Chapter 3

Mrs. Eleanor, just like in my previous life, held high expectations for her future daughter-in-law.

She scheduled me for grueling classes, hired countless top tutors, and packed every single minute of my day.

“As a daughter-in-law of the Lin family, this is your duty.” Mrs. Eleanor’s strictness and displeasure were barely veiled. I simply nodded, accepting her arrangements.

A flicker of surprise crossed Mrs. Eleanor’s eyes, as if she hadn’t expected me to agree so readily.

But her surprise quickly turned to disgust.

“Your teachers will report your progress to me. Don’t even think about pretending to comply while secretly undermining me.”

Why would I ever do that? I wished I could split myself in two, devouring every bit of knowledge, determined to forge a beautiful future with my own hands.

I didn't even waste my breaks, either buried in a book or grinding on exercises. Scarlett, arm in arm with her boyfriend, Dylan, sauntered over to taunt me.

“Hard work, isn’t it, sis?” she purred. “Your precious youth, all wasted on these dull, boring things. No time to relax, no chance for fun.

But me? I have a boyfriend who adores me, parents who spoil me, and a brilliant future ahead.”

I looked up and met Dylan’s eyes. I recognized him instantly. He was the same Dylan from my past life.

He had pursued me back then, but I’d turned him down.

Later, I learned he’d borrowed a ton of high-interest loans to fund his lavish lifestyle, constantly dating rich girls to find a sugar mama to pay off his debts.

Back then, Scarlett was trapped in the Lin household, cut off from the outside world, so she naturally wouldn't have known.

I had no intention of telling her. Consider it a thank you for making me take the fall.

“Congratulations, Scarlett, on getting everything you wished for.” Their love was fervent and thrilling. Dylan would sneak into the school radio room and declare his love for Scarlett over the loudspeaker.

Scarlett would skip class, climb over the school wall, and buy Dylan his favorite snacks.

They would share cigarettes on the rooftop, passionately kiss with no regard for anyone else.

They would go to bars, get wasted, and couldn't wait to be intimate.

They documented it all, posting every moment on SnapChat.

Scarlett, fearing I wouldn't have time to check SnapChat, shoved her phone in my face, smugly telling me, “Look, this is what living your youth to the fullest looks like.

Too bad you’ll never get to experience it again.”