"I'll leave the decision-making to our children. Girls, do you want 100 million dollars, or your mother?"

On the day our parents get divorced, Mom looks at us with tears in her eyes.

My older sister, Camila Walker, kneels before Mom while looking very emotional.

"I want to stick with you, Mom! I don't want money—I just want you!"

As she looks at me, she smiles confidently, as though she's won something. That's when I realize that she has gotten reborn as well.

In my previous life, Camila didn't hesitate to choose Dad, who had inherited 100 million dollars. But he lost all of his fortune to gambling to the point that he had to sell Camila just to pay off his debts. Left without a choice, she was forced to take her own life.

As for me, I chose to be with Mom, only to find out that the "poor security guard" she had married turned out to be the richest CEO in the city. Thanks to the marriage, I became the spoiled and pampered heiress whom the entire city envied.

Camila thinks she's stolen my good luck. Little does she know that I died in my previous life as well. In fact, I had died in the hands of the same CEO stepfather, whom she was jealous of me for having.

I picked up my suitcase and quietly walked to stand behind Dad.

My sister, Camila Walker, clung to Mom even tighter and turned on the charm, saying, "Mom, you always say Selena's the considerate one. Now, you see who really loves you, right? She went straight to Dad without even looking at you."

Mom looked at me in disappointment. "Selena…"

I looked away indifferently. I'd hardly ever been close to Dad before this day, but I now slipped my hand into his and held it tight.

Mom grew angry when she saw that I wouldn't even look at her. "Are you really that shallow and materialistic? Fine, then. I wasted years raising you for nothing!"

She tugged Camila toward the door. As they passed me, Camila mouthed to me, "You're such a good girl. I'll toss you a piece of bread when you're so poor you're forced to eat trash."

I laughed to myself. Oh, Camila. Even after getting another chance at life, she was still so dumb.

In our last life, we must have died on the same day to have come back together like this. She'd been chased down by loan sharks and had killed herself in despair. Meanwhile, I had been killed by Mom's betrayal.

Before marriage, Mom had already sensed something off about my stepfather, James Grimm. However, she'd lied to herself and everyone else, saying that he just got a little kinky in bed.

But after they'd gotten married, James had thoroughly torn off his mask. In public, Mom had been the picture of a happy wife, and I had been a lucky little heiress.

Behind closed doors, we had both been his playthings.

I'd tried to escape seven times. Each time, we were caught before getting far because I'd brought Mom with me. The last time, I'd finally gotten out of the estate on my own. But that was also the time that had led to my death.

Mom had been seated in the passenger seat beside James, still keeping the delicate, timid act going as she'd pointed in the direction I'd fled.

I'd been hit and killed right in front of Daniel Quigley, a friend of Dad's who'd come to pick me up.

Thinking of it now, I bit down hard to keep the hatred from showing.

This life was just beginning, and Dad had just gotten his inheritance. I had to stop him from gambling before he burned through everything again. Last time, he'd even lost the money set aside for taxes.

I was working through a plan so intensely that I didn't answer when Dad called my name. At my silence, he snapped irritably, "Your mother hasn't gone far. If you regret this, I'll call a car right now and send you to her!"

I jolted out of my thoughts and quickly shook my head. "I don't regret it, Dad. I'm staying because I truly want to."

He still didn't believe me. "Would you still stay if I hadn't inherited a hundred million dollars?"

I met his eyes calmly. "Dad, I'd still choose you, even if you had nothing."

He exhaled, moved despite himself. He pulled me into a hug. "You're a good kid…"

"But first…" I tilted my chin up. I wasn't going to dance around this. "Have you started gambling, Dad? Be honest with me."

Whatever softness had touched Dad's face froze and turned into impatience. "Gambling? Don't make it sound so horrible! It's called investing. Everybody does it!"

My heart sank. I took a deep breath and tried to reason with him first. "Listen to me, Dad. A hundred million dollars sounds like a lot, but it's nowhere near enough to splurge for a lifetime. We need to start managing the money now."

He waved me off like it was nothing. "I only spend small amounts, and you don't even know how much a hundred million is! I went to the bank the other day—it filled an entire vault!

"Look, stop being such a downer. I'll take you on a trip in a couple of days. How about we go skiing? Or do you want a beach trip?" He gestured excitedly, like a child.

I felt dizzy with anger. Now, I understood why he had burned through the money so quickly in our last life. He and Camila both loved the high life, but neither of them knew how to earn it.

By the time they realized their mistakes, it was already too late.

I shouted at him, "If you can't control yourself, give me the money! I'll handle it!"

Dad didn't like having his parade rained on. He slowly lowered his arms and gave me a long, measuring look. "I knew it, Selena. You only stayed for the money."

He tossed my suitcase at me and strode ahead. "You don't have the right to boss me around; mind your own business. And don't embarrass me when we get to Cloudside Villa."

I dragged my suitcase and hurried after him. "Cloudside Villa? What's that?"

He talked as he walked. "Besides cash, the inheritance included a few properties. I've listed all but Cloudside Villa for sale, including this one. I'm putting together 50 million dollars for one big all-in. This time, I'll hit the jackpot!"

"50 million dollars?" I stared at him, shocked. "Dad, that's insane. You cannot invest that!"

"Shut up! My instincts are the best. Who are you to call me insane?" He whipped around and roared at me. "When we get to Cloudside Villa, try to act like you've got some sense. My friend, Daniel Quigley, will be there. He's not nearly as easygoing as I am. If you're rude and embarrass me, I won't let it slide."

I was so angry I started crying; I wiped my eyes with my sleeve as I walked. In the garage, I flung my suitcase into the backseat of an idling car.

Dad glared at me and was about to chew me out again when the passenger door opened. A man in a black trench coat stepped out. He was tall and stood with his back straight. His presence was commanding.

"Easy there, Selena," he said.

I looked up at his aristocratic face, taking in his features. My eyes widened slightly, and they stung a little. So, this was what Daniel looked like before we'd dragged him down.

Dad gave me a little shove. "Selena, this is Daniel. Greet him properly."

I stepped forward and sincerely reached for his hand to shake it, even giving him a little bow. In my last life, he was the only one who was willing to help me. "Hi, Mr. Quigley."

He looked surprised and helped me up. "Hey, no need to be so formal."

I straightened and met his deep, gentle eyes, smiling at him before getting into the car. Seeing Daniel settled the restlessness in my heart. He was loyal and unbelievably capable. He'd helped Dad with the inheritance and could've taken a portion for himself in return, but he'd given Dad everything.

In my past life, he'd tried hard to stop Dad from burning through the money. Dad had taken it as Daniel trying to boss him around because he'd seen more of the world. Camila didn't like him either and kept fanning the flames.

But when Dad's finances started collapsing, it was Daniel who had stepped in and helped, keeping Dad going for a while longer.

During the drive, Dad wouldn't shut up. "Daniel, come invest with me. The more we put in, the more we make. I'm telling you, I'm gonna turn this around!"

Daniel handed him deftly. He didn't agree, but he also didn't outright refuse and set Dad off.

We pulled up to Cloudside Villa, which was halfway up a hill. It looked grand from the outside, but the garden and hot spring were in shambles from neglect.

"Where are the household staff?" I asked.

Dad's gaze turned shifty. Daniel answered for him. "Your dad said it's not necessary to have that many staff, so he let them all go."

I fell silent.

Dad bristled. "It's just temporary. Once I make the money back, I'll hire better ones! What's that look supposed to mean?"

"Blake, Selena's just concerned." Daniel smoothed things over and took us to pick out our rooms.

He arranged one for me that faced south and looked out on the garden. Dad was pleased, but I stopped them. "Mr. Quigley, I'd like a different room."

Dad was already wound up and exploded. "How dare you be so picky? What's wrong with this room? Go stay with your mother if you don't like it! You think you're suffering after choosing me, don't you?"

He yelled at the top of his lungs. It wasn't really about scolding me—he was just venting his own unease.

I waited for him to finish, then explained calmly, "This room is too big. I'm… afraid of the cold."

He looked even more confused. "Cold? It's facing south, and it overlooks the garden. I swear you just don't know how to enjoy the good things in life!"

I looked at him, feeling my throat constrict. I couldn't say the real reason.

In my past life, my room at James' villa also faced the garden. He'd often used rose stems to whip me. Even now, the sight of flowers made me nauseous.

"Any room is fine. Even a staff room," I said.

Dad's face turned blotchy with rage. "A staff room? What are you playing at? Are you trying to make Daniel think I'm abusing you?"

I sighed. "Then what do you want?"

"What do I want?" He got angrier and yanked me downstairs. "I want you to stop looking at me like I'm a fool! Like you've got all the answers!"

"I don't! Wait!" He threw me into the fountain. The filthy water flooded my mouth and nose; I hacked and gasped.

He stared down at me coldly. "Are you lucid now?"

"Blake!" Daniel rushed over.

Dad shot him a vicious glare. "I'm disciplining my own daughter, so stay out of this! She's going to learn some manners today!"

Daniel ignored him. He hauled me out and wrapped me in his trench coat while I shook uncontrollably. He said firmly, "Selena can have my room. I'm hardly ever here, anyway. As for that south-facing room, you can take it since you like the garden so much, Blake."

Dad started to protest, but Daniel gave him a cool, leveling look and carried me off. His room was dry and warm, with a view of a distant church.

Before he left, he rubbed my head. "Take a hot shower and rest. I promise no one will disturb you tonight."

That night, there were no icy laughs or the rotten scent of roses. I finally slept well.

…

When I woke up the next day, I made a plan to find work. I headed out for interviews.

Dad was still asleep, but Daniel had gotten up even earlier than I had. He was in the garden, pulling out the rose bushes.

"Mr. Quigley?" I was surprised. "You don't like roses, either?"

"They're fine, but you don't seem to like them. There's no reason to keep them," he said evenly.

I hadn't mentioned the roses last night. Could it be that he'd been reborn, too?

But he didn't act like he knew me when seeing me this time. Maybe I was overthinking it.

I pushed down the suspicion and hurried out. Dad was already neck-deep in gambling. I had to earn money—we couldn't live off the dwindling leftovers.

I passed the interview at the burger joint and was bussing trays when I heard a familiar voice. "Well, well. If it isn't my dear little sister."

Camila stood there in a designer dress, her hand covering her mouth in mock shock. "Oh, my God. Didn't you inherit a hundred million dollars? How did you end up working in a place like this?"

Everyone in the restaurant turned to stare.

I calmly wiped a tray. "Are you ordering? If you're not, stop keeping me from my work."

Camila glanced at the menu with disgust. "I'm not eating this junk food."

She thrust out her wrist to show off a diamond bracelet. "See the life I live now? I'm like a bona fide princess, unlike you. You chose a useless dad who couldn't even hold on to a hundred million dollars."

She kept bragging, but I noticed the bruises on her wrist—they were clearly from shackles.

How pathetic. She'd hunted me down just to preen in front of me, hoping to squeeze a little superiority out of me like it was her painkiller.

"Are you done? If you are, please move." I couldn't be bothered to watch her performance.

Camila's expression darkened. "What's with that attitude? I'll file a complaint and have you fired right now!"

"Dear miss, I'm terribly sorry!" The manager rushed over, shooting me a hard glare. "She's new and doesn't know any better. Allow me to apologize on her behalf. Please don't be upset!"

He shoved me. "Why are you standing there? Apologize!"

I tightened my grip on the cloth. "…I'm sorry."

Only then did Camila let out a satisfied huff and strut off.

The manager snarled, "If you talk back to customers like that again, you're out of here!"

After my shift at the burger joint, I headed to a 24-hour convenience store. I hadn't eaten all day; my stomach ached with hunger. To earn a little more, I joined the unloading crew. The boxes made my arms tremble.

It was past midnight when I finally went home with a crumpled hundred dollars in my fist.

Daniel had already left. He didn't usually live here. I could only rely on myself.

Dad's room light was still on. I heard him anxiously shout, "The money's gone? Didn't you say this would definitely make money? How will I pay for my daughter's tuition if I can't get the money back? A gamble? W-What do I have left to gamble? This rundown old villa is all there is!"

My heart sank. We were done for. Dad must've blown the rest of the money and was now eyeing Cloudside Villa.

He heard my footsteps and yanked the door open to glare at me, reeking of alcohol. "Where the hell were you? Why are you back so late?"

I had no strength to talk. I just wanted to sleep.

Dad noticed the cash in my hand. His eyes lit up, and he lunged for it. "Where'd you get that? Give it to me!"

"No! It's mine!"

"You're my daughter—what's yours is mine!" He snatched the money and shoved me hard.

I slammed into the wall. Pain shot through me, making my vision go black.

"Selena?" Seeing me go pale sobered him a little. He stammered, "Are you… Are you okay?"

I took the opportunity to grab the cash, but he reflexively shielded it. "Consider it a loan to me, alright? Just this once! I can win it back, I swear! Do you have any more? The booze is gone… I want to stock up."

My head spun, and my stomach twisted. "No, I don't!"

He saw the state I was in and waved irritably. "Forget it. Go to bed."

I headed to my room and collapsed into sleep.

…

The next morning, before work, I rushed to open a bank account. My wages were our last fallback. I couldn't let Dad gamble them away.

But things were worse than I thought.

Just a week later, I dragged myself home after a long day to find an eviction notice taped to the door. Dad stood there dazedly with empty beer bottles scattered at his feet.

He saw me and pulled a grin uglier than a cry. "I'm sorry. I couldn't turn it around… I'm useless…"

My stomach and head hurt too much to curse him. I just felt exhausted. I turned to walk away.

"Selena, where are you going?" Dad staggered after me. "To find Daniel?"

I asked in return, "How much do you owe? Tell me the truth."

He mumbled, "A million…"

"The truth!"

"…Three million."

"Three million dollars." My throat was dry. "The debt collectors will tear us apart. And you want to go to Mr. Quigley? Do you want him to help you pay everything off, or do you want to get him beaten to death by the thugs?"

Dad fell silent and trailed me like a scolded child.

I led him into the subway station.

He pinched his nose in disgust. "Selena, why are we here?"

"To sleep." I sighed. "Look around. If we're lucky, we'll find an empty restroom stall."

He stared at me in disbelief. "We're… just gonna sleep here?"

I ignored him and slipped into a stall that was just clean enough. I sat against the wall, careful not to dirty my clothes. I would lose my part-time job if I looked too shabby tomorrow.

Halfway through the night, Dad couldn't stand the cold and shivered as he moved into the stall next to mine.

Later, someone pounded on the doors, shouting for us to get out. In my haze, I heard Dad's stifled sobs from the next stall.

I had no strength to comfort him. My stomach burned; my throat itched. I coughed up blood-tinged spit and forced it down again.

Amid the pain, I fell asleep again.

By morning, my whole body felt broken. I braced against the wall, forced myself up, and fussed with my wrinkled clothes.

My phone buzzed with a message from Camila. "I heard you two got evicted for debt. Poor things. Want me to help?"