Aria Whitmore died on Christmas Eve.

A stranger slit her throat in one swift motion, and her vision instantly flooded with crimson.

"Die," a man's voice growled from behind her. "You shouldn't have come back. You stood in Tessa's way-took everything that was rightfully hers."

Aria crumpled to the ground, her body drenched in blood.

The searing pain forced her to curl inward, her consciousness flickering like a dying flame.

'Tessa? My sister? I stole from Tessa? Aria thought, her mind sluggish. But I'm the Whitmore heiress. If anything, Tessa took everything from me,' she wondered.

Her parents adored Tessa. Her brothers worshipped her. Even her fiance had fallen for her.

Tessa was the golden child, blessed with everyone's devotion.

She had fanatics, too-people so blindly loyal they'd commit crimes for her.

Clutching her bleeding neck, Aria almost wanted to laugh. You didn't have to go this far.

The cancer had already been eating her alive for two years. She didn't have much time left anyway.

'There's no cure. I've been ready to die. This is just an early release,' she wondered.

She forced her breathing to steady, waiting for the suffocating agony to fade.

While the killer was gone, she fumbled for her phone and typed a message into the pinned family group chat.

Aria: [Guys, I'm dying. If anyone's free, come collect the body.]

She didn't want to rot undiscovered for days.

Or maybe she just wanted one last reason to fight for her life.

Tessa: [Aria, I'm so sorry! This is all my fault! I'll tell Mom and Dad and the boys to come home right away. Please don't hurt yourself-don't do anything reckless!]

Lucas: [Are you insane? You've been threatening suicide for years. If you really wanna die, go do it somewhere else. Collect your corpse? Disgusting.]

Mason: [Noted.]

Mom: [Aria, sweetheart, stop competing with Tessa, okay? We forgot to tell you we were celebrating her birthday. That's on me. Don't blame Tessa, please?]

Dad: [Today is Tessa's special day. Do you really have to ruin everything? When did you become so cruel? I'm disappointed in you. Keep this up, and I'll disown you.]

Lucas: [Ignore her, Dad. She's a pathological liar. Always faking suicide for attention. Pathetic. Tessa's the only sister I need. Aria, I regret ever bringing you home.]

'Tessa's birthday? Aria's chest tightened. But it's mine too,' she wondered.

The messages kept coming. The knife wound hadn't hurt this badly.

Now, though? It felt like her heart was being ripped apart. She trembled violently.

So this was her family's reaction to her death.

Aria laughed bitterly. No matter how hard she'd tried-how much she'd humbled herself, begging for scraps of their love-she'd never been enough. Not for her parents' warmth, not for her brothers' protection.

This was it. She surrendered. No more hoping.

With her last bit of strength, Aria smeared blood across her screen as she typed:

Aria: [OK. I'll die now.]

No more fighting. No more competing with Tessa.

The pain swallowed her whole. There was no surviving this.

Aria closed her eyes and waited.

Just before the darkness took her, fireworks exploded over the distant mountains.

Christmas had arrived.

The killer returned, stuffed her into a small suitcase, and locked her away in a damp, pitch-black basement.

When Aria opened her eyes again, the world was blinding white. The sharp scent of disinfectant burned her nostrils, jolting her senses awake.

The searing pain radiating through her body served as a cruel reminder-she had been saved. She was in a hospital.

I'm alive? She almost laughed. How lucky.

The evening sun blazed outside, painting the room in gold. The clock on the wall ticked steadily. Aria reached for her phone, the screen lighting up with a soft glow.

She checked the date, then stared at her bandaged wrist. A sharp throb pulsed beneath the gauze.

Aria closed her eyes.

In her previous life, she had died.

In the end, her corpse had been stuffed into a suitcase, left to rot in obscurity.

But now? This wasn't survival. She had traveled back in time-five years into the past, to the year she turned twenty.

Aria and Asher Vaughn had just gotten engaged. Tessa, heartbroken, had run away from home. Asher chased after her, and the two of them had vanished for the entire night.

Aria remembered how she had thrown a fit back then-drowning herself in alcohol, even slitting her wrists in a desperate attempt to force Asher to return.

Over the phone, Asher had said coldly, "Do whatever you want. Live or die-I don't care."

Aria turned her head weakly and spotted a man standing near the doorway, phone pressed to his ear. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a black dress shirt that accentuated his imposing frame. Everything about him exuded the controlled dominance of a man who commanded respect.

"Yes. Something came up," he said.

Hearing movement, he glanced over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over her with detached indifference. "I'll call you back."

The moment he hung up, his eyes-sharp, calculating-landed on her. "You're awake."

When Aria finally saw his face, her blood ran cold.

Dread and despair crashed into her like a tidal wave, choking the air from her lungs.

Instinctively, she recoiled.

It was Bennett Rhodes.

His lips curled into a cold, mocking smile as he regarded her. His voice was smooth, controlled, yet laced with an unspoken threat. "Hello. I'm Bennett Rhodes. Juliet's cousin."

He studied her pale face, his gaze lingering on the way she shrank into the hospital sheets-fragile, sickly, yet undeniably beautiful.

This was Aria Whitmore, Juliet Fairchild's classmate, the heiress of the Whitmore family.

The girl had resorted to drunken self-harm in a pathetic bid to win back a man.

It was pathetic.

Bennett's voice was deep, magnetic-deceptively pleasant. But to Aria, it felt like the edge of a guillotine.

Bennett hailed from Founinth, a name that struck fear into most. A business titan with unrivaled influence, he operated mostly overseas, yet the Rhodes family empire-under his iron grip-stood as one of the world's most formidable financial powers.

He controlled half the economic landscape. Countless people survived by his grace.

And Bennett? He was Juliet's cousin. More importantly, he adored Tessa, treating her like a treasured gem.

In her past life, Bennett had founded an entire entertainment empire just for Tessa, pouring endless resources into making her the brightest star.

Because of him, Tessa had been elevated to Yealchinn's most coveted socialite-radiant, untouchable.

And those who sought Bennett's favor? They had gone out of their way to humiliate Aria.

Even the Vaughn family, swayed by Bennett's influence, had once tried to break off Asher's engagement to Aria-just to pair him with Tessa instead.

In her past life, Aria's death had finally given them what they wanted.

Bennett's gaze darkened as he poured a glass of water, his expression unreadable.

He handed it to her, his tone deceptively mild.

"Don't do something so foolish again. If you want love, find another man. Why fight over someone else's?"

Aria froze, her chest tightening.

Is he warning me not to compete with Tessa?

But Asher was her fiance.

Aria clenched her teeth, her eyes burning with unshed tears.

The grievances of her past life-the betrayal, the slit throat-all surged to the surface at Bennett's words. The injustice and terror she had endured could no longer be suppressed.

She pushed herself upright, her voice raw and trembling.

"He was my fiance." Her fingers dug into the sheets. "Why is it always me who has to step aside? If they were so in love, they should've gone to the elders and called off the engagement. Instead, they flaunted it right in front of me-disgusting me with their little affair."

Her fiance had fallen for Tessa.

Her brothers had accused her of being cruel, selfish, and domineering.

Tessa had taken everything.

And in the end?

She had been murdered.

Bennett stood motionless, his expression unreadable. Aria's gaze was a mix of fear and simmering resentment.

She's got quite the temper, he mused.

Suddenly, his eyes narrowed. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the chain around her neck-then yanked it free.

A dull, weathered ring dangled from it, engraved with the fierce visage of a wolf. The aura it carried was primal, untamed.

Bennett turned the ring between his fingers, his gaze darkening. "Where did you get this?"

Aria blinked away tears. "It's mine. I've had it since I was a child."

With a sharp tug, she snatched it back, glaring at him defensively.

She didn't remember how she'd gotten it. There had been an accident when she was little-a head injury that stole fragments of her past. After that, she'd always worn it.

Bennett's lips pressed into a thin line. Memories flickered in his mind-ones he hadn't revisited in years.

Aria, as a child, had been scrawny, her hair a dull, straw-like yellow. She'd trailed after him, sniffling, her face streaked with tears.

She'd been sickly. Weak.

And she'd cried so much.

Even now, grown up, those tears hadn't stopped.

Though at least she wasn't as ugly when she cried anymore.

Now, despite her lingering youthfulness, there was no denying her striking beauty.

Something in Bennett's demeanor softened.

"You've talked enough," he said, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "Do you want water?"

Aria hesitated, then gave a small nod.

Too weak to lift the glass herself, she let Bennett hold it for her, her lips brushing the rim as she sipped.

The cool liquid soothed her parched throat. When she finally looked up at him again, she didn't know what to say.

Too much had happened. Her mind was a storm of confusion.

And she had no idea-had Bennett already crossed paths with Tessa in this timeline?

Bennett checked his watch. "I have to leave soon. Should I call your family?"

"No," Aria said quietly. "I'll hire a caregiver."

She remembered all too well-in her past life, she'd waited desperately for her family to visit.

Instead, they'd scorned her.

Bennett studied her for a long moment. Then, grabbing his suit jacket from the bed rail, he turned toward the door. "Rest. I'll send the doctor in."

As his footsteps faded, Aria stared blankly at the empty doorway.

The painkillers must have worn off. Her wounds had begun to throb again.

The doctor arrived shortly after.

Henry Eastwood's gaze was complicated as he looked at Aria. He had often heard Owen Whitmore speak poorly of her-always with undisguised disdain.

'Her fiance fell for her sister and ran off. She slit her wrists and nearly died. And now she has cancer So young. What a tragedy,' he wondered.

"Are you aware of your condition?" Henry asked.

"The cancer?" Aria paused, then let out a light, indifferent laugh. "Yeah, I know."

In her past life, she had been diagnosed with stage two breast cancer around this time. But back then, she hadn't taken treatment seriously.

By the time it reached stage four, the pain had become unbearable. Only then did she desperately seek help.

Five years of agony. Five years of wasting away until she was barely human.

And in the end? Her death had only confirmed what she already knew-her family had truly wanted her gone.

Henry frowned. If she already knew, why didn't she transfer to our hospital for treatment? Our facilities are far superior. And with Owen's expertise-

"Does your family know?" he asked.

"No," said Aria.

His expression darkened. "Don't gamble with your health. Owen's skills are exceptional. With proper treatment, recovery is possible."

Aria met his eyes, a bitter realization dawning. Does he think I'm neglecting my health just to get their attention?

A faint, mocking smile touched her lips. "His skills are that good? Could've fooled me. If they were, wouldn't he have noticed I was sick?"

Wouldn't he have seen through Tessa's fake illnesses?

"What I mean is-don't let pride stop you from getting treatment. With medication and care, the condition can be managed. Don't give up."

Aria blinked, then shook her head with a quiet laugh. "I'm done. I've lived enough."

She knew her body. In her past life, treatment had brought nothing but suffering-and it hadn't even worked.

This time, she wanted to live free.

Henry fell silent for a long moment. Finally, he said, "I'll inform Owen. This isn't something to ignore."

After a few more instructions, he left.

Aria pressed her lips together, bitterness swelling in her chest.

'Don't bother. Even if Henry told them, the Whitmores wouldn't come,' she wondered. 'They'd just assume this was another one of her attention-seeking schemes.'

"Faking a suicide attempt? How pathetic," they would say.

Her engagement to Asher was set. Right now, Tessa was "heartbroken"-and the whole family would be too busy comforting her to spare Aria a second thought.

Closing her eyes, Aria rested for a while before gritting her teeth and slowly sitting up. Every movement sent sharp jolts of pain through her, but she forced herself to stand.

She needed to move.

Just as she took a shaky step forward, a deep voice cut through the silence. "What are you doing out of bed?"

Bennett's hand closed around her arm, his towering frame casting a shadow over her. His gaze was sharp, disapproving.

Aria's pale cheeks flushed.

"I-I need to use the bathroom," she muttered, her voice tight with embarrassment.

When nature called, it couldn't be ignored.

Face burning, she hunched slightly, leaning into Bennett's support as he guided her to the restroom. His broad shoulders and imposing stature made her seem almost delicate in comparison.

By the time she emerged, Bennett was gone.

Probably busy. He'd been on the phone earlier-clearly, he had matters to attend to.

Deciding not to trouble him further, Aria began the slow, painful trek back to her bed alone.

Aria leaned against the wall, inching her way back to the room with slow, unsteady steps.

Just then, the elevator doors slid open.

Familiar voices spilled out.

"Tessa's always been so sweet and well-behaved-how could she get this kind of illness? Owen, you have to cure her. It should've been Aria. Why isn't it Aria who's sick?"

"Oh, and Asher just told me-he's postponing the engagement party to stay with Tessa during her treatment."

Aria turned her head.

Sure enough, there they were-Owen and Lucas Whitmore.

To their credit, the Whitmore genes were excellent. Her brothers were all tall, striking men who stood out effortlessly in a crowd.

Handsome faces, long legs-girls swooned over them left and right.

Too bad they were blind and heartless.

Aria let out a low, mocking laugh.

"Why just postpone?" Her voice was hoarse but laced with venom. "Might as well hand my fiance over to her outright. The venue and dresses are already booked-just swap the bride to Tessa. Problem solved."

"After all, when has Tessa ever been denied anything she wanted?"

Owen's brow furrowed as he took in the sight of Aria-her hospital gown hanging off her frail frame, her skin ghostly pale.

"Aria, don't be childish," he said coolly.

Lucas, however, stormed forward, his lips curling into a sneer.

"Wow, you're really committing to the act, huh? Even checked yourself into a hospital?" He eyed her bandaged wrist with open disdain. "Weren't you going to die? Why are you still breathing?"

The sight of Aria's cold, "ungrateful" face only fueled his fury.

Tessa-kind, gentle Tessa-had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Meanwhile, Aria, the source of all their misery, stood there perfectly healthy.

It wasn't fair. Why couldn't it have been her?

Lucas's eyes burned with resentment. If Aria just disappeared, the Whitmores would finally have peace.

"The only one who bought your little suicide stunt was Tessa," he spat. "She was so worried about you, she rushed down the stairs, fell, and got hurt. And now they've found cancer."

"If you had even a shred of decency, you'd stop causing trouble. Tessa's illness? It's because of you. How dare you still act like the victim?"

Aria's expression darkened.

Now she remembered. In her past life, the Whitmores had mistakenly believed Tessa was the one with cancer. When Aria tried to tell them the truth, they dismissed her as a liar.

Even after the misunderstanding was cleared, their only relief was that Tessa was safe. No one cared if Aria lived or died.

Aria laughed, staring straight at Lucas with a chilling smile. "What a coincidence. I have stage two breast cancer, too. Is hers the same? Let's see which of us dies first."

In her past life, the doctors had told her the cancer stemmed from long-term emotional repression-too much anger, too much sorrow.

"Stop clinging to things you can't change," they'd advised. "Let go. For your own sake."

But she hadn't understood. Since when was wanting love from her own family unreasonable?

'That's my father. My mother. My brothers. My engagement. My fiance. Why shouldn't I fight for them?' she wondered.

CRACK.

Lucas's palm struck her face with brutal force. "Aria, you fucking monster-how dare you wish death on Tessa?"

The slap sent her reeling. Too weak to dodge, she took the full impact, her already-pale cheek blooming red.

Owen stepped forward, grabbing Lucas's arm with a sharp frown. "Lucas, enough."

Lucas shook him off with a scoff.

"A viper like you-why didn't that cut finish you off?" He turned on his heel and stormed away.

Alone in the hallway, Aria stood frozen, her hospital gown swallowing her frail frame. The sting on her face was nothing compared to the hollowness in her chest.

Owen sighed, his voice softening-as if speaking to a deliberately difficult child. "Aria, stop lying."

"What?" She pressed a hand to her throbbing cheek, eyes narrowing.

"Henry told me. You only have minor abrasions." Owen rubbed his temples, exhausted. "Tessa's in stage two. This is critical for her treatment. Can't you just behave?"

A cold draft swept through the corridor.

But it was nothing compared to the ice in her veins.

Aria laughed silently, the truth dawning on her.

She almost asked-If it were me with cancer, if I were the one dying would you panic like this? Would you care?

But she already knew the answer.

In her past life, they'd celebrated her death.

No point humiliating herself further.

"So, Owen," she said flatly, "how exactly do you want me to 'behave'?"

His frown deepened at her tone. "Since your injuries aren't serious, you should be discharged early. Free up the room for actual patients."

Rage exploded in her chest.

"Go to hell," she hissed.

Owen's face darkened, but Aria didn't care.

Her wrist burned-the wound had reopened, blood seeping through the bandages.

She was furious.

Tessa got sympathy, concern, and round-the-clock care.

Aria? They wanted her gone-bleeding out alone, just to spare Tessa's feelings.

Who's the real Whitmore here?

Gritting her teeth, she staggered back to her room and collapsed onto the bed.

Every inch of her hurt.

She needed a doctor, but lifting her arm to press the call button felt impossible. Trembling, she clutched the sheets, gasping through the pain.

Am I really this worthless? To die like this?

Darkness swallowed her vision.

*****

When she woke again, it was midnight.

Something warm gripped her hand.

"Aria! You're awake!"

Juliet's tear-filled eyes blinked down at her, relief flooding her expression.

She'd rushed back the moment Bennett called, terrified by the sight of Aria's lifeless body in that hospital bed.

"Why cry? You look ugly," Aria muttered.

Juliet pouted. "Doesn't matter. You're pretty enough for both of us."

Aria was the most beautiful person she knew-even sick, even pale, she glowed like the moon.

Aria almost smiled.

Then she glanced around. "Where's Bennett?"

"Grandfather summoned him-probably about his marriage plans. Want me to call him?"

"No." Aria cut her off. Absolutely not.

Juliet seemed unaware of her cancer diagnosis-Bennett hadn't told her.

Good.

Then Juliet perked up, fetching a still-warm meal from a thermal bag. "Hungry? Bennett ordered this for you."

Aria wasn't.

But since Juliet insisted she'd eat.

Once finished, she shooed Juliet home, then pulled out her phone.

After a long pause, she dialed a number. "Mr. Vaughn. I want to cancel the engagement. Yes, I'm sure. No regrets."

The next morning, the hospital room door swung open.

Asher Vaughn stood at the threshold, dressed in a crisp white shirt and tailored slacks. His amber eyes-once warm and adoring-now held a detached calmness that felt foreign.

Aria blinked in surprise.

In her previous life, Asher hadn't visited her at all during this hospitalization.

Shouldn't he be with Tessa right now? Why was he here now?

He set a paper bag on the nightstand, pulling out an apple with a faint smile. "Want one?"

She shook her head, studying the man she'd once loved so desperately, familiar, yet a stranger.

This was the man who'd pledged his heart to her-only to later give every piece of it to Tessa.

There had been a time when Asher's love felt unshakable. He'd pursued her with grand, sweeping gestures, declaring to the world that she was his one and only.

She'd believed him.

But love was fickle.

Somewhere along the way, Tessa became his priority. Every crisis, every tear-Asher would drop everything to rush to her side.

Aria had cried. She'd fought. All it earned her was his cold disdain. "Why can't you be more understanding?"

In her previous life, she'd wasted years fighting for him. Now, she was done.

Asher sat at the edge of the bed, hesitating before speaking. "Tessa's very ill. I'll need to stay with her for a while. The engagement party-we'll have to postpone it."

Of course, it was because of Tessa again.

Aria had expected this. Though a dull ache lingered in her chest, she no longer cared enough to argue.

The breeze from the window felt like a wake-up call.

Seeming to sense her silence, Asher quickly added, "Don't worry. I'm not calling it off-just delaying."

But she was the one who didn't want to marry him anymore.

The moment she'd woken up in this hospital-alive-she'd realized something.

Nothing mattered. Not family. Not love. Not Asher.

A month from now, on May 1st, Logan Vaughn would celebrate his 80th birthday.

That was the day she'd officially end this farce. And then? She'd leave the Whitmore family for good.

There would be no more treatments, no more fighting, and no more pretending she wanted to live.

Not when the people who should've cared didn't even ask about her injuries-only Tessa's tragedy.

Aria smiled faintly. "Of course. Tessa's health comes first. I understand."

Asher stiffened, caught off guard by her compliance.

The Aria he knew would've screamed, cried, and thrown things. This quiet, subdued version unnerved him.

Had the injury changed her? Or was this another act?

His gaze darkened briefly before softening. "Don't misunderstand. Tessa and I-it's not what you think. She's just in a fragile state right now."

Aria almost laughed.

The entire Whitmore family was at Tessa's beck and call, yet she needed Asher, too?

How pathetic. How had she ever missed how shameless he was, enjoying her devotion while whispering sweet nothings to Tessa?

He was a textbook narcissist. Back then, she'd been so starved for love that she'd ignored the glaring red flags.

Now? The scales had fallen from her eyes.

She tilted her pale face up, lips curving. "It's fine. Really."

Postpone all he wanted. There wouldn't be a wedding.

Asher frowned, but before he could speak, his phone rang.

The way his entire demeanor softened at the caller ID screamed Tessa.

After a hushed exchange, his expression tightened. "I'll be right there."

Hanging up, he glanced at Aria. "Rest well. I have to go."

She nodded serenely. "I will."

The ease of her agreement visibly relaxed him. Within moments, he was gone.

Aria padded barefoot to the window, watching Asher's car disappear down the street.

Then she returned to bed.

In her previous life, she would've thrown a tantrum-demanded he stay, accused him of betrayal.

Asher would've sighed in disappointment. "Must you always be so difficult?"

He would give her a cold shoulder. And inevitably, she'd be the one to apologize.

All it took was for him to pat her head and murmur, "Don't be jealous of Tessa."

She'd melt and be happy for a few days.

During Aria's five days in the hospital, there was not a single visit from the Whitmore family.

It was with her expect.

Hearts don't turn cold overnight-but sometimes, a single moment is all it takes to snuff out hope entirely.

With no expectations left, these had ironically been Aria's most peaceful days.

Juliet, however, called multiple times daily, her worry palpable even through the phone. "I'm still at school and can't bring you lunch, but I asked Bennet to drop it off for you. Is he here?"

Aria's scalp prickled. She wanted to refuse-this really wasn't necessary.

Before she could speak, she looked up-and froze.

There he stood. Their eyes locked.

Though barely in his late twenties, Bennett Rhodes carried himself with the unyielding authority of a man who'd already conquered empires. The aura of a future titan clung to him.

Aria stumbled forward, her voice stiff. "Hi, Mr. Rhodes."

They'd never been close. And given that he'd eventually become Tessa's staunchest ally, fear coiled in her chest.

Bennett handed her a lunchbox, his lips quirking slightly. "So tense. Do I scare you?"

She took the container, shaking her head. But bitterness welled inside her. How could she not be afraid?

In her previous life, his open favoritism of Tessa had emboldened others to torment Aria-openly, ruthlessly. He'd never ordered it, but his influence had made it possible.

Bennett studied her bowed head, noting how much she'd changed from the clingy, tearful child he once knew.

Had it not been for that ring, he might not have recognized her at all.

"You can call me Bennett," he said after a pause. "Like Juliet does."

Aria blinked. Was he really this fond of Juliet?

"Okay, Bennett," she murmured obediently.

Opening the lunchbox, she found soup-rich, fragrant, unmistakably Juliet's doing. The girl had been sending blood-nourishing concoctions relentlessly.

"Thank Juliet for me," Aria said softly.

Bennett leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "Just Juliet? Not me?"

She couldn't tell if he was annoyed or teasing.

"Thank you, Bennett," she added hastily.

Her wrist injury made eating slow.

As she finished, Bennett spoke again. "I booked you an appointment with an oncology specialist. Next Monday. Someone will accompany you."

Aria's spoon froze mid-air. She hadn't planned on treatment. Not when she knew it wouldn't work.

Not when she remembered the agony of biopsies, the bone-deep ravages of late-stage cancer-like thorns growing inside her marrow, devouring her alive.

The mere thought of cold instruments piercing her skin again made her shudder.

Her wishes were simple now. She would leave the Whitmore family, break off the engagement, and stop fighting a battle she couldn't win. She would eat well, sleep well, and die peacefully.

But now Bennett was telling her to fight again?

How could she refuse without seeming ungrateful?

He read her hesitation. "You don't want to go?"

She nodded.

"You believe in resigning to fate?" he added. Bennett stood, his gaze piercing. "But remember-if you die, the only ones who'll care are the people who hated you the most. Is that what you want?"

With that, he collected the dishes and left. Aria stared at his retreating back, numb.

What was the point of living? Her death would delight the Whitmore family, finally rid of their burden.

Only her grandmother might mourn, and Juliet, the crybaby.

How pathetic. She couldn't even fill one table at her own funeral.

*****

Two days later, Aria was discharged.

Stepping into the Whitmore mansion felt surreal.

In her previous life, they'd banished her because Tessa couldn't stand the sight of her.

She'd never returned.

The housekeeper, Zoe, opened the door. "Mrs. Whitmore, Aria is back!"

Taking Aria's bag, Zoe beamed. "Mrs. Whitmore was just talking about you! Come in."

Chloe rose from the sofa, her designer dress immaculate. Years of luxury had preserved her beauty.

"Aria, you're finally home." She turned to Zoe. "Buy more crab. Aria loves it."

For a second, Aria's heart warmed. Then ice flooded her veins.

Aria was allergic to crab. Tessa adored it, so they'd memorized that.

Now they were forcing Tessa's preferences onto her.

She'd told Zoe about her allergy, dismissed as a tantrum. Every time she ate crab, her skin would erupt in hives. Yet no one cared. They'd accuse her of faking weakness for sympathy.

Aria smiled bitterly. Even blood ties could wither to nothing.

At dinner, Zoe diligently peeled crab for Aria, piling it onto her plate.

Aria stared at the food, unmoving.

Chloe coughed awkwardly, "Aria, there's something I need to tell you."

Aria already knew what Chloe wanted to say. This scene was identical to her previous life-how could she not?

"Tessa is very sick. We don't know if she'll recover. She's never been in love, never married... Her only wish now is to take bridal portraits before it's too late," Chloe said.

Aria nodded. "Then let her take them."

"She wants to do it with Asher." Chloe studied Aria's expression before hastily adding, "Don't worry. It's just for show. It won't affect your engagement."

Even though she'd expected this, the words still pierced her heart.

This was her mother.

Aria lifted her gaze, her voice flat. "If you think it's appropriate, then go ahead. I don't mind."

What good would objecting do?

In her previous life, she'd screamed, cried, begged-only to be met with icy disdain. Nothing ever changed.

Sometimes, she wanted to ask, 'If it were me with cancer, would you treat me the same way?' But she swallowed the question.

In her previous life, when Henry had finally revealed the truth, the Whitmores hadn't rushed to comfort her.

They'd been relieved, relieved it wasn't Tessa.

If they couldn't care then, why would they now?

Chloe exhaled in visible relief, a smile breaking across her face.

She'd braced for Aria's hysterics.

Instead, she'd gotten compliance.

But the ease of it made her uneasy. "Aria, you're not upset, are you?"

Aria's expression remained blank. If anything, she smiled, "No. She's sick, after all. The dying get their way."

Chloe's face paled. She didn't dare press further.

Aria picked up her fork, staring at the crab roe on her plate with detached indifference.

Then, Tessa's video call lit up Chloe's phone.

Chloe shot Aria an apologetic glance before hurrying to the sofa to answer.

Seizing the moment, Zoe quietly swapped Aria's plate. "Aria, you're allergic. Since Mrs. Whitmore is chatting with Tessa, you shouldn't force yourself. I know you keep antihistamines to avoid disappointing her, but medicine is still poison. You're the one who suffers."

Aria looked at Zoe with genuine gratitude. "Thank you. I won't eat it again."

Even an outsider had noticed her allergy medication. Yet her family remained willfully blind.

Zoe only knew because, once, Aria's allergic reaction had sent her into a near-fatal fever.

It was Zoe who'd carried her to the hospital.

That night, the Whitmore family had crowded around Tessa, who'd had a mild cold.

No one spared Aria a glance. "Just an allergy. Quit being dramatic."

For days, it was Zoe who nursed her back to health.

*****

After dinner, Aria helped Zoe clear the table.

As she dried her hands, she glanced at the living room, where Chloe was still laughing over Tessa's video call.

Aria's resolve hardened.

Leaving was the right choice.

She'd realized too late.

Just like the first fifteen years of her life, she'd never truly belonged here.

She was, and always had been, the outsider.

A promotional calendar hung in the living room, advertising a real estate project. Beneath it, dates were marked in neat grids.

Aria picked up a pen and circled April 1st to 7th in red.

She counted silently, 23 days left.

*****

Upstairs, Aria showered, then opened a real estate app.

Since deciding to leave, she'd begun house-hunting in secret. She wanted to disappear gradually.

After bookmarking a few listings, she scheduled viewings.

But the Yealchinn University district properties were too competitive. The only available ones were dark, damp, and overpriced. Her savings weren't enough.

Ever since her fallout with the Whitmore family, no one had given her a cent.

Her money came from odd jobs-helping seniors with urgent tasks.

As she boarded the bus home, Juliet called. "Aria, I heard you were discharged. You lost so much blood-why leave so soon?"

Aria touched her bandaged wrist. "I'm fine. Hospitals aren't exactly cozy."

Juliet hummed in agreement, "Yeah, you're right. Where are you? It's so noisy."

Aria glanced through the bus window and said, "On the bus. I was house-hunting."

She didn't hide her intention of moving out. Juliet knew everything, after all.

Juliet gasped, "You're moving out? Did you find a place?"

"Not yet. I'll keep looking tomorrow." Aria shook her head.

It wasn't that Aria was picky. But a home was long-term. Living in discomfort would wear her down. With 23 days left, she wasn't in a rush. She could handle everything properly.

"Wait. Let me ask Bennett. He knows people; he'll find something fast," Juliet smiled.

Aria frowned. "Don't. It's not worth bothering him."

Juliet brushed her off. "It's fine. Mom always says Bennett's amazing at everything. I'm supposed to learn from him."

Before Aria could protest, Juliet hung up.

Mentioning Bennett, Aria gently lowered her eyes. The expert consultation the man booked for her was scheduled for next Monday.

That was the day after tomorrow. She hadn't decided yet whether to go.

The house search went quickly, and by that evening, there was news. Juliet asked her to come see it tomorrow morning.

The next day, after breakfast, Aria headed out.

The house was in a residential area near Yealchinn University, a good location, easy to find.

It was a one-bedroom, one-living-room layout, well-lit, with a big balcony, and the price was ridiculously cheap.

Because the developer investing behind the house was the Rhodes family.

Aria pursed her lips - damn capitalists.

If there's a bargain, only a jerk would let it slip. Aria quickly paid the deposit and rent, got the keys, and started cleaning.

After a whole morning of work, Aria was exhausted and took a taxi home.

With the house secured, next was moving stuff into the new place.

Looking at the empty room, Aria wondered where to start. 'Let's start with moving the books!'

Aria carried a cardboard box down the stairs when Zoe approached, wanting to take the box from her. "Aria, are you throwing out trash? You just need to tell me; there's no need to do it yourself."

From the sofa, Chloe, eating fruit, looked over. "What's in there? Looks heavy. Let Zoe throw it out!"

Aria shifted how she held the box. "These are books I don't need. I'm planning to give them to those who need them, so no trouble for Zoe."

These books were some notes she'd made and some professional books she didn't need for now, so she moved them first.

Watching Aria walk away, Zoe felt that the Miss was different than before, much calmer.

The grievances the Miss suffered in this family - she saw it all and felt it in her heart.

But she was just a housekeeper; there was nothing she could do.

She glanced at Chloe, leisurely sipping tea on the sofa, and sighed silently.

Where there's something off, there's always a reason.

If an outsider like her can sense it, how could the mother not care at all?

Treating her adopted daughter like treasure, her biological daughter like trash - sooner or later, they'd regret it.

Aria didn't know about Zoe's sigh. She was busy putting the books from the box onto the bookshelf in her new place.

The previous tenant just moved out. Many things she could use.

Like a simple bookshelf, desk, and desk lamp - all left behind.

The house was fully equipped with appliances, just missing a bit of homely warmth.

Probably the previous tenant rarely cooked.

Aria had eaten a bowl of wontons outside before coming home, knowing that once Tessa got back, she'd start acting up using her illness.

In the previous life, at this exact time, Tessa had been making a big fuss because of being sick.

And the Whitmore family all sympathized with Tessa, taking her side and blaming her for being immature.

In that past life, after a fight with Tessa, the Whitmore family coaxed Tessa to eat by sending her to her room to reflect and forbidding dinner.

She was so hungry her stomach hurt.

In the end, Zoe couldn't stand it and secretly made herself a plate of pasta.

She had fought with Tessa all her life - and lost.

So this time, Aria wasn't going to argue. If Tessa wanted their parents and brothers, she could have them.

Since she decided to leave, what the Whitmore family did, who they favored - none of it mattered anymore.

When Aria returned home, everyone was opening gifts, their faces full of joy.

But when they saw Aria come back, their expressions instantly changed.

Aria tugged the corner of her mouth. As soon as she entered, everyone stopped smiling.

See? She was never welcome in this family. In their eyes, she was always the outsider.

A young girl sat with her back to Aria, slender and fragile. Noticing everyone's gaze, she stood and looked back.

Seeing Tessa again, Aria's eyelashes fluttered lightly.

Compared to years later, Tessa now looked purer and more innocent - soft, curved willow leaf brows, clear black eyes that made the girl seem tender and emotional.

There was a delicate, fragile, exceptional beauty.

Most men loved this kind of weak, protected posture.

The Whitmore family and Asher, all treasured her deeply, which was understandable.

Tessa looked at Aria. "Sorry, I forgot your gift at the hotel..."

After speaking, her eyes reddened slightly, full of stubborn tears, but she held back from making a sound, biting her lip and lowering her head.

Everyone had received a gift - except for Aria.

A trace of mocking curled on Aria's lips.

In this world, whoever cries gets candy.

Clearly, it wasn't her fault, but if Tessa cried, and she didn't forgive her, then it was her fault.

In the previous life, she hated how Tessa occupied everyone's heart, and hated her weak, tearful ways.

Reborn, she still hated it intensely.

Asher quickly stepped forward to cover for Tessa. "Sorry, Aria, it's my fault. I missed it when I collected the gifts."

Lucas's face darkened. "Forget it, it wasn't on purpose. We'll make it up to you next time."

Chloe also stepped forward, apologizing with a smile to Aria. "Aria, they were in a hurry coming back from their trip."

"Don't be upset, Mom will get you two gifts next time."

Everyone was waiting for Aria to blow up, to get angry and cause a scene.

But Aria just smiled faintly and nodded, showing she understood. "It's okay, no big deal."

See? Her brothers and fiance all instinctively protected Tessa, afraid of hurting their little flower.

In truth, whether there was a gift or not made no difference.

She wouldn't need it anymore - because there was no future.

Her biological mother always said that, but every time, Aria never got a gift.

After being deceived so many times, Aria no longer cared that much.

People expected Aria to blame Tessa, but instead, she said lightly: "Being happy is what matters most."

Everyone there was stunned.

Aria was actually starting to be sensible. Incredible.

A flicker of unnoticed surprise flashed in Tessa's eyes.

The usually strong-willed, bossy Aria suddenly changed, no longer fighting or competing.

But she still couldn't hide her foolishness.

People who blindly pleased others were the cheapest of all.

Dinnertime arrived, and Zoe knocked on the door. "Aria, dinner's ready."

Aria had already eaten and wasn't hungry. She almost declined immediately. But then it struck her: if she refused, the Whitmore family would think she was throwing another tantrum. She opened the door and took her seat at the table.

Everyone was present except for Wade Whitmore and Mason, who were away on business.

Aria glanced around the table, then silently lowered her gaze and picked at her food. After a few bites, she set down her fork. For years now, the Whitmore family had treated her like thin air, maintaining only a surface-level peace.

Chloe noticed Aria barely touching her meal. Lately, Aria had been quiet and cooperative-much more mature.

And honestly, Tessa and Asher's engagement photoshoot had been unfair to Aria.

After a moment's thought, Chloe placed a piece of fish on Aria's plate. "Try the grilled salmon, Aria. It's delicious-fresh, wild-caught."

Aria picked up the fish, took a bite, and mumbled, "Hmm, Zoe's cooking's really improved."

Suddenly, a sharp clatter shattered the fragile calm.

Tessa slammed her fork down, her eyes red-rimmed as she stood. "I'm full."

She covered her face and hurried toward the stairs. Owen was the first to follow.

He caught her arm gently. "Tessa, you barely ate anything. What's wrong? Didn't like Zoe's cooking? Just tell me what you want, and she'll make you something else."

Tears welled in Tessa's eyes. "Let me go. Aria's your real sister-your real family. I'm just an outsider. Once I'm gone, she'll be your only sister left."

The moment Chloe served Aria, Tessa's internal alarms had blared. This family used to revolve around her.

But now that Aria was acting differently, Chloe was paying her attention. It made Tessa's skin crawl. Whether Aria was faking it or not, she couldn't afford to lose.

Seeing Tessa cry, Owen's heart ached. "Who told you that? Whether Aria's here or not, you'll always be our sister. That won't ever change. Don't listen to nonsense-you'll always be the Whitmore family' little princess."

Tessa shook her head, her expression still wounded. "But I'm scared. I'm sick, and I might not have much time left. Just thinking about you all carrying on happily while I'm gone, buried somewhere cold, it breaks my heart."

She closed her eyes painfully. "I know it's selfish, but I envy Aria so much. She has you all and she's healthy."

She tore herself from Owen's grip and fled upstairs. Owen chased after her, his brow furrowed with worry. "Stop saying that. I will find a way to heal you. You're not dying."

Chloe, looking equally anxious, rushed over too. She wrapped a comforting arm around Tessa. "Owen's right. Listen to your doctors, Tessa. You'll get through this."

So it was true, Aria thought bitterly. The squeaky wheel got the grease.

She took one last bite of salmon. Sweet glaze coated the fish, but all she tasted was sourness.

Lucas suddenly whirled around, glaring at Aria. "How can you just sit there eating while Tessa's crying her eyes out? Have you got no heart?"

Aria lifted her gaze, cool and detached. "What would you have me do, Lucas? Should I starve myself and weep daily just because Tessa's sick? Would that prove I have a conscience?"

'In my previous life,' she recalled, 'they called me childish when I fought Tessa. Now that I'm quiet, they say I'm heartless. It figured. To those determined to hate you, even breathing is a crime.'

Lucas froze. He'd lashed out without thinking. He had no real answer.

Owen, ever the voice of reason, stepped in. "Tessa gets too worked up around you right now, Aria. Go back to your room."

The dismissal was expected, yet a sharp pang still shot through Aria's chest. They only cared that skipping meals might worsen Tessa's condition.

But she was the one truly ill. Tessa was faking it all. Henry claimed Owen was a brilliant doctor, yet he couldn't spot such an obvious act. What a fraud.

Aria said nothing. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, walked to the calendar, and picked up the red marker beside it. With steady precision, she circled the number 8.

Another day was gone, twenty-two days left.

She glanced back at the family huddled around Tessa. Once, she'd craved that kind of love, dreamed they might offer it to her too. But not anymore. Family meant nothing to her now.

There was no point in hurting.

Back in her room, Aria rested briefly before grabbing her pajamas and heading to the bathroom.The moment she turned on the shower, a wave of nausea and splitting pain slammed into her.

Every cell screamed as if devoured by swarming insects-a living hell. She crumpled onto the cold tiles, her face deathly pale, lips bitten bloody. Wave after wave of agony crashed over her until, finally, darkness swallowed her.

She woke sometime later, still alone on the bathroom floor. No one had come. No one cared.

Weakly, she hauled herself up using the sink and stared into the mirror. Her lips were colorless, collarbones sharp against gaunt skin, her face a ghostly white. Dazed, she stumbled out, crawled into bed, and pulled the covers tight.

'Why does it hurt this much?' she wondered.

Just as her eyes drifted shut, the desk phone rang. An unknown number. Aria hesitated, then answered.

A deep, resonant voice filled the line-Bennett's. "Be at Yealchinn Hospital, outpatient clinic, third floor, at nine tomorrow morning. Someone will escort you to Griffin." His tone was calm yet brooked no argument.

Lost in her thoughts, Aria only managed a faint, "Huh?"

"Don't be late." The line went dead.

Staring at the darkened screen, realization dawned. Monday. Bennett had arranged the specialist consultation.

So, besides Juliet and Grandma, he-a man she'd met twice-wanted her alive, too.

'Should I go?' she wondered. Living longer just meant enduring more pain. But Bennett had gone to the trouble. Refusing would be rude. 'Fine. Just this once.'

She called Juliet to ask for help excusing her from class.

"Aria, didn't you just get discharged? Is Tessa bothering you again?" Juliet's worry crackled through the phone.

"No, no. I just have something to handle tomorrow. Can't explain now. I'll tell you later." The fewer who knew about her illness, the better. She wouldn't burden Juliet.

"Okay. Whenever you're ready. I'll talk to the professor," Juliet said.

Aria's eyes stung as she hung up. Against cruelty, she was armor. But kindness? That shattered her defenses. She couldn't bear imagining Juliet's grief if she died.

A knock interrupted her thoughts. "Ms. Whitmore? It's me."

Zoe stood at the door, holding a steaming plate of pasta-just like before.

"Don't take tonight to heart," Zoe said gently, eyeing Aria's frail frame. "Tessa's ill. Try to be patient with her. Mrs. Whitmore does care. She knew you skipped dinner and asked me to bring this up."

Aria accepted the plate. "Thanks, Zoe. I'm fine."

She knew it was a lie. Zoe meant well, trying to mend what was broken. But some fractures couldn't be fixed-not between her and the Whitmore family.

*****

The next morning, Aria rose early. She bought a pastry and milk, then boarded the bus to Yealchinn Hospital. Arriving thirty minutes early on the third floor, she scanned the hallway-no familiar faces. Sighing, she sank into a chair and nibbled her pastry.

A man's voice cut through the sterile air. "Ms. Whitmore?"

Aria looked up, puzzled. "Yes? Do I know you?"

The young man offered a friendly smile and extended his hand. "I'm Mike Cross, Mr. Rhodes' assistant."

It was Bennett's aide. No wonder she didn't recognize him. "Aria," she replied, shaking his hand.

Mike checked his watch. "Right on time. Let's find Dr. Cole."

Inside the consultation room, Mike exchanged pleasantries with the elderly specialist before gesturing for Aria to take the seat.

Griffin Cole, nearing eighty, was a legend in oncology-his appointments were gold dust. The silver-haired man peered at Aria over his glasses, his gaze oddly assessing.

"How old are you?" he asked abruptly. She was pretty yet so young.

"Twenty," Aria said.

"Twenty? Still in school? That's young." His brow furrowed as if age itself were a symptom.

Mike cleared his throat subtly. 'Not the time, Dr. Cole, though I know you are anxious,' he wondered.

Griffin shot him a glare before turning back to Aria, his expression softening. "Why aren't you taking your meds? Defying doctors never ends well."

Aria floundered. Because living feels pointless wouldn't sound sane. "The pills are bitter."

Griffin scribbled on a prescription pad, tore off the sheet, and handed it to her. "Get these tests done. Results will be mailed to you."

He adjusted his bifocals and began typing. "I'll prescribe something to stabilize you for now. Follow up in a month." He paused, eyes twinkling. "If the medicine's too bitter? Sweeten things up with romance."

Aria blinked. 'Since when are doctors this funny?' she wondered.

Aria took the test requisition form, relief washing over her as she spotted the mammogram listed. At least she wouldn't need a bone marrow aspiration.

The memory of that long needle piercing her spine still made her shudder-a pain worse than death itself. In her previous life, she'd endured multiple attempts, each failure amplifying the agony.

At the doorway, she nearly collided with a white-coated figure, Owen. Startled, she stumbled back.What's he doing here?

Owen's brow furrowed with irritation upon recognizing her. "Stalking me now?"

"Open your eyes. I was here first," Aria retorted coldly, waving her paperwork. "Move. I need to get meds and run tests."

Owen's frown deepened. "How long will you keep up this act, Aria?" First the hospital, now Griffin's clinic-her theatrics knew no bounds.

Again with the act. A bitter laugh threatened to escape her. How foolish she'd been, wasting breath defending herself to people determined to misunderstand.

When she remained silent, Owen massaged his temples wearily. "I'm here for an academic symposium-and to beg Dr. Cole to see Tessa. I don't have time for your games."

A colleague had tipped him off about Griffin's rare clinic hours. Securing the legendary oncologist for Tessa could change everything.

Aria met his gaze, eyes glacial. "You're the one needing a doctor. Get your vision checked."