My fiancé and my own brother hated me for a decade. They were utterly convinced I'd bullied the sweet, fragile girl they both adored. And at my engagement party, they exposed my so-called "crimes" for the world to see. "She's nothing but a bully and a disgrace to the school!" The video streamed live across the internet, where the so-called innocent girl—Julie—stood with tears shimmering in her eyes and a gentle smile on her face. "I don't blame her anymore," she said softly. "Looking back, time washes all wounds away." Overnight, Julie became an internet sensation. I, on the other hand, was condemned by everyone. Rabid fans tracked me down, and one even threw acid at me. In utter despair, I dragged her down with me—we died together. When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my senior year of high school. Julie was standing right in front of me, pouring water over her own head, grinning as she asked, "So, have you figured out how you're going to apologize yet?" I snapped. I grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the bathroom, and shoved her face into the toilet. "This is what real bullying looks like. You want to accuse me? Wash your filthy mouth before you go crying for help." The last thing I remembered from my previous life was the searing pain as acid splashed into my eyes. Through the agony and blurred vision, I saw Julie cowering behind my brother as he shielded her. Then I snatched up a cake knife, lunged at her, and drove it straight into her chest. "If I'm going to hell, you're coming with me!"

Chapter 1My fiancé and my own brother hated me for a decade.They were utterly convinced I'd bullied the sweet, fragile girl they both adored.And at my engagement party, they exposed my so-called "crimes" for the world to see."She's nothing but a bully and a disgrace to the school!"The video streamed live across the internet, where the so-called innocent girl—Julie—stood with tears shimmering in her eyes and a gentle smile on her face."I don't blame her anymore," she said softly."Looking back, time washes all wounds away."Overnight, Julie became an internet sensation.I, on the other hand, was condemned by everyone. Rabid fans tracked me down, and one even threw acid at me. In utter despair, I dragged her down with me—we died together.When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my senior year of high school.Julie was standing right in front of me, pouring water over her own head, grinning as she asked,"So, have you figured out how you're going to apologize yet?"I snapped.I grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the bathroom, and shoved her face into the toilet."This is what real bullying looks like. You want to accuse me? Wash your filthy mouth before you go crying for help."The last thing I remembered from my previous life was the searing pain as acid splashed into my eyes.Through the agony and blurred vision, I saw Julie cowering behind my brother as he shielded her.Then I snatched up a cake knife, lunged at her, and drove it straight into her chest."If I'm going to hell, you're coming with me!"…When I opened my eyes again, everything was startlingly clear, so vivid it knocked the breath from my chest.And there, not far away, was Julie—much younger, dressed in a faded school uniform, twisting the tap and drenching herself with water.She glanced at me, smiling slyly. "Who do you think they'll believe? Me, or you?"It hit me at once.This was the day it all started—the day I was branded her tormentor.Julie watched me stand there in shock, her smile widening."Have you decided how to apologize yet, princess?—Aah!"Old hatred and new rage surged up inside me.I lunged, seized her by the hair, and dragged her into the bathroom.Her screams echoed off the tiles as I forced her face into the dirty water."You think a little cold water and crocodile tears are enough to frame me? Let me show you what real bullying means."Julie thrashed wildly, arms flailing like she'd been wired to an engine, but she couldn't break free.All she could do was press her face into the filthy water and sputter,"Corinna Gardner, let me go—gurgle—ugh—!"I threw my head back and laughed."With a mouth that filthy, maybe you should wash up before you run off to play the victim."Maybe this was a second chance. Maybe it was just a dying dream.Either way, I didn't care.This time, I was done playing nice.In my previous life, I died on the brightest day of my existence.That day, I took home my third Best Actress award. Draped in a custom-made gown, I stood beside my childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Trevor Everett, at our lavishly broadcast engagement party.Then, before the entire world, he announced, "I could never marry someone who bullied her classmates all through high school."I stared at him, stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing.That's when Julie stepped up from the audience.With tears shimmering in her eyes, she managed a small, trembling smile."Corinna, do you remember me? I'm Julie—the girl you bullied for ten years.""You probably never imagined we'd ever stand as equals like this.""But it's okay. I don't blame you anymore."She gazed up at the glittering lights, her voice breaking as she finished, "Looking back now, it feels like I've crossed a thousand mountains just to get here."The livestream caught every second. Julie became an overnight sensation.Before I could even gather my thoughts, a swarm of reporters—arranged by my own brother and Trevor—rushed in and surrounded me."Ms. Gardner, is it true you've kept up your bullying habits on set, picking on newcomers?""Sources say you were recently spotted at the hospital's women's clinic. Is it because your reckless lifestyle caught up with you?"Suddenly, a deranged fan broke through the crowd and hurled a bottle of acid at my face. "Die, you bitch!"The liquid scorched my skin, searing agony blooming across my face.My vision never cleared again after that.Heaven to hell, all in a blink.But now, in this new life, my fingers relaxed.I looked down at Julie sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath.That sweet, innocent face was smeared with dirt and tears.I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing."Go on, cry your heart out! Show the world this face of yours and tell everyone I bullied you. Do it—let's see what happens!"My voice rose, slicing through the thick silence.As I remembered the pain of acid melting my features in my past life, I ground my heel into her face twice more before turning to leave.Outside the school building, my desk mate Lynda was waiting for me."Gym class started ages ago. Where've you been?"I shrugged. "Just teaching the new girl a lesson."She spun around, wide-eyed. "What?!"I smirked. "As the saying goes, when the whole world thinks you're a villain, you might as well play the part.""Who even said that?""Doesn't matter."We strolled toward the edge of the field, only to practically run into Trevor.We weren't even in the same class, but everyone knew he was my boyfriend—the boy next door, my childhood friend.Trevor's gaze flickered over my face, then subtly shifted to the girl behind me."Corinna, why are you so late? Oh, by the way, I heard your class got a transfer student?"In my previous life, every time Julie slandered me, Trevor would always urge me to apologize and let things go. It seemed like he was on my side, but in reality, he always found a way to make my guilt stick.Remembering this, I slapped him across the face without warning.Lynda gasped in shock.Trevor, though, barely reacted—his eyes flashed cold for a split second, but then he simply leaned in, feigning affection, and brushed my cheek with his own."What's wrong, Corinna? Are you in a bad mood?"It was only much later in my last life that I learned the truth.When Trevor was little, his mother abandoned him at a theme park, and he spent some time in foster care. That's where he met a cheerful little girl who shared her bed and slipped him a piece of candy—his only light in a bleak childhood.That girl was Julie.And on Julie's very first day at our school, Trevor recognized her instantly.He believed every word Julie said about me, hated me to his core, but because of his illegitimate status, he had no choice but to endure me, to curry favor for the sake of securing his place in the family.Now, remembering this, I looked him dead in the eye. "Let's break up."Trevor's eyes widened, his pupils shrinking. "…Why? Give me a reason, Corinna."I pulled out a tissue and calmly wiped the spot on my cheek where he'd touched me."Not wanting to talk to the mistress's son because I find it filthy—is that a good enough reason for you?"After we left, Lynda looked at me, cautious and a little worried. "Are you possessed or something?"I can't say I blamed her for asking. Back in high school, I'd worn my feelings for Trevor on my sleeve, so obvious it might as well have been tattooed across my forehead.I'd wait for him after class every day so we could walk home together. I'd burn my fingers baking cookies, then still show up at his door with a smile and a plateful of half-mangled treats.Everyone knew I adored him. It was an open secret—no, it wasn't even a secret.But things are different now.The Corinna who started senior year? She's dead and gone.The girl standing here today—this is Corinna reborn.Julie was nowhere to be seen the whole day. I suppose that tracks; her greatest pride is that pretty face of hers. She wouldn't waste it on anything less than the perfect moment.I could wait. I had all the patience in the world.Soon enough, Saturday rolled around—my eighteenth birthday.My parents had promised a grand party to celebrate me becoming an adult, but, as usual, something came up at the company and they'd be late.The chandelier blazed overhead, scattering rainbows across the marble floor. I smoothed down my cocktail dress and made my way down the spiral staircase into the living room.Across the room, I spotted my brother—Daniel Gardner. He looked every inch the part in his sharp suit, his face as unreadable as always."Corinna, come here," he called out, voice clipped and cool.I walked over, pretending not to notice Trevor standing behind him, eyes dark and unreadable, or Julie, who looked like she was two seconds from bursting into tears.I gave my brother my sweetest smile. "What's up, Daniel? Did you get me a present?"He just stared at me, ice in his eyes. "Bullying classmates, insulting your friends—Corinna, is that what the Gardner family taught you?"He didn't bother to lower his voice. In an instant, every guest in the room turned to stare."Daniel, what are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean." I tilted my head, glancing at Julie. "Who did I bully? When did that even happen? I don't even know her.""It's too late to play innocent. Actions have consequences. Mom and Dad aren't here, so tonight, I'll be the one to discipline you."With that, Daniel reached for a ruler from the bookshelf—a ruler, for God's sake. He fixed me with a glare and spoke each word like a verdict."Kneel."The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath. Guests whispered, eyes gleaming as they waited for the spectacle."Did you hear? The Gardner girl—bullying classmates?""I guess it's not surprising. Spoiled kids like her can't stand anyone outshining them.""At least her brother's putting her in her place."Julie's gaze was triumphant, smug. I straightened my back, smiled, and let my tongue fly:"What the hell are you even talking about, Daniel? Anyone who knows you would recognize you, but if they didn't, they'd think you were some Victorian ghost come to haunt us.""I only kneel for the dead, for my ancestors—not for you."I tilted my head, sizing him up, then smirked, my voice wickedly sweet. "Tell you what: go throw yourself off a building right now, and I'll kneel and bow three times to send you off."Daniel's expression darkened.Behind him, Julie piped up with a fragile voice, all wide eyes and trembling lips. "Corinna, I know you don't like me, and it's fine if you pick on me, but how could you say something like that to your own brother?"She blinked, big tears welling up, doing her best impression of a porcelain doll.Trevor's jaw tightened. Something flickered behind his eyes, something I couldn't quite read.He finally spoke up, voice low. "Corinna, if you made a mistake, just apologize. There's no need to—"I widened my eyes, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I don't speak dog. Could you repeat that in a language we humans can understand?""That's enough!" Daniel snapped, his voice cracking like a whip. "Corinna, do you have any sense of shame? Who taught you to talk this way, to act like you've never heard of manners in your life?"Some things never changed. No matter what I said, Daniel would never believe me.Chapter 2My fiancé and my own brother hated me for a decade.They were utterly convinced I'd bullied the sweet, fragile girl they both adored.And at my engagement party, they exposed my so-called "crimes" for the world to see."She's nothing but a bully and a disgrace to the school!"The video streamed live across the internet, where the so-called innocent girl—Julie—stood with tears shimmering in her eyes and a gentle smile on her face."I don't blame her anymore," she said softly."Looking back, time washes all wounds away."Overnight, Julie became an internet sensation.I, on the other hand, was condemned by everyone. Rabid fans tracked me down, and one even threw acid at me. In utter despair, I dragged her down with me—we died together.When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my senior year of high school.Julie was standing right in front of me, pouring water over her own head, grinning as she asked,"So, have you figured out how you're going to apologize yet?"I snapped.I grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the bathroom, and shoved her face into the toilet."This is what real bullying looks like. You want to accuse me? Wash your filthy mouth before you go crying for help."The last thing I remembered from my previous life was the searing pain as acid splashed into my eyes.Through the agony and blurred vision, I saw Julie cowering behind my brother as he shielded her.Then I snatched up a cake knife, lunged at her, and drove it straight into her chest."If I'm going to hell, you're coming with me!"…When I opened my eyes again, everything was startlingly clear, so vivid it knocked the breath from my chest.And there, not far away, was Julie—much younger, dressed in a faded school uniform, twisting the tap and drenching herself with water.She glanced at me, smiling slyly. "Who do you think they'll believe? Me, or you?"It hit me at once.This was the day it all started—the day I was branded her tormentor.Julie watched me stand there in shock, her smile widening."Have you decided how to apologize yet, princess?—Aah!"Old hatred and new rage surged up inside me.I lunged, seized her by the hair, and dragged her into the bathroom.Her screams echoed off the tiles as I forced her face into the dirty water."You think a little cold water and crocodile tears are enough to frame me? Let me show you what real bullying means."Julie thrashed wildly, arms flailing like she'd been wired to an engine, but she couldn't break free.All she could do was press her face into the filthy water and sputter,"Corinna Gardner, let me go—gurgle—ugh—!"I threw my head back and laughed."With a mouth that filthy, maybe you should wash up before you run off to play the victim."Maybe this was a second chance. Maybe it was just a dying dream.Either way, I didn't care.This time, I was done playing nice.In my previous life, I died on the brightest day of my existence.That day, I took home my third Best Actress award. Draped in a custom-made gown, I stood beside my childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Trevor Everett, at our lavishly broadcast engagement party.Then, before the entire world, he announced, "I could never marry someone who bullied her classmates all through high school."I stared at him, stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing.That's when Julie stepped up from the audience.With tears shimmering in her eyes, she managed a small, trembling smile."Corinna, do you remember me? I'm Julie—the girl you bullied for ten years.""You probably never imagined we'd ever stand as equals like this.""But it's okay. I don't blame you anymore."She gazed up at the glittering lights, her voice breaking as she finished, "Looking back now, it feels like I've crossed a thousand mountains just to get here."The livestream caught every second. Julie became an overnight sensation.Before I could even gather my thoughts, a swarm of reporters—arranged by my own brother and Trevor—rushed in and surrounded me."Ms. Gardner, is it true you've kept up your bullying habits on set, picking on newcomers?""Sources say you were recently spotted at the hospital's women's clinic. Is it because your reckless lifestyle caught up with you?"Suddenly, a deranged fan broke through the crowd and hurled a bottle of acid at my face. "Die, you bitch!"The liquid scorched my skin, searing agony blooming across my face.My vision never cleared again after that.Heaven to hell, all in a blink.But now, in this new life, my fingers relaxed.I looked down at Julie sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath.That sweet, innocent face was smeared with dirt and tears.I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing."Go on, cry your heart out! Show the world this face of yours and tell everyone I bullied you. Do it—let's see what happens!"My voice rose, slicing through the thick silence.As I remembered the pain of acid melting my features in my past life, I ground my heel into her face twice more before turning to leave.Outside the school building, my desk mate Lynda was waiting for me."Gym class started ages ago. Where've you been?"I shrugged. "Just teaching the new girl a lesson."She spun around, wide-eyed. "What?!"I smirked. "As the saying goes, when the whole world thinks you're a villain, you might as well play the part.""Who even said that?""Doesn't matter."We strolled toward the edge of the field, only to practically run into Trevor.We weren't even in the same class, but everyone knew he was my boyfriend—the boy next door, my childhood friend.Trevor's gaze flickered over my face, then subtly shifted to the girl behind me."Corinna, why are you so late? Oh, by the way, I heard your class got a transfer student?"In my previous life, every time Julie slandered me, Trevor would always urge me to apologize and let things go. It seemed like he was on my side, but in reality, he always found a way to make my guilt stick.Remembering this, I slapped him across the face without warning.Lynda gasped in shock.Trevor, though, barely reacted—his eyes flashed cold for a split second, but then he simply leaned in, feigning affection, and brushed my cheek with his own."What's wrong, Corinna? Are you in a bad mood?"It was only much later in my last life that I learned the truth.When Trevor was little, his mother abandoned him at a theme park, and he spent some time in foster care. That's where he met a cheerful little girl who shared her bed and slipped him a piece of candy—his only light in a bleak childhood.That girl was Julie.And on Julie's very first day at our school, Trevor recognized her instantly.He believed every word Julie said about me, hated me to his core, but because of his illegitimate status, he had no choice but to endure me, to curry favor for the sake of securing his place in the family.Now, remembering this, I looked him dead in the eye. "Let's break up."Trevor's eyes widened, his pupils shrinking. "…Why? Give me a reason, Corinna."I pulled out a tissue and calmly wiped the spot on my cheek where he'd touched me."Not wanting to talk to the mistress's son because I find it filthy—is that a good enough reason for you?"After we left, Lynda looked at me, cautious and a little worried. "Are you possessed or something?"I can't say I blamed her for asking. Back in high school, I'd worn my feelings for Trevor on my sleeve, so obvious it might as well have been tattooed across my forehead.I'd wait for him after class every day so we could walk home together. I'd burn my fingers baking cookies, then still show up at his door with a smile and a plateful of half-mangled treats.Everyone knew I adored him. It was an open secret—no, it wasn't even a secret.But things are different now.The Corinna who started senior year? She's dead and gone.The girl standing here today—this is Corinna reborn.Julie was nowhere to be seen the whole day. I suppose that tracks; her greatest pride is that pretty face of hers. She wouldn't waste it on anything less than the perfect moment.I could wait. I had all the patience in the world.Soon enough, Saturday rolled around—my eighteenth birthday.My parents had promised a grand party to celebrate me becoming an adult, but, as usual, something came up at the company and they'd be late.The chandelier blazed overhead, scattering rainbows across the marble floor. I smoothed down my cocktail dress and made my way down the spiral staircase into the living room.Across the room, I spotted my brother—Daniel Gardner. He looked every inch the part in his sharp suit, his face as unreadable as always."Corinna, come here," he called out, voice clipped and cool.I walked over, pretending not to notice Trevor standing behind him, eyes dark and unreadable, or Julie, who looked like she was two seconds from bursting into tears.I gave my brother my sweetest smile. "What's up, Daniel? Did you get me a present?"He just stared at me, ice in his eyes. "Bullying classmates, insulting your friends—Corinna, is that what the Gardner family taught you?"He didn't bother to lower his voice. In an instant, every guest in the room turned to stare."Daniel, what are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean." I tilted my head, glancing at Julie. "Who did I bully? When did that even happen? I don't even know her.""It's too late to play innocent. Actions have consequences. Mom and Dad aren't here, so tonight, I'll be the one to discipline you."With that, Daniel reached for a ruler from the bookshelf—a ruler, for God's sake. He fixed me with a glare and spoke each word like a verdict."Kneel."The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath. Guests whispered, eyes gleaming as they waited for the spectacle."Did you hear? The Gardner girl—bullying classmates?""I guess it's not surprising. Spoiled kids like her can't stand anyone outshining them.""At least her brother's putting her in her place."Julie's gaze was triumphant, smug. I straightened my back, smiled, and let my tongue fly:"What the hell are you even talking about, Daniel? Anyone who knows you would recognize you, but if they didn't, they'd think you were some Victorian ghost come to haunt us.""I only kneel for the dead, for my ancestors—not for you."I tilted my head, sizing him up, then smirked, my voice wickedly sweet. "Tell you what: go throw yourself off a building right now, and I'll kneel and bow three times to send you off."Daniel's expression darkened.Behind him, Julie piped up with a fragile voice, all wide eyes and trembling lips. "Corinna, I know you don't like me, and it's fine if you pick on me, but how could you say something like that to your own brother?"She blinked, big tears welling up, doing her best impression of a porcelain doll.Trevor's jaw tightened. Something flickered behind his eyes, something I couldn't quite read.He finally spoke up, voice low. "Corinna, if you made a mistake, just apologize. There's no need to—"I widened my eyes, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I don't speak dog. Could you repeat that in a language we humans can understand?""That's enough!" Daniel snapped, his voice cracking like a whip. "Corinna, do you have any sense of shame? Who taught you to talk this way, to act like you've never heard of manners in your life?"Some things never changed. No matter what I said, Daniel would never believe me.Chapter 3My fiancé and my own brother hated me for a decade.They were utterly convinced I'd bullied the sweet, fragile girl they both adored.And at my engagement party, they exposed my so-called "crimes" for the world to see."She's nothing but a bully and a disgrace to the school!"The video streamed live across the internet, where the so-called innocent girl—Julie—stood with tears shimmering in her eyes and a gentle smile on her face."I don't blame her anymore," she said softly."Looking back, time washes all wounds away."Overnight, Julie became an internet sensation.I, on the other hand, was condemned by everyone. Rabid fans tracked me down, and one even threw acid at me. In utter despair, I dragged her down with me—we died together.When I opened my eyes again, I was back in my senior year of high school.Julie was standing right in front of me, pouring water over her own head, grinning as she asked,"So, have you figured out how you're going to apologize yet?"I snapped.I grabbed her by the hair, dragged her into the bathroom, and shoved her face into the toilet."This is what real bullying looks like. You want to accuse me? Wash your filthy mouth before you go crying for help."The last thing I remembered from my previous life was the searing pain as acid splashed into my eyes.Through the agony and blurred vision, I saw Julie cowering behind my brother as he shielded her.Then I snatched up a cake knife, lunged at her, and drove it straight into her chest."If I'm going to hell, you're coming with me!"…When I opened my eyes again, everything was startlingly clear, so vivid it knocked the breath from my chest.And there, not far away, was Julie—much younger, dressed in a faded school uniform, twisting the tap and drenching herself with water.She glanced at me, smiling slyly. "Who do you think they'll believe? Me, or you?"It hit me at once.This was the day it all started—the day I was branded her tormentor.Julie watched me stand there in shock, her smile widening."Have you decided how to apologize yet, princess?—Aah!"Old hatred and new rage surged up inside me.I lunged, seized her by the hair, and dragged her into the bathroom.Her screams echoed off the tiles as I forced her face into the dirty water."You think a little cold water and crocodile tears are enough to frame me? Let me show you what real bullying means."Julie thrashed wildly, arms flailing like she'd been wired to an engine, but she couldn't break free.All she could do was press her face into the filthy water and sputter,"Corinna Gardner, let me go—gurgle—ugh—!"I threw my head back and laughed."With a mouth that filthy, maybe you should wash up before you run off to play the victim."Maybe this was a second chance. Maybe it was just a dying dream.Either way, I didn't care.This time, I was done playing nice.In my previous life, I died on the brightest day of my existence.That day, I took home my third Best Actress award. Draped in a custom-made gown, I stood beside my childhood sweetheart and fiancé, Trevor Everett, at our lavishly broadcast engagement party.Then, before the entire world, he announced, "I could never marry someone who bullied her classmates all through high school."I stared at him, stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing.That's when Julie stepped up from the audience.With tears shimmering in her eyes, she managed a small, trembling smile."Corinna, do you remember me? I'm Julie—the girl you bullied for ten years.""You probably never imagined we'd ever stand as equals like this.""But it's okay. I don't blame you anymore."She gazed up at the glittering lights, her voice breaking as she finished, "Looking back now, it feels like I've crossed a thousand mountains just to get here."The livestream caught every second. Julie became an overnight sensation.Before I could even gather my thoughts, a swarm of reporters—arranged by my own brother and Trevor—rushed in and surrounded me."Ms. Gardner, is it true you've kept up your bullying habits on set, picking on newcomers?""Sources say you were recently spotted at the hospital's women's clinic. Is it because your reckless lifestyle caught up with you?"Suddenly, a deranged fan broke through the crowd and hurled a bottle of acid at my face. "Die, you bitch!"The liquid scorched my skin, searing agony blooming across my face.My vision never cleared again after that.Heaven to hell, all in a blink.But now, in this new life, my fingers relaxed.I looked down at Julie sprawled on the floor, gasping for breath.That sweet, innocent face was smeared with dirt and tears.I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing."Go on, cry your heart out! Show the world this face of yours and tell everyone I bullied you. Do it—let's see what happens!"My voice rose, slicing through the thick silence.As I remembered the pain of acid melting my features in my past life, I ground my heel into her face twice more before turning to leave.Outside the school building, my desk mate Lynda was waiting for me."Gym class started ages ago. Where've you been?"I shrugged. "Just teaching the new girl a lesson."She spun around, wide-eyed. "What?!"I smirked. "As the saying goes, when the whole world thinks you're a villain, you might as well play the part.""Who even said that?""Doesn't matter."We strolled toward the edge of the field, only to practically run into Trevor.We weren't even in the same class, but everyone knew he was my boyfriend—the boy next door, my childhood friend.Trevor's gaze flickered over my face, then subtly shifted to the girl behind me."Corinna, why are you so late? Oh, by the way, I heard your class got a transfer student?"In my previous life, every time Julie slandered me, Trevor would always urge me to apologize and let things go. It seemed like he was on my side, but in reality, he always found a way to make my guilt stick.Remembering this, I slapped him across the face without warning.Lynda gasped in shock.Trevor, though, barely reacted—his eyes flashed cold for a split second, but then he simply leaned in, feigning affection, and brushed my cheek with his own."What's wrong, Corinna? Are you in a bad mood?"It was only much later in my last life that I learned the truth.When Trevor was little, his mother abandoned him at a theme park, and he spent some time in foster care. That's where he met a cheerful little girl who shared her bed and slipped him a piece of candy—his only light in a bleak childhood.That girl was Julie.And on Julie's very first day at our school, Trevor recognized her instantly.He believed every word Julie said about me, hated me to his core, but because of his illegitimate status, he had no choice but to endure me, to curry favor for the sake of securing his place in the family.Now, remembering this, I looked him dead in the eye. "Let's break up."Trevor's eyes widened, his pupils shrinking. "…Why? Give me a reason, Corinna."I pulled out a tissue and calmly wiped the spot on my cheek where he'd touched me."Not wanting to talk to the mistress's son because I find it filthy—is that a good enough reason for you?"After we left, Lynda looked at me, cautious and a little worried. "Are you possessed or something?"I can't say I blamed her for asking. Back in high school, I'd worn my feelings for Trevor on my sleeve, so obvious it might as well have been tattooed across my forehead.I'd wait for him after class every day so we could walk home together. I'd burn my fingers baking cookies, then still show up at his door with a smile and a plateful of half-mangled treats.Everyone knew I adored him. It was an open secret—no, it wasn't even a secret.But things are different now.The Corinna who started senior year? She's dead and gone.The girl standing here today—this is Corinna reborn.Julie was nowhere to be seen the whole day. I suppose that tracks; her greatest pride is that pretty face of hers. She wouldn't waste it on anything less than the perfect moment.I could wait. I had all the patience in the world.Soon enough, Saturday rolled around—my eighteenth birthday.My parents had promised a grand party to celebrate me becoming an adult, but, as usual, something came up at the company and they'd be late.The chandelier blazed overhead, scattering rainbows across the marble floor. I smoothed down my cocktail dress and made my way down the spiral staircase into the living room.Across the room, I spotted my brother—Daniel Gardner. He looked every inch the part in his sharp suit, his face as unreadable as always."Corinna, come here," he called out, voice clipped and cool.I walked over, pretending not to notice Trevor standing behind him, eyes dark and unreadable, or Julie, who looked like she was two seconds from bursting into tears.I gave my brother my sweetest smile. "What's up, Daniel? Did you get me a present?"He just stared at me, ice in his eyes. "Bullying classmates, insulting your friends—Corinna, is that what the Gardner family taught you?"He didn't bother to lower his voice. In an instant, every guest in the room turned to stare."Daniel, what are you talking about? I have no idea what you mean." I tilted my head, glancing at Julie. "Who did I bully? When did that even happen? I don't even know her.""It's too late to play innocent. Actions have consequences. Mom and Dad aren't here, so tonight, I'll be the one to discipline you."With that, Daniel reached for a ruler from the bookshelf—a ruler, for God's sake. He fixed me with a glare and spoke each word like a verdict."Kneel."The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath. Guests whispered, eyes gleaming as they waited for the spectacle."Did you hear? The Gardner girl—bullying classmates?""I guess it's not surprising. Spoiled kids like her can't stand anyone outshining them.""At least her brother's putting her in her place."Julie's gaze was triumphant, smug. I straightened my back, smiled, and let my tongue fly:"What the hell are you even talking about, Daniel? Anyone who knows you would recognize you, but if they didn't, they'd think you were some Victorian ghost come to haunt us.""I only kneel for the dead, for my ancestors—not for you."I tilted my head, sizing him up, then smirked, my voice wickedly sweet. "Tell you what: go throw yourself off a building right now, and I'll kneel and bow three times to send you off."Daniel's expression darkened.Behind him, Julie piped up with a fragile voice, all wide eyes and trembling lips. "Corinna, I know you don't like me, and it's fine if you pick on me, but how could you say something like that to your own brother?"She blinked, big tears welling up, doing her best impression of a porcelain doll.Trevor's jaw tightened. Something flickered behind his eyes, something I couldn't quite read.He finally spoke up, voice low. "Corinna, if you made a mistake, just apologize. There's no need to—"I widened my eyes, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I don't speak dog. Could you repeat that in a language we humans can understand?""That's enough!" Daniel snapped, his voice cracking like a whip. "Corinna, do you have any sense of shame? Who taught you to talk this way, to act like you've never heard of manners in your life?"Some things never changed. No matter what I said, Daniel would never believe me.