Chapter 1

I married a “disabled” man for my sister’s benefit, fought for him for seven years, and lost an eye in the process.

But when danger came, he stood up—fully capable—and sent me to my death.

Reborn, I see every mask clearly: my sister’s softness, my father’s bias, my husband’s betrayal.

This time, I bow to no one.

Marriage swaps, broken engagements—let them try.

I will make them choke on every choice they once forced on me.

I stared at the people before me, hatred seeping from my very bones.

My sister, Serena, glanced at the steady and talented Callum, then turned to me, her face full of gentle consideration.

“My little sister is still young and a bit spoiled. How could I let you marry Jaxon, who’s crippled? I’ll choose Jaxon, it’s fine, really.”

She’d said the exact same thing in my past life.

I was so incredibly touched back then, believing she was the best person in the world. To spare her any hardship, I refused.

“Sister,” I’d said, “you and Callum share a deep love. How could I break you two apart?”

I forcefully chose Jaxon, the disabled brother.

I sought doctors and medicine for him for seven years. I knelt on countless temple steps, my forehead raw from bowing, begging for his recovery.

Then, our enemies attacked our home. My wonderful husband, the man I had meticulously cared for seven years, stood up from his wheelchair and, without hesitation, pushed me out to draw their fire.

“I’m sorry, I can’t just stand by and watch Serena die.”

He didn’t even give me time to react before he slammed the heavy door shut.

My sister, on the other hand, had dozens of bodyguards and a secret passage! She just needed to run a few more steps to meet up with Callum.

She’d claimed she wanted to protect me first.

But after I was pushed out, she didn't call anyone to save me.

I died, and she got all the praise.

Thinking of this, I forced a smile.

“Then let’s switch.”

The air instantly froze.

Serena’s gentle expression stiffened.

Callum snapped his head up, blurting out, “No!”

My father’s face darkened too, his stern gaze sweeping over Jaxon and me.

“Nonsense! How can your elder sister marry a cripple?”

A chill pierced my heart, bone-deep.

So, you knew marrying a cripple was unacceptable.

Last life, when I chose Jaxon, he didn't say that.

He said I was sensible, considerate, and a good daughter of the Sterling family.

Just then, a clear, cold voice rang out.

“I am not a cripple.”

Under everyone’s shocked gazes, Jaxon slowly stood up.

His posture was tall and straight, his aura commanding.

I stared at him, my blood feeling like ice.

He was faking it from the start?

So, what was all my sleepless nights searching for doctors and medicine for?

What about the good luck charm I begged for him, kneeling on nine thousand steps, bowing at each one?

What about giving up all my shares just to beg Father to spare his life?

It was all a complete joke!

Seeing him like this, I instantly understood.

He was reborn too.

So, his “I’ll repay you in the next life” from last time? All lies.

Even with a second chance, he didn't want to marry me.

It didn't matter.

I didn't plan on having him either.

“Mr. Sterling, my business acumen might not be inferior to my elder brother’s.”

Jaxon’s voice was neither servile nor overbearing. In just a few words, he pointed out the Sterling family’s current business dilemma, analyzing it even more precisely than Callum.

“I can help the Sterling family turn losses into profits within three months.”

My father’s shock turned into wild joy.

I saw the way Serena looked at Jaxon. It changed too, becoming astonishingly bright.

She quickly composed herself, walked to Callum’s side, and put on a caring act.

“Callum, you’ll have to take good care of my sister from now on.”

Callum’s grim gaze fell on my left prosthetic eye.

That was the eye I lost when I took a knife for Serena.

Callum’s eyes filled with disgust. He spoke each word distinctly, “Please, Mr. Sterling, cancel this engagement. Grant me my freedom. I’d rather start from scratch outside.”