chapter 1

Trapped in the pitch-black coffin, I clawed at the walls in despair. The triumphant laughter of my so-called "family" for the past decade echoed in my ears.

My adoptive mother, Evelyn Wrenley, sneered, "Sevyn, you're such a cost-effective kid."

Her husband, Michael Wrenley, chimed in, "Sevyn, don't blame us. Blame your lousy luck."

Their daughter, Rebecca Wrenley, haughtily declared, "Sevyn, our family has fed you well and dressed you nicely for all these years. We've done more than enough. Just rest in peace and remember to bless our family in the afterlife."

As my breath grew faint in the deep soil, my consciousness started to fade away.

Then, I was reborn. It was the day when the wealthy Wrenley family came to the orphanage to adopt a child.

*****

Just like last time, this adoption wasn't a mutual choice. I was simply informed that Evelyn and Michael had chosen me as their adopted child. From then on, I'd take the Wrenley surname and be called Sevyn Wrenley.

The name Sevyn was a play on words. I was the seventeenth child adopted by the orphanage that year.

Maybe it was a bad omen, as I also died at seventeen.

When the butler, Samuel Butt, came to pick me up, all the paperwork was already done. All I had to do was hop in the Wrenley family's car, and I'd meet my new "mom and dad" before nightfall.

Amid the envious looks of my fellow orphans, Samuel led me out of the orphanage.

In my last moments of the previous life, I gasped for the thinning air in the endless darkness, painfully awaiting death.

In the limousine, I looked at my small hands. Other than the chilblains, there were no wounds. No sign of the blood-soaked, scratched fingers from the coffin in my memory.

Before I left, my friends and teachers said the same things as last time.

"Sevyn, I'm so jealous. You're gonna be adopted by the Wrenley family. No more going hungry or cold."

"Sevyn, I heard from the director that the Wrenley family is the richest in the city. They've got more money than they can spend in a lifetime. Come back and visit us when you're settled."

"Sevyn, your parents from the Wrenley family picked you just from your file. You're so lucky! They even donated a ton of money and supplies to the orphanage because of you. Be a good girl and don't upset them."

Last time, I listened to the teachers and tiptoed around in the Wrenley family, afraid of causing any trouble.

When Rebecca abused me, I kept quiet, fearing it would hurt Michael and Evelyn.

But they knew about my bruises all along and just turned a blind eye.

The limousine pulled up to the Wrenley Villa.

Looking at the garden, already in full bloom despite the recent winter, I didn't show the excitement I had last time.

After ten years there in my previous life, I was used to the extravagance.

And this was where I was buried last time.

Expressionless, I let Samuel lead me through the garden and into the villa.

"Mr. Wrenley, Mrs. Wrenley, I've brought Miss Sevyn Wrenley back," Samuel announced.

Looking at the well-dressed, good-looking middle-aged couple, I didn't show the affection and flattery I did last time.

After all, they buried me alive.

"Sevyn, I'm your new mom. From now on, you're our second daughter. Let me introduce you to your sister," Evelyn said, her hopeful eyes fixed on me.

After a moment, she gently took my hand from Samuel.

In Rebecca's bedroom, the nine-year-old Rebecca was lying weakly on the soft and spacious bed, looking as if she had been ill for a long time.

"Rebecca, this is your new sister, Sevyn. She just came from the orphanage today. With her by your side from now on, you'll get better soon," Evelyn said.

Her voice was full of emotion, and her eyes were red. She gently stroked Rebecca's thin cheeks, treating her like a precious treasure on the verge of breaking.

In my previous life, after I arrived at the Wrenley family, at Evelyn's request, I stayed by Rebecca's side day and night. I even slept on a small bed added in her room, though there were plenty of empty rooms in the villa.

Just as Evelyn had said, Rebecca's health gradually improved. She fully recovered within half a year.

After she got better, she found me annoying and kicked me out of her room.

"Sevyn, would you like to stay in your sister's room and accompany her from now on?" Evelyn asked, just like in the previous life.

In my past life, I never had my own opinions and always followed their arrangements without question.

But in this life, I had to change for the hope of survival.

"No!" I said loudly, afraid that my young voice might be too soft for her to hear clearly.

Evelyn was taken aback by my refusal and immediately frowned.

"Sevyn, isn't your sister's room nice? You'd never get to live in such a nice room in the orphanage," she said.

"I want my own room. Otherwise, send me back to the orphanage," I replied firmly.

I knew the Wrenley family wouldn't send me back.

Sure enough, Evelyn was stunned for a moment and then tried to persuade me again.

But no matter what she said, whether threatening or coaxing, I refused to stay in Rebecca's room.

Finally, Evelyn gave in and let me stay in the room next to Rebecca's.

After dinner, I headed back to my room for a rest. Just then, the nanny who'd fixed up my room brushed past me. I caught her mumbling, "What an ungrateful brat. Getting adopted by the Wrenley family? That's like hitting the jackpot, and she's still being fussy."