I was the golden child of a wealthy dynasty. In my past life, false accusations got me expelled from the Elite Arts Academy. My father died of shock, and our empire collapsed. Exiled to a rural labor camp, I suffered terribly. When I finally returned, I found Ethan Blackwood—my fiancé—beaten and forced into crippling debt. Guilt-ridden, I worked as a club dancer, even selling myself to a disgusting client to pay it off. The day I cleared the debt, I brought gifts—only to catch Ethan (who was supposedly paralyzed) in bed with my adoptive sister, Summer. Summer: "Thanks for reporting Ellie. Without you, I’d never have replaced her as lead dancer." Ethan: "What if she finds out the debt was fake? That the client was just a paid actor?" Summer: "Who cares? She stole everything from you—your dance career, your inheritance. And she never suspected I faked my injury." I vomited blood and died on the spot. But fate gave me a second chance. This time, I took that damning letter—and switched the name to Summer’s. 1 When my eyes next fluttered open, I was back to the day before the report was made. “Ellie, rehearsal’s over, why are you still lingering? Waiting for Ethan, are we?” A colleague from the Academy called out, a playful smirk on her face. I offered them a shy, manufactured smile. Everyone at the troupe knew Ethan and I were childhood sweethearts. But in my previous life, on this very day, he had personally placed an anonymous accusatory note on Director Hayes’s desk. From that moment on, my reputation was shattered, my life spiraled, and I met a humiliating end. Thank heavens for this second chance. This time, I’d turn the tables. Once the Academy emptied out and the lights dimmed, a furtive shadow slipped into the Director’s office – it was Ethan Blackwood, the Academy’s smooth-talking announcer. I hid in the murky corner, observing. A few minutes later, he left. I stepped inside the office. There, on the desk, lay a stark envelope. I tore it open. The contents were identical to the letter from my past life. It smeared my name, claiming promiscuity, involvement with multiple men, and even serving as a wealthy patron's kept woman. I took the original letter, replacing it with an exact replica. The only difference? The name accused in the letter. I’d changed it from mine to Summer Woods. Even after it was done, a tremor of unreality ran through me. Last life, that letter had dragged me through hell. My name utterly destroyed, I’d rushed home, desperate for Father’s help, only to hear the housekeeper weeping that he’d spat blood and died from the shock. The family estate had plunged into bankruptcy, and I’d been forcibly sent away to that desolate rural work program. Overnight, I’d plummeted from the clouds into the mud. Before I left, I’d worried about Ethan and Summer suffering, so I’d given them the last scraps of our family fortune to manage, keeping nothing for myself. Life in the countryside was a brutal nightmare. Every grimy, back-breaking chore fell to me. I was ostracized, forced to sleep in a drafty barn, and battled endless illnesses through bitter winters and scorching summers. Once, I was sent to forage for firewood in the desolate hills after dark and narrowly escaped a pack of wild wolves. One agonizing memory after another flooded my mind, filling me with a raw, searing pain. Hatred, cold and deep, settled in my bones, and I burned with a furious self-pity. As I stepped out of the Academy gates, I saw Ethan hadn't left yet. He spotted me, a flicker of panic in his eyes. "Ellie, why are you leaving so late? Wasn't rehearsal over hours ago?" "Just took some time tidying up props today," I said, a cold politeness in my voice. His hypocritical face made me want to say no more. Ethan visibly relaxed, seeing no suspicion in my reply. We walked down the quiet street in silence, each consumed by our own thoughts. Suddenly, a figure sprang out, intimately linking arms with Ethan. "Ethan, why did you leave first? Weren't we going to celebrate with a fancy dinner tonight? After tomorrow, no one can stop us from being together..." That cloying voice could only belong to Summer Woods. We all worked at the Academy, yet he rarely sought me out. Turns out, after work every day, he was sneaking around with Summer. Ethan frantically pushed her away, turning to explain to me. "Ellie... she meant for all three of us to have dinner tonight. I just got paid..." Only then did Summer seem to notice me, a flash of annoyance in her eyes, quickly masked. "You two go on," I cut in, too weary to watch their pretense. "I'm tired. Going home." The real show, after all, wouldn't start until tomorrow. Right now, all I wanted was to get home to Father—this time, he was still alive... "Sister, do you hate me that much? You won't even share a meal with me." Summer’s eyes welled up. Ethan looked at her with sickening tenderness, then rounded on me, his voice sharp with accusation. "Summer is your sister, after all. Why must you always hurt her feelings? You will come to this dinner." Before I could protest, Ethan roughly tugged me, practically dragging me into the restaurant. 2 At the table, they chattered animatedly, completely ignoring me. Now, looking back, it had always been like this. Back then, I was foolish enough to believe their closeness was due to my presence, unaware of their secret affair brewing behind my back. Ethan, as if realizing he’d neglected me, feigned concern. "Ellie, eat more." I looked at the mango shrimp salad, the French pudding… all of Summer’s favorites. Ethan had completely forgotten my seafood allergy, forgotten my utter dislike for anything overly sweet. My gaze drifted to the dance hall opposite, lost in thought. In my last life, after two years of aimless misery in the rural work program, I returned to the city to find Ethan confined to a wheelchair. Summer, in a torrent of tears, claimed Father’s enemies had stolen all our money, beaten Ethan, leaving him paralyzed and bound to a wheelchair for life. The guilt was overwhelming. I ran to the Onyx Club, taking a job as a dance hostess, desperate to earn enough to repay the supposed debts. I often found myself brawling over paltry tips, enduring vile insults: "Look at her, thrown out of the countryside for being a mistress, now she's stealing clients? Addicted to being a home-wrecker, aren't we?" Back then, I’d clutched the crumpled bills, swallowing my pride and the humiliation, all so I could buy them their favorite desserts after my shift. I poured my heart out for them, yet they couldn't even remember what I was allergic to. The server, bringing our food, stumbled. A sizzling steak slid off the plate. My hand shot out instinctively to block it. The searing heat instantly blistered my arm, blood-red and bubbling. Summer, seated next to me, was also grazed, but her skin was only faintly pink. Ethan, in a flurry of concern, cupped her hand, gently blowing on it. Summer's face flushed scarlet with apparent bashfulness. The server apologized profusely. A man in a sharp suit approached. "My deepest apologies, Miss. I'm the restaurant manager. Your meal is on the house today, and I'll personally take you to a clinic for dressing." I nodded, wincing in pain. Only then did Ethan seem to register the severity of my injury. Yet, I heard him say to the manager, "Could you take this lady first? Summer just has a scratch; Ellie's injury can wait." His shameless audacity made me laugh, a bitter, breathless sound. The manager, momentarily stunned, pretended not to hear, helped me up, and led me out of the restaurant, driving me to the clinic. Behind us, I heard Ethan’s enraged shouts and Summer’s feigned sobs. It was late when my arm was finally bandaged. The manager drove me home. He leaned against the car, his voice a lazy drawl. "I'm Jaxson Sterling. If you need any help in the future, you can find me at Sterling Manor on Willow Creek Lane, number 8." I waved back. "I'm Eleanor Vance." Jaxson Sterling smiled, a brief, knowing nod, and watched me go. When I returned, Ethan was seething. "Ellie, why are you back so late? Were you on a date with that man? How could you throw yourself at just anyone?" I was utterly speechless. "I burned my hand. If you won't care, at least don't slander me. And anyway, who I associate with is none of your business." Summer interjected, "Sister, how can you speak to Ethan like that? If you ever get into trouble again, only we can help you..." A subtle flicker of malice crossed her eyes, hinting at something dark. "Oh, really? We'll see about that," I retorted, a cold smile on my lips. Seeing my defiance, Ethan shoved a gift box into my hands. "I picked this up while shopping. Consider it compensation for your burn." It was the first time Ethan had ever given me a gift. He expected me to be overjoyed – in the past, even a wildflower he'd picked from the roadside could bring tears to my eyes. But this time, I didn't spare it a glance. I took the gift and walked straight upstairs. 3 Pushing open Father's bedroom door, I saw his kind face, peacefully asleep. I asked the housekeeper, "Has Father taken his medicine today?" "Yes, Miss. The Second Miss has been personally preparing his traditional remedies recently." "Nonsense! Since when is it her place to handle his medicine?" I reprimanded the housekeeper sharply. "Forgive me, Miss Eleanor. You’ve always indulged the Second Miss, so I didn't dare report it." "From now on, Summer Woods is not to interfere with Father's diet or daily care." I carefully collected the remaining herbal dregs and instructed a footman to send them to Sterling Manor on Willow Creek Lane, number 8. In my previous life, Father had suffered a fatal hemorrhage before I even returned home. He had always loved and trusted me. He wouldn't have succumbed to mere rumors. There had to be foul play. Summer Woods, if you dare harm my family, I will make you pay a hundredfold. The next morning, I came down for breakfast to find Summer and Ethan already seated at the dining table. Summer was wearing the most fashionable vintage gown, adorned with a matching diamond necklace and earrings. The glittering diamonds, accented with emeralds, made her look strikingly glamorous. The style felt eerily familiar. I remembered the gift Ethan had given me yesterday—it was of the same aesthetic. Compared to her set, my gift was painfully cheap—it was merely a trinket, a throw-in with Summer’s extravagant jewelry. Summer caught my gaze, her voice dripping with feigned fragility. "Am I making you angry, Sister, by wearing new clothes? "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to steal your thunder. It's just... I've never worn such a beautiful dress. Ethan gave it to me, and I love it so much." Before I could open my mouth, Ethan sneered, his voice laced with venom: "She's your sister. Her looking beautiful reflects well on you. Are you afraid she'll outshine you? Ellie, you're too jealous." I remembered Summer usually wore faded, worn-out dresses. Ethan had often scolded me for it, claiming I was stingy with my sister. But every time we went shopping, I bought her loads of clothes and accessories, which she never wore. I tried to explain countless times, but Ethan simply turned a deaf ear. I could only silently pay for the clothes he picked out for Summer, and then, he would begrudgingly favor me with a small smile. Back then, I was naive enough to believe he cared for my family. But it turned out Summer was deliberately playing the victim, creating the illusion that I mistreated her, all to gain Ethan's sympathy. Hmph, such pathetic tactics. I slowly, deliberately, sliced the toast on my plate. "How about I set up a stage in the backyard, and you two can perform a full-blown melodrama for everyone?" "Summer Woods, honestly, when have I ever gone shopping without buying you clothes? I often buy more for you than for myself." "And Ethan Blackwood, this is my house. You have no right to speak here. Pack your things. Get out." In my previous life, these two scoundrels used my money to carry on their sordid affair in Father's mansion, while I suffered isolated misery in the countryside. This time, your good days are over. Ethan exploded in a rage. "You want to kick me out? I'm going to marry you! This house will be partly mine!" Ethan was originally the son of Father’s business partner. After his family fell on hard times, they moved back to the countryside. Out of sentiment for our childhood connection, and fearing he’d struggle, I pleaded with Father to let him stay at our home. I never imagined that being too kind to some people only breeds insatiable greed. 4 "What's all this commotion so early in the morning?" Father descended the grand spiral staircase. I rushed forward to steady him. He affectionately pinched my cheek. "My little darling, how's rehearsal going? This time, Dad won't miss your performance." "I've practiced so well, Dad. You simply must come see it in a few days." Summer watched our tender exchange, biting her lower lip in simmering resentment. Ethan discreetly squeezed her hand, whispering a reassurance. "After today, Ellie's reputation will be ruined. Everything here will be yours." Only then did her expression soften. She turned to me, a smug glint in her eyes. "Sister, shall we go? I'm really looking forward to today's... rehearsal." 【Alright, Summer Woods, if you're so eager to plummet to hell, I'll gladly oblige.】 In my past life, I met a client at the Onyx Club who offered to be my patron, his terms lavish enough to clear all my debts. That patron often tormented me in bed, driving me to the brink of despair. Afraid Ethan and Summer would worry, I only dared to cry and vent when no one was around. Later, Ethan caught me getting out of the patron’s car. Overwhelmed with shame, I wept, saying I was soiled, that I could never be worthy of him again. He pulled me into his arms. "Ellie is the purest girl. It's all my fault, a useless cripple. Otherwise, why would I make you do such things? Once the debt is paid, we'll get married. I'll protect you for the rest of our lives." With Ethan’s promise, I worked even harder. The day I finally paid off the debt, I joyfully quit my dance hostess job, bid farewell to the patron, and went shopping for gifts for them both. I ran home through the rain, soaked to the bone, but the gifts, clutched to my chest, remained perfectly dry. Pushing open the front door, through a narrow crack, I saw Ethan, who should have been in a wheelchair, holding Summer as if he were whole, entangled in passionate kisses on the bed. Then I heard the full, horrifying truth. The ones who had brought me to this ruin were the very people I held dearest. Rage surged through me, a violent current. My already sickly, weakened body could no longer bear it. I coughed up a torrent of blood. Before I lost consciousness, I heard Ethan tell Summer: "Ellie's nothing but a harlot, sick from being used. I wouldn't take a woman like that even if she were free. Everything I did was for you, Summer... you're the only one in my heart..." In my previous life, I met such a miserable end. Now, everything would be reversed. Entering the rehearsal studio, everyone was whispering, pointing fingers at us. "I can't believe it, she's really that loose..." "Yeah, at such a young age, playing mistress..." "She looks so innocent, but secretly, she's doing such unspeakable things." Summer, hearing the whispers,’s eyes flickered with a knowing cunning. She positioned herself protectively in front of me, declaring loudly, "You can't say such things about my sister! How could she do anything so vulgar?" In my previous life, she acted the same, pretending to be my devoted sister. And that’s precisely why I never suspected them. 5 Luna White, usually my closest friend, pulled me away from Summer, casting a disdainful look at her. "We weren't talking about Ellie. Some people know exactly what they're talking about." Left alone, Summer saw everyone staring at her with hostile eyes, confusion clouding her face. 【Did Ethan not put the letter in? No... he said the plan was foolproof last night.】 Thinking this, her confidence returned. She lifted her chin, a defiant glint in her eyes. Just then, Director Hayes walked in, her face stern. "Summer Woods, my office. Now." Ethan, who had been lingering outside the door, saw Summer enter the office and rushed over to confront me. "Ellie, if you caused trouble, you should bear it yourself. Why did you let Summer go in there to speak for you? "What about her reputation? Are you always so selfish?" Luna bristled, indignant. "Are you even listening to yourself? Everyone in the Academy knows now that Summer Woods was the one being kept. She's the one ruining Ellie's name!"
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