In my previous life, I was deceived by my sister Nora Rowe and forced into the bed of her husband, Diego Scott, where I was subjected to daily humiliation.

Even the children I bore were claimed by Nora, and I ultimately met a tragic end, consumed by melancholy and sorrow.

Now, reborn, I vowed I would not suffer the same fate.

——

My body felt as though it were being torn asunder, and with great effort, I opened my eyes to gaze upon the man above me.

It was Diego Scott.

Finally, Diego rose, and in my hazy state, I pieced together the situation.

I had been reborn, back to the night Nora had orchestrated to send me to Diego's bed.

Nora was once the most beautiful woman in Kinston.

But as I grew older, my own beauty had begun to overshadow hers, making life at home increasingly difficult for me and my mother.

After Nora married, she had yet to conceive after two years, and her mother-in-law, Amanda Scott, who had always disapproved of the marriage, now held even less regard for Nora.

Thus, she forced me into Diego's bed, hoping I would bear a child to secure her position.

A year later, after I had given birth to a pair of twins, Nora took them by deceit. I had hoped she would spare me and my mother, but she secretly poisoned me instead.

As my health deteriorated, my mother was framed and died, leaving me to weep every day until I perished in despair...

"You're just a child; how dare you be so shameless!" Diego's voice snapped me back to reality.

Tears streamed uncontrollably down my face.

In my former life, I had endured his abuse daily, fearing to utter a word lest I provoke him further.

"Diego, it's all my fault; please don't blame Nora," I whispered, wincing as the movement pulled at my wounds, my mind secretly cursing Diego.

Seeing my pain, Diego said no more and simply dressed before storming out.

After he left, Nora's wet nurse, Miranda Moore, hurried in.

With her usual spiteful expression, she stopped short when she saw my bruised body.

"Ms. Rowe, you should refrain from bathing tonight. Tomorrow morning, when you go to pay respects to Mrs. Nora Scott, she will certainly treat you well."

The next day, Nora, as in my previous life, comforted me as if nothing had happened, conferred upon me the title of concubine, and urged me to bear a child as soon as possible.

I pretended to be pitiful, and Nora, seeing my demeanor, said nothing more and allowed me to return to my room to rest.

The jewelry and money bestowed upon me were handed over to my maid, Amy Lane, for safekeeping.

Amy had been by my side throughout my previous life, and I wondered what her fate might have been after my death.

I assumed she was either sold off by Nora or met the same end as me.

Recalling this, I felt my eyes well up once more.

Nora's past transgressions against me—I vowed to return every single one.

After dinner, Diego came to my room.

Unlike his usual gentle and refined demeanor, he always wore a cold expression when he saw me, radiating an aura of severity.

In my previous life, each time I encountered his coldness, my heart would race in fear.

Worried I might fail Nora's mandate and not conceive, I would muster my courage and approach him.

He never showed me any mercy, leaving me in tears after every sex.

Through our time together, I had come to understand his temperament; Diego detested cunning women, a trait I foolishly embodied in my former life.

I stood and bowed to him. "Brother-in-law."

His lips curled into a sneer at my address, his disdain palpable. "I wonder how Mr. Rowe could have sired a daughter like you. Now that you've fulfilled your wish by entering the Scott household, I advise you to abandon your petty schemes. I won't be lenient with you."

"I have never harbored any malicious intentions. That night, I don't know how I ended up... with you." As I spoke, I covered my face, tears streaming down.

Diego looked at me coldly. After a long while, seeming unable to bear my tears, he helped me up. "It's late. Stop crying. Let's sleep."

Diego's gaze was deep and inscrutable.

I said nothing more and followed him to the bed.

My immediate priority was to convince Diego of my victim status and frame everything as Nora's manipulation.

His strong hands gripped my waist tightly, rendering me immobile as I was forced to endure his passion.

The next morning, I rose early to pay my respects to Nora.

While Diego hadn't yet fully trusted me, I had to pretend to obey Nora.

Today, Nora greeted me with a cold face.

"You really take after your mother—both of you seductresses."

She hurled a cup at me, which I didn't dodge, hitting my shoulder squarely.

To everyone's surprise, Diego happened to walk in right then.

"What is going on here?" he demanded, causing everyone to hastily bow.

"Mr. Scott, it's my sister being willful. She started an argument with me this morning, so I was just giving her a small punishment."

I looked at Diego with tears in my eyes, conveying my innocence. "Mr. Scott, it's not Nora's fault. It's my mistake. Please don't blame Nora..."

"I've seen right and wrong with my own eyes; there's no need for Mrs. Scott to judge." Diego was defending me, proving that playing the pitiful card worked for his machismo.

However, I was still under Nora's control and couldn't afford to offend her. I clutched Diego's hem tightly, shaking my head, imploring him to say no more.

Diego, however, swept me up into his arms and carried me away.

"Mr. Scott, I..."

"Shut up."

Back in my room, Diego handed Amy a high-quality ointment to apply to my injuries.

The bruises from the past two days and the fresh wounds from today left little of my body unmarked.

Diego glanced at the injuries and then quickly left.

Nora had been grounded by Diego for three days. Though she faced punishment, I knew my mother, Fiona Rowe, must be having an even harder time at home.

I needed to devise a plan to get Fiona out of that place.

For several days, Diego had been absent from the estate, and Amy reported back that he had been dispatched by the king on a routine inspection.

Once Nora's grounding was lifted, she wasted no time in summoning me to her quarters again.

"Kneel!" she ordered, her voice sharp as a whip.

"Nora…" I began, trying to reason with her.

"Shut it, you little brat! What did you say to Mr. Scott that made him side with you so much? I'll say this once more: you're just a little bastard born from a singer. Don't even think about taking my place. If you happen to have a son one day, maybe I'll let you off the hook. Otherwise, you know the consequences!"

"Nora, I haven't said a word! I promise I'll bear a child and leave the residence as soon as possible," I pleaded, desperate to appease her.

Nora had been spoiled by her mother, Diana Rowe, growing up. Though she was arrogant and domineering, she lacked the cunning to navigate her position without seeking Diana's advice.

Hearing my words, she likely figured I wouldn't dare act out, especially since Fiona was still in her grasp.

A little intimidation would suffice to send me away.

Another month passed, and Diego finally returned home.

Amanda and Nora had been waiting eagerly in the main hall, ready to welcome him back with open arms.

I found their company unbearable and quietly retreated to my own courtyard, knowing no one would miss me.

On such a day, Diego was expected to stay in the main house to sleep.

I assumed he wouldn't come tonight, so after dinner, I had Amy help me bathe and prepare for bed.

Just as I was drifting off, a sudden gust of cold wind jolted me awake.

"Amy, the door's open. Can you close it for me?"

The door clicked shut, and I caught a familiar scent of sandalwood wafting through the air. It can't be Diego; I must have been mistaken.

"Sleeping so early? Don't you want to see me?"

The sound of Diego's voice sent my heart racing. I quickly threw off the covers and got out of bed to greet him properly.

"Mr. Scott, shouldn't you be in Nora's room tonight?"

"Do you not want me here?"

"I wouldn't dare."

Diego had returned from his trip, and there was a noticeable softness to him that hadn't been there before.

He kicked off his shoes, changed into his nightclothes, and pulled me close as he lay back down beside me.

I was too startled by his sudden presence to feel sleepy anymore, and I stiffened in his embrace. He didn't do anything but hold me tightly.

"Do you know who Lucy is?" he asked suddenly.

A chill ran down my spine. Lucy was my daughter from my past life.

"I don't know," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

My fingers were clenched so tightly that they turned white.

A wave of sorrow washed over me, but I couldn't let it show. I had no idea how Nora would treat my children after I was gone.

Barry, being a boy, would likely be taken care of by her and groomed to become the next Mr. Scott.

But Lucy, my sweet daughter—what would become of her? Would she suffer at Nora's hands?

I didn't want to dwell on it; all I felt was resentment toward my past self for being so weak, for not standing up for my children and Fiona, and for not using Diego's power to protect them.

I wondered how Diego knew about Lucy.

Could he also be a reincarnation? But that doesn't seem right. If he had been reborn, he wouldn't treat me this way; in his eyes, I am just a frivolous woman with ulterior motives in my past life.

As fatigue washed over me, I slowly closed my eyes.

When I awoke again, Diego had already left.

After freshening up, I headed to Nora's courtyard.

Since Diego had spent the night in my quarters, I knew Nora would be furious.

As I approached, I heard the unmistakable sound of glass shattering.

"The little vixen, always trying to charm Mr. Scott, I wonder what my mother was thinking when she decided to let her bear a child for me," Nora's voice seethed from within the room, causing me to furrow my brows.

"Do calm down, my lady, lest you harm yourself with this anger..." the servant's soothing words were barely heard over Nora's indignation.

Nora's impatience was evident; she couldn't even wait for me to take action.

"Nora, I come to apologize," I sobbed, my tears and mucus coating my face as I weakly knelt before her, playing the part of a pitiful weakling easily manipulated.

"Diego must be desperate for an heir, which is why he came to my quarters. I will fulfill your wishes, bearing a child swiftly and departing from this manor."

Nora had already resumed her superior stance, looking down on me as if I were nothing more than an insignificant insect.

"Enough, Amy, help her up," she commanded, her eyes filled with disdain.

She said, "Put away your petty tricks. Don't think you can use those seductive ways of Fiona's to charm Mr. Scott. Once the child is born, Mr. Scott will still recognize it as mine."

Finally free from Nora's quarters, I had to once again deal with Diego.

Since his return, Diego had undergone a peculiar transformation, his behavior increasingly odd.

Today, he sent a servant to inform me that I was to attend to him in his study, assisting with his official duties.

Carrying a basket of sweets prepared by the kitchen, I made my way to the study.

As I gazed at Diego diligently working, it was undeniable that he possessed an attractive exterior. I had been tempted but dared not act upon it.

"Come here," Diego ordered upon noticing my hesitant presence.

"Yes," I responded, moving swiftly to his side.

In my youth, my father, Vincent Rowe, had once doted on Fiona. I had stood by Vincent's side, learning calligraphy and painting. However, as Fiona's relationship with Vincent soured and her beauty faded, Diana's animosity towards her grew, and Vincent no longer cared for or cherished me; everything had changed.

"Thinking of something?"

"Yes, Mr. Scott, I was reminiscing about my mother. It's been a long time since I've seen her. I wonder how she fares now."

"Marrying into this manor doesn't mean you can't visit your family. If homesick, you are free to return at any time. Should you bear me an heir, your mother can join you here, by your side."

Looking up at him, I pondered his words.

Though Diego was our family's son-in-law, meddling in our domestic affairs was inappropriate. If I bore him a child, Fiona could use caring for her daughter as an excuse to leave the home, which brought her sorrow.

"Thank you, Mr. Scott."

"Is that all the gratitude you have for me?" Diego's smirk grew more pronounced, his gaze flirtatious.

"The kitchen just made some sweet treats. They are quite delectable and may lose their warmth soon if not eaten."

Diego took the sweets from my hands, scooping a spoonful to feed me before pulling me into his embrace and kissing me deeply.

"Quite sweet," he murmured against my lips.

We made love until dusk, and just when I thought I couldn't take any more, Diego finally let me go.

I guessed that whatever had transpired in the study was already common gossip in Nora's ears. But I didn't mind; the more anxious she was, the more likely she would slip up and create chaos.

With Diego back at the manor, Nora didn't dare confront me directly.

My days passed in a leisurely manner, just how I liked it.

Many things unfolded similarly to my past life, but now that I knew the ending, I could steer clear of pitfalls along the way.

As December rolled around, a constant fatigue settled over me, and I found myself unusually sleepy.

That was when it hit me—I might be pregnant again. The look on Diego's face when I told him was priceless; he was over the moon, immediately sending for a physician from the palace to confirm.

As I expected, the doctor confirmed I was indeed two months along.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the estate. It wasn't long before Nora hurried to my side.

"Well, look at you! So quick to get pregnant," she remarked, her hand hovering over my belly.

A wave of anxiety coursed through me, reminiscent of the last time when Barry and Lucy were whisked away by her men just days after their birth.

I instinctively pulled away from her touch.

"Just focus on resting. When the baby arrives, I promise you won't lack for anything," she said.

"Thank you, Nora," I replied cautiously.

"Amy, get your belongings together. You'll be moving into my quarters shortly.

"Abigail, I've prepared a side room for you. Now that you're expecting, it's only logical for us to be close. I can take care of you," she added, her tone pressing as I struggled to figure out how to decline.

Just then, Diego walked in.

"We won't be doing that," he interjected firmly.

"But Mr. Scott, Abigail's current quarters are rather humble…" Nora's attempt to reason was cut short.

"She's staying with me," he stated matter-of-factly as if the decision were final.

Both Nora and I stared at him in shock.

Her expression darkened, the forced smile on her face barely concealing her irritation.

"Mr. Scott, with Abigail in her condition, she might disrupt your work," Nora pressed, her voice dripping with feigned concern.

"Not a problem." Diego shot her down without a second thought.

Nora shot a venomous glare my way, her frustration palpable.

With her pride wounded, she made a hasty retreat.