Rebirth: I'm Not Trusting the Comments Anymore

Brandon Stone slung an arm around my shoulders, putting on a mysterious air. "Who do you want to pick, Skylar? I think Laura Colson is pretty good!"

I felt dazed for a moment before it hit me that I'd been reborn. I turned to focus on Brandon before me, a chill running down my spine.

He was my dad's illegitimate son. After his mom died, Dad brought him home, saying it was so I'd have some company. In my previous life, he married Gwen Moore and lived in the lap of luxury.

And me? I was beaten to death.

I clenched my fists after hearing what he'd said. "Gwen and I grew up together. When my mom was still alive, she said she wanted me to form a marriage alliance with the Moore family."

"But Gwen has no mind of her own! I asked around for you—her dad is super controlling. Didn't you say before that Mr. Moore was really strict with you? He's probably scared you'll steal his daughter away from him!" Brandon said.

"Yeah, Skylar. What if you marry her and she makes you miserable?" Dad chimed in, trying to persuade me. He met Brandon's eyes for a split second, and then they both looked away.

The comments exploded in front of me.

"Come on. Ignore good advice, and you'll regret it! Listen to your dad, or you'll be doomed!"

"Hurry up and choose—Gwen is already on her way over. She's bringing her dad with her!"

"Laura's right outside. Say her name, and she'd die for you!"

I just had a bad feeling about this.

In my previous life, Laura and Gwen had walked in at the same time. I'd chosen Laura, and Gwen's expression had instantly turned hideous. Her father, Phil Moore, had also been infuriated.

Later on, Brandon ended up marrying Gwen, and only then did our families patch things up. Even so, Phil never stopped picking on Brandon.

I took a deep breath. "Dad, even if I choose Laura, she's no help to the family at all right now. We'd have to pour money into supporting her. Wouldn't that be way too risky?"

Dad gave me a look that was hard to read. "Why would it be? We won't be using the Stone family's resources. You'll just use what comes from your mother's side. That way, our family still gets to preserve its strength."

I looked at him, taking in the cold calculation in his eyes. How had I missed this in my previous life? Everything he did to me was just one big scheme. At least he'd shown his true colors early this time.

I frowned, and the comments before me started flying by even faster.

"Skylar, getting married is like getting a second life. Your dad and brother would never hurt you!"

"Laura even brought everything to her name with her today. She's super sincere!"

I couldn't help but sneer inwardly. She was an illegitimate daughter. How much of an inheritance could she possibly have?

Just then, the doorbell rang. Everyone was here.

Gwen and Laura walked in at the same time. Phil carried an air of effortless authority. I looked at the two of them and silently made up my mind.

With Phil watching me, I said firmly, "I choose Gwen. That way, I'll be fulfilling my mother's last wish."

Brandon's grip on my arm suddenly tightened, making a sharp pain shoot up it. I yanked myself free and stared at the crescent-shaped nail marks on my skin. I scowled at him. "What the hell was that, Brandon? It hurt!"

His expression turned wounded. "I didn't mean to, Skylar. It's just that you clearly said you liked Laura, and you even gave her a token of your affection. How can you go back on your word now?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever give her anything?" I turned to glance at Laura, then froze when I saw the ring on her finger.

It was one half of the couple's ring I'd designed myself. It had gone missing after I'd finished it. I never imagined it would show up on her hand.

I couldn't help but look at Brandon. No one aside from him could've gotten into my room after the ring was done. It seemed my dear brother had been plotting against me for a long time!