- 6 hours ago
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00:00My fiancΓ© saved me from drowning, but he was left with a disability.
00:06On our wedding night, he made me have sex with his brother.
00:10The Sinclair family needs an heir, and you look like his late fiancΓ©.
00:15You could ease his grief. This is what you owe him.
00:18That was when I learned that the day I fell into the ocean, his brother's fiancΓ© had fallen in too.
00:24They couldn't save her. One lost a beloved future sister-in-law.
00:28The other lost the love of his life.
00:32So when I opened my eyes again, when Nathaniel came to rescue me,
00:36I swam as hard as I could in the opposite direction.
00:42Found the girl who was sinking, pushed her towards Nathaniel.
00:55Quick! Save her!
01:03Then I crawled onto the beach, shaking uncontrollably, not far away.
01:07Nathaniel had reached the shore before me.
01:09He'd already handed the drowning girl, Rosa, over to the paramedics.
01:13He looked up.
01:14Our eyes met.
01:18He took a towel from his bodyguard and draped it over my shoulders.
01:22Don't catch a cold.
01:24Thanks.
01:25I pulled away from Nathaniel's hand and stood up on my own.
01:29People from the yacht were making their way over.
01:32My head felt foggy, but I remembered this moment clearly.
01:36Today, Sinklins had organized a yacht trip, inviting several elite families they did business with.
01:41No one expected the accident.
01:43The hull scraped against rocks.
01:45I happened to be standing on the deck and stumbled overboard from the impact.
01:52In my past life, I couldn't swim.
01:54I instinctively clung to Nathaniel when he came to save me, but I dragged him under.
02:00He choked on water, slammed into the rocks, and broke his leg.
02:05He'd spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair.
02:08It also kept Nathaniel from saving Rosa.
02:12She drowned.
02:14His brother, Julian, never got to marry the woman he loved.
02:18He carried that regret for the rest of his life.
02:21After marrying Nathaniel, all I received was indifference and humiliation.
02:27I didn't want that tragedy to repeat.
02:29That's why I learned to swim.
02:31Thank God.
02:32This time, both Nathaniel and Rosa were fine, and I didn't have to marry him anymore.
02:36I was just about to tell Mr. Sinclair to call off the arrangement.
02:40A figure stepped in front of me.
02:42Dad, I pulled her out of the ocean and felt nothing.
02:45Not a thing.
02:46If I can watch her almost drown and not care whether she lives or dies, I shouldn't be marrying her.
02:50Tell the Ashfords.
02:52Call off the engagement.
02:54Nathaniel's voice carried on the breeze, and it sent a chill down my spine.
03:01He'd been reborn, too.
03:04Just like me, he didn't want to be married again.
03:07Your marriage was only for family gain.
03:10Feelings can be cultivated, Nathaniel.
03:12Before Nathaniel could respond, I spoke to Mr. Sinclair.
03:15Mr. Sinclair, you can't cultivate feelings that were never there.
03:19And forcing two people together who don't want each other won't end well for either family.
03:24Since Nathaniel has made it clear he feels nothing for me, I won't force it.
03:29I hope you'll respect our decision.
03:33Nathaniel froze, turned his head toward me.
03:35Perhaps he was shocked.
03:36Or maybe he was looking through me, seeing someone else.
03:39Probably because what I said sounded like something Rosa once said.
03:43But who would have guessed?
03:44Nathaniel wanted his brother's fiancΓ©.
03:47In our past life, his brother loved Rosa.
03:50Nathaniel didn't want to tear the family apart, so he settled for me instead.
03:54I lowered my eyes, avoiding his gaze.
03:57Mr. Sinclair sighed.
03:59You two used to go horseback riding and play golf together.
04:04Inseparable.
04:05I thought the arrangement would make you both happy.
04:07Didn't realize neither of you wanted it.
04:10Fine.
04:12I'll talk to the Ashfords.
04:13The engagement is off.
04:16Thank you, Mr. Sinclair.
04:20I got up to leave.
04:21I was about to get into the car heading back to the hotel when someone called out.
04:25Miss Ashfield!
04:26I turned around.
04:27Rosa had recovered.
04:29Miss Ashfield, don't you remember me?
04:32The children's home in Savannah.
04:34We've met before.
04:36Five years ago, I went with my grandmother to volunteer at a children's home.
04:41I happened to hear a girl crying.
04:43A staff member told me it was the girl the Bennetts had recently claimed as their illegitimate
04:47daughter.
04:48She'd been falsely accused of stealing and sent back to the home as punishment.
04:52She was the Bennetts' seventh illegitimate child.
04:55Salar, thin, still wearing a flimsy dress in the dead of winter.
04:59Head down, timid, afraid of everything.
05:02I felt sorry for her.
05:04I started visiting regularly, bringing clothes and food.
05:07The children's home was near our family's horse ranch.
05:09I took her riding to lift her spirits.
05:12Taught her to read.
05:13Taught her to shoot.
05:14Then my grandmother got sick.
05:16We had to rush back to Boston to see a doctor.
05:19I didn't even get the chance to say goodbye to Rosa.
05:22I never imagined she'd turn out to be Nathaniel's future sister-in-law.
05:26Rosa Bennett?
05:28She'd changed so much.
05:30No wonder I didn't recognize her.
05:32You told me that in life, you have to fight for what you want.
05:35So I fought for the truth.
05:37Fought for the treatment I deserved in the Bennett family.
05:39When I came back to Boston, I tried to find you.
05:42But I never got the chance.
05:43When I heard you'd be on this trip, I came along.
05:47I've been trying so hard to get closer to you, Miss Ashvin.
05:50It hit me then.
05:52The colors Rosa wore were the colors I liked.
05:55Her accessories, her makeup, they were styles I always used.
06:00No wonder Nathaniel said I looked like her in our past life.
06:04She's imitating me.
06:06Suddenly, someone blocked my view.
06:09Nathaniel had his back to me, shielding Rosa, as if he was afraid I'd bully her.
06:13Miss Bennett had a scare from the fall.
06:16She needs rest.
06:18I'll take you back.
06:19Rosa blinked, confused.
06:21Miss Ashford fell in too.
06:22You're her fiancΓ©.
06:24Shouldn't you be taking care of her?
06:26Why are you sending off a stranger instead?
06:29At this point, Rosa hadn't been engaged to Nathaniel's brother yet.
06:33I couldn't see Nathaniel's expression.
06:37Nathaniel and I already called off the engagement.
06:39He's not my fiancΓ© anymore.
06:41With that, I got into the car.
06:44As the door closed, Nathaniel's figure flashed past.
06:47Tall, straight-backed, standing like a statue.
06:51Not like the man from my past life.
06:53The one I'd put in a wheelchair.
06:54I exhaled.
06:56This time around, I wasn't the one who ruined everything.
07:01The truth is, I always knew.
07:04Nathaniel never wanted to marry me.
07:06The day the engagement was announced, he'd been out riding.
07:10He actually rode his horse straight into the courtyard of our family estate.
07:15So you're Elena Ashford?
07:17I'm never marrying some pampered princess.
07:20I had a temper back then.
07:21I grabbed the riding crop right out of his hand and yanked him off the horse.
07:26Swung myself up into the saddle.
07:28Even circled him once, just to rub it in.
07:31And I, Elena Ashford, wouldn't waste my time on a spoiled brat who can't even keep hold of his own
07:36horse.
07:36Nathaniel didn't get angry.
07:37Instead, he stared at me blankly for a long time.
07:40He couldn't help asking.
07:43What else can you do?
07:44Golf.
07:45Skydiving, shooting, too many to list.
07:48As the Ashford family's eldest daughter, I'd been groomed from childhood.
07:54Academics, extracurriculars, everything.
07:56I had to be the best.
07:58After that day, he kept asking me to hang out.
08:01He'd often just look at me and smile without saying a word.
08:05I asked him what he was looking at.
08:08I'm looking at my future wife.
08:09My heart sped up against my will.
08:12For the first time, my hands shook while holding a shotgun.
08:16Smooth talker.
08:18Only for my wife.
08:26Nathaniel came over to help me load the shells, then glanced at my hand.
08:30Most people shoot right-handed.
08:32You're just like a friend of mine.
08:33She likes to shoot left-handed, too.
08:35I thought she was the only one.
08:37With so many people in the world, there are bound to be some who are similar.
08:42I didn't think much of what Nathaniel said.
08:45I spent every day with him.
08:50We even planned a trip around the world after the wedding.
08:54And then the accident happened.
08:57The Nathaniel, who once loved horseback riding and competitive shooting,
09:01would never get on a horse again.
09:06Everyone mocked him.
09:08Called him a cripple.
09:09My parents wanted to cancel the engagement.
09:12But I stubbornly married him anyway.
09:19I'm the one who ruined him.
09:21I couldn't abandon him.
09:23The accident changed Nathaniel into a different person.
09:26No more smiles.
09:28Dark, hollow eyes.
09:30On our wedding night, he sat in his wheelchair and spoke flatly.
09:34I'm disabled.
09:35I can't do that.
09:37But the Sinclair family needs an heir.
09:40Go to my brother.
09:41You look like his late fiancΓ©.
09:43You could ease his grief.
09:46You owe him this.
09:52The day I fell into the ocean, Rosa had fallen too.
09:56The friend Nathaniel always talked about.
09:59His brother Julian's fiancΓ©.
10:04Thunder cracked outside the window.
10:07My mind went blank.
10:08I'd ruined three people's lives.
10:15That night, I walked Julian's bedroom in my Wenwen adding dress, numb and hollow.
10:20When Julian heard what Nathaniel had said, he sighed.
10:24My brother's always been reckless.
10:26Don't take it to heart.
10:28I'll sleep in the guest room.
10:29You rest here.
10:30Before leaving, Julian poured me a glass of wine.
10:34Steam curled upward, dampening my eyelashes.
10:37I opened my mouth.
10:39But my throat was so dry, no sound came out.
10:42I'm sorry felt too small.
10:44Too useless.
10:45The guilt ate at me.
10:47I knew Nathaniel resented me.
10:49So I threw myself into taking care of him.
10:52Every morning at dawn, I'd get up and cook something nutritious.
10:55Bring it to him while it was still warm.
10:59The doctor said your body needs proper nourishment.
11:02I learned some new recipes from the nutritionist.
11:05They're really good.
11:06Do you want to try?
11:08Don't bother with lunch.
11:09I'm not hungry.
11:10He was talking to the housekeeper.
11:12He didn't hear me.
11:14Didn't see me.
11:15I walked over carefully.
11:17When did you get here?
11:19Just now.
11:20No response after that.
11:22He sipped his water in silence.
11:24I was invisible.
11:25Then a commotion came from outside.
11:28It was faint.
11:29I couldn't quite hear it.
11:31Nathaniel set down his cup and spoke to the housekeeper again.
11:35If they want to set off fireworks, let him.
11:36Don't worry about disturbing me.
11:38So it wasn't that he couldn't hear me.
11:40He just didn't want to.
11:41Bitterness flooded my chest.
11:43But what right did I have to feel hurt?
11:48Sometimes Nathaniel would look at me with an expression I couldn't read.
11:52Rosa liked wearing vintage dresses with pearls, too.
11:55Too bad she never got to see the custom dress my brother ordered for her.
12:00Or the pearl necklace I won for her at auction.
12:02Rosa liked putting cinnamon and honey in her coffee, too.
12:05She said it was like dessert in a cup.
12:08Elena, stop copying her to get my attention.
12:11You'll never compare.
12:13But I'd been doing those things long before I ever met Nathaniel.
12:17Now it was called imitation.
12:18I choked back tears and gave up everything I loved.
12:21Why did I have to be the villain?
12:23Then one night Nathaniel was drunk.
12:25He bit my lip and murmured tenderly.
12:28Rosa.
12:29That's when it all clicked.
12:30Why Nathaniel was so angry at me for copying Rosa.
12:34He wanted his brother's fiancΓ©.
12:38If I hadn't looked like her, he never would have agreed to marry me in the first place.
12:42The night air was cold.
12:43It seeped into my bones.
12:45I became the second Nathaniel.
12:46Quiet.
12:47Hollow.
12:48Dark.
12:49The one time I was happy was my first birthday after the wedding.
12:54My parents came to celebrate.
12:55The table was full of my favorite foods.
12:58My mom even made pasta by hand.
13:01I smiled for the first time in ages.
13:03Nathaniel happened to wheel past.
13:06Tomorrow is Rosa's death anniversary.
13:08How can you still have the nerve to la laugh?
13:11Like a bucket of ice water, it drowned the last spark of joy I had left.
13:16The pasta didn't taste good anymore.
13:19I thought to myself,
13:20If God exists, could I please go back and do it over?
13:25Save Rosa.
13:26I don't want to be the villain anymore.
13:29I didn't expect it.
13:31But when I opened my eyes again, my wish had actually come true.
13:35Nathaniel and I had both started over.
13:38In our past life, he'd held back because she was his brother's fiancΓ©.
13:42Now Rosa hadn't been promised to Julian yet.
13:45Nathaniel had his chance.
13:46So let him and Julian compete.
13:48In this life, we go our separate ways.
13:52Whatever happens.
13:55I got back to the hotel.
13:57Someone was waiting in the hallway.
13:59Holding a cup of coffee with cinnamon and honey.
14:02Miss Ashford, this is from Mr. Nathaniel.
14:05He said this is your favorite.
14:07Since it's cold and you're prone to catching a cold,
14:09he hopes you'll rest early and stop wandering around.
14:12Was Nathaniel warning me not to cause trouble for Rosa?
14:15When had I ever had a problem with her?
14:17I shook my head with a tired smile.
14:20Throw it out.
14:20I don't like it.
14:23I didn't go looking for Nathaniel like I had in our past life.
14:27He didn't come looking for me either.
14:30Every day, he went to the floor where Rosa was staying.
14:33I heard he personally cooked dinner for her yesterday.
14:35This morning, he'd sent over a huge bouquet of flowers.
14:38In four years across two lifetimes,
14:40I was just now learning Nathaniel could cook.
14:42Good.
14:43He could finally chase the person he wanted.
14:45The next day, Mr. Sinclair organized a shooting event.
14:49Everyone headed to the outdoor range.
14:52Rosa arrived early.
14:53When she saw me, her eyes lit up.
14:56Like she was presenting a prize, she handed me a shotgun.
15:00Miss Ashfield, I cleaned it for you.
15:01She frowned, looking uneasy.
15:03Lately, Nathaniel keeps coming to see me.
15:07I have no idea what he wants.
15:10I try to send him away, but he won't leave.
15:15Rosa was sensitive.
15:17She overthought everything.
15:18I understood she was worried I'd misunderstood.
15:22Nathaniel and I were in an arranged marriage.
15:25There was no affection between us.
15:27Now that the relationship is over, I'm actually relieved.
15:31If you like him, go ahead and accept his attention.
15:35I'm just glad you don't hate me, Miss Ashford.
15:37We haven't shot together in so long.
15:39You go first.
15:40Okay?
15:42I just chambered a round.
15:45I heard a scoff.
15:48Nathaniel walked up beside me.
15:50You got a second chance and you're still copying people.
15:53Everyone else shoots right-handed.
15:55Only Rosa likes to use her left.
15:58And you just have to do it, too?
16:01All to get my attention?
16:03He didn't bother lowering his voice for that second part.
16:06Rosa heard it.
16:07Her brows nodded.
16:08Copying me?
16:09Miss Ashfield is the one who taught me to shoot.
16:11She's basically my teacher.
16:13Rosa looked at me, eyes full of admiration.
16:16Nathaniel froze, like he wanted to ask something.
16:19Someone interrupted.
16:19The restaurant has lunch ready.
16:21Mr. Sinclair wants everyone to come over.
16:25Julian walked toward us.
16:28Unlike Nathaniel's brash energy, his brother was calm and reserved.
16:36I remembered now.
16:37When we first arrived at the island, Julian had gotten sick and had been bedridden.
16:42He couldn't even go on the yacht trip.
16:44The first time he came out in our past life was when he received the news of Rosa's death.
16:49Watched them cover her with a white sheet.
16:51Now Julian was well enough to be outside, but his fiancΓ© was being pursued by his own brother.
16:57I looked at Julian with something close to pity.
17:01Miss Ashford, let's go.
17:03After lunch, we'll come back and shoot some more.
17:05Before she finished, we were separated.
17:08Nathaniel squeezed between us and held out the jacket he'd brought to Rosa.
17:12Temperature's dropping.
17:14Put this on.
17:15No thanks.
17:16I'm not cold.
17:17Miss Ashford should keep warm, though.
17:19Rosa took the jacket and tried to drape it over my shoulders.
17:22I instinctively stepped back.
17:24I didn't want to touch anything of Nathaniel's.
17:26But I lost my footing.
17:28Stumbled.
17:30Someone caught me from behind, arms firm and steady.
17:34Julian's hand rested on my shoulder.
17:36Careful, there's a step behind you.
17:40Thanks.
17:40I steadied myself and pulled away from Julian.
17:44The jacket ended up back in Nathaniel's hands.
17:47His face was dark.
17:49He was not happy.
17:51Julian didn't seem great either.
17:53His eyes were lowered.
17:56Only Rosa was oblivious, chattering away to me.
17:59She had no idea two men were losing their minds over her.
18:02I let Rosa ramble in my ear as we walked into the hotel restaurant.
18:06She sat beside me.
18:08Nathaniel and Julian sat across from us, alongside other heirs and socialites.
18:13This island trip wasn't just for fun.
18:15Mr. Sinclair was also playing matchmaker.
18:18After all, the Sinclairs were the top family in Boston.
18:21One word from him, and any match could be sealed.
18:24So before long, a young couple who'd hit it off came over,
18:28hoping Mr. Sinclair would speak to both their families about an engagement.
18:32Nathaniel walked over too.
18:35Dad, actually, I've liked Rosa for a long time.
18:37Could you talk to Mr. Bennett?
18:39Ask him to let me marry her.
18:42It's all I want.
18:43I wasn't surprised.
18:44With a second chance, there was no way he'd let himself live with regret again.
18:48While Rosa sat there, stunned,
18:51Julian walked over.
18:55Dad, please.
18:57I want to marry Elena Ashford.
19:01My eyes went wide.
19:03Nathaniel whipped around and blusted out.
19:06No!
19:06You can't marry her!
19:09Mr. Sinclair looked at Nathaniel, confused.
19:12Why can't your brother marry Elena?
19:14She's rough.
19:15Not exactly ladylike.
19:16Julian is the future head of the family.
19:18He's handsome.
19:19His wife should match him.
19:20I'm asking dad, not you.
19:22Nathaniel's throat clenched.
19:24He couldn't find another angle of attack.
19:26My head was starting to throb.
19:28Was Julian doing this to get back at Nathaniel?
19:31Did he think Nathaniel and I still had something, so he'd use me as leverage?
19:35Julian seemed like the type who didn't compete, but he held grudges.
19:39In our past life, Nathaniel got angry at me for dressing like Rosa and knocked all the breakfast
19:45I'd made onto the floor.
19:46Julian happened to walk in.
19:48His sleeve got stained.
19:49It was a new shirt.
19:50His first time wearing it.
19:51Julian said nothing.
19:53But for seven straight days, Nathaniel didn't have a single clean shirt.
19:57Every one of them somehow got coffee spilled on it by Julian.
20:02I didn't want to get dragged into their mess again, so I walked over.
20:06I'm still young.
20:07I'm not ready to get married.
20:10Mr. Sinclair set down his glass.
20:12One of you wants to marry this one.
20:14The other wants to marry that one.
20:16You think I'm playing house with you?
20:18The entire room went silent.
20:20After all, the Sinclairs could bankrupt any of their families with a single phone call.
20:24The tension didn't ease until Mrs. Sinclair walked in, but the marriage arrangement was
20:29still finalized.
20:30Rosa would marry Nathaniel.
20:32I would marry Julian.
20:33The sister-in-law from our past life became the younger brother's wife.
20:36The younger brother's wife became the sister-in-law.
20:39What kind of a mess was this?
20:41My headache got worse.
20:43I stepped outside for air.
20:46Julian followed.
20:47Nathaniel is impulsive.
20:48He doesn't think about consequences.
20:51I didn't want you going back to Boston.
20:53And being the butt of everyone's jokes.
20:57That's why I brought up the arrangement of my father.
20:59A brother should fix what his brother breaks.
21:02But I'd rather be laughed at than marry into the Sinclair family again.
21:05I rubbed my temples.
21:06Nathaniel came outside too.
21:08He glanced at me, scoffed.
21:10You're quite adept at juggling two men.
21:12But stop copying Rosa.
21:15Stop trying to get my attention.
21:16I was about to snap back when Julian spoke first.
21:19Show some respect to Elena.
21:22Nathaniel choked.
21:23His face twisted.
21:25If being reborn wasn't so insane, he would have told them everything about their past lives right then and there.
21:31You're really going to marry her?
21:32You know, Dad.
21:33Once he makes a decision when he's angry, nobody changes his mind.
21:37Just focus on marrying Rosa and stay out of my business.
21:43Mr. Sinclair was staying on the island a while longer.
21:47Everyone else drove back to Boston.
21:50At a rest stop along the way, Rosa came to find me.
21:53Miss Ashfield, I've been thinking about it for days.
21:57I need to talk to you about this engagement with Nathaniel.
22:00He was your fiancΓ© before.
22:02Now he's mine.
22:03I...
22:03Rosa looked miserable, but I understood what she was feeling.
22:08I don't mind.
22:09I told you at the shooting range how I felt, but...
22:12Do you like Julian?
22:14In our past life, they were a couple.
22:16If this life kept them apart again, I'd feel guilty.
22:19I barely know Julian.
22:20I can't call that like.
22:22So was it one-sided on Julian's part?
22:23I was still guessing when I saw a familiar face.
22:26Julian carrying a box of pastries.
22:28I heard you like chocolate mousse cake.
22:30I sent someone to pick some up.
22:32Something to hold you over.
22:33I just ate.
22:34I'm not hungry.
22:35Actually, I hadn't eaten at all.
22:37Over the past two days heading back to Boston,
22:40Julian would occasionally find an excuse to bring me things.
22:43I didn't want more contact with the Sinclairs.
22:45Every time, I politely declined and kept my distance.
22:48Julian was used to it by now.
22:50He pulled his hand back.
22:51I didn't dwell on it.
22:52Turned around and walked away.
22:55That night, a sudden downpour hit.
22:57Everyone who'd been outside scrambled back to their cars.
23:01I was about to make a run for it when a flash of blue-gray caught my eye.
23:06Julian, holding an umbrella over me, his shirt half-soaked,
23:12raindrops still clinging to his eyelashes.
23:14No rush.
23:16I brought you an umbrella.
23:17The rain was too heavy.
23:19For the first time, I didn't refuse to him.
23:22I thanked him quietly and walked with him towards the RV.
23:25Once I climbed inside, I looked down and realized Julian was completely soaked through.
23:31He was taller than me.
23:32He'd tilted the umbrella so far over to cover me that he'd taken the full force of the rain.
23:37While I stood there, dazed, Julian's bodyguard ran over and produced a travel cup he'd been keeping dry under his
23:45jacket.
23:46I had someone grab this for you ahead of time.
23:48Drink it while it's hot so you don't catch a cold.
23:50He popped the lid.
23:51The smell of cinnamon and honey hit me.
23:54A coffee.
23:55Made exactly the way I liked it.
23:57I froze.
23:58I liked my coffee with cinnamon and honey.
24:01Julian shouldn't have known that yet.
24:03He only learned about it in our past life.
24:06After I married into the Sinclair family.
24:08Julian?
24:09Had been reborn too?
24:11Then why did he still want to marry me?
24:17My thoughts tangled into knots.
24:20Julian didn't leave.
24:21He stood at the RV door, like he was waiting for me.
24:24I shifted to the side.
24:26I can't finish all this.
24:28Come up and have some too.
24:30Wait until the rain lets up before heading back.
24:33Sorry to intrude.
24:34He climbed into the RV.
24:36Right then, Nathaniel walked past with an umbrella.
24:39His eyes darkened.
24:40But he said nothing.
24:41He kept walking.
24:42I faintly heard someone ask.
24:44Where are you going in this rain?
24:45There's a bird over there with a hurt wing.
24:47Rosa feels bad for it.
24:49I'm going to move it somewhere dry.
24:51I didn't catch the rest.
24:54Julian closed the door.
24:56Shut out Nathaniel's voice.
24:59Rain was getting in.
25:01Closing the door helps.
25:03After that night on the RV, Julian started showing up more.
25:08He gave me an expensive diamond necklace.
25:10And he would also lower himself to make funny faces to cheer me up.
25:14I couldn't figure out his angle.
25:16I didn't dare accept any of it.
25:19But Nathaniel seemed determined to one-up him.
25:22Whatever Julian gave me, Nathaniel gave Rosa the same thing.
25:27Rosa wasn't thrilled about it.
25:30Rosa came to my home one day to chat and suddenly let out a heavy sigh.
25:35Miss Ashford, do you think, like everyone else, that Nathaniel's really into me?
25:39Because I don't see it.
25:40There's not a shred of real feeling in his eyes.
25:43I think he doesn't actually like me at all.
25:46Every time he gives me something, he looks competitive.
25:49That's it.
25:50There's always this distance between us.
25:53Maybe he's just bad at expressing himself.
25:55Because in our past life, Nathaniel's heart was full of Rosa.
25:59He'd murmur her name in his sleep.
26:01Awake, seven out of ten sentences were about her.
26:04Rosa rested her chin on her hand, sulking.
26:07Even if he does like me, he likes the version of me that's confident and bright.
26:12The Rosa you created.
26:13Not the real me.
26:15Scared.
26:16Insecure.
26:17Overthinking everything.
26:18But the first time I complained to him about the long drive back to Boston, that the road
26:23was bumpy and I was tired, he frowned and said that wasn't like me.
26:27In his head, I should always was be carefree.
26:29Always smiling, just like you, Miss Ashford.
26:32But the real me is exactly what he doesn't want.
26:34My hand paused mid-pour.
26:36I'd never considered whether Nathaniel loved the real Rosa or the version of me he saw reflected
26:41in her.
26:42I heard you and Nathaniel spent six months together, always hanging out around Boston.
26:47You never liked him?
26:48Not even for a second?
26:51No.
26:55The moment I said it, there was a bang.
26:58Something hit the ground outside.
26:59I opened the door.
27:01Nathaniel stood there, stone-faced.
27:03Picking up a fruit platter, he'd dropped.
27:05Slipped out of my hand.
27:06I'll go get another one.
27:08He walked away.
27:08I don't even like fruit.
27:10But he thinks I do, so he keeps sending baskets of it every other day.
27:14I didn't like fruit either.
27:15Some looked beautiful but tasted sour.
27:18Left a bitter aftertaste.
27:20A lot like my marriage to Nathaniel in our past life.
27:23Thinking about it, all I tasted was bitterness.
27:25Not worth remembering.
27:26Back in Boston, Rosa and I went our separate ways.
27:29I told my parents about the broken engagement with Nathaniel.
27:32You two were fine before you left.
27:34You'd already planned a trip around the world after the wedding.
27:37What changed?
27:37She has her own mind.
27:39Let's not push.
27:40Julian's not bad either.
27:41Harvard grad.
27:42Future head of the Sinclair family.
27:44Clean personal life.
27:45I've dealt with him before.
27:46Steady.
27:47Reliable.
27:47Miles better than his brother Nathaniel.
27:50But I refused to make the same mistake.
27:52Marrying another man whose heart belonged to someone else.
27:55Except Mr. Sinckel's word was law.
27:57Going against it would hurt my family's business.
28:01Out of options.
28:01I had someone leak news that I was sick.
28:05Stall the wedding.
28:07I counted the days.
28:08When one illness ran its course.
28:10I'd invent another.
28:12Stayed home.
28:13I heard Nathaniel's side was already getting wedding suits tailored.
28:17Meanwhile, Julian and I hadn't even seen each other since we got back.
28:21I was living comfortably in my bubble.
28:24A full two weeks passed.
28:27Mom came in with breakfast and couldn't help sighing.
28:30Why are you faking sick?
28:32If Julian finds out, he'll think you look down on him.
28:35When you marry in, life will be harder for you.
28:42It won't be.
28:43A clear, quiet voice interrupted Mom.
28:45I looked up.
28:46Julian stood there, apologetic.
28:48I heard Elena's allergic reaction was severe.
28:50I had someone fly in specialized medication from overseas.
28:53I was in a rush to deliver it.
28:55So I came in without ringing the bell.
28:57Mom made polite small talk and left, giving us space.
29:00I sat up straight, guilty.
29:02Getting caught faking sick.
29:03Who wouldn't be embarrassed?
29:04But Julian didn't mention what he'd just overheard.
29:07He set down the medication.
29:08I've used this before for allergies.
29:10Works well.
29:11No side effects.
29:12Then he went quiet.
29:14I didn't know what to say either.
29:17Until he looked up and met my eyes.
29:19Like he'd made some kind of decision.
29:22Elena, we've both started over.
29:24Why won't you give me a chance?
29:26Just try.
29:27I'm no worse than Nathaniel.
29:28He came right out and said it.
29:29Reborn.
29:30I took a deep breath.
29:31You're in love with Rosa.
29:33I don't want a husband who's dreaming about someone else while lying next to me.
29:36Julian went still for a second.
29:38Who said I'm in love with Rosa?
29:39The person I love has always been you.
29:44The timing was just never right.
29:46I couldn't say it.
29:47I stared at him.
29:48Julian told me everything.
29:50Years ago, he'd gone to the children's home in Savannah for a charity event.
29:54He saw me walking past and fell for me on the spot.
29:57He was planning to visit my family and propose an engagement as soon as the event ended.
30:01But when he called Mr. Sinclair, he learned I was Nathaniel's newly arranged fiancΓ©.
30:06He had to let it go.
30:07But he kept putting off marriage, which drew questions.
30:11Then Nathaniel started asking if he had anyone he liked.
30:15Julian fumbled.
30:16He couldn't say my name.
30:17He happened to spot Rosa.
30:19Pointed at her.
30:20Just to get Nathaniel off his back.
30:23But Nathaniel took it upon himself to go to the Bennett family behind Julian's back and arrange the engagement.
30:29Bro, it's great that you've got someone you like.
30:31You're too high to go yourself, so let what handle it.
30:33Think it is me trying something new.
30:35Julian was furious, but he couldn't exactly say he was in love with his brother's fiancΓ©.
30:40Before he could figure out how to undo the engagement he never asked for, the accident happened.
30:47Nathaniel crippled.
30:49Rosa drowned.
30:52If I'd just told you how I felt that day at the children's home, maybe none of it would have
30:57happened.
30:58In our past life, you were my brother's wife.
31:00I had to keep my distance.
31:02Otherwise, people would have talked about you behind your back.
31:05Now I understood.
31:06Why Julian never blamed me for costing him his fiancΓ©.
31:10Why he looked after me.
31:11Why he remembered I liked cranberries in my ginger tea.
31:14I thought he was just kind and attentive.
31:16I didn't know it was because the person he loved was someone else entirely.
31:20Then I remembered.
31:21That new shirt of Julia's from our past life.
31:23It was near Christmas.
31:25I'd given him one as a gift.
31:27He and Nathaniel each got one.
31:29Nathaniel went straight to the bottom of a drawer.
31:32Julian kept his fur for nearly a month before he finally wore it.
31:35He wasn't holding a grudge about the shirt getting ruined.
31:38He was angry because the gift I gave him was ruined.
31:42While I sat there, frozen, someone burst into the room.
31:46Elena, I found you the allergy medication.
31:48Take this and you'll be fine, whatever the reaction is.
31:51Nathaniel stopped dead, his eyes locked onto Julian sitting beside me.
31:55What are you doing at her house?
31:57Elena is my fiancΓ©.
31:59Why wouldn't I be here?
32:00The real question is what you're doing barging into her home.
32:04Nathaniel faltered.
32:05I came to drop off medicine.
32:07FiancΓ© or not, you don't just show up at a woman's house unannounced.
32:11You're not married yet.
32:12If someone gets the wrong idea, how's that going to look for her?
32:14Funny how you didn't think about that when you were trashing her reputation on the island.
32:18Nathaniel had nothing.
32:19He wanted to argue.
32:21But there was no argument to make.
32:26He slammed the box of medicine down and left.
32:30Julian left too.
32:31Before he walked out, he said to me,
32:33Elena, I already lost you once.
32:34Everything I'm doing now is just so I don't lose you again.
32:37My head was spinning.
32:38I couldn't name what I felt about Julian.
32:40After thinking it over, I decided to send the medication back to Nathaniel.
32:43I didn't want to owe him anything.
32:46I'd barely stepped outside the house.
32:49Nathaniel appeared from behind a tree.
32:51He hadn't left.
32:52He turned his face away.
32:54His voice was low and tight.
32:55You can't marry my brother.
32:59You can marry someone else, but I can't.
33:01Just because I was married to you once, I'm bound to you for every lifetime.
33:06The color drenned from his face.
33:08After a long pause, he forced out a sentence.
33:11My brother loves Rosa.
33:13Wasn't that obvious enough in our past life?
33:15He wasted away after she died.
33:17But Julian wasted away because Nathaniel made it impossible to eat or sleep.
33:21In our past life, Nathaniel's leg would ache every night.
33:24He'd moan and groan for hours.
33:27During the day, he'd throw fits and smash things, let alone Nathaniel.
33:31Even in my past life, I was skin and bones.
33:33Besides, the person Julian loved had always been me.
33:36For the first time, I looked at Nathaniel like I was looking at an idiot.
33:40I called security to escort him out.
33:42But Mr. Sinclair asked why a date hadn't been set yet.
33:45I couldn't keep it up.
33:46I announced my recovery.
33:47For a brief moment, I wavered.
33:49Maybe giving Julian a chance wouldn't be the worst thing.
33:55But the day Julian and I went to pick a wedding date, something went wrong.
34:00The date they picked for me and Rosa isn't good.
34:03I need a new one.
34:05He pulled the consultant away.
34:07Then he nitpicked every suggestion.
34:10I don't like the date.
34:12Sounds unlucky.
34:13That one's no good either.
34:15Pick again.
34:16Julian told me to go home.
34:18He'd wait for Nathaniel to finish.
34:20I agreed.
34:21The next day, I heard Nathaniel had been there until dark and still hadn't picked a date.
34:27Julian ended up going to someone else to finalize ours.
34:31I figured Nathaniel was just trying to annoy me.
34:34But when it came time to order the aisle runner for the ceremony, he showed up again.
34:39Bought out every supplier.
34:41I switched to another store.
34:43Nathaniel bought that one out too.
34:45As if anticipating my question, he spoke first.
34:49I want the aisle runner that goes all the way from Rosa's house to the venue.
34:53Is that a problem?
34:55You'd go this far just to stop me from getting married?
34:59Impressive commitment.
35:01Nathaniel clenched his fists.
35:03Then he scoffed.
35:04Don't flatter yourself.
35:06I want to give Rosa the best.
35:09I want her walking down that aisle like a queen.
35:16When Julian heard about it, he said nothing.
35:18The next day, he made a call and had materials shipped in from another state.
35:22As the wedding got closer, Nathaniel appeared in front of me more and more.
35:26He'd snap the jewelry I'd already picked, poach my makeup artist with a higher offer.
35:31Julian handled it every time.
35:33But Nathaniel kept coming back, and it was getting unbearable.
35:37I finally snapped.
35:40You've got your own wedding to plan.
35:42Why do you keep sabotaging mine?
35:44What do you actually want?
35:46Nathaniel pressed his lips together, said nothing.
35:49Just as I was about to storm off, he asked.
35:53What if I told you I can't accept you marrying my brother?
35:58I tried to forget you and start over.
36:00But I can't.
36:02When I'm with Rosa, all I see is you.
36:10At first, Nathaniel had been thrilled.
36:12Rosa wasn't engaged yet.
36:14He had his shot.
36:15But the more time he spent with her, the more she felt like a second Elena Ashford.
36:20Rosa liked wearing purple vintage dresses.
36:23Elena liked purple vintage dresses.
36:25Rosa was a great shot.
36:27Elena was a great shot.
36:29Rosa dotted a beauty mark below her eye.
36:32Elena did the same.
36:34The difference was, Rosa complained.
36:37She voiced her frustrations.
36:39Elena never did.
36:40Even when Nathaniel ignored her in their past life, mocked her.
36:44She never once said she was hurt.
36:48Every time Nathaniel noticed these things, something felt off.
36:52Like Rosa had torn through a veil and was standing before him as her true self.
36:57But it wasn't what he wanted.
37:01Nathaniel gripped his head.
37:03I can't tell you and Rosa apart anymore.
37:05You're not sisters, but you're so alike.
37:08Elena, I think I might like you more.
37:12I'm about to marry your brother.
37:14How do you have the nerve to say this?
37:16Then I caught a figure in my peripheral lition.
37:18Rosa, standing not far away.
37:22She'd heard everything Nathaniel said.
37:26You don't have to feel torn anymore, Nathaniel.
37:28I already went to your father and asked him to call off our engagement.
37:31Nathaniel stopped breathing.
37:34I invited Rosa over, put an ice pack on her knee.
37:39To get that engagement dissolved, she'd knelt in Mr. Sinclair's office for a long time.
37:44Her knee was swollen.
37:46Does it still hurt?
37:47A little pain now is better than a lifetime of it.
37:50I don't want to marry Nathaniel and spend every day guessing what he's thinking,
37:54getting more and more miserable.
37:56You taught me that, Miss Ashvin.
37:58Fight for what you want.
37:59This is the result I wanted.
38:01Actually, I can tell.
38:03The person Nathaniel likes is you.
38:05When he's with me, he's always bringing you up.
38:08You're the only one who gets a real reaction out of him.
38:10Happy, angry, sad, all of it.
38:13I didn't know what to say.
38:15But Rosa hugged me.
38:18I like you too, Miss Ashford.
38:22You're from a great family.
38:24You're beautiful.
38:25You ride.
38:26You shoot.
38:26You've got perfect grades.
38:28You wiped my tears and taught me things I'd never understood.
38:32Who could resist liking you?
38:33So I hope you'll be happy from now on.
38:36I hope you never look back.
38:37Nathaniel doesn't deserve you.
38:39I went still.
38:40Then I lifted my arms and hugged her back.
38:42Rosa, I hope you soar.
38:45I hope you'll always be yourself.
38:46Then came my wedding to Julian.
38:49Nathaniel, as Julian's brother, had to attend.
38:52Tradition required him to address me formally now.
38:55He had to call me Sis.
38:56He stood in front of me for a long time.
38:59Refused to open his mouth.
39:01The guests kept urging him.
39:03Nathaniel's voice came out harny.
39:05Like the word had been dragged out of him.
39:08Sis.
39:08I nodded.
39:09When I turned to go toast the guests, someone called out behind me.
39:13Elena!
39:14I didn't stop.
39:15Walked away without looking back.
39:17That night, Julian and I were in his private townhouse.
39:20He said the same thing he'd said in our past life.
39:23I'll sleep in the guest room.
39:25Get some rest.
39:27Julian grabbed his pillow and blanket and left.
39:30I exhaled.
39:32I'd married him because our families needed it.
39:35But getting past the wall inside me would take time.
39:39I took off my dress and was about to lie down when I noticed something carved into the nightstand.
39:44Roses.
39:46My favorite flower.
39:48Meanwhile, at the reception venue, Nathaniel had to stay behind to see off the guests on Julian's behalf.
39:54When it was Rosa's turn, he went quiet.
39:56But Rosa spoke first.
39:58There's something I never told you.
39:59If I don't say it now, it wouldn't be fair to Elena.
40:02She'd be carrying blame that was never hers.
40:05Nathaniel, you liked watching me shoot confidently on horseback.
40:08You liked that I held my head high when things were unfair.
40:11You liked the beauty mark below my eye.
40:13That's all because I was copying her.
40:15I admired her.
40:16I wanted to be even a fraction of what she was.
40:18It's not that she looked like me.
40:19I looked like her.
40:21Nathaniel's ears were ringing.
40:23He couldn't hear whatever Rosa said after that.
40:25The reason he'd fallen for Rosa in the first place was seeing her on that horse,
40:30raising a shotgun with her left hand.
40:32He thought she was different.
40:34He admired her brightness.
40:35But she just told him she'd been imitating Elena Ashford.
40:39Which meant from the very start, the person he fell for was Elena.
40:43It was just that Rosa, carrying Elena's shadow, appeared first.
40:48Nathaniel felt a phantom ache in his legs.
40:50The kind from his past life.
40:53Out of habit, he squeezed his thigh hard, trying to ease the pain.
40:57He kept pressing, until his hand drifted to his chest.
41:00Oh, it was his heart that hurt.
41:04I'd been married before.
41:05But this time, everything felt different.
41:08I didn't have to wake at dawn to cook.
41:10Didn't have to walk on eggshells.
41:12Every morning when I woke up, my favorite foods were already on the table.
41:16Whatever Julian did, he asked my opinion first.
41:19Even pouring me a glass of water.
41:21He'd ask if the temperature was right.
41:24Every time I turned around, there he was.
41:26Watching me with those quiet, smiling eyes.
41:29When he caught me looking back, Julian blinked.
41:33I wasn't made of stone.
41:34Over time, my walls came down.
41:37I heard it's getting cold this week.
41:40Maybe you should move back in.
41:41Sleep here with me.
41:43Two people. Warmer.
41:44Julian stared at me for a long time.
41:46Then suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.
41:49Okay. Whatever my wife says.
41:52Maybe Julian was blocking Nathaniel behind the scenes.
41:55In the months after the wedding, we lived in the same gated community.
41:59But I never once ran into Nathaniel.
42:02I heard he'd gotten sick after my wedding.
42:04Nobody knew why.
42:06But one day, Julian came home with a faint bruise on his face.
42:09I asked.
42:10He said he tripped.
42:12That same day, Nathaniel left the Sinclair house.
42:15Said he was going on a trip around the world.
42:17Alone.
42:18Completing the promise from a past life.
42:21I didn't see him off.
42:22Didn't even send a polite message through someone.
42:25This life, we'd each chosen our own road.
42:27No reason to look back.
42:29From here on out, may our paths never cross again.
42:32I'm not aware of what we've ever seen.
42:33It's still alive.
42:33I don't know.
42:33I don't know.
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