Life Swapped, Sister's Downfall

Emma's eyes lit up. She took my aunt's hand and cooed, "Thank you, Mama."Hearing her call my aunt "Mama" made my stomach twist in disgust. I stole a glance at my mother—she had turned away, her heart breaking.When my aunt led Emma off to handle the paperwork, she didn't forget to taunt me. "You have no idea what a golden opportunity you've just thrown away. No matter how hard you try, what can you achieve in this backwater town?"I smirked inwardly. I understood perfectly why my aunt wanted me: I was prettier and more obedient than my sister, and once grown, I would be the perfect money tree she could shake at will.Emma had gotten her wish and was going to Zandumore. For days, she strutted around, constantly mocking me."Ha! Harper, Harper! I'm about to change my destiny and become someone of importance, while you'll be stuck here forever, just an ordinary nobody."I forced myself to suppress a flicker of glee and feigned innocence. "You're just going to some island country… h

It didn't take long for my mother to track me down at my university."Harper! You ungrateful brat! Hiding out here, enjoying yourself while ignoring your family!"I had just finished my part-time shift and returned to school. After a long day, I'd only eaten one meal, and my head was spinning. I stared blankly at her, momentarily stunned by her aggression.She struck me across the face, sending me sprawling to the ground."You little devil! You're gonna die! I'll drag you home myself if I have to!"She grabbed me, and I was far too exhausted to resist. She dragged me along effortlessly."Wait! You can't do this to my student!"It was Professor Jesse Hughes, my professor. I had confided in her about my situation when I first arrived at school."I'm disciplining my own daughter! Mind your own business!" my mother snapped.Professor Hughes frowned. "Precisely because she's your daughter, you have no right to treat her this way! Besides, Harper is an adult now. She hasn't done any

In my past life, Axel's first beating happened on a rainy day too. He swung a wooden stick over and over, striking every inch of my body.It wasn't just that—he liked violence in other ways as well. A few times, I actually fainted. And when I woke up, I felt… disappointed. How I wished I could have died then… Living meant enduring yet another round of torment.A week later, I saw Emma again."You—bitch! You're reborn too, aren't you?"She stormed toward me, her face twisted in anger, the corners of her eyes darkened. Gone was the smug, self-satisfied look she'd worn the first time she came to see me.I sat in my chair, smiling. "Does it matter?""Damn it! You framed me! I'll fight you to the death!"She lunged at me, but it only took a few moves to subdue her.Pathetic. I couldn't beat Axel, but a girl like Emma? Easy."Harper! You knew this was a hellish trap, and you just let me jump in! I don't care! You're responsible for me! How did you make money in your last life? Did y

"Hahaha! You actually came, Harper!"Emma pressed the tip of a knife against my mother's neck. My mother, panicked, turned to me. "You brat! You don't want to get rich yourself, yet you block your sister! Does our whole family owe you anything?"I didn't even have the energy to roll my eyes. I had come here carrying the last shred of conscience, only for it to vanish the moment she yelled."Emma, if you turn yourself in, I can still plead for mercy on your behalf. Keep resisting like this, and you're just tying your own noose!"I really couldn't understand her. Axel had been caught. She was free now. Why would she insist on risking everything?"Bah! Bah! In this life, you schemed against me and won! But next life? You won't be so lucky! I'll strangle you before you're even born!"Pathetic.So this was her plan—to drag me here and die with me, hoping for a second chance at life."Emma… didn't you tell Mom you just wanted to vent your anger on me? You… really intend to kill her