Chapter 1 Reborn

I had a cousin my age.

She overslept and was late for her SATs. Yet, she pinned the blame on me, saying that I made her take some fever medication.

She stole 300 thousand meant for Grandma's surgery, claiming it was to buy me a car.

She even insisted I was at fault when she accidentally got pregnant and took the wrong abortion pills, leading to severe bleeding. She vehemently insisted I pushed her, causing her to fall.

My boyfriend stood by her side time and time again. Eventually, he finally gave up on me, telling me it was over.

My aunt shoved me down the stairs, accusing me of ruining her daughter's life.

My boyfriend witnessed the whole thing, but he told them I had fallen by accident when the police came.

I died without ever seeing justice for myself.

When I thought my life was finally over, I opened my eyes. I had returned to the day my cousin stole the money meant for Grandma's surgery.

——

"You lost your parents at a young age. So, we took you in when you were only four. Your uncle and I raised you like you were our own. How could you repay us by treating my girl like this, you little wretch?

"When you were kids, you tore up her books, stole her pens, wouldn't let her study in peace, and even convinced her classmates to shut her out.

"Now that she's an adult, you've got her stealing your grandma's surgery money to buy you a car? You heartless, rotten soul—why don't you just drop dead?"

My aunt yanked my hair, slapping me over and over. The way she looked at me was filled with such hate. I swore she would have torn me to pieces if she could have.

My cheek was swollen, my mouth filled with the taste of blood.

However, I had grown up under her violent mercies. So, I was more than used to this.

Still, all I could feel now was relief. I had truly been reborn!

I spat out a mouthful of blood and sneered, "Oh, now you remember your daughter's all grown up? Adults can take responsibility for their own actions. So, don't go blaming me whenever she screws up, saying I told her what to do. If I told her to eat dirt, would she?"

My aunt was about to lose her mind. She yanked my hair even harder as she raised her hand to strike again.

My boyfriend, Joziah Roach, stepped in front of me, taking the slap meant for me.

His cheek swelled up, but he ignored the pain and offered a weak apology. "Mrs. Morton, please don't be upset. Whatever Kaelyn took from you, I'll pay it back."

When my eyes landed on his hunched figure, it made my blood boil—I wanted to strangle him right then and there.

"Don't you dare do anything on my behalf. I didn't steal the money, and I'm not the one who should pay it back!"

In my previous life, his self-righteous decision to pay the money for me was what sealed my fate, making me the scapegoat.

I wasn't about to repeat history this time!

He sighed, looking at me helplessly. "Kaelyn, it's just us here. There's no need to lie. Just admit it—you misused the surgery money. I'll cover the cost, but you can't do this again. It's wrong."

"Are you deaf or just plain stupid? We're done! Don't meddle in my life again! Now, get lost!"

I furiously shoved him aside and turned to leave.

My aunt clung to me, refusing to let go. "You little brat! Did I say you could leave? Pay up!"

"It was Jasmine who stole the money. Go after her, not me!" I snapped, shaking her off before striding away.

Behind me, Joziah called my name and ran after me. Meanwhile, my aunt continued cursing up a storm as she stomped after us.

I ignored them both and grabbed my bike. The sting on my face was still burning as I rode off without looking back.

Since I grew up half-starved, I never had the strength to stand up to my stout aunt in my ridiculous hand-me-downs. Nonetheless, I vowed to myself that I would make her pay a thousandfold for each and every abuse she had laid on my person.

I made it back to my apartment in no time, only to find that Joziah had followed me home.

He looked heartbroken. "Kaelyn, you shouldn't throw around break-up talk so casually. It really hurts."

"I'm not being casual," I said flatly. "I meant every word."

He stared at me in disbelief. "You're breaking up with me just because you messed up and I didn't cover for you? I didn't even blame you; I offered to pay the money back. What do you have to feel so wronged about?"

I laughed as I ignored the tightening of my chest as a sting crept up my nose. "Every time Jasmine says or does something, you believe her without question. Yet, you never trust me. So tell me, who are you really dating—me or her?"

His brows furrowed as he stepped forward, trying to wipe my tears. Sadly for him, I was quick to dodge his advances.

Then, he said with a sigh, "Just because we're together doesn't mean I can ignore my conscience when you're bullying your cousin."

As I listened to his tone, it was clear to me that he had always thought of me as the villain deep down inside.

Perhaps it was years of bottled-up disappointment talking. Nevertheless, I didn't feel the slightest bit sad at that moment. Instead, I felt exhausted and furious.

"I don't need a boyfriend who always takes someone else's side and can't even offer me basic trust. Stop meddling in my business. That's my last piece of advice for you."

I slammed the door, shutting him out for good. Then, I contacted a classmate of mine without wasting a second—a lawyer.

Alas, it didn't matter how far I tried to run as I couldn't escape the mess that was out to get me.

Jasmine and her mother were dead set on pinning the theft of my grandma's surgery money on me. They had made up their minds to drown me in this lie.