Part 1The Blind Man's Eyes

My mother picked two suitors: a wealthy gentleman for my sister Evelyn, and a blind, wheelchair-bound scholar's son for me.

I devoted myself to his care—funding treatments, describing the world, becoming his eyes. Doctors said his legs were fine; perhaps it was psychological.

Then we were kidnapped. As a knife stabbed toward Evelyn, my husband suddenly stood, yanking me in front of her. The blade pierced my heart.

His bodyguards called him "Young Master." He wasn’t disabled. His father, the city’s richest man, had staged this to test sincerity.

"You passed," he whispered as I died. "But I love Evelyn. I’ll repay you next life."

I awoke back at the choosing day.

* * *

In the living room, my mother was all smiles, chatting with two young men.

One was Julian Harelik, sitting in a wheelchair. The other was the impeccably dressed Harrison Ford.

Just like last time, my sister Evelyn’s gaze was fixed entirely on Harrison.

My younger brother, Will, ever the troublemaker, saw my pale face and decided to poke fun. “Is there even a choice here? Rachel’s dressed like a farm girl. She and the blind guy are a perfect match.”

He smirked. “But Evelyn has been the campus queen since we were kids. We can’t let a cripple ruin her.”

My fists clenched. “So what you’re saying is that I, the sister who has fed and clothed you your whole life, deserve to be ruined?”

“Don’t you forget how you’re still alive today!”

Evelyn and Will were twins, three years my junior. From a young age, my parents had drilled one idea into my head: the eldest sister is like a mother. I had to care for my siblings like an adult and help support the family.

So, the best food always went to them. New clothes were always for them. When Will needed a kidney transplant, it was my kidney that I gave.

Now, Will wanted to marry some socialite, but we couldn't afford the bride price. So my mother, shameless as ever, had contacted the Harelik and Ford families—families we hadn’t spoken to in over a decade—to demand they honor some casual, long-forgotten marriage pact made by our grandparents.

She planned to use my and Evelyn's dowries to pay for my brother's wedding.

But having lived and died once already, I had nothing left to lose.

“I choose Harrison,” I announced, my voice ringing with a newfound firmness. “Or I won’t marry at all.”

Everyone stared at me, stunned.

Tears welled up in Evelyn’s eyes. I had never been so assertive, never dared to claim something she wanted. She immediately cast a pleading look at Harrison.

He understood. He sat down beside her, pulling her into his arms. “Evelyn and I felt a connection the moment we met. As her older sister, I’m sure you wouldn’t want to stand in the way of her happiness.”

Evelyn clung to his hand, her eyes misty. “And you know I’m terrible at taking care of people. I couldn’t possibly live with Julian. What if his condition gets worse because of me? I’d feel so guilty. Rachel, you learned traditional medicine from Grandpa, didn't you? If you were with him, you might even be able to cure him. It would be a good deed.”

I glanced at the silent Julian, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. “So, you’ve decided on Harrison, then.”

She nodded.

My mother quickly sealed the deal. “Alright, it’s settled then.”

But in the next moment, Julian moved.

He lifted a slender hand, removed his dark glasses, and revealed a pair of startlingly bright eyes.

Then, he stood up from his wheelchair.

He walked past me, straight to Evelyn, a smile gracing his lips. “You don’t have to worry about taking care of me. I was just playing a little joke on everyone. And while I’m not from this city, my father is the wealthiest man in Crestmont. You’ll live a very comfortable life with me.”

His voice was smooth as silk. “Evelyn, would you give me a chance to win your heart?”

I scoffed inwardly. Of course. He was reborn, too.

That made things much easier.