Carmen's Second Life

I opened my eyes on the very day my sister Hazel and I were to be chosen for adoption.

"I'm very obedient, and I can do all the housework. Please, pick me," Hazel simpered, putting on a show of perfect innocence, as she clutched the hand of Brad Moss, the Moss family's youngest son.

So… she was a reborn, too.

"Girl," said a refined woman, her voice cool with confusion. "I thought you said you liked our family."

She was Alexander Morland's mother. The Morlands were the first family of Edenorf's elite, though the heir himself, Alexander, was nowhere to be seen.

"I changed my mind," Hazel retorted, shrinking behind Brad as if he were a human shield. "Is that a crime?"

Mrs. Morland's face tightened. "Such a fickle child is unworthy of the Morland name."

Then her gaze softened as she turned to me. "You seem like a good girl. Come with me. We have a son at home you'll like."

I simply nodded and took her outstretched hand.

A triumphant gleam flashed in Hazel's eyes, as if she'd just won a great victory.

But she had no idea. While everyone feared Alexander's eccentricities, I was far more terrified of Brad—a guy as cold and venomous as a snake. In my last life, I had spent years desperately trying to escape his grasp.

This time, she had unknowingly done me the biggest favor imaginable.

As Mrs. Morland stepped outside to get the car, Hazel sidled up to me, her eyes full of contempt.

"Enjoy your new life, Carmen," she whispered. "This time, you're the one who will suffer."

I didn't even bother to reply. Her gloating was nothing more than a clown's performance.

She thought she had secured a fresh start.

But the joke was on her. She hadn't escaped a fire; she had just jumped headfirst into a hell far more brutal than she could ever imagine.

…

After I arrived at the Morland estate, Mrs. Morland gave me a private suite and hired a small army of tutors for piano, dance, and etiquette.

She was gentle but frank. "Sweetheart, I'll be honest. I adopted a daughter to find a suitable match for my son. You must apply yourself. Alexander returns from abroad in a month. If he takes a liking to you, your future will be secure. Remember, the entire Morland legacy will be his one day."

I knew from my last life that Alexander had felt nothing but disdain for Hazel, and her time here had been miserable. I didn't dare hope the cold, aloof heir would favor me either. I needed my own plan for survival.

A month later, the Morlands held a grand ball to welcome Alexander home. The elite of Edenorf were all there, including the Moss family, due to their close business ties.

Across the glittering ballroom, Hazel spotted me immediately. Dressed in a virginal white gown, she glided over, her smile as sharp as a knife.

"Enjoy the party, Carmen," she whispered. "Tonight will be the most humiliating night of your life."

I remembered this banquet well from my last life. It was when she had first met Alexander. He had taken one look at her, frowned in disgust, and told her to get lost in front of everyone.

She had shamelessly clung to him, declaring herself his future wife.

He had kicked her away without a second thought.

…

But I was reborn, too. I knew how her story ended, and I had already charted a different course.

Hazel was waiting for me to suffer the same humiliation she did.

She was in for a surprise.