Chapter 1

After I was reborn, I took the initiative to give the chance for the rural service program to my cousin.

Next, I personally pushed away the engagement ring Jackson Reed offered me. I handed it straight to my cousin instead.

I did everything in my power to set them up as a couple.

In my past life, while I was still fighting for my breath in the ICU, Jackson was already busy preparing to marry her.

In this life, I chose to grant them their wish.

Now that I have a second chance, my only goal is to make money.

1

"Just sign the form and you can head out. No more classes this afternoon. Go home, pack your bags, and get ready for the rural development program."

The teacher pushed the paper toward me.

I picked up the rough sheet, staring at the lines. Memories started flooding back like a broken dam.

Jackson Reed and I grew up in the same military housing complex. We were childhood sweethearts.

Back then, things were tight. Every meal was just stale bread and thin soup.

Jackson would always sneak eggs from his kitchen for me. He would watch me eat with a satisfied smile.

He even stood up to the older bullies who tried to pick on me. He was my protector.

Naturally, I fell head over heels for him.

I truly believed we would end up together. It felt like destiny.

But then, my uncle passed away suddenly. My cousin, Lillian, came to live with us.

Jackson's eyes never settled on me again. He was completely captivated by her.

Every bit of favoritism and care he once had for me went to her instead. He gave her even more than he ever gave me.

He even claimed he would marry her even if it meant being disowned by his parents.

I had given up on him. But then, out of nowhere, he proposed to me.

In the end, I could not bring myself to say no.

It was not until after the wedding that I realized the truth. Jackson only married me because Lillian told him to.

Lillian did not actually want him.

He was just a low-level clerk. She had her sights set on becoming a billionaire's wife.

He always felt like I had stolen everything from Lillian.

No matter how much I explained, he saw me as the manipulative, evil cousin. He saw Lillian as the innocent, suffering angel.

Even on our wedding day, a guest accidentally bumped into Lillian. Jackson scooped her up and rushed to the clinic.

He left me standing alone. I was surrounded by whispers, feeling like a naked clown in front of everyone.

Through the years, he dropped everything for her. If Lillian called, he was gone.

Even in my final moments, he prioritized her.

During my time in the hospital, I only saw him once.

He stood far from my bed, looking down at me with cold eyes. "Lillian was the kind one for letting me marry you," he said.

"If you hadn't forced yourself between us, we wouldn't have missed all those years."

"You owe this to her."

After those words, he left to plan his wedding with Lillian.

I could not move. I could only hear my own ragged breathing as the bitterness swallowed me whole.

I will not let history repeat itself this time.

If they think I stole her life, I will give it back. I will make sure they end up together.

I raised the form. "Teacher, is Jackson Reed going too?"

"Don't worry, he is. You are assigned to the same village." The teacher smiled, thinking he understood.

I felt a massive weight lift. I picked up the leaky pen and wrote two words in clear script: Lillian Miller.

The teacher looked confused.

"We should show some spirit. I want to give this opportunity to my more talented cousin first."

I put down the pen and walked away. A strange sense of thrill surged through my heart.