Nicholas announced to the entire city that Kim was his true love.

The blow was so devastating that my mother and I both ended up hospitalized. Meanwhile, Nicholas and Kim reaped all the rewards—fame, admiration and a perfect reputation.

Snapping back to the present, I fixed Nicholas with a glare full of loathing and disdain.

“Why are you still standing here? I told you to get lost. Don’t you understand plain English?”

Nicholas looked taken aback by my harsh tone, a flicker of confusion crossing his face before it was replaced with impatience.

“What’s wrong with you? You were fine this morning,” he snapped. “What did I do? Why are you so angry?”

For a moment, his confusion seemed genuine, but then it shifted into irritation. “Is this about that? For heaven’s sake, haven’t I already explained? I only gave Kim a ride because I saw her limping. That’s it.”

His impatience was written all over his face as he added, “Can’t you tone down your temper a little?”

Before I could respond, Kim seized the opportunity to chime in, her voice laced with false innocence and sarcasm.

“Is that why you’re mad and tore it up, Sis?” she asked, her tone sugary sweet but her words cutting. “I’m so sorry. If I’d known you’d be so upset about Nic giving me a ride, I wouldn’t have accepted it. Even with my sprained ankle, I’d have crawled to school instead.” Her words hit their mark. The classroom erupted into murmurs, the noise growing louder as everyone seemed to turn against me. I could hear their murmur of accusations

“She’s so heartless.” 

“Right? It’s her own sister.”

“How could she be so petty?”

Not wanting to let these insignificant comments mess with my head, I stormed out, letting the door slam shut behind me. Perhaps that was the beginning of their relationship. But I didn’t care enough to dig into the details. It no longer mattered to me. I walked briskly down the hallway toward the principal’s office.

When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of a middle-aged man seated at his desk.

“Mr. Hanson, I’ve made up my mind,” I announced without any preamble. “I’ll sign the confidentiality agreement for the research test.”

Whittendale had always been Nicholas and Zach’s childhood dream, not mine. My true passion lay in research—making real contributions to the field, something meaningful.

I knew Mr. Hanson admired my dedication and intelligence. That was why he sought out this opportunity for me, an avenue where I could channel my talents and interests.

When he heard that I was giving up a spot at Whittendale to join the research program he had recommended, his face lit up with joy. I could even see tears welling up in his eyes.

“That’s wonderful,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “You truly are the most brilliant student this school has ever had—a shining star. I’ll prepare the paperwork immediately.”

After signing the documents, I started heading back to class. But on my way, I was intercepted by Zach Davidson, my other childhood best friend.

With a wide grin on his face, he strode toward me.

“Nic finally confessed to you, didn’t he?” he said, raising his hand for a high-five.

Without bothering to let him get any closer, I sidestepped his path and walked away.

He stood there, frozen in place, his expression a mix of confusion and awkwardness. His raised hand hung in midair, unacknowledged.

In my past life, I married him, thinking he was my salvation. Instead, it turned out to be an even bigger joke.

As the core of our childhood trio, Zach had always been kind and attentive to me. I used to think of him as my closest confidant, even my hero—the boy who jumped into the river to save me when I fell in at the age of five, risking his life to pull me out.

But who could have imagined that Zach, the same boy who once saved my life, would later betray me so cruelly for Kim’s sake?

In my previous life, not only did he abandon me, but after my death, he couldn’t wait to use his status as my husband to sign the organ donation papers. He authorized the surgical removal of every usable organ in my body, all for Kim’s benefit, ensuring they were stored in a cold vault as her backups.

“Andy, are you mad? Did I say something wrong?” Zach caught up to me, his voice tinged with feigned concern.

He was undeniably handsome, with a great acting to match. If I hadn’t experienced everything firsthand, I might have fallen for his façade all over again.

“Yeah, I am mad. I don’t want anything to do with you, Zach. From now on, don’t talk me. We’re not friends anymore.”

I delivered the words coldly, then quickened my pace, leaving him behind.

Although I had signed the confidentiality agreement, I still had to attend my remaining classes.

I was determined to show Kim that even without a guaranteed recommendation, her college entrance exam scores would never surpass mine.

Her mother may have forced her way into my family, bullying my mom and driving her away, but I wasn’t someone to be trifled with. For my mom’s sake, I had to stand my ground and win.

As for Nicholas and Zach, if Kim wanted them, she could have them. They were not worth fighting for.

When I arrived at the classroom door, I saw a large group of students gathered around Kim’s seat, chattering animatedly.

Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they gossiped, speculating about what had happened between Nicholas and me.

“Andrea is so petty and weird. She doesn’t deserve someone like Nicholas!” Kim’s voice rang out above the chatter.

Kim was in her element, basking in the attention. When she caught sight of me entering the room, she didn’t stop. No, she pushed harder, her words like knives aimed directly at me.

“Isn’t that right, sis? You were so afraid of losing to me that you tore up your guaranteed recommendation?” she said, her tone laced with mockery.

“And now, just because Nicholas gave me a ride, you’re throwing a tantrum and breaking up with him? Honestly andy, you need to stop being so stubborn. Life doesn’t revolve around y—”

Before she could finish, I marched up to her and slapped her across the face.

The sound of it snapped the room into silence. Everyone froze, their eyes wide as they turned to look at us.

“What are you doing?” Kim shouted, her voice trembling with shock and anger.

The murmurs started immediately.

“What’s gotten into Andrea? She’s acting like a completely different person today. And now she’s even hitting her sister.”

“Looks like Kim was right all along. Andrea’s all about putting up a fake high-and-mighty act, but deep down, she’s just petty and mean.”

I sneered at the whispers and scanned the room with a cold glare. Those speaking up against me instantly fell silent.

Kim’s face turned red with anger, her eyes brimming with tears. She raised her hand, ready to slap me back, but I act fast. I grabbed her wrist and slammed it onto the desk, pinning her in place.

“You want a bet? Fine, I’ll take you on,” I said, my voice low but firm. “Listen Kim, I ignored your little games before because I didn’t want to stoop to your level. But don’t mistake my patience for weakness.”

“You’re just like your mother,” I continued, leaning in so only she could hear. “You play the sweet and innocent girl in front of men, but behind the scenes, you’re as vicious as they come.”

“Remember this,” I said sharply, releasing her with a shove. “Don’t come near me again, or you’ll regret it.”

Kim collapsed onto the desk, sobbing quietly. None of the other students dared to approach her. The tension in the room was suffocating, but I felt a sense of relief. I’d stood up for myself and it felt good. I returned to my seat, opened my book and continued reading as if nothing had happened.

After one more study session, the school day finally came to an end.

As usual, my mom was waiting for me at the school gates. Kim used to stop and throw out a few snide comments every time she saw her. But today, she sped past us without a word, her head down.

I trailed behind her, meeting my mom’s confused gaze. A wave of bitterness welled up in my chest. Why did they always target her? Why did my mom, who’d done nothing wrong, have to endure their bullying?

I clenched my fists. Not anymore. I wouldn’t let them hurt her anymore.

When we got home, my mom made all my favorite dishes for dinner.

“I heard the recommendation letter finally arrived,” she said with a smile. “You’ve worked so hard. Now I don’t have to worry about you anymore.”

“Mom…” I hesitated, my appetite fading. “I tore it up. I don’t want to go to Whittendale University,” I admitted quietly.

Her eyes widened in shock.

“But don’t worry,” I quickly added. “I signed a confidentiality agreement. After graduation, I’ll go straight to a research institute to continue my studies.”

My mom stared at me, stunned. “Why didn’t you discuss this with me first? Wasn’t Whittendale always been your dream, with Nicholas and Zach?”

I lowered my gaze, the memories of my past life flashing through my mind. Slowly, I told her everything—everything I’d gone through in that other timeline.

“I know it sounds crazy,” I said, my voice shaking. “But it’s the truth. I lived through it all. Mom, we can’t go through that nightmare again. We can’t sacrifice our lives for people who don’t care about us.”

She was silent for a long time. Just when I thought she wouldn’t believe me, she spoke.

“I believe you,” she said softly. “I’ve been having strange dreams lately too. Dreams so real, they felt like memories. But I kept telling myself the opposite had to be true.”

She sighed, her expression hardening. “My marriage wasn’t happy. All I ever wanted was for you to marry someone who truly loved you. If Nicholas isn’t the right one, then forget him.”

Relief washed over me and I threw my arms around her.

We only had each other. And in this life, I was going to protect her no matter what.

As for my teacher, they’d already been informed by Mr. Hanson and didn’t even bother asking me about the torn recommendation.

Kim must've tattled about it, which resulted in Dad's furious call that very night.

“Andrea Ford, are you out of your mind? How could you tear up the Whittendale recommendation letter? What were you thinking?”

His voice was thunderous, nearly tearing through my ear. "What sins did I commit that I raised a fool like you!" His words were sharp, each one dripping with contempt.

“You know what? From now on, you’re no longer my daughter. Do whatever you want!”

In the past, his anger would have sent me running back, begging for his forgiveness. But this time, I finally understood—I didn’t need his approval anymore. Whether he acknowledged me or not, I was still entitled to my share of Grandpa’s inheritance. That was more than enough to secure a comfortable life for Mom and me.

So why bother chasing after someone who had always favored Kim and her mother?

I thought back to my previous life. When Mom and I were at our lowest, desperate for support, my father had chosen them without hesitation. To add insult to injury, he posted a cheerful photo of the three of them—Kim, her mother and himself—on his social media, captioning it "family time."

If he’d already made his choice once, why should I cling to the idea of having a father now?

“Fine by me,” I said, my voice cold and steady. “I don’t want a biased and spineless father anyway. Consider this the end of our relationship.”

Before he could reply, I hung up the phone and immediately blocked his number on every platform.

The next morning, as Mom and I arrived at the school gates, we ran into Dad and Kim. They were dropping her off in his car, with Kim basking in the glow of his attention. She cast a smug glance my way, her voice deliberately loud.

“Dad, can you make dinner for me again tonight? I really love it when you cook for me,” she said sweetly.

I glanced at Mom, worried she might be hurt by Kim’s deliberate jab, but she remained composed. With a calm expression, she took my hand and walked me to the gate, stopping only when we reached the entrance.

“Go on, Andrea. Focus on your studies,” she said gently before turning to leave.

Her resilience made my chest tighten with emotion. She didn’t deserve this—none of it.

As I turned to head toward class, my father’s voice cut through the air like a whip.

“Andrea! Get over here, you ungrateful brat!” I ignored him and kept walking, but he wasn’t done.

“Who gave you the nerve to block me? You think you’re grown now? You think you don’t need a father? Listen here, young lady, if you dare—”

Before he could finish, Mom hurled her bag at him, silencing him mid-sentence.

“What the hell?” he bellowed, glaring at her in shock.

“Teaching my daughter a lesson is none of your business!” Mom shot back, standing her ground.

As things began to escalate, Nicholas and Zach rushed toward us. They quickly flanked Kim, who seemed to be relishing the drama. Given Dad’s booming voice, the whole school was now aware of the situation and Nicholas and Zach shot me disapproving glances.

“Why did you block him? He’s your father, Andrea. You shouldn't be doing that.”

Zach added, “And you suddenly cut ties with us too. What's going on? Why the change in attitude? Did we do something to you?”

From the corner of my eye, I saw more and more people closing in and soon the crowd was swelling. The pressure of so many eyes on me only made my irritation boil over.

“Why? Because I'm sick of seeing all of you!” I exploded. “I know exactly what you are—a bunch of two-faced hypocrites. I’ve done you a favor by cutting ties with you, so you no longer have to pretend to be nice to my face. Got it?”

Nicholas and Zach exchanged a confused look, clearly shocked by the venom in my words.

As usual, Kim seized the opportunity to play the peacemaker, acting all innocent.

“Why don’t we all just take a breath?” she began, her voice sweet. “Andy, hasn’t Nicholas and Zach been your friends since childhood? Why suddenly turn your back on them? Let’s make up and go back to being friends.”

When I remained silent, Nicholas, clearly frustrated, grabbed Kim’s hand and pulled her closer.

“Who wants to be her friend anyway? That was a huge mistake.” Nicholas shot me a glare. Then he turned to Kim with softened gaze. “Kim, from now on, you’re the only one I care about.”

Zach shot me a long, meaningful look, seemingly searching for some sign of discomfort on my face. But he was disappointed. I didn’t even flinch; in fact, I almost wanted to applaud them.

Nicholas’s expression darkened further and he turned to Dad.

“Mr. Ford, sir, I would like your blessing to marry Kim.”