Chapter 1

In my last life, while my father lay on his deathbed, he asked me to choose—inherit his title and become the Don of Vale, or marry my boyfriend, Julian Moreau, and walk away from the family business for good.

Becoming the Don meant a lifetime of danger, and likely a political marriage without love. Marrying Julian promised peace.

I hesitated.

Next morning after the party, I woke up in bed with Julian on my left and my best friend, Sebastian, on my right.

I soon found out I was pregnant. With that, I thought the better choice would be marry either Julian or Sebastian—and to give up my right to inherit, handing it to my stepsister.

After my father’s funeral, Julian, Vivienne, and Sebastian locked me away and tortured me for days—until my baby and I finally met a tragic end.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the very day my father asked that question.

This time, I didn’t hesitate. “I’ll break up with Julian and become the Don of Vale—on my own.”

Chapter 1

Isabella’s POV

In my last life, I got pregnant after a one-night mistake—with my boyfriend and my best friend. Not wanting to lose the baby, I chose to get engaged to one of them and gave up my right to inherit the family business, handing it to my stepsister.

Life didn’t seem so bad—at least, not until my father died.

That was when everything fell apart. My fiancé and my stepsister locked me away. Together with the man I had trusted as my best friend, they tortured me to death.

Only in my final breath did I learn the truth: it had all been planned. My pregnancy was their weapon, used to strip me of my inheritance and clear the path for my stepsister to take everything. The men I thought were mine had always been her loyal fanatics.

So when I opened my eyes and realized I was back on the very day my life collapsed, I made a different choice this time.

“Isabella, come. Have a drink with us.” Julian’s voice cut through my thoughts.

Minutes ago, I’d been bleeding out in my own basement. Julian’s bullet still burned in my chest. Sebastian’s hands had been tight around my throat. And now—I was standing here, reborn and unharmed.

“Come,” Sebastian said, offering a glass. “Enjoy the party with us.”

In my last life, I took that drink. It was the start of a hazy, dangerous night.

So, I hesitated this time.

“Come on, don’t be a party bummer.” Vivienne’s voice rang out behind me.

The way they were all trying to get me to drink only made me more suspicious. I took the glass, but set it aside.

Vivienne strolled over, seamlessly slipping into conversation with Julian and Sebastian. While they were distracted, I made the switch—my untouched glass for hers.

Was the drink that made me wake up between Julian and Sebastian, not remembering a damn thing?

“I’m feeling a bit of a headache,” I said after took a sip from Vivienne’s glass.

They exchanged a look. Subtle. Quick. But I caught it.

Julian smiled. “Why don’t you rest in the guest room down the hall? I’ll walk you back to your room later.”

“Alright.”

But I didn’t go to the guest room. I stayed, hidden just outside the party room.

Half an hour later, Vivienne stumbled out and headed toward the bathroom. I followed—and found her slumped on the floor.

So it was the drink. Only this time, the one who passed out was Vivienne.

I dragged her limp body into the guest room. Left her there. And waited again.

One hour later, Julian and Sebastian stumbled out together. They headed straight for the guest room, clearly drunk. I slipped away quietly, retreating to my own bedroom.

My hands wouldn’t stop shaking.

Watching this night unfold—like I was an outsider to my own nightmare—was surreal.

Had Vivienne done the same in my past life? Had she watched me walk into that room, knowing exactly what was about to happen?

I sat on the edge of the bed, trying not to remember—but the memories came anyway.

After that night, I found out I was pregnant. And to protect the baby, I had to get engaged to either Julian or Sebastian.

Either choice meant I couldn’t inherit the Vale. My father wouldn’t approve a husband like that.

So Vivienne got everything.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. My skin still smooth. Still untouched.

But I remembered it all. Julian, holding that small knife. The way he carved into my face—slow, careful, almost gentle.

When he was done, he held up a mirror. My face, streaked with blood. Vivienne’s laughter echoed behind him. And Sebastian… he was laughing too.

And later, Sebastian used that same blade to stab me in the stomach.

My baby.

My hands dropped to my stomach. I could still feel it—where my child used to be. Where they ended its life.

Fury burned through me.

I wanted to kill them. All three of them. Right now.

And it wouldn’t be hard.

But a clean death? That would be too merciful.

Those three didn’t just kill me. They broke me. They made sure I suffered.

Why? What had I done to deserve that?

It didn’t matter anymore. All that mattered now—was that they felt it too.

Every ounce of agony I endured. I’d return it to them. Tenfold.

I opened the door and stepped into the hallway, heading straight for my father’s room.

He was still awake.

“Bella?” He looked up, surprised. “Why aren’t you at the party?”

“Papa,” I said quietly. “I’ve thought about your question. My answer is yes. I’ll inherit the Don’s seat. And I’ll break up with Julian.”

My father released a long breath, sinking back into his pillows. “That sounds good, my baby.”

“But I want to save the good news for my birthday party in three days. Is that okay, Papa?”

Father smiled. “Anything you want.”

At my birthday party, I would settle every debt—with Vivienne, Julian, and Sebastian.

Let them enjoy these last few days of dreaming.

The shock and panic on their face the moment my name was announced as the Don of Vale— That would be my true birthday gift.

Chapter 2

Isabella’s POV

The next morning, I woke early and headed downstairs for breakfast.

As I walked down the hall, I caught Vivienne rushing to her room—her face a complete mess.

By the time I reached the dining hall, Julian and Sebastian were already seated at the table. Neither of them looked particularly well.

So something did happen between the three of them. And considering last night was supposed to be my trap—Vivienne had taken my place instead.

I wondered how they planned to deal with it now. And whether Vivienne would end up pregnant… just like I had.

“Bella!” Sebastian noticed me the moment I walked in, flashing his usual bright smile.

“You didn’t leave the manor after the party last night?” I asked.

The instant the words left my mouth, both Julian and Sebastian flushed red.

Julian cleared his throat. “We drank too much last night—”

Before he could finish, Vivienne walked in—composed, nothing like the wreck I saw in the hallway—and smoothly cut him off. “They were both very drunk. I left them in the guest room.”

“Alright,” I said, not pressing further.

As I sat down and began eating my toast, Vivienne spoke again. “I was thinking of going up to our usual villa today.”

Julian turned to me, wearing the same perfect-boyfriend smile. “What do you think? I thought it might be nice for us to go too. A short getaway—just a day or two—before your big birthday party.”

I remembered this.

In my last life, they’d made the same suggestion. Back then, I’d still been shaken, hungover from waking up between Julian and Sebastian. Julian had framed it as an escape from the chaos.

I’d agreed.

But I spent most of that trip asleep in the hotel room—while Vivienne, Julian, and Sebastian went out together.

At the time, I hadn’t thought much of it.

Now, everything felt different.

I wondered how much more had happened back then that I’d never noticed.

So I smiled—exactly as I had in my past life—and gave the same answer. “I’d love to.”

Vivienne visibly relaxed. “Wonderful.”

For the first time since being reborn, I’d be alone with the three people who had tormented me in my last life.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous.

But more important was playing dumb—letting them think I was still in the dark, just long enough to gather what I needed.

…

I packed a few dress and joined the three of them in the garage.

“How about you sit in the front?” Julian said, taking my hand, every inch the perfect fiancé. “Vivienne can take the back seat with me.”

He knew I got carsick. Sitting up front always helped.

I used to think his suggestion of this was about caring for me. Now I saw it clearly. Julian probably just wanted to be closer to Vivienne on this five-hour drive.

“Don’t worry,” Sebastian added, handing me a small pouch. “I also packed your motion sickness pills.”

What a considerate best friend.

Though after learning what Julian and Sebastian truly were, I couldn’t bring myself to take anything from them.

So when no one was looking, I tossed the pills away and got into the car.

I closed my eyes the moment Sebastian started driving, pretending to fall asleep just to avoid speaking to any of them.

Somewhere along the road, hushed voices reached me. I kept my eyes shut anyway.

Then Vivienne asked softly, “Are you sure she can’t hear us?”

“I gave her sleeping pills, not motion-sickness meds,” Sebastian replied calmly. “She’ll be out for at least ten hours. Like a dead elephant.”

So that was why I’d slept so deeply in my past life. My fingers slowly curled into a fist.

“We have to keep what happened last night a secret,” Vivienne said. “Julian. Sebastian. Am I clear?”

“I know, babe,” Julian replied easily. “Though I have to admit—it was exciting. First time we did it right in the Vale manor.”

Vivienne’s voice turned syrupy. “If this gets out, it’ll be the last time we ever do anything there. So keep it quiet. We can’t let Isabella suspect our relationship. Not until she announces she’s dropping out of the heir selection.”

Sebastian spoke next. “If nothing happened between Julian, me, and her, she won’t get pregnant. What else could we do?”

Julian hesitated. “Maybe I propose to her. She’s always wanted a peaceful life. She’s just torn about disappointing her father.”

“Cheap,” Vivienne scoffed. “Always thinking about men.”

Julian chuckled. “And you don’t?”

“Not as essentials,” she replied primly.

Then came the sound of kissing. Vivienne laughed. “Stop.”

“You’d better keep your voices down,” Sebastian warned. “She’s asleep, not dead.”

Vivienne laughed again—and I felt her move closer. She pinched my arm hard. I forced myself not to react.

“See?” she said lightly. “Nothing. Honestly, she’d better be dead. I can’t stand another day of her.”

The rest of the drive was filled with their laughter. And the occasional sound of them making out in the back seat.

My heart went colder with every mile.

If I hadn’t thrown away Sebastian’s pills—if I’d taken them like I did in my past life—I never would’ve heard any of this.

To think… in my last life, I’d slept in the front seat while my boyfriend and my stepsister fooled around behind me. And my best friend cheered them on.

Disgusting.

Chapter 3

Isabella’s POV

As soon as we arrived at the villa, I took my room key and slipped inside without a word. When Julian knocked later and asked me to join them for dinner, I declined, saying I needed to rest.

“Please, Bella,” he said, stepping closer and reaching for my hand.

I shifted just enough to avoid his touch. Knowing he’d spent most of the drive kissing Vivienne made the thought of being near him unbearable.

“Come with us. I’ve prepared a big surprise for you.”

A big surprise. Was this the proposal he’d mentioned?

Proposing tonight would be rushed—but from their perspective, it made perfect sense. If Julian proposed now, I could announce our engagement at my birthday party. Everything would move faster.

Vivienne would being named the Don of Vale in three days and took over the entire family business.

Julian noticed my silence and frowned. “Bella?”

I looked up at him again and forced a small smile. “Alright,” I said. “I’ll go.”

…

When I stepped into the hotel restaurant, everything had been staged. From ceiling to floor, the place glowed with forced romance. Julian had clearly gone all out.

“You looked beautiful tonight, Bella.” Julian walked over me, smiling.

We sat down and began our so-called romantic dinner.

Right after dessert, a group of flower girls entered, singing and dancing. I widened my eyes, feigning surprise.

Julian smiled, stood, and walked to my side. He knelt and opened a velvet box.

“Will you marry me, Isabella Vale?”

I stared at the diamond, barely holding back a cold laugh. Instead of answering, I reached out, took the ring, and examined it closely.

Julian took that as a yes.

He looked ecstatic. And I didn’t correct him.

Back in the room, I went straight to the bed. Julian stayed with me at first. I pretended to fall asleep, and sure enough, moments later, I heard the door open and quietly close again.

The instant he was gone, I sat up and reached for my phone.

Before dinner with Julian, I’d slipped into Vivienne’s room across the hall and planted two hidden cameras. It would’ve been foolish to think they wouldn’t do something interesting tonight. I wanted proof—not just for them, but for myself. Proof that I hadn’t imagined any of it.

The moment the live feed came on, my suspicions were confirmed.

Vivienne was on the bed—with Julian and Sebastian.

Last night hadn’t scared them at all. If anything, it had only made them bolder.

Vivienne lay between them, loud and unrestrained. They moved together shamelessly, as if no one else existed.

I thought watching this would break me. That seeing my boyfriend and my best friend betray me so openly would hurt.

But all I felt was relief.

I hadn’t been wrong.

They really had gone behind my back. Turned me into a joke.

Only now, the joke was on them.

I didn’t watch until the end. I saved the footage and shut the feed down.

It was nearly three in the morning when Julian finally slipped back into the room and climbed into bed beside me.

I clenched my teeth, forcing myself not to move.

Just two more days, Bella. You can endure this.

…

When I woke up, Julian was already dressed.

“Vivienne wants to go shopping for your birthday present today,” he said casually. “Feel like tagging along?”

“Sure.” I agreed even though I tried to vomit when I saw Julian’s face.

Vivienne looked extra energetic today. Probably because last night’s proposal had reassured her— or maybe it was the way Julian and Sebastian had soothed her, with their bodies.

Either way, she looked smug. Practically glowing. Like the world already belonged to her.

Inside a luxury boutique, Vivienne’s gaze locked onto a diamond necklace.

I cleared my throat. “Is that the gift you’re planning to give me for my birthday?”

Her smile flickered. Julian shot her a quick look before she recovered.

“Yes,” she said lightly. “Do you like it?”

I glanced at the price tag—six zeros.

Could Vivienne really afford it? And even if she could… would she spend that much on me?

Well, that was exactly what made it irresistible.

“I love it,” I said softly. “It would go perfectly with the ring.”

The implication landed perfectly.

Vivienne didn’t hesitate again.

After all, she believed she would soon be the Don of Vale.

“Wrap it up,” she said. “I’ll write a check.” She pulled out the Vale checkbook and signed her name. The sales associate beamed.

If only Vivienne knew.

She would never become the Don. And soon, she wouldn’t even belong to the Vale.

Would she still be smiling then?

Chapter 4

Isabella’s POV

After returning to the manor, the agency delivered their findings on Julian, Vivienne, and Sebastian.

Julian and Vivienne had started sleeping together nearly a year ago. Since then, they’d met behind my back countless times—taking trips funded by my family, exchanging confidential information, and letting Julian into Vale business matters he should never have known.

One report stood out. Three months earlier, a major deal between the Vale family and another powerful house had collapsed at the last minute. My father believed the other Don had simply backed out.

The truth was uglier. Vivienne had leaked our pricing to Julian. He’d used it to undercut the deal—negotiating for his own benefit.

There was one thing my father would never forgive: betrayal of the family’s business. That was part of the reason he’d asked me to choose—marriage or inheritance. If I married Julian, I would no longer be a Vale. I would have to step away from everything.

If my father learned that Vivienne had been feeding family secrets to an outsider, he wouldn’t hesitate to cast her out.

As for Sebastian—he and Vivienne went way back. He’d actually been her boyfriend, long before her mother married my father.

Suddenly, everything made sense.

The best friend I thought I had was nothing more than a careful manipulator. The boyfriend I loved had been cheating on me with my stepsister. And the sister I had welcomed with open arms—trusted, defended, loved—was a monster. Taking the Don’s seat wasn’t enough for her. She wanted me destroyed. Miserably.

Knowing the truth didn’t shake me. It only steadied me.

With every ugly detail laid bare now, I would move forward with my plan—more determined than ever.

…

I spent the next day buried in back‑to‑back meetings with family lawyers and my father’s most trusted men—learning what it truly meant to become the Don and catching up on the latest Vale affairs.

Vivienne, meanwhile, was indulging in something very different.

She went on a shopping spree, fully convinced the family fortune already belonged to her.

That wasn’t all.

She went as far as hosting a private gambling night inside the Vale manor itself.

I wasn’t invited. I was told I needed to “prepare for the party.” That I didn’t need to worry about things that weren’t my concern.

But I still slipped out anyway and made my way toward the room where it was happening. I didn’t even get close before I heard Vivienne’s voice.

“Not again,” she pouted. “I’ve lost almost a million tonight. I can’t be this unlucky.”

A man chuckled. “If you don’t want to pay a million, we can settle the debt another way.”

Vivienne laughed lightly. “Please. I know your little kink. You like tying women up and watching them suffer. I’m not into that.”

His voice dropped. “Then you’d better pay before we leave this house tonight.”

Vivienne didn’t sound worried. “I didn’t say the other way wouldn’t work. I have a stepsister—Isabella. Have you met her?”

Another man snorted. “You mean that Bella who follows Julian around like a crazy fangirl?”

“That’s the one,” Vivienne said without hesitation. “I can deliver her to you.”

“For real?” The first man laughed, low and ugly. “The Don would let you hand over his daughter?”

“The Don?” Vivienne scoffed. “I am the Don of Vale. If she—or her sick father—objects, what can they do about it?”

The man laughed again. “She’ll do. But you knew me—I like my women powerless. What’s the word for liking them… disabled?”

“Abasiophilia?” Vivienne laughed. “That can be arranged. When I deliver her to you, she’ll be exactly how you want.”

Julian smirked. “Perfect. It’ll make it easier to keep her in line later. Where else could she go without us?”

I held my breath.

'Exactly how he wanted.’ Disabled. Broken. Their words sent cold straight through me.

“How do you plan to pull that off?” the man asked.

Vivienne smiled, cool and composed. “A little accident here and there should do the trick.”

I quietly stepped back and returned to my room, forcing myself to breathe steadily.

Facing Vivienne always made me uneasy—not because I was weak, but because I could never be as cruel as she was.

For a moment, I considered going to my father.

Then I stopped myself. I couldn’t afford to lose control now. I was strong enough to deal with her and whatever she planned to pull next. I just had to be more cautious from now on.

…

The next day, in broad daylight, Vivienne showed up at my door and suggested we go horseback riding. It had always been my thing.

But this invitation didn’t feel like a friendly gesture. It felt like the setup—the kind of “accident” she mentioned last night.

Vivienne smiled, looping her arm through mine. “I thought, at the very least, we could do something fun today. Something you enjoy—before your big day tomorrow.”

If she wanted a show, I could give her one.

I wore my most innocent smile. “Sure.”

When we arrived at the ranch, my usual horse was gone—missing, they said. Instead, another horse was brought out and handed over to me.

He was untrained—probably just another piece in the setup.

But Vivienne underestimated my skills. It took less than half an hour before the horse settled beneath me, responsive and calm. Almost sweet.

Just as I guided him along the lakeside, a loud bang split the air.

The horse spooked, bolting into a wild sprint. I steadied myself, murmuring softly, doing everything I could to calm him.

By the time I fell, his pace had already slowed. I wasn’t hurt. But I still screamed—for the performance.

Sure enough, Vivienne came running. Her face was painted with worry, but beneath it… I saw it.

The excitement. The smug little sneer she tried to hide.

At the hospital, when doctor asked about what happened.

“It was just an accident,” Vivienne cried, voice trembling. “You have to save my sister. She just got engaged. She’s so young…”

I wasn’t nearly as injured as she made it sound.

When the doctor wheeled me toward the imaging room, I caught his attention and quietly spoke.

“Whatever she says,” I told him, “just tell her I can’t feel anything below my ankle. That I’ll never stand or walk again.”

He hesitated, confused.

I explained calmly that today hadn’t been an accident. That my fall was, but everything else wasn’t. It would be better for everyone if this stayed quiet. I even mentioned compensation.

When the doctor delivered the news, that unmistakeable excitement lit up in Vivienne’s eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Bella,” she sobbed dramatically. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be spending your birthday in a wheelchair.”

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. “It’s fine,” I said gently. “You couldn’t have known.”

“True,” Vivienne said, clearing her throat. “But look on the bright side—Julian won’t think any less of you. And since you’ll be marrying him soon…”

I looked at the flawless performance unfolding in front of me and thought—bravo. Few people could be as convincing as Vivienne.

Still, I hoped she’d be just as happy on my birthday.

After all, the old saying goes—you shouldn’t get too cocky too soon. You never know what’s coming next.

Chapter 5

Isabelle’a POV

Ever since the accident, Julian had been pushing my wheelchair through the manor, playing the part of the perfect fiancé.

But I could already feel the shift.

He kept dropping hints—how noble he was for staying, how my little hobby had made our lives so inconvenient. He was laying the groundwork.

As if, when he finally walked away, I’d be the one to blame.

Classic gaslighting.

If I didn’t already know the truth about him and Vivienne, I might’ve believed it.

And behind my back? I’d seen him sneaking into Vivienne’s room more times than I could count. They weren’t even trying to hide it anymore. Sometimes, Sebastian joined them too.

I thought I’d be sadder than I was. Turns out, my heart had hardened more than I realized.

To keep their affair from raising others’ suspicion, I even calmly told the maids to avoid Vivienne’s room.

I wanted to save the reveal—make it a proper surprise at my party.

A fitting end to a life of being gaslit, betrayed, and lied to.

…

My birthday finally arrived.

That evening, just as I finished getting ready in my room—

“Are you ready?” Julian’s voice came from outside. “I’m here to wheel you to your party.”

“You go ahead,” I replied calmly. “I’ll be five minutes behind. My bodyguard can wheel me over.”

I leaned in close to the mirror, swiping the final coat of mascara across my lashes. Smoky eyes, blood-red lips. A sleek black dress that hugged every curve. I’d even curled my hair.

I looked like vengeance in heels.

“Showtime, Bella,” I whispered to my reflection. “Every torture. Every humiliation. Every bit of pain ends tonight. From now on, they’ll get what they gave—maybe more. You’ve got this.”

When my guard wheeled me into the ballroom, every head turned.

Father, seated not far, looked up sharply, worry etched across his face. I gave a small shake of my head, a quiet glance that said: I’m fine. I’ve got this.

Only then did he ease back into his seat.

Halfway to the stage, Julian stepped in. “Should we announce the engagement now?” he asked with a grin. “Or wait until the end?”

I smiled. Said nothing. And wheeled right past him.

“Thank you all for coming to my party tonight.” I let the words settle. “As you know, turning twenty-five in the Vale family is a significant milestone. A few days ago, my father asked me a question—whether I wanted to inherit his seat as Don or not.”

The room fell silent.

Vivienne stood not far from the stage, draped in gold, glowing as if she were the star of the evening. When she caught my glance, she smiled.

I smiled back, then turned to face the crowd.

“Sorry,” I said, voice calm. “There was a little accident, and my dear fiancé and stepsister decided I needed more rest. So they put me in this wheelchair.”

“But since I’m announcing something important tonight, I thought it only polite to stand. To share my answer here, in front of my family and friends.”

Slowly, I rose from the wheelchair.

Vivienne went still, her face frozen in shock.

Julian stared, unreadable. Sebastian, too.

“My answer is—”

I paused, lifting a glass from the nearest tray.

“Yes. I will inherit the Don’s seat.”

The moment the words left my mouth, panic flashed across Julian’s face. He rushed toward the stage, gripping my arm. “What about our engagement?”

“What about it?” I smiled, calmly brushing his hand off. “Actually, since my stepsister and my fiancé have shown me so much… care these past few days, I figured it’s only fair to return the favor.”

I gave the signal.

The lights dimmed. The screen lit up.

Footage from the villa flickered into focus—Vivienne, Julian, and Sebastian tangled in bed. Soon, Vivienne’s moans echoed through the speakers, shameless and loud.

The crowd gasped.

Vivienne froze. Her face drained of color. Then she lunged toward the DJ, frantically trying to shut it down.

But it was too late.

Everyone had seen. Everyone had heard.

Julian stood beside me, stunned. Sebastian just stared, mouth slightly open, as if he couldn’t believe I’d actually done it.

The real fun had only just begun.

I smiled, took a sip of champagne, and leaned into the mic.

“Happy birthday to me,” I said. “And I hope you all enjoy a wonderful night at my party tonight.”