didn't Mike come to pick you up?
02:52Mike come to pick you up?
02:54Don't worry about me.
02:55Focus on your own life.
02:57Her smile dropped.
02:58Her face darkening.
02:59Keep laughing.
03:00I'll see if you're still smiling once he starts hitting you.
03:03That was what she was thinking as she left with Phil, but it was way too soon for her to
03:07say that.
03:08There was no guarantee who would be the one laughing in the end.
03:11Mike didn't come to the wedding, just like last time, when he married my sister.
03:18People started gossiping about me and giving me pitying looks.
03:21Tilda looked even more thrilled, clinging to Phil and blouting out,
03:27I love you, Phil.
03:30Then she pulled him into a kiss.
03:32I knew Tilda just wanted to see me embarrassed, but I wasn't stupid.
03:37I wasn't going to storm out like she did in my last life,
03:40giving everyone in the room and the Pearsons something to gross about.
03:43I remembered how everyone back then had said Tilna wasn't calm enough
03:47and wasn't fit to be the Pearsons' eldest daughter-in-law.
03:50After that, my husband's mother, Samantha, never treated her kindly,
03:53and Tilda suffered endlessly in the Pearson household.
03:56I took the microphone, smiled confidently at the guests and said,
03:59Mike had an important deal to handle today.
04:02When it's time for the toast, I'll be standing in for him.
04:04I hope you all don't mind.
04:06As soon as the words left my mouth, the whispers in the room stopped.
04:10From her seat at the head table, Samantha gave me a look of approval.
04:15The wealthy and successful Pearsons cared most about appearances and other people's opinions.
04:22In moments like this, a daughter-in-law had to stay calm
04:25and show she could carry herself like the lady of the house.
04:28Tilda noticed it as well, and her eyes flashed with anger.
04:33Gross.
04:34Just wait till the toast.
04:36I'll make sure you embarrass yourself.
04:41Honestly, being able to hear people's thoughts felt like a blessing.
04:45Having that secret ability made everything so much easier.
04:48When it was time for the toast, I lifted my gown and walked toward the stage with a steady pace.
04:54Tilda's eyes were glued to me as she silently counted.
04:58One, two, three.
05:00Right at the third beat, I stepped aside to fix my heel, and Tilda went crashing to the floor,
05:05breaking her glass and getting the champagne all over herself.
05:08You okay?
05:08What an idiot.
05:10All eyes in the room turned to watch, while Samantha's face dartened with anger.
05:14How clumsy!
05:15You don't even act the way a Pearson should!
05:19I'm sorry.
05:21I didn't mean to.
05:23Her words sounded apologetic, but her eyes were burning with resentment.
05:26If it were me, I would have chosen to stay low and live quietly this time around.
05:30But Tilda couldn't stand to see me living well.
05:32So naturally, I wasn't going to let her walk all over me.
05:35Because of Tilna's blunder, the wedding ended quickly.
05:38From start to finish, Samantha never gave Tilna a pleasant look.
05:43But when she looked at me, her eyes were warm with approval.
05:46She even took my hand and said,
05:49I'll make sure Mike comes home tonight to keep you company and make it up to you.
05:53And sure enough, Mike really did come home that night.
05:57He walked in while loosening his tie, looking completely drained.
06:01I hurried over to grab his clothes for him.
06:03You must be exhausted today.
06:06He just gave me a glance and didn't respond.
06:10In my past life, the servants had whispered that Mike didn't even come home on his wedding night.
06:15Tilna had waited in the room all by herself, becoming the butt of everyone's jokes.
06:19When she tried to complain to Samantha, she only got scolded.
06:24Samantha told her.
06:25While Mike was showering, I set up the room.
06:27I laid out fresh sheets on the bed, poured him a drink, and tidied up the couch so I could
06:31sleep there.
06:31When he came out and saw the arrangement, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
06:35I quickly explained.
06:37You can sleep on the bed.
06:38I'll take the couch.
06:39Is this your way of playing hard to death?
06:41He narrowed his eyes at me.
06:43He was draped in just a robe, his chest partly exposed with water droplets still clinging to his skin.
06:50He looked, well, I couldn't deny that his body was impressive.
06:54No, I'm not playing hard to get.
06:56We don't really know each other, so sleeping in the same bed would just feel awkward for both of us.
07:02And, if possible, I'd like to make a deal with you.
07:06What kind of deal?
07:07Since this is basically a business marriage, why don't we just live our own lives privately and act like a
07:12couple in public?
07:13I married you so I could have stability and not worry about money.
07:15I don't expect love.
07:16When he heard this, the corner of his lips curved into a faint smile.
07:21You're smart.
07:22I like that.
07:23Fine, I agree.
07:24The truth was, I wasn't capable of controlling a man's heart anyway.
07:28In the Pearsons, his attitude towards me would depend entirely on Samantha's attitude.
07:33I had no intention of ending up like Tilda in my past life, targeted and isolated by everyone.
07:37That wouldn't do me any good.
07:39So my choice was simple.
07:40Keep the peace, coexist and focus on my own goals.
07:43This time around, I just wanted to earn money, build my own company and succeed entirely on my own.
07:48I had Mike post a picture of us holding hands on his social feed, with the caption, newly married.
07:54The whole point was to make it look as if our relationship was solid.
07:57That was when I noticed his profile was empty other than that one post.
08:00He hadn't shared a single thing a guy like him must live a really boring life.
08:05The next morning, Mike woke me up.
08:07He was blasting music while doing push-ups, already working out at the crack of dawn.
08:11People always said men who weren't interested in sex were impotent and weak, but his eight-pack abs and solid
08:17legs looked powerful.
08:18It was way more impressive than Phil's body, that was for sure.
08:21Quit staring.
08:22I'm not interested in you.
08:23He said suddenly, pushing himself up from the floor.
08:26Get dressed, we're going out for breakfast.
08:28It was obvious he meant to show everyone we looked like a real couple.
08:31Honestly, he didn't seem that hard to get along with.
08:34Why had he hit Tilna in her last life?
08:36After getting ready, I left the house with Mike.
08:38The moment we stepped outside, we ran right into Tilna and Phil, walking hand in hand.
08:42Tilda was wearing a strapless dress, her collarbone and shoulders marked with love bites.
08:47She leaned in close on purpose, making sure I saw them.
08:51Her face was full of smugness as she looked me over.
08:53Look at her, all covered up, bet she got hit and is trying to cover the bruises.
08:56Her inner voice rang loudly in my head, followed by her satisfied little smile.
09:00How was your wedding night?
09:01She asked sweetly.
09:02I was wearing a fitted, long-sleeved dress, the kind Samantha preferred.
09:06She hated it when her daughters-in-laws dressed trackly, and she had no patience for heavy
09:09makeup either.
09:10Tilna clearly forgot that, but I wasn't about to remind her.
09:13I just smiled.
09:14In the Pearsons, you don't get to call me Skye.
09:16You should call me Mrs. Skye, like the rest.
09:18Even Mike hasn't asked me to call you that.
09:21What gives you the right?
09:22Mike, say something!
09:23I could feel Mike's whole presence grow colder.
09:26What an idiot!
09:27I'll deal with her tonight.
09:28He then tugged her hand, trying to warn her to stop talking.
09:32But she had no clue how much trouble she was walking into.
09:35Phil, what's the Pearsons' first rule of the house?
09:37Mike asked softly.
09:39Phil immediately lowered his head.
09:40Sorry, I'll handle her right now.
09:41A second later, he slapped Tilda hard across the face with a loud smack.
09:45Show respect!
09:45Greet Mr. Mike and Miss Skye properly!
09:48Tilna's cheeks turned red from the hit.
09:49She looked as if she was about to explode, but she knew better than to challenge Mike.
09:53Then grinding her teeth, she muttered.
09:55I remembered the Pearsons' first house rule clearly.
09:58No one was allowed to disrespect the heir or his wife.
10:00You couldn't even call them by name.
10:02Breaking the rule meant severe punishment.
10:05Callan was the heir.
10:06In my last life, I'd memorized every family rule just to survive.
10:11After Tilda married Mike, she bullied me constantly.
10:15But because of that rule, I never dared disrespect her directly.
10:19I thought she would have memorized the rules too.
10:22But apparently, she hadn't.
10:26That was why she still thought she could step all over me in this life.
10:30By the time we got to the dining hall, Tilda had already been punished.
10:34Her face was pale.
10:36Her head hung low.
10:37For now, she didn't dare make another scene.
10:40But under the table, I caught Phil jabbing her hand with a needle.
10:44Phil cursed Tilna in his head, tightening his grip more and more.
10:49It's all her fault.
10:50She's the reason I have to put up with this crap!
10:52In my last life, not long after I married him, he had started abusing me.
10:56He wouldn't let me tell anyone either.
10:57I wanted to run, but there was no way out.
11:00So I suffered through it.
11:01That was why I'd rather be with Mike than him.
11:04Tilda had chosen her husband herself this time around.
11:08She couldn't blame me.
11:09Tilda hadn't changed her clothes.
11:11She was still wearing that strapless dress.
11:14Noticing Samantha's stare, she quickly forced a smile, looking embarrassed.
11:19Samantha arrived, and we all stood up to greet her.
11:21She leaned on her cane, ready to tell us to sit back down, until her eyes locked on Tilda.
11:26This is Phil's fault, she said.
11:29He said he wanted to get me pregnant.
11:30The second the words left Tilda's mouth, Samantha's face twisted with anger.
11:35She slammed her cane against Tilda's back.
11:38How shameless us!
11:40What happens between you two is your business.
11:46Why are you announcing it in public, and wearing something so revealing?
11:51You're humiliating us!
11:53In my last life, one servant got fired just for wearing shorts.
11:58After that, I was extra careful.
12:02It was because I lived so cautiously that I barely managed to survive in the Pearsons.
12:07But Tilda always assumed my life was easier just because I had a good husband.
12:11She never stopped to think, why should a good life depend on someone else?
12:16I...
12:17I'm sorry.
12:19I...
12:19I didn't know.
12:20Tilda stammered, sweating from the pain, Phil hurried to defend her.
12:26It's my fault, mom.
12:27I forgot to remind her.
12:29He sounded sincere outwardly, but inside, he was thrilled.
12:34Ugh.
12:35Creep.
12:36Since Tilda had just joined the family, Samantha let it go and sat down, telling everyone to eat.
12:43Mike hardly said a word during dinner, but they said food on my plate.
12:47I could feel Tilda's furious glare, as if she wanted to tear me apart.
12:52So I smiled even brighter.
12:54Thanks, honey.
12:56Samantha's face softened into a pleased smile.
12:58Skye, after we eat, why don't you go to the company with Mike and learn a few things?
13:04As the wife of the person's heir, you'll need to understand some of the business.
13:09I had expected her to say that.
13:11In my last life, she had said the exact same thing to Tilda at the dinner table, but Tilda had
13:16refused.
13:17I don't want to learn.
13:18I'll just rely on Mike forever.
13:20She had pushed away such a golden forever.
13:22So when she was kicked out, she didn't have a single dollar to her name.
13:26All right, I answered politely.
13:28On the way, I tried to hear his inner thoughts, but there was nothing.
13:32I figured it made sense.
13:34A man like him wasn't weighed down by worries.
13:37When we arrived, he took me straight to his office.
13:40Wait here, he said, before hurrying out.
13:42Through the glass door, I saw him rushing into a conference room.
13:46Curious, I followed.
13:47Inside, he was meeting with a Ravenlandian, who was trying to sell him the formula for a product he'd developed.
13:54I heard the man's voice echo in my head.
13:57Good thing I already checked into this beforehand.
14:00The Pearsons are loaded.
14:02This formula is only worth a few hundred bucks, but this time, I'm gonna bleed them dry.
14:08I stared at him in shock.
14:09His face stayed calm, cool, and professional.
14:12You'd never guess he was plotting such a scam.
14:17He named his price, a whopping $600,000.
14:21Mike hesitated, silent.
14:23Sensing an opening, the man pressed on.
14:25Mr. Pearson, I promise you this formula will bring you far more than $600,000 in value.
14:29Just as Mike was about to agree, I pushed the door open and walked in.
14:33I greeted the Ravenlandian man, then picked up the bottle of skincare serum he had developed.
14:41I don't lie be at where he developed, and turned it over in my hand.
14:45I'm a woman, so I know skincare.
14:47This only has whitening ingredients.
14:50They didn't whiz professional ingredients.
14:52It doesn't fight wrinkles or early aging.
14:55You're an expert in this.
14:57Should know better than anyone that whitening is just a gimmick.
15:00The effects are barely noticeable.
15:02So tell me, what makes this formula worth $600,000?
15:05The man froze, caught off guard.
15:07Mike leaned back in his chair, clearly entertained, and didn't stop me.
15:11That said, this is an imported product.
15:14And you've already built up buzz on social media.
15:17People recognize your brand and trust it.
15:20So, here's what I'll offer you.
15:23I held up two fingers.
15:25$200,000? he asked, surprised.
15:27Jake, $200,000 is already a very generous offer.
15:31Think it over.
15:32Mike said.
15:33Eyes locked on him.
15:34No, no, I'll give you $2,000.
15:36I cut in.
15:37The formula was only worth a few hundred dollars at most.
15:40$2,000 was already more than enough.
15:42The man shot to his feet.
15:43Miss, who even are you?
15:44How can you suggest such a low amount?
15:46How am I supposed to do business like this?
15:48Forget it.
15:48I won't cooperate.
15:49It's not like I have to sell this to you.
15:51But the boardroom was where the real drama.
15:54He turned to storm out.
15:55Right then, Mike said calmly.
15:57Wait, I'll give you $200,000.
15:58Sign the contract now and then apologize to my wife.
16:00The man froze mid-step, then spun back around, delight flashing in his eyes.
16:04I didn't understand what Mike was doing and rushed to stop him, but he shook his head at me, signaling
16:08me to stay quiet.
16:09Mr. Pearson, you really know how to do business.
16:14Jake Lambert chuckled, then turned to me.
16:16I'm sorry.
16:17I didn't realize you were Mrs. Pearson.
16:20Afterward, I frowned, still confused.
16:23That formula was only worth a few hundred dollars.
16:26Why would you pay him $200,000?
16:28Poured himself a cup of coffee and answered slowly.
16:31You've got good business instincts, but you don't understand the market yet.
16:33Jake's formula is worthless.
16:34I already knew that.
16:34What I'm buying is his brand.
16:35The formula may be cheap, but the brand is already known to young women everywhere.
16:38With a little extra promotion, I'll make that money back easily.
16:40And suddenly, it clicked.
16:43No wonder Jake was so confident.
16:45No wonder he walked in here acting as if he held all the cards.
16:49Coming here was the right choice.
16:51I could actually learn something, he added, his eyes narrowing.
16:56Still, how did you know the formula was only worth a couple hundred?
17:00I forced a laugh just to guess.
17:03I seized the moment to suggest he let me run one of the branch companies.
17:07In my last life, because Phil had no standing in the Pearsons, he couldn't give me anything,
17:13but I wanted to run my own business and be my own boss.
17:16That way, I wouldn't have to rely on anyone.
17:19Once I made enough money, I could walk away whenever I wanted.
17:23You're ambitious.
17:24Mike said with a hint-usement.
17:27You're not planning to take over the company, rake in the cash, and then disappear, are you?
17:31His sharp gaze made me squirm.
17:35Damn, he was even better at reading people than I was.
17:38For the first time, I felt a pan of insecurity.
17:42I have a special cheat code, but somehow I'm still no match for him.
17:45Of course not.
17:46I just wanted to keep myself busy, I replied.
17:49Okay, but you're going to learn from me first.
17:51That's how you get to run a branch office.
17:53Over the next few days, I followed Mike to the company and learned a lot regarding business
17:57tricks and social skills, the kind of things that really mattered.
18:00One afternoon, he surprised me by saying he'd take me out to eat.
18:03And not just anywhere.
18:04The fanciest steakhouse in town.
18:06I didn't expect to see you here.
18:08Run into Tilda and Phil.
18:12Skye, you're here too.
18:14She realized she'd lost her composure and quickly corrected it.
18:19Mr. Mike?
18:20Miss Skye, you're here for dinner too?
18:21A second later, I heard her thoughts loud and clear.
18:24Damn it, of all times, I had to run into her now.
18:26I can't lose face here.
18:28Yeah, we felt like having steak.
18:30I slipped my arm through his, and he didn't pull away.
18:34Phil scrambled to greet us politely.
18:37Mr. Mike, Mrs. Skye.
18:39Mike didn't bother replying.
18:41He just led me past them and straight to a table.
18:44Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Tilda grinding her teeth, furious.
18:47She must have a thousand questions.
18:49Why hadn't Mike hit her?
18:50Why had he brought me out, looking perfectly fine to eat together?
18:54When I walked towards the restroom, Tyna was guarding the door.
18:56She looked at me as if she wanted to eat me alive.
18:58It was the look she had in her eyes just before she ran me over in her past life.
19:02You got a beating from Mike in private, didn't you?
19:04Cut the crap.
19:05You make me sick.
19:06I laughed softly, then let my gaze drift to her arm, where tiny needle marks dotted her skin.
19:11Oh no, Tilda, I said lightly.
19:14What happened?
19:15What is with all those marks?
19:16Her eyes flickered with panic.
19:18She quickly yanked her sleeve down and shot me a vicious glare.
19:21Mind your own business.
19:22It is between me and Phil.
19:24She sneered.
19:26Just our way of having fun.
19:27But I guess you wouldn't know, would you?
19:29Mike probably hasn't touched you at all.
19:31I almost laughed.
19:32She was obviously miserable yet still forcing herself to brag.
19:35I wondered how long she could keep up the act.
19:38That is great for you, I said coolly.
19:40I hope you two stay very happy.
19:42I turned to leave, but she suddenly grabbed my hair.
19:46You witch!
19:48You're mocking me, aren't you?
19:49She was still the same as she was in my past life, completely unhinged.
19:53Mike stormed in and kicked her away.
19:55How dare you disrespect Miss Skye?
19:57Do you know the punishment for that?
19:58His voice was cold and dangerous.
20:00He pulled me to his side, standing tall over her.
20:03I remembered the rule well.
20:05The punishment was being locked in the dungeon.
20:07I'd been sent there once in my last life thanks to Tilda's scheming.
20:11It was crawling with rats, roaches, and snakes.
20:14She knew what that meant too.
20:15Her face drained of all color.
20:17Mr. Mike, I didn't mean it!
20:18Please don't do this to me!
20:19But Mike was never the type to go soft.
20:21Once he made a decision, nothing could change it.
20:23He ordered Phil to take her away.
20:25Inside, Phil was cursing.
20:26I hope she rots in there.
20:27She's causing trouble every damn day.
20:29Mike led me back to the bedroom and checked my head.
20:31You okay?
20:32I'm fine.
20:33She just yanked my hair.
20:35I pushed his hand away and straightened my clothes.
20:38But why did you suddenly show up at the restroom?
20:41His dark eyes fixed on me.
20:43You were gone too long.
20:47Then, after a pause, he said,
20:49I also wanted to ask, why were you fighting with her again?
20:54I hesitated.
20:57She kept bragging about how she and Phil sleep together every night and how happy she is.
21:01She compared it to you not touching me at all.
21:03That's why we fought.
21:04His eyes flickered with something unreadable.
21:07Mike murmured,
21:07So are you trying to hint at something?
21:09I realized right away that what I said made Mike misunderstand.
21:12So I quickly waved my hands.
21:13No, no, no.
21:14That's not what I meant.
21:14I was just explaining why there was a conflict.
21:16He suddenly asked, while staring right at me.
21:19Have you ever thought about doing that kind of with me?
21:20Of course not.
21:21I answered, immediately.
21:22I told you.
21:23All I want is to rely on you and live a worry-free life.
21:26That's it?
21:27I nodded firmly.
21:27He didn't say another word.
21:28He just stormed out and slammed the door behind him.
21:31I had no idea what I said that upset him.
21:33And honestly, I didn't want to know.
21:34All I wanted was to carry out my own plan.
21:36The next day, Mike didn't take me with him to the company.
21:39Instead, he told me to head to the branch office on my own.
21:41So I threw myself into running the branch.
21:43My goal was to make about two million dollars and then leave.
21:46Day after day, I chased projects, negotiated deals, and brought in big profits for the company.
21:51Samantha told me I could just take my cut from what I earned.
21:54I was riding high on success when Tilda finally got out of the basement.
21:59That day, I had just come home from work.
22:01She looked thinner, but she still had her makeup done and wore a fancy dress.
22:05Clinging to Phil's arm.
22:06I already asked mom, and she agreed to let me learn the company business from you.
22:09I can help take some of the pressure off your shoulders.
22:11But in Phil's mind, he was already saying.
22:13Soon, I'll make sure you and Mike are both dead.
22:15My heart sank in my last life.
22:16Mike's death had come out of nowhere.
22:18So it was him all along.
22:19And this time, he wanted both Mike and me gone.
22:21I fought to keep my expression steady as I looked at Tilda.
22:25Alright.
22:26You can start tomorrow.
22:29I said that on purpose, just to see what she was plotting.
22:33The very next moment, her thoughts spilled out.
22:36What an idiot.
22:37Just wait.
22:38I'll get rid of all of you, then I'll live the good life on my own.
22:41So her time in the basement hadn't made her crazy.
22:43She was more clear-headed than ever.
22:45But what she didn't know, was that I could hear her thoughts.
22:48How could she possibly kill me now?
22:50In my last life, Mike had died from poisoning.
22:52I suddenly remembered seeing a cabinet full of colorful vials in Phil's basement back then.
22:56He used to test them on me.
22:57Sometimes I'd black out, and sometimes I'd feel an unnatural rush.
23:01Looking back now, those were his experiments in making poison.
23:03This time, I brought Tilda into the company, and had her start as an intern.
23:07She'd learned to hide her emotions now.
23:09No matter what I told her to do, she agreed without hesitation.
23:12But I knew why she was acting this way.
23:14She was secretly planning a murder.
23:18Phil wanted Mike and me dead, while she wanted me Mike and Phil dead.
23:21And honestly, the fact that she was out to kill Phil gave me the perfect leverage.
23:25It didn't take me long to put my plan in motion.
23:27I went to find Phil behind Mike's back.
23:30Phil wanted Mike and me dead, while she wanted me Mike and Phil dead.
23:33And honestly, the fact that she was out to kill Phil gave me the perfect leverage.
23:36It didn't take me long to put my plan in motion.
23:38I went to find Phil behind Mike's back.
23:40Phil, you're the one I want.
23:43His eyes lit up with interest.
23:45Aren't you afraid my brother will kill you?
23:46I've always wanted to be with you, I said, biting my lip and pretending to be shy.
23:50And I have to tell you something else.
23:52Tilda's planning to poison you.
23:53Yesterday at the office, I overheard her talking to a man about it.
23:56Phil's face darkened instantly, his expression burning with rage.
23:59Is that true?
24:00Of course it is.
24:00She said you've been hitting her, so she wants to get rid of you.
24:02She also said she's ready to climb her way to the top.
24:05When Phil heard what I said, he completely believed me.
24:08After all, nobody else knew about his twisted hobbies, except him and Tilda.
24:12With that, he walked off.
24:15Huh, did he really think I was that stupid?
24:17There was no way I'd ever stay with him.
24:21Right after, I went straight to Mike.
24:23Honestly, whether he lived or died wasn't supposed to matter much to me.
24:26But this time around, he had helped me a lot.
24:28He let me earn my own money and even shared his work experience with me again.
24:31When I told him what Phil said, he looked surprised.
24:33Do you have any proof that Phil wants to hurt me?
24:35I pulled out a recorder and played back the conversation I just had with Phil.
24:38The first part was me purposely flirting with him, and even listening to it again made me cringe.
24:42I only did that to get him to trust me explained quickly.
24:44Mike didn't answer, but his expression darkened.
24:46I shut my mouth, embarrassed.
24:47The next second, he suddenly pulled me into his arms.
24:49I caught the scent of pine from him, and his heartbeat thud hard against my ear.
24:52I froze, completely flustered.
24:54He stared at me, his eyes sharp as he spoke.
24:56Don't even think about betraying me.
24:59As long as you're my wife, you owe me your loyalty.
25:02This silly guy.
25:03Why was he focusing on that right now?
25:05Forget that for now.
25:05The point is, your brother wants to kill you.
25:07What are you going to do about it?
25:07Then we'll see if he's got the guts.
25:09If he can't take me down, he'll be the one to die.
25:10Mike didn't seem too worried about it.
25:11That night, he even took me to a dinner party.
25:13He said it would help the branch grow and give us a chance to meet new clients.
25:16When we walked in, I could feel people's eyes all over me.
25:18Most of them were the kind of stares that made my skin crawl.
25:21Men are all the same.
25:22I shouldn't have brought her here.
25:23Mike's thoughts suddenly popped into my head.
25:25Shocked, I blinked while staring at his profile.
25:29His face stayed calm and unreadable.
25:32But inside, he was thinking that?
25:34And what exactly did he mean by it?
25:36He noticed me staring and looked down at me.
25:39Something wrong?
25:40She's always so silly.
25:41I almost gasped out loud.
25:43The cold, confident CEO I thought I knew.
25:46This was what was going on in his head?
25:48I forced myself to calm down and shook my head.
25:50No, after the dinner party, Mike drove us home.
25:55Phil and Tilda were waiting in the living room.
25:58Tilda smiled sweetly and offered,
26:00Why don't you two have dinner with us?
26:03Phil's eyes flixed straight to my chest before he grinned.
26:07Tilda and I bought some amazing food today.
26:09Let's eat together.
26:10Hell, his intentions couldn't be more obvious.
26:13And I really wanted to know,
26:14how did Mike fall for such a cheap trick in my last life?
26:17The dining table was covered with delicious-looking dishes,
26:20but I didn't dare take a single bite.
26:22Under the table, I grabbed Mike's hand,
26:24warning him not to eat either.
26:25But before I could react,
26:27he had already picked up some food and eaten it.
26:29This is good.
26:30Let's all eat together.
26:32The moment he spoke,
26:34I caught the flash of joy in both Tilden's and Phil's eyes.
26:38I panicked, squeezing Mike's hand hard under the table,
26:42but he didn't even flinch.
26:45Why?
26:47Why was he eating it when I already told him they wanted him dead?
26:52That thought had barely formed when Phil suddenly collapsed onto the table right alongside Tilda.
26:59Samantha came rushing out, her face twisted with rage.
27:02Guards!
27:04Take those two animals to the basement and make sure they never get out again!
27:09I'm not as foolish as you think.
27:12I already told my mom to set up cameras all over the house.
27:15When we caught Phil slipping poison into the drinks,
27:17we swapped the poisoned wine with drugged wine instead.
27:20That's why the two of them passed out.
27:23But you seemed really scared that I'd die.
27:26Are you in love with me?
27:35For some reason, when he said that, my heart skipped a beat.
27:41Of course not.
27:43I was just afraid that if you died, I wouldn't have anyone left to rely on.
27:50Is that so?
27:53Once Tilda and Phil were locked away in the basement,
27:55I finally let out a breath of relief.
27:58The two people I feared the most were out of the picture.
28:02By now, I'd made enough money.
28:04My next step was asking Mike for a divorce.
28:07I kept waiting for the right moment.
28:09But Mike had been so busy lately that he barely came home.
28:13All I could do was bide my time.
28:16One day, I overheard a servant saying Phil and Tilda had been begging to see me.
28:21I went to Tilda first.
28:22Her hair was a mess, her face worn and tired,
28:26but her eyes still burned with defiance.
28:29How did you know I wanted to kill you? How?
28:31Then, in a flash of realization, she gasped.
28:35I get it.
28:36You were reborn too, weren't you?
28:39I smiled at her.
28:40Are you only figuring that out now?
28:43Her face twisted with rage.
28:45As she rushed to the bars, gripping them so hard that it looked as if she wanted to tear me
28:51apart.
28:52You fake little snake!
28:54That was some impressive acting!
28:56You knew Phil was twisted this whole time, didn't you?
28:59And you just stood there watching me fall into the pit!
29:02How could you be so cruel?
29:04The cruel one isn't me.
29:06It's you.
29:07I stared at her.
29:08At the face that looked so much ice mine.
29:10She was my own sister.
29:12Yet in my last life, she was the one who killed me.
29:15If I couldn't hear people's thoughts this time,
29:17I probably would have already died again.
29:19You had chosen Mike before, and you chose Phil this time.
29:23No matter who you picked,
29:24you were never satisfied.
29:25So you turned your anger on me without ever looking at your own flaws.
29:29You wanted to rely on men.
29:30I only ever wanted to rely on myself.
29:33That's the difference.
29:34But why?
29:36Tilda shouted, her voice cracking.
29:38Why is it that no matter who you're with,
29:40you always get to live well?
29:42You see me living well,
29:43but behind the scenes,
29:44I've been fighting hard to save myself.
29:47That's why I deserve what I have.
29:49You, on the other hand, never put in the effort.
29:51I threw those words at her and turned to leave.
29:54You kept waiting for someone else to save you.
29:57That's why you ended up like this.
29:59It's what you deserve.
30:00Behind me, Tilda's furious voice echoed through the halls.
30:04Just wait!
30:05Next time, I won't lose to you!
30:07When I went to Phil's cell,
30:09he was neatly folding his blanket.
30:10Some things never changed.
30:12He was still obsessed with order.
30:15When he noticed me, he laughed.
30:18You're clever.
30:18You're so good at pretending.
30:20You know, I actually believed you wanted to be with me.
30:23I was ready to kill Tilda and Mike for you.
30:27Instead, you gave me such a huge surprise.
30:30You deserve this for being so cruel.
30:33I spat, glaring at him.
30:35His face blurred into the memories
30:37of the way he tormented me in my past life.
30:41He stepped closer,
30:44slowly looking me over from head-tharum to toe.
30:47If I wasn't locked up,
30:49I'd pin you down right now
30:51and force a potion into you.
30:54I'd take you a million times.
30:58His laugh was sharp and sickening.
31:01I couldn't take it anymore.
31:03You're going to hell for this.
31:05I turned and bolted from the dungeon.
31:09Even after I got out,
31:12I was still gasping for breath,
31:14shaken by the twisted look on his face.
31:18But at least this time,
31:19I had finally broken free of him.
31:22That night, Mike came back.
31:25He was drunk,
31:26and the second he walked into the room,
31:28he stumbled and dragged me down with him.
31:31We both hit the floor hard.
31:35You're drunk.
31:37I'll make you some hangover soup.
31:39I said,
31:40trying to push him off,
31:41but he wouldn't budge.
31:45Instead,
31:45his hands went to his shirt,
31:47fumbling with the buttons,
31:48and those intense,
31:49possessive eyes locked on me.
31:51That was when it hit me.
31:52He wasn't actually drunk.
31:53Mike, think about what you're doing.
31:55We're just partners.
31:56You're not allowed to touch me.
31:57He suddenly covered my mouth
31:59and whispered in my ear.
32:01I don't care.
32:03You're my wife.
32:05I love you because I want to.
32:10No, I'm divorcing you.
32:11You can't touch me.
32:13The words hung in the air,
32:14and the whole room went silent.
32:16Mike's face darkened.
32:19I knew it.
32:21I knew you were gonna leave me.
32:24You're so heartless.
32:26Did you already forget about me?
32:28What are you talking about?
32:30I asked,
32:31confused.
32:33Do you still remember Mikey?
32:35His words pulled me straight back to my childhood,
32:38back when I was still in elementary school.
32:40There was a boy at school with long hair
32:42who always wore a mask.
32:43Everyone used to laugh at him,
32:45calling him girly.
32:46But I stepped in to protect him and led him to the little hill behind the school.
32:50You can't be so weak.
32:52I told him.
32:53You've gotta learn how to protect yourself.
32:54He slowly lifted his head, pulled down his mask, and said softly,
32:58Thanks.
33:00I just wanted to grow out my hair so I could donate it to my aunt.
33:04She has cancer.
33:05That was when I finally saw his face,
33:08and he was way more handsome than I ever expected.
33:10I fell for him instantly.
33:13From that day on, I followed him everywhere, protecting him whenever I could.
33:19He told me his name was Mikey.
33:21Later, after his aunt passed away, he moved away, too.
33:30All these years, I'd been looking for you.
33:35Mike said now.
33:36The day I finally heard your thoughts,
33:38I realized you were the one I'd been searching for.
33:41You're the only person whose thoughts I can hear.
33:44I didn't tell you right away because I wanted to see if you'd come to me on your own.
33:48I wanted to know if you still remembered me.
33:51I kept waiting until one day I heard your thoughts.
33:54You said once you saved up two million dollars, you'd leave me.
33:58That's why I've been avoiding you lately.
34:00I didn't want to face losing you.
34:02As he spoke, his eyes grew red.
34:06I was stunned.
34:07What were the odds?
34:09He could hear people's thoughts, too?
34:12And I figured out you could hear mine as well.
34:16That's why I tested you by thinking certain things.
34:21I'm sorry.
34:23I never meant to use you.
34:25I was just scared of being abandoned again, so I thought if I saved up enough money, I'd leave first.
34:33Do you still want to leave me now?
34:35I shook my head.
34:36Before, I wanted to leave because I thought he didn't love me, and that staying would only bring misery.
34:41I had figured I'd be better off relying on myself.
34:44But now, now I knew that he was Mikey, and that he'd been waiting for me all this time.
34:49So no, I wasn't leaving.
34:50And suddenly, it all clicked.
34:53That was why, in my past life, he refused to touch Tilda.
34:56He knew it wasn't me.
34:58The thought about barely had time to settle before his warm lips brushed against my cheek.
35:03Skye, stay with me forever.
35:05My eyes burned with tears.
35:08Okay.
35:09Forever.
35:10I was so glad I had a second chance at life.
35:13This time, I didn't miss my true love.
35:16His arms wrapped around me, holding me as if he would never let go.
35:20I thought I lost you forever.
35:28When I heard your thoughts that first day, I couldn't believe it.
35:33I kept waiting for you to recognize me.
35:35I'm sorry I didn't.
35:40Your face changed so much.
35:47You were just a boy back then.
35:50And you were just a girl who stood up for me when no one else would.
35:54I never forgot that.
35:56We stayed like that for a long time, neither of us wanting to break the silence.
36:02Finally, he pulled back just enough to look at my face.
36:06So you're not leaving?
36:09I'm not leaving.
36:11And you're not divorcing me?
36:14No.
36:15No divorce.
36:20Good.
36:22Because I wouldn't have let you go anyway.
36:24I laughed softly.
36:26That sounds like a threat.
36:30It's a promise.
36:31He said, his voice low and sincere.
36:35He pressed his forehead against mine, and for the first time since my rebirth, I felt truly safe.
36:40No more running, no more scheming, no more waiting for the other shoe to drop.
36:46Just him, just me, just us.
36:49Mikey.
36:49I said quietly.
36:51Yeah?
36:52I'm glad I found you again.
36:54He smiled, a real smile.
36:57Not the cold, distant expression he wore around everyone else.
37:01You never lost in the sky, I was always looking with you.
37:05Outside, the world continued to turn.
37:08Phil and Tilda sat locked in the basement, their schemes crumbling around them.
37:13Samantha's approval meant nothing now.
37:15The money I had saved sat untouched in the bank.
37:19None of it mattered.
37:21Because in the end, I hadn't just been reborn to change my fate.
37:26I had been reborn to find my way back to him.
37:31And this time, would never let go.
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