I Was Cheating on My Husband With Himself

FrameBurst

Transcript

00:00:00I'll keep you company. I promise I'm way more fun than that old guy.

00:00:04My husband, Damon Vance, and I had a contract marriage.

00:00:07He was busy with work, didn't pay attention to me, even just came home a handful of times.

00:00:13That day, I came home and saw him in a varsity football jersey.

00:00:17He looked young, quiet, and surprisingly well-behaved.

00:00:20What?

00:00:21I scoffed.

00:00:22Contract's almost up, so you want to suck up to me?

00:00:24You don't have to try this hard.

00:00:26I didn't wait for his answer.

00:00:27I stepped closer, then closer, hands all over him.

00:00:32Damon went stiff.

00:00:33He let me.

00:00:34Right when I was about to go further.

00:00:36A video call came in.

00:00:38The contact name said, Damon, my husband.

00:00:40The phone screen flashed wildly in the living room.

00:00:43The words, Damon, looked especially sharp under me.

00:00:46Then looked at the phone vibrating nonstop.

00:00:48My brain short-circuited for a second.

00:00:50If the person calling was my husband, then who was I sitting on?

00:00:53Damon clearly saw the screen too.

00:00:55A flicker of shock crossed his eyes, then quickly smoothed over.

00:00:59He suddenly reached up, drank, pressed me back down.

00:01:01His breath hit my collarbone.

00:01:03Honey, pick up.

00:01:05Why aren't you picking up?

00:01:07That voice.

00:01:08Those features.

00:01:09That bone structure.

00:01:10There couldn't possibly be a second person.

00:01:12Other than being a decade younger, he looked exactly like Damon.

00:01:15Was this some weird new game of his?

00:01:17What?

00:01:18I took a deep breath and slid the call open.

00:01:20Damon's mature, cold face appeared on the screen.

00:01:2230-year-old Damon.

00:01:24Every line of his face carried the pressure of years in boardrooms.

00:01:27He frowned slightly.

00:01:29His eyes scanned me through the screen.

00:01:30Vera, where are you?

00:01:31Why are you breathing like that?

00:01:33My heart jumped.

00:01:34I steadied my voice and lied.

00:01:36At home?

00:01:37Just finished yoga.

00:01:38Damon stared at the background on my screen.

00:01:40Why are the lights off?

00:01:42I was about to say I forgot to turn them on.

00:01:44The young man under on purpose.

00:01:46A heavy, breathy moan went straight into the microphone.

00:01:49Babe, my leg's going numb.

00:01:50The air went dead silent.

00:01:51On the other end, Damon's eyes turned to ice.

00:01:54I could feel the killing intent through the screen.

00:01:57Vera.

00:01:57Damon's voice dropped low.

00:01:58Whose voice is that?

00:01:59I clamped a hand over the man's mouth.

00:02:02The TV.

00:02:03My brain spun.

00:02:04Honey, I'm watching a teen drama.

00:02:06Damon let out a cold laugh.

00:02:07Sure.

00:02:08My flight gets in at 10 tomorrow morning.

00:02:11The call cut.

00:02:12I was furious and humiliated.

00:02:14I threw the phone aside and grabbed the boy by the throat.

00:02:16Who the hell are you?

00:02:17He wasn't bothered at all.

00:02:19He casually grabbed my wrist.

00:02:20I'm Damon Vance.

00:02:22He paused.

00:02:22His voice was full of swagger.

00:02:2520-year-old Damon Vance.

00:02:27Ten minutes later, every light in the living room was on.

00:02:30I sat in the single armchair, arms crossed.

00:02:3420-year-old Damon sprawled across from me.

00:02:36His jersey hiked up to show a strip of stomach.

00:02:39He looked exactly like my husband.

00:02:41Just younger.

00:02:42Greener.

00:02:43His hair wasn't slicked back like a businessman's.

00:02:45It was a messy black cut.

00:02:47College boy's hair.

00:02:48He wasn't steady or controlled.

00:02:50He was electric.

00:02:51His eyes were full of curiosity and bite.

00:02:54I spent a full 10 minutes accepting the absurd fact of a time slip.

00:02:58The boy in front of me really was Damon.

00:03:01Ten years ago, he'd been walking home from practice.

00:03:03Cut through a tunnel by the field.

00:03:05Then, when he came out the other side, he ended up in my living room.

00:03:09Young Damon looked me up and down.

00:03:10His eyes were shameless, direct.

00:03:12So, you're my future wife?

00:03:15That kind of in-your-face interest only a 20-year-old boy can pull off.

00:03:18I nodded.

00:03:19Legally, we signed the papers.

00:03:21He let out a snort.

00:03:22Future me's got decent taste.

00:03:24But damn, he's living rough.

00:03:25He pointed at my empty, minimalist living room.

00:03:28He stuck you in this soulless box?

00:03:30What's wrong with him?

00:03:32I didn't know what to say.

00:03:33My marriage with Damon really was lifeless.

00:03:35Business merger?

00:03:37Mutual benefit?

00:03:38Three years in, we were the perfect couple in public.

00:03:42Behind closed doors, we were roommates with a shared lease.

00:03:45He ran his cross-border deals.

00:03:47I ran my art gallery.

00:03:48The fact that we had nothing to talk about wasn't even the main symptom.

00:03:52The main symptom was that we barely slept together.

00:03:54Twice a month was a good month.

00:03:56And only when his schedule was light.

00:03:58Big Damon always felt rigid to me.

00:04:00Boring as hell.

00:04:02I looked at this young Damon.

00:04:04All energy and snark.

00:04:06Suddenly, it felt interesting.

00:04:08You'll find out for yourself.

00:04:09I mean, in the future.

00:04:11I leaned back against the couch.

00:04:13But you.

00:04:14That little stunt earlier.

00:04:16What were you doing?

00:04:17Young Damon scooted closer.

00:04:19His scent hit me.

00:04:20Young.

00:04:21Alive.

00:04:22Just wanted to see how pathetic 30-year-old me turned out.

00:04:25His voice was full of open contempt.

00:04:27Married and leaves his wife alone every night?

00:04:30If I were him, I'd be too embarrassed to even check in by video.

00:04:34I couldn't help it.

00:04:34I laughed out loud.

00:04:35He stared at me with big eyes.

00:04:37His voice softened.

00:04:38Babe.

00:04:39He's pretty boring, isn't he?

00:04:41Snake.

00:04:42Snake.

00:04:42Pure, manipulative little snake.

00:04:43This kid was already this good at 20.

00:04:45I reached out and ran my hand through his hair.

00:04:48It was soft.

00:04:49Just the right texture.

00:04:50I played along.

00:04:51He really is boring.

00:04:53So what do you think I should do?

00:04:55Young Damon's eyes lit up.

00:04:56He said he's coming home tomorrow, tomorrow in the morning, right?

00:04:59He flipped the script.

00:05:00Caught my wrist.

00:05:01Tonight, I'll keep you company.

00:05:03I promise I'm way more fun than that old guy.

00:05:05That night, we didn't do anything.

00:05:08Young Damon was only 20.

00:05:09I wasn't enough of a monster to touch a kid that age.

00:05:12But he was fun.

00:05:13He pulled me into an all-night gaming session.

00:05:16He laughed at me out loud when I lost and got mad.

00:05:20When I got hungry, he ran into the kitchen and made me a bowl of pasta.

00:05:24Babe, try my cooking.

00:05:26Spaghetti with my special sauce.

00:05:28It's bomb.

00:05:29I watched him moving around the kitchen.

00:05:32Something shifted in my chest.

00:05:3430-year-old Damon never went near a kitchen.

00:05:36He'd just have his assistant order the highest-end Michelin delivery.

00:05:40Or take me to some elegant rooftop fine dining.

00:05:42Too busy to be there.

00:05:44Just hand me a black card and call it done.

00:05:46At first, looking at the numbers in the account, I'd swallowed it down.

00:05:50So what if it was a sexless marriage?

00:05:52A few more years of saving and I wouldn't need to work at all.

00:05:55Honestly?

00:05:56Plenty of women would kill for this kind of life.

00:05:59And Damon was cold, yes.

00:06:00But the man was flawless to look at.

00:06:03I'd never really paid attention to other men before.

00:06:05But now, I had a point of comparison.

00:06:08It had been a long time since I'd felt this kind of clumsy, warm, eager-to-please attention.

00:06:13Cute and passionate.

00:06:15The pasta was done.

00:06:16Young Damon brought the bowl over and set it in front of me.

00:06:19Eat up.

00:06:20Personally made by yours truly.

00:06:22Outsiders don't get this treatment.

00:06:24His voice was smug.

00:06:25I took a bite.

00:06:26It was actually pretty good.

00:06:28You've got skills.

00:06:28He propped his chin on his hand and watched me eat.

00:06:31Babe, you're cute when you play.

00:06:32Way cuter than I expected for an older woman.

00:06:34I stopped.

00:06:35Shot him a cold look.

00:06:36He immediately threw his hands up.

00:06:38Oh, okay, okay.

00:06:39My fault.

00:06:40But you tell me.

00:06:41That 30-year-old me, does he ever have time to hang out with you?

00:06:43His tone was a little off.

00:06:45I didn't catch it.

00:06:46I just shook my head and sighed.

00:06:48At 30, you're a CEO.

00:06:50Busier than a surgeon.

00:06:51Never mind hanging out.

00:06:53He barely comes home.

00:06:55Who knew 20-year-old you would have this much life in him?

00:06:58Young Damon grinned.

00:06:59Knew it.

00:07:00He's just an old man with money.

00:07:02He leaned in.

00:07:03His voice dropped low, tempting.

00:07:05Forget about him.

00:07:06Be with me.

00:07:06I'm young.

00:07:07I've got energy.

00:07:08I'll satisfy you every night.

00:07:11The killing intent threw the screen.

00:07:13Vera, whose voice is that?

00:07:15I clamped a hand over the man's mouth.

00:07:17My brain spun.

00:07:18Honey, I'm watching a teen drama.

00:07:20Damon let out a cold laugh.

00:07:21Sure.

00:07:22My husband Damon Vance and I had a contract marriage.

00:07:25He was busy with work.

00:07:26Didn't pay attention to me.

00:07:27Even just came home a handful of times.

00:07:29That day I came home and saw him in a varsity football jersey.

00:07:32He looked young, quiet, and surprisingly well-behaved.

00:07:34I scoffed.

00:07:35What?

00:07:36Contract's almost up so you want to suck up to me?

00:07:38You don't have to try this hard.

00:07:40I didn't wait for his answer.

00:07:41I stepped closer, then closer.

00:07:43Hands all over him.

00:07:44Damon went stiff.

00:07:45He let me.

00:07:46Right when I was about to go further.

00:07:48A video call came in.

00:07:49The contact name said, Damon, my husband.

00:07:52The phone screen flashed wildly in the living room.

00:07:55The words, Damon, looked especially sharp.

00:07:57I lowered my head, looked at the man pinned under me.

00:08:00My brain short-circuited for a second.

00:08:03If the person calling was my husband, then who was I sitting on?

00:08:07Damon clearly saw the screen too.

00:08:09A flicker of shock crossed his eyes, then quickly smoothed over.

00:08:12I tried to stand.

00:08:13He used a little more strength, pressed me back down.

00:08:16His breath hit my collarbone.

00:08:17Honey.

00:08:19Pick up.

00:08:20Why aren't you picking up?

00:08:21That voice.

00:08:22Those features.

00:08:23That bone structure.

00:08:25There couldn't possibly be a second person.

00:08:28Other than being a decade younger, he looked exactly like Damon.

00:08:31Was this some weird new game of his?

00:08:33I took a deep breath and slid the call open.

00:08:36Damon's mature, cold face appeared on the screen.

00:08:3930-year-old Damon.

00:08:41Every line of his face carried the pressure of years in boardrooms.

00:08:44He frowned slightly.

00:08:45His eyes scanned me through the screen.

00:08:47Vera, where are you?

00:08:49Why are you breathing like that?

00:08:50My heart jumped.

00:08:51I steadied my voice and lied.

00:08:52At home.

00:08:53Just finished yoga.

00:08:54Damon stared at the background on my screen.

00:08:56Why are the lights off?

00:08:57I was about to say I forgot to turn them on.

00:09:00The young man underneath me suddenly moved.

00:09:02He didn't just move.

00:09:02He pressed himself up into me on purpose.

00:09:05Babe.

00:09:06My leg's going numb.

00:09:07A heavy, breathy moan went straight into the microphone.

00:09:10The air went dead silent.

00:09:12On the other end, Damon's eyes turned to ice.

00:09:14I could feel the killing intent through the screen.

00:09:16Vera, whose voice is that?

00:09:19I clamped a hand over the man's mouth.

00:09:21My brain spun.

00:09:22Honey, I'm watching a teen drama.

00:09:24Damon let out a cold laugh.

00:09:25Sure.

00:09:26My flight gets in at 10 tomorrow morning.

00:09:28The call cut.

00:09:28I was furious and humiliated.

00:09:30I threw the phone aside and grabbed the boy by the throat.

00:09:33Who the hell are you?

00:09:34He wasn't bothered at all.

00:09:35He casually grabbed my wrist.

00:09:37I'm Damon Vance.

00:09:38He paused.

00:09:39His voice was full of swagger.

00:09:4020-year-old Damon Vance.

00:09:4310 minutes later, every light in the living room was on.

00:09:46I sat in the single armchair, arms crossed.

00:09:4920-year-old Damon sprawled across from me, his jersey hiked up to show a strip of stomach.

00:09:54He looked exactly like my husband.

00:09:56Just younger.

00:09:57Greener.

00:09:57His hair wasn't slicked back like a businessman's.

00:10:00It was a messy black cut.

00:10:01College boy's hair.

00:10:02He wasn't steady or controlled.

00:10:05He was electric.

00:10:06His eyes were full of curiosity and bite.

00:10:08I spent a full 10 minutes accepting the absurd fact of a time slip.

00:10:12The boy in front of me really was Damon.

00:10:1310 years ago, he'd been walking home from practice, cut through a tunnel by the field.

00:10:18Then, when he came out the other side, he ended up in my living room.

00:10:23So, you're my future wife?

00:10:24Young Damon looked me up and down.

00:10:26His eyes were shameless.

00:10:28Direct.

00:10:28That kind of in-your-face interest only a 20-year-old boy can pull off.

00:10:32Legally, we signed the papers.

00:10:34He let out a snort.

00:10:36Future me's got decent taste.

00:10:38But damn, he's living rough.

00:10:39He stuck you in this soulless box?

00:10:41He pointed at my empty, minimalist living room.

00:10:44What's wrong with him?

00:10:45I didn't know what to say.

00:10:46My marriage with Damon really was lifeless.

00:10:48Business merger.

00:10:50Mutual benefit.

00:10:51Three years in, we were the perfect couple in public.

00:10:53Behind closed doors, we were roommates with a shared lease.

00:10:56He ran his cross-border deals.

00:10:58I ran my art gallery.

00:10:59The fact that we had nothing to talk about wasn't even the main symptom.

00:11:02The main symptom was that we barely slept together.

00:11:04Twice a month was a good month, and only when his schedule was light.

00:11:08Big Damon always felt rigid to me.

00:11:10Boring as hell.

00:11:12I looked at this young Damon.

00:11:14All energy and snark.

00:11:16Suddenly, it felt interesting.

00:11:17You'll find out for yourself.

00:11:18I mean, in the future.

00:11:21But you.

00:11:22Oh, that little stunt earlier.

00:11:24What were you doing?

00:11:25Young Damon scooted closer.

00:11:27His scent hit me.

00:11:28Young.

00:11:29Alive.

00:11:29Just wanted to see how pathetic 30-year-old me turned out.

00:11:32His voice was full of open contempt.

00:11:34Married and leaves his wife alone every night?

00:11:36If I were him, I'd be too embarrassed to even check in by video.

00:11:39I couldn't help it.

00:11:40I laughed out loud.

00:11:42He stared at me with big eyes.

00:11:44His voice softened.

00:11:45Babe, he's pretty boring, isn't he?

00:11:48Snake.

00:11:48Pure, manipulative little snake.

00:11:50This kid was already this good at 20.

00:11:52I reached out and ran my hand through his hair.

00:11:55It was soft.

00:11:56Just the right texture.

00:11:57I played along.

00:11:58He really is boring.

00:12:02So what do you think I should do?

00:12:04Young Damon's eyes lit up.

00:12:05He said he's coming home tomorrow morning, right?

00:12:07He flipped the script.

00:12:08Caught my wrist.

00:12:09Tonight, I'll keep you company.

00:12:11I promise I'm way more fun than that old man.

00:12:15That night, we didn't do anything.

00:12:17Young Damon was only 20.

00:12:18I wasn't enough of a monster to touch a kid that age.

00:12:21But he was fun.

00:12:21He pulled me into an all-night gaming session.

00:12:24He laughed at me out loud when I lost and got mad.

00:12:26When I got hungry, he ran into the kitchen and made me a bowl of pasta.

00:12:29Babe, try my cooking.

00:12:31Spaghetti with my special sauce.

00:12:33It's bomb.

00:12:33I watched him moving around the kitchen.

00:12:35Something shifted in my chest.

00:12:3630-year-old Damon never went near a kitchen.

00:12:38He'd just have his assistant order the highest-end Michelin delivery.

00:12:42Or take me to some elegant rooftop fine dining.

00:12:44Too busy to be there?

00:12:45Just hand me a black card and call it done.

00:12:47At first, looking at the numbers in the account, I'd swallowed it down.

00:12:50So what if it was a sexless marriage?

00:12:52A few more years of saving, and I wouldn't need to work at all.

00:12:55Honestly, plenty of women would kill for this kind of life.

00:12:58And Damon was cold.

00:12:59Yes.

00:12:59But the man was flawless to look at.

00:13:01I'd never really paid attention to other men before.

00:13:03But now I had a point of comparison.

00:13:05It had been a long time since I'd felt this kind of clumsy, warm, eager-to-please attention.

00:13:10Cute and passionate.

00:13:11The pasta was done.

00:13:12Young Damon brought the bowl over and set it in front of me.

00:13:14Eat up.

00:13:15Personally made by yours truly.

00:13:17Outsiders don't get this treatment.

00:13:18His voice was smug.

00:13:19I took a bite.

00:13:20It was actually pretty good.

00:13:21You've got skills.

00:13:23Babe.

00:13:24He watched me eat.

00:13:25You're cute when you play.

00:13:26Way cuter than I expected for an older woman.

00:13:28I stopped.

00:13:29Shot him a cold look.

00:13:30He immediately threw his hands up.

00:13:32Okay, okay.

00:13:33My fault.

00:13:34But you tell me.

00:13:35That 30-year-old me.

00:13:36Does he ever have him to hang out with you?

00:13:38His tone was a little off.

00:13:39I didn't catch it.

00:13:40At 30, you're a CEO.

00:13:42Busier than a surgeon.

00:13:44Never mind hanging out.

00:13:45He barely comes home.

00:13:46Who knew 20-year-old you would have this much life in him?

00:13:49Knew it.

00:13:49He's just an old man with money.

00:13:51He leaned in.

00:13:52His voice dropped low.

00:13:54Tempting.

00:13:54Forget about him.

00:13:55Be with me.

00:13:56I'm young.

00:13:57I've got energy.

00:13:59I'll satisfy you.

00:14:01Every night.

00:14:03Month later, I married Damon Whitmore.

00:14:05A year later, we had our first baby.

00:14:07And now, I was pregnant with our second.

00:14:09Honestly, if it had not been for Damon's family memorial,

00:14:11I never would have set foot back in this country.

00:14:13And I definitely would not have run into Ethan.

00:14:22Madden's baby needs a dad on paper.

00:14:23I'll marry you once my dorses final.

00:14:27Everyone thought I would swallow my pride and wait another month.

00:14:30After all, I had already waited.

00:14:32My husband Julian Vance locked me in a hospital for seven years, so his first love Jade could

00:14:35take my place.

00:14:37She sat at my office desk.

00:14:39Slept in my bed.

00:14:40I became someone who never existed.

00:14:42I hated them with every fiber of my being.

00:14:44I'm going to make them pay.

00:14:45From the moment Elle married Julian's uncle.

00:14:47Now I am back.

00:14:48Ready to take back what should be mine.

00:14:50After I came back home, Elle put a secret contract in an envelope and wrote on it.

00:14:54For Julian.

00:14:55Open on our anniversary day.

00:14:57Once I lost my sound and became mate for saving him in a car accident.

00:15:00Now I have recovered.

00:15:01Elle would ruin his reputation and ask him for a huge compensation.

00:15:04Then Elle would make him totally get out of my life.

00:15:07The contract was our divorce contract.

00:15:10Laura my darling.

00:15:11I miss you so much.

00:15:13Why didn't you tell me you have returned?

00:15:15I didn't answer and just gave the envelope to him.

00:15:18Julian smiled and kissed my cheek.

00:15:19The photographer is booked.

00:15:21We're going to shoot the wedding port today.

00:15:23At the studio, Elle watched Julian's phone buzz.

00:15:25I glanced at the screen.

00:15:28Julian spoke to me.

00:15:31Work emergency honey, I'll be back.

00:15:33I didn't beg him to stay.

00:15:34I didn't cry.

00:15:35He left.

00:15:36I followed him instead.

00:15:38Follow that car.

00:15:39For seven years, I heard nothing.

00:15:41Now I heard everything.

00:15:43Everything that Elle should have noticed.

00:15:44But it doesn't matter.

00:15:45I am not that innocent girl seven years ago.

00:15:49The driver took me to the sea.

00:15:51I hid behind a rock.

00:15:52Fifty yards away, Julian and Jade walked into a small wooden cabin.

00:15:56How about Alara?

00:15:58I hear that she is back to the country.

00:16:00That deaf woman.

00:16:01How can she compare with you, honey?

00:16:03You are my first love.

00:16:05Of course.

00:16:06She is not our barrier.

00:16:08I wasn't his wife.

00:16:09I wasn't even the replacement.

00:16:11I was just the placeholder until she came back.

00:16:13I stood there.

00:16:14Then my phone buzzed.

00:16:15It was an unknown text.

00:16:17Project Oasis.

00:16:18Your mother's legacy.

00:16:20Julian just gave it to Jade.

00:16:22Want it back?

00:16:22Meet me.

00:16:23I didn't know who sent it.

00:16:25Elle looked at the cabin one last time.

00:16:26If Julian wanted to play games, I would play with him.

00:16:30I came back to the company.

00:16:31I used to work for Julian as the company's planning director.

00:16:34My desk.

00:16:35Someone else's things were there.

00:16:37Jade took your office.

00:16:38She said she's allergic to dust.

00:16:39So am I.

00:16:40I hate dust too.

00:16:42Julian knew that.

00:16:43He just didn't care anymore.

00:16:44I walked into Julian's office.

00:16:46Seeing me, he quickly closed a file on his desk.

00:16:48But Elle already saw it.

00:16:50It was Project Oasis designed by my mother.

00:16:52Julian voted for Jade to be responsible for it.

00:16:54I promised my mother to complete the project before she died.

00:16:58Alora, I can explain.

00:17:00You voted for her.

00:17:01Jade's parents are sick.

00:17:02She needs money.

00:17:03I want to give her this opportunity.

00:17:05You understand, don't you?

00:17:07I understand.

00:17:08I understand exactly what I have to do now.

00:17:11He wanted Jade to have Project Oasis?

00:17:13Then I would make sure she loses it.

00:17:17Back home, I opened my mother's old wooden box.

00:17:19Inside Elle saw a faded photograph.

00:17:21A teenage boy with sharp features stood next to my mother.

00:17:24On the back, someone had written.

00:17:26Harrison Knight, age 17.

00:17:27I recognized the name.

00:17:29Harrison was the CEO of LS Group.

00:17:31Julian's biggest competitor.

00:17:32I didn't know how he knew my mother.

00:17:33But maybe he could help me to get back the project because of my mother.

00:17:36I picked up my phone and searched, Harrison Knight LS Group.

00:17:39However, there was little information about him online,

00:17:41only stating that he was a business superstar who defeated a group of opponents at a young age.

00:17:45Next day Elle came to the LS Group.

00:17:47My proposal gripped in my hand.

00:17:48My heart was racing.

00:17:50I didn't have an appointment.

00:17:51Would he help me because he knew my mother?

00:17:53I stepped into the elevator and pressed the top floor.

00:17:55I knocked before I could talk myself out of it.

00:17:57Silence.

00:17:58Then a man's voice.

00:18:00Enter.

00:18:00A tall, handsome man sat lazily in a chair with his legs crossed.

00:18:05I stepped inside just as the handsome man turning to his assistant.

00:18:07Find out who let her in.

00:18:09Fire them.

00:18:09My heart stopped.

00:18:11No second chances.

00:18:12I'd heard the rumors about Harrison Knight.

00:18:14Cold.

00:18:15Ruthless.

00:18:16Unforgiving.

00:18:17You have 60 seconds.

00:18:19Mr. Knight.

00:18:20I am a Laura Vance.

00:18:22You know my mother, right?

00:18:23His expression didn't change.

00:18:25But something flickered in his eyes.

00:18:27I opened my proposal and spread it across his desk.

00:18:29I'm here to make you an offer.

00:18:31I know LS Group is also interested in project.

00:18:33If I help you win the project,

00:18:35your company triples in value within three years.

00:18:38But I know that it's your husband's company that is responsible for the project now.

00:18:42This isn't some game between you two.

00:18:44Julian doesn't know I'm here.

00:18:46No.

00:18:47I heard he's busy.

00:18:48Brought his old phlegm back.

00:18:51Jade, isn't it?

00:18:53I don't get involved in other people's marriages.

00:18:55Alara.

00:18:55I don't do messy.

00:18:56I looked at him in the eye and went to the door.

00:18:58After Al stepped out of the room, I heard his voice.

00:19:01They are right.

00:19:02Mrs. Van is pretty, sexy, and innocent.

00:19:06Since Harrison refused my proposal, I need to find another way.

00:19:09A charity dinner would be held after two days.

00:19:11Maybe I could find another one that could help me.

00:19:13At the charity dinner, I spotted Julian and Jade across the room.

00:19:16Her hand on his arm.

00:19:18Then I saw it.

00:19:19Julian slipped a bracelet onto Jade's wrist.

00:19:21My bracelet.

00:19:22My mother's bracelet.

00:19:23He promised me he'd never sell it.

00:19:25He lied.

00:19:28Careful.

00:19:29Eloda?

00:19:30What are you?

00:19:31Your wife fell into me, Julian.

00:19:33You should watch her more closely.

00:19:35Oh, Mr. Harrison Knight, I am so sorry.

00:19:42Drink.

00:19:43Apologize to me for your wife's behavior.

00:19:45Julian's face went pale.

00:19:46He seemed to be afraid of Harrison.

00:19:48Why?

00:19:49But it really pleased me.

00:19:50He raised the glass.

00:19:51Drank.

00:19:54One more.

00:19:56Julian drank again.

00:19:57And again.

00:19:58Until the bottle was empty.

00:20:00I watched my husband fall apart in public.

00:20:02And I felt nothing.

00:20:04Is it interesting, Mrs. Vance?

00:20:08My husband Julian Vance locked me in a hospital for seven years,

00:20:11so his first love Jade could take my place.

00:20:14She sat at my office desk.

00:20:15Slept in my bed.

00:20:17I became someone who never existed.

00:20:18I hated them with every fiber of my being.

00:20:20I'm going to make them pay.

00:20:22From the moment El married Julian's uncle.

00:20:24Now I am back.

00:20:25Ready to take back what should be mine.

00:20:27After I came back home, El put a secret contract in an envelope and wrote on it.

00:20:31For Julian.

00:20:32Open on our anniversary day.

00:20:33Once I lost my sound and became mate for saving him in the car accident.

00:20:36Now I have recovered.

00:20:38El would ruin his reputation and ask him for a huge compensation.

00:20:40Then El would make him totally get out of my life.

00:20:44The contract was our divorce contract.

00:20:47Elora my darling.

00:20:48I miss you so much.

00:20:50Why didn't you tell me you have returned?

00:20:52I didn't answer and just gave the envelope to him.

00:20:55Julian smiled and kissed my cheek.

00:20:56The photographer is booked.

00:20:58We're going to shoot the wedding port today.

00:21:00At the studio, El watched Julian's phone buzz.

00:21:02I glanced at the screen.

00:21:05Julian spoke to me.

00:21:08Work emergency honey, I'll be back.

00:21:09I didn't beg him to stay.

00:21:10I didn't cry.

00:21:11He left.

00:21:12I followed him instead.

00:21:15Follow that car.

00:21:16For seven years, I heard nothing.

00:21:18Now I heard everything.

00:21:19Everything that El should have noticed.

00:21:21But it doesn't matter.

00:21:22I am not that innocent girl seven years ago.

00:21:26The driver took me to the sea.

00:21:27I hid behind a rock.

00:21:29Fifty yards away, Julian and Jade walked into a small wooden cabin.

00:21:33How about Elora?

00:21:35I hear that she is back to the country.

00:21:37That deaf woman.

00:21:38How can she compare with you, honey?

00:21:40You are my first love.

00:21:42Of course.

00:21:43She is not our barrier.

00:21:45I wasn't his wife.

00:21:46I wasn't even the replacement.

00:21:48I was just the placeholder until she came back.

00:21:50I stood there.

00:21:51Then my phone buzzed.

00:21:52It was an unknown text.

00:21:53Project Oasis.

00:21:55Your mother's legacy.

00:21:56Julian just gave it to Jade.

00:21:58Want it back?

00:21:59Meet me.

00:22:00I didn't know who sent it.

00:22:01El looked at the cabin one last time.

00:22:03If Julian wanted to play games, I would play with him.

00:22:06I came back to the company.

00:22:08I used to work for Julian as the company's planning director.

00:22:11My desk.

00:22:12Someone else's things were there.

00:22:13Jade took your office.

00:22:14She said she's allergic to dust.

00:22:16So am I.

00:22:17I hate dust too.

00:22:18Julian knew that.

00:22:19He just didn't care anymore.

00:22:21I walked into Julian's office.

00:22:23Seeing me, he quickly closed a file on his desk.

00:22:25But El already saw it.

00:22:26It was Project Oasis designed by my mother.

00:22:29Julian voted for Jade to be responsible for it.

00:22:31I promised my mother to complete the project before she died.

00:22:35Elora, I can explain.

00:22:36You voted for her.

00:22:38Jade's parents are sick.

00:22:39She needs money.

00:22:40I want to give her this opportunity.

00:22:42You understand, don't you?

00:22:44I understand.

00:22:45I understand exactly what I have to do now.

00:22:47He wanted Jade to have Project Oasis?

00:22:49Then I would make sure she loses it.

00:22:53Back home, I opened my mother's old wooden box.

00:22:56Inside, El saw a faded photograph.

00:22:58A teenage boy with sharp features stood next to my mother.

00:23:00On the back, someone had written.

00:23:02Harrison Knight, age 17.

00:23:04I recognized the name.

00:23:05Harrison was the CEO of LS Group.

00:23:07Julian's biggest competitor.

00:23:09I didn't know how he knew my mother.

00:23:10But maybe he could help me to get back the project because of my mother.

00:23:13I picked up my phone and searched, Harrison Knight LS Group.

00:23:16However, there was little information about him online,

00:23:18only stating that he was a business superstar who defeated a group of opponents at a young age.

00:23:22Next day El came to the LS Group.

00:23:23My proposal gripped in my hand.

00:23:25My heart was racing.

00:23:26I didn't have an appointment.

00:23:28Would he help me because he knew my mother?

00:23:29I stepped into the elevator and pressed the top floor.

00:23:32I knocked before I could talk myself out of it.

00:23:34Silence.

00:23:35Then a man's voice.

00:23:36Enter.

00:23:37A tall, handsome man sat lazily in a chair with his legs crossed.

00:23:41I stepped inside just as the handsome man turning to his assistant.

00:23:44Find out who let her in.

00:23:45Fire them.

00:23:46My heart stopped.

00:23:47No second chances.

00:23:49I'd heard the rumors about Harrison Knight.

00:23:51Cold.

00:23:51Ruthless.

00:23:52Unforgiving.

00:23:53You have 60 seconds.

00:23:56Mr. Knight.

00:23:57I am Elora Vance.

00:23:58You know my mother, right?

00:24:00His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes.

00:24:03I opened my proposal and spread it across his desk.

00:24:06I'm here to make you an offer.

00:24:07I know LS Group is also interested in project.

00:24:10If I help you win the project, your company triples in value within three years.

00:24:15But I know that it's your husband's company that is responsible for the project now.

00:24:19This isn't some game between you two.

00:24:21Julian doesn't know I'm here.

00:24:23No.

00:24:24I heard he's busy.

00:24:25Brought his old phlegm back.

00:24:28Jade, isn't it?

00:24:29I don't get involved in other people's marriages, Elora.

00:24:32I don't do messi-

00:24:33I looked at him in the eye and went to the door.

00:24:35After Al stepped out of the room, I heard his voice.

00:24:38They are right.

00:24:39Mrs. Van is pretty, sexy, and innocent.

00:24:43Since Harrison refused my proposal, I need to find another way.

00:24:46A charity dinner would be held after two days.

00:24:48Maybe I could find another one that could help me.

00:24:50At the charity dinner, I spotted Julian and Jade across the room.

00:24:53Her hand on his arm.

00:24:55Then I saw it.

00:24:56Julian slipped a bracelet onto Jade's wrist.

00:24:58My bracelet.

00:24:59My mother's bracelet.

00:25:00He promised me he'd never sell it.

00:25:02He lied.

00:25:05Careful.

00:25:06Eloda?

00:25:07What are you?

00:25:08Your wife fell into me, Julian.

00:25:10You should watch her more closely.

00:25:12Oh, Mr. Harrison Knight, I am so sorry.

00:25:18Drink.

00:25:20Apologize to me for your wife's behavior.

00:25:22Julian's face went pale.

00:25:23He seemed to be afraid of Harrison.

00:25:25Why?

00:25:25But it really pleased me.

00:25:26My fated mate threw our son into the underground Coliseum.

00:25:29After 18 years of war, authorities had been reclaimed.

00:25:31What should have welcomed me home was applause and celebration.

00:25:34Instead, standing beside Selina atop the city walls were two arrogant men.

00:25:38Not our son I missed for 18 years.

00:25:40The sworn guard fell to his knees before my horse.

00:25:43Commander Reno!

00:25:43Prince Syriot!

00:25:44They threw him into the Coliseum!

00:25:46He's been fighting for three days and nights.

00:25:48He can't hold on much longer.

00:25:50Please, save him!

00:25:51Black Iron Legion, hear my command!

00:25:53To the underground Coliseum!

00:25:54Anyone who stands in our way, dies!

00:25:57My stated mate threw our son into the underground Coliseum.

00:25:59She tossed him to the rogue wolves like the nobles of the capital watched his suffering

00:26:02for entertainment, betting on his death.

00:26:04For three days and nights, he fought those.

00:26:06And this was the reward waiting for me after 18 years of war.

00:26:10A son tortured to the brink of death.

00:26:11And a false charge of treason.

00:26:13Callum, my mate Selina's former servant, rose from her secret lover to Lord Regent.

00:26:18He sneered at me, calling me a brainless savage who only knew war.

00:26:21Their bastard son, Adrian, went even further.

00:26:23They framed him for forging his wolf soul, stealing his position as crown prince.

00:26:27But they forgot one thing.

00:26:28Every bit of glory they enjoyed today existed because of me.

00:26:3118 years.

00:26:32As I looked at the city gates just ahead, my heart heavy with guilt and excitement.

00:26:36Back then, I had left for war against the northern or now.

00:26:38Those beasts were wiped out.

00:26:40Tories had been reclaimed.

00:26:41What should have welcomed me home was applause and celebration.

00:26:43Instead, standing beside Selina atop the city walls were two arrogant men.

00:26:47Not our son I missed for 18 years.

00:26:50Selina looked down at me from above.

00:26:53Reno, you conquered the northern borders.

00:26:56Your victory brought eternal glory to the Silvermoon Kingdom.

00:26:59Your majesty, I've been away from home for 18 years.

00:27:01I earned my name with blood.

00:27:03Right now, I only want to see my son Cyril.

00:27:06Selina's eyes turned cold.

00:27:07The unfamiliar man beside her stepped forward, his voice dripping with arrogance.

00:27:11Reno!

00:27:12How dare you interrupt the Alpha Queen!

00:27:13Kneel and beg for mercy!

00:27:15I narrowed my eyes and studied him.

00:27:16And who exactly are you?

00:27:18What gives you the right to stand beside the Alpha Queen?

00:27:20As the Alpha Queen, royal bloodlines are everything.

00:27:23She looked at the young man beside her with deep affection.

00:27:26During the 18 years you were away, I let Callum mark me.

00:27:29Together, we had Adrian.

00:27:30For years, Callum has endured endless rumors and criticism.

00:27:33Being the Lord Regent is not enough.

00:27:34I've decided to name him Prince Consort.

00:27:36As for you, once our mate bond is dissolved,

00:27:40you can continue serving as the commander of the Black Iron Legion.

00:27:43My grip tightened around the hilt of my sword.

00:27:45I ground my teeth.

00:27:46Selina, are you discarding me now?

00:27:47Everyone knows you got that throne because of me.

00:27:49Now you want a pathetic, ledic lover to take my place?

00:27:51How dare you?

00:27:53I took this throne with my own strength!

00:27:54You had nothing to do with it!

00:27:56After becoming regent, Callum devoted himself to governing Silvermoon Kingdom.

00:28:01He earned this position.

00:28:03But you?

00:28:03You spent 18 years fighting and baronage to stabilize the border.

00:28:07How incompetent can one man be?

00:28:09I kept you as commander only out of pity.

00:28:11Know your place, Reno.

00:28:12Listening to her self-righteous speech, I almost laughed.

00:28:15For 18 years, who guarded the freezing northern borders day and night?

00:28:19Who bled to keep her on that comfortable throne?

00:28:20And now she sat above me, calm and untouchable, calling me incompetent.

00:28:25A desperate cry pierced the air.

00:28:27A bloody guard with shattered armor crashed through the crowd, screaming at the top of

00:28:30his lungs.

00:28:31Commander!

00:28:32Please!

00:28:33Please save Prince Cyril!

00:28:35I immediately recognized him.

00:28:37Before leaving for war, I had personally chosen him as Cyril's sworn guard.

00:28:40But before he could say another word, an official behind Callum shouted.

00:28:43An assassin!

00:28:44Protect the Alpha Queen and execute him on the spot!

00:28:46The royal guards rushed forward, but I froze them with a single roar.

00:28:49Back off!

00:28:49He's my man!

00:28:50None of you touch him!

00:28:51The guards exchanged uneasy glances.

00:28:53None of them dared move.

00:28:54The Alpha Queen is here!

00:28:56Anyone who storms this ceremony is an assassin!

00:28:58Kill him now!

00:28:59What are you useless fools waiting for?

00:29:01When they lunged, I swam my sword, shattering their spears with a brutal strike.

00:29:05Who else wants him dead?

00:29:06You answer to my blade first!

00:29:08We swear our lives to Commander Reno!

00:29:10The deadly aura of my battle-hardened soldiers made Adrian stumble back.

00:29:13Her eyes flickered as she looked at the fierce armor.

00:29:15She raised her hand.

00:29:16Let him speak!

00:29:18The sworn guard fell to his knees before my horse.

00:29:20Commander Reno!

00:29:21Prince Siriot!

00:29:22They threw him into the Colosseum!

00:29:24They left him to be eaten by rogue wolves!

00:29:25He's been fighting for three days and nights!

00:29:27He can't hold on much longer!

00:29:29Please, save him!

00:29:31Shocked, I turned toward Selina.

00:29:32Disbelief burned in my eyes.

00:29:34Selina!

00:29:35How could you throw Cyril into that place?

00:29:37Cyril was stripped of his title.

00:29:38To fight for the throne, he used forbidden potions to forge a fake silver moon wolf soul.

00:29:43Adrian is the one with pure blood and a real, powerful soul.

00:29:46He's the true heir of Silver Moon.

00:29:48Don't push your luck, Reno!

00:29:50Guards!

00:29:51Drag this filthy lowborn away and execute him!

00:29:53The sworn guard grabbed my hand.

00:29:55Commander, I don't care what happens to me.

00:29:57Just go to the Colosseum!

00:29:58If you're any later, it'll be too late.

00:30:01I pulled him up and got back on my horse.

00:30:03Black Iron Legion, hear my command!

00:30:05To the Underground Colosseum!

00:30:06Anyone who stands in our way, dies!

00:30:09She stepped forward and blocked my path.

00:30:11You dare march your army into the capital?

00:30:13Is this rebellion?

00:30:14I kicked her straight in her beautiful face.

00:30:15She flew backward, screaming.

00:30:17Get out of my way!

00:30:19If there's a single scratch on Cyril, I'll burn this entire kingdom to the ground!

00:30:23I spurred my horse and galloped toward the seat, but thousands of Black Iron soldiers thundered behind.

00:30:27Commander, this is the place.

00:30:29The guard captain lounged against a half-naked dancer.

00:30:32He saw my sworn guard and sneered.

00:30:34Back again, old man?

00:30:35Still dreaming?

00:30:36You can beg the Alpha Queen a thousand times.

00:30:39And she still won't give a damn about that piece of trash!

00:30:42After all, she's the one who threw him in this wolf hole herself.

00:30:46Before he could finish, a silver light flash.

00:30:48His head flew off before his body even hit the ground.

00:30:51The dancer screamed in terror.

00:30:52I ignored her and looked down the dark tunnel ahead.

00:30:54Kill our way in!

00:30:57Deeper we went, the louder the wild cheers became.

00:31:00The depraved cheers of the crowd, mixed with the stench of blood and desperate screams, drifted up from the depths

00:31:05of the pit.

00:31:05Pushing open the heavy doors to the stands, the massive coliseum opened up before my eyes.

00:31:09Every seat around the coliseum was filled.

00:31:11Nobles in fine silks and jewels groping their naked slave girls, screaming at the arena with twisted, excited faces.

00:31:17Kill him!

00:31:18Tear that bastard apart!

00:31:21Beside him lay mountains of tokens, all betting on Syro's death.

00:31:24My grip tightened around the hilt of my sword.

00:31:26I ground my teeth.

00:31:27Selina, are you discarding me now?

00:31:29Everyone knows you got that throne because of me.

00:31:30Now you want a pathetic ledic lover to take my place?

00:31:33How dare you!

00:31:34I took this throne with my own strength!

00:31:35You had nothing to do with it!

00:31:37After becoming regent, Callum devoted himself to governing Silvermoon Kingdom.

00:31:42He earned this position.

00:31:44But you?

00:31:44You spent eighteen years fighting and bernaged to stabilize the border.

00:31:48How incompetent can one man be?

00:31:50I kept you as commander only out of pity.

00:31:52Know your place, Reno.

00:31:53Listening to her self-righteous speech, I almost laughed.

00:31:56For eighteen years, who guarded the freezing northern borders day and night?

00:32:00Who bled to keep her on that comfortable throne?

00:32:02And now she sat above me, calm and untouchable, calling me incompetent.

00:32:06A desperate cry pierced the air.

00:32:08A bloody guard with shattered armor crashed through the crowd, screaming at the top of his lungs.

00:32:12Commander!

00:32:13Please!

00:32:14Please save Prince Cyril!

00:32:16I immediately recognized him.

00:32:18Before leaving for war, I had personally chosen him as Cyril's sworn guard.

00:32:21But before he could say another word, an official behind Callum shouted,

00:32:24An assassin!

00:32:25Protect the Alpha Queen and execute him on the spot!

00:32:27The royal guards rushed forward, but I froze them with a single roar.

00:32:30Back off!

00:32:30He's my man!

00:32:31None of you touch him!

00:32:32The guards exchanged uneasy glances.

00:32:34None of them dared move.

00:32:36The Alpha Queen is here!

00:32:37Anyone who storms this ceremony is an assassin!

00:32:39Kill him now!

00:32:40What are you useless fools waiting for?

00:32:42When they lunged, I swung my sword, shattering their spears with a brutal strike.

00:32:46Who else wants him dead?

00:32:47You answer to my blade first!

00:32:49We swear our lives to Commander Reno!

00:32:51The deadly aura of my battle-hardened soldiers made Adrian stumble back.

00:32:54Her eyes flickered as she looked at the fierce armor.

00:32:57She raised her hand.

00:32:58Let him speak!

00:32:59The sworn guard fell to his knees before my horse.

00:33:01Commander Reno!

00:33:02Prince Syriot!

00:33:03They threw him into the Colosseum!

00:33:05They left him to be eaten by rogue wolves!

00:33:06He's been fighting for three days and nights!

00:33:08He can't hold on much longer!

00:33:10Please!

00:33:11Save him!

00:33:12Shocked, I turned toward Selina.

00:33:13Disbelief burned in my eyes.

00:33:15Selina!

00:33:16How could you throw Cyril into that place?

00:33:18Cyril was stripped of his title.

00:33:19To fight for the throne, he used forbidden potions to forge a fake Silvermoon wolf soul.

00:33:24Adrian is the one with pure blood and a real, powerful soul.

00:33:28He's the true heir of Silvermoon.

00:33:29Don't push your luck, Reno!

00:33:31Guards!

00:33:32Drag this filthy lowborn away and execute him!

00:33:34The sworn guard grabbed my hand.

00:33:36Commander, I don't care what happens to me.

00:33:38Just go to the Colosseum.

00:33:39If you're any later, it'll be too late.

00:33:42I pulled him up and got back on my horse.

00:33:44Black Iron Legion, hear my command!

00:33:46To the underground Colosseum!

00:33:48Anyone who stands in our way, dies!

00:33:50She stepped forward and blocked my path.

00:33:52You dare march your army into the capital?

00:33:54Is this rebellion?

00:33:55I kicked her straight in her beautiful face.

00:33:57She flew backward, screaming.

00:33:58Get out of my way!

00:34:00If there's a single scratch on Sirian, I'll burn this entire kingdom to the ground!

00:34:04I spurred my horse and galloped toward the sit with thousands of Black Iron soldiers thundered behind.

00:34:08Commander, this is the place.

00:34:10The guard captain lounged against a half-naked dancer.

00:34:13He saw my sworn guard and sneered.

00:34:15Back again, old man?

00:34:16Still dreaming?

00:34:17You can beg the Alpha Queen a thousand times.

00:34:20And she still won't give a damn about that piece of trash!

00:34:23After all, she's the one who threw him in this wolf hole herself.

00:34:27Before he could finish, a silver light flashed.

00:34:29His head flew off before his body even hit the ground.

00:34:32The dancer screamed in terror.

00:34:33I ignored her and looked down the dark tunnel ahead.

00:34:35Kill our way in!

00:34:38Deeper we went, the louder the wild cheers became.

00:34:41The depraved cheers of the crowd, mixed with the stench of blood and desperate screams, drifted up from the depths

00:34:46of the pit.

00:34:46Pushing open the heavy doors to the stands.

00:34:48The massive coliseum opened up before my eyes.

00:34:50Every seat around the coliseum was filled.

00:34:53Nobles in fine silks and jewels groping their naked slave girls, screaming at the arena with twisted, excited faces.

00:34:58Kill him!

00:35:00Tear that bastard apart!

00:35:02Beside him lay mountains of tokens, all betting on Ciro's death.

00:35:05This moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:35:08Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court, in his full power, and he had his arm around my sister's waist.

00:35:13Poisoned my food.

00:35:14Mine and my child's both.

00:35:15Phoenix Court lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:35:18Frost-born by nature.

00:35:19That's not a marriage.

00:35:21It's a slow execution.

00:35:22Last moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:35:25The doors blow open.

00:35:26Heat rolls across the hall.

00:35:28Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court arrives in his full power, in surface form, and Mira is in his arms.

00:35:34My sister.

00:35:34My husband's arms.

00:35:35Around my sister.

00:35:36She looks at me over his shoulder.

00:35:38Satisfied.

00:35:39Certain.

00:35:40In my previous life, on the day of the bloom-right, my sister chose someone else.

00:35:44She left the boar knight.

00:35:45The one nobody wanted for me.

00:35:47It was fate.

00:35:48A frostborn for a beast.

00:35:50Instead, I saved Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court by accident.

00:35:54He took me as his queen.

00:35:55After the bonding, I bore five heirs for the Phoenix bloodline.

00:35:58A clan that had gone generations without children.

00:36:01I became a legend across the Everlight realm.

00:36:03My sister, bonded to her chosen lord, was cast out for barrenness.

00:36:08I came home with my youngest.

00:36:10Sister poisoned my bowl.

00:36:12Me and my child both.

00:36:13When I woke, it was the day of the rite again.

00:36:17Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.

00:36:20Choose freely.

00:36:21The hall filled with glances, with offered flowers, with quiet negotiations between bodies

00:36:26and bloodlines.

00:36:27I didn't want any of it.

00:36:28In my last life, childbirth had nearly killed me.

00:36:31I wasn't doing it again.

00:36:33I'd painted myself plain.

00:36:34Rough skin.

00:36:35Dull eyes.

00:36:36Nothing worth a second look.

00:36:37A few men caught my silhouette and turned away when they saw my face.

00:36:40One by one.

00:36:42Even the boar knights found partners.

00:36:43I stood alone.

00:36:45Then the doors blew open.

00:36:47The air outside turned the color of a wound.

00:36:50Heat rolled across the hall.

00:36:52Creatures called from everywhere at once.

00:36:54He arrived in a surge of flame-touched power.

00:36:57Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court, in his full power, in surface form, and he had his

00:37:01arm around my sister's waist.

00:37:03Mira saved my life.

00:37:04From this day forward, she is my true mate.

00:37:07Half the Frostfay Covenant elders were taken aback.

00:37:09Some even shedding tears of emotion.

00:37:12A Phoenix Court lord choosing one of ours.

00:37:15Choosing hers first and only.

00:37:17It hadn't happened in living memory.

00:37:19Mira looked at me over his shoulder.

00:37:20Satisfied.

00:37:21Certain.

00:37:22I knew then.

00:37:23She'd been reborn, too.

00:37:24In my first life, Mira had caught wind of something about the Phoenix Court.

00:37:28The bloodline could produce pure divine hears, given the right conditions.

00:37:32She decided that was her destiny.

00:37:34So she sent me away beforehand.

00:37:36Choosing her partner before I even arrived.

00:37:37But by some twist of fate, I wandered into the deep passage beyond the hall.

00:37:42There was a Phoenix Court shifter in the passage, down on one knee, barely holding his form.

00:37:46His body was running at full flame-touched power.

00:37:49The frost around him had already started burning.

00:37:51Another few minutes and he'd have taken the whole grove.

00:37:54I didn't think about it.

00:37:55I just moved.

00:37:56Poured everything I had into frost-borne current until it stopped fighting back, then sealed

00:38:00his wounds.

00:38:00He lived.

00:38:01I walked away.

00:38:02Wait!

00:38:02It is a token.

00:38:03He pressed a frost-scale crystal into my palm.

00:38:05By the time I reached the hall, only the boar knight was left.

00:38:08I refused.

00:38:09Elder Sylvan was furious.

00:38:11They were about to force the bond.

00:38:12Prince Solian arrived and named me his.

00:38:14I went to the Phoenix Court.

00:38:16Mira went elsewhere.

00:38:17I bore five Phoenix heirs and became something the Everlight Realm talked about.

00:38:21She never conceived.

00:38:22They sent her home.

00:38:23She waited until I visited.

00:38:24Poisoned my food.

00:38:25Mine and my child's both.

00:38:26I still remember what it felt like.

00:38:28The burning from flame-touched power.

00:38:30From the inside out.

00:38:31Her face in the firelight.

00:38:33Now I looked at her.

00:38:34Draped against Prince Solian.

00:38:36Already victorious.

00:38:37She thought she'd won.

00:38:38She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.

00:38:41Phoenix Court lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:38:43Their mates sleep in flame-touched air.

00:38:46Bathe in flame-touched heat.

00:38:47Eat flame-touched food.

00:38:48For a bloodline like ours.

00:38:50Frost-borne by nature.

00:38:51That's not a marriage.

00:38:52It's a slow execution.

00:38:54Last time, I had no choice but to pretend to like it.

00:38:57Every day.

00:38:57I smiled through the sacred ember aisles.

00:38:59Through the scalding baths.

00:39:01Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.

00:39:03By the time I was pregnant, my soul core was already cracked.

00:39:07The children drew what was left.

00:39:09Mira was frost-borne too.

00:39:10She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.

00:39:15This moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:39:19Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court.

00:39:20In his full power.

00:39:21And he had his arm around my sister's waist.

00:39:23Poisoned my food.

00:39:25Mine and my child's both.

00:39:26Phoenix Court lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:39:29Frost-borne by nature.

00:39:30That's not a marriage.

00:39:31It's a slow execution.

00:39:33Last moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:39:36The doors blow open.

00:39:37Heat rolls across the hall.

00:39:39Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court arrives in his full power.

00:39:42In surface form.

00:39:43And Mira is in his arms.

00:39:44My sister.

00:39:45My husband's arms.

00:39:46Around my sister.

00:39:47She looks at me over his shoulder.

00:39:49Satisfied.

00:39:50Certain.

00:39:50In my previous life.

00:39:52On the day of the bloom-right.

00:39:53My sister chose someone else.

00:39:55She left the boar knight.

00:39:56The one nobody wanted for me.

00:39:58It was fate.

00:39:59A frost-borne for a beast.

00:40:01Instead.

00:40:02I saved Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court by accident.

00:40:04He took me as his queen.

00:40:06After the bonding.

00:40:07I bore five heirs for the Phoenix bloodline.

00:40:09A clan that had gone generations without children.

00:40:12I became a legend across the Everlight realm.

00:40:14My sister, bonded to her chosen lord, was cast out for barrenness.

00:40:19I came home with my youngest.

00:40:21Sister poisoned my bowl.

00:40:22Me and my child both.

00:40:24When I woke, it was the day of the rite again.

00:40:27Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.

00:40:31Choose freely.

00:40:32The hall filled with glances, with offered flowers, with quiet negotiations between bodies

00:40:37and bloodlines.

00:40:38I didn't want any of it.

00:40:39In my last life, childbirth had nearly killed me.

00:40:42I wasn't doing it again.

00:40:43I'd painted myself plain.

00:40:45Rough skin.

00:40:46Dull eyes.

00:40:47Nothing worth a second look.

00:40:48A few men caught my silhouette and turned away when they saw my face.

00:40:51One by one.

00:40:52Even the boar knights found partners.

00:40:54I stood alone.

00:40:55Then the doors blew open.

00:40:57The air outside tuned the color of a wound.

00:41:00Heat rolled across the hall.

00:41:02Creatures called from everywhere at once.

00:41:05He arrived in a surge of flame-touched power.

00:41:08Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court.

00:41:09In his full power.

00:41:10In surface form.

00:41:11And he had his arm around my sister's waist.

00:41:14Mira saved my life.

00:41:15From this day forward.

00:41:16She is my true mate.

00:41:18Half the Frostfay Covenant elders were taken aback.

00:41:20Some even shedding tears of emotion.

00:41:22A Phoenix Court lord choosing one of ours.

00:41:25Choosing hers first and only.

00:41:27It hadn't happened in living memory.

00:41:30Mira looked at me over his shoulder.

00:41:31Satisfied.

00:41:32Certain.

00:41:33I knew then.

00:41:33She'd been reborn too.

00:41:35In my first life, Mira had caught wind of something about the Phoenix Court.

00:41:38The bloodline could produce pure divine hears, given the right conditions.

00:41:43She decided that was her destiny.

00:41:44So she sent me away beforehand.

00:41:46Choosing her partner before I even arrived.

00:41:48But by some twist of fate, I wandered into the deep passage beyond the hall.

00:41:52There was a Phoenix Court shifter in the passage.

00:41:55Down on one knee, barely holding his form.

00:41:57His body was running at full flame-touched power.

00:42:00The frost around him had already started burning.

00:42:02Another few minutes and he'd have taken the whole grove.

00:42:04I didn't think about it.

00:42:06I just moved.

00:42:07Poured everything I had into frost-borne current until it stopped fighting back.

00:42:10Then sealed his wounds.

00:42:11He lived.

00:42:12I walked away.

00:42:13Wait!

00:42:13It is a token.

00:42:14He pressed a frost-scale crystal into my palm.

00:42:16By the time I reached the hall, only the boar knight was left.

00:42:19I refused.

00:42:20Elder Sylvan was furious.

00:42:21They were about to force the bond when Prince Solian arrived and named me his.

00:42:25I went to the Phoenix Court.

00:42:27Mira went elsewhere.

00:42:28I bore five Phoenix heirs and became something the Everlight Realm talked about.

00:42:32She never conceived.

00:42:33They sent her home.

00:42:33She waited until I visited.

00:42:35Poisoned my food.

00:42:36Mine and my child's both.

00:42:37I still remember what it felt like.

00:42:39The burning from flame-touched power.

00:42:41From the inside out.

00:42:42Her face in the firelight.

00:42:43Now I looked at her.

00:42:45Draped against Prince Solian.

00:42:46Already victorious.

00:42:48She thought she'd won.

00:42:49She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.

00:42:51Phoenix Court Lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:42:54Their mates sleep in flame-touched air.

00:42:56Bathe in flame-touched heat.

00:42:58Eat flame-touched food.

00:42:59For a bloodline like ours.

00:43:01Frost-borne by nature.

00:43:02That's not a marriage.

00:43:03It's a slow execution.

00:43:05Last time, I had no choice but to pretend to like it.

00:43:07Every day.

00:43:08I smiled through the sacred ember aisles.

00:43:10Through the scalding baths.

00:43:12Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.

00:43:14By the time I was pregnant, my soul core was already cracked.

00:43:18The children drew what was left.

00:43:19Mira was frost-borne too.

00:43:21She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.

00:43:26This moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:43:29Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court.

00:43:31In his full power.

00:43:32And he had his arm around my sister's waist.

00:43:34Poisoned my food.

00:43:35Mine and my child's both.

00:43:37Phoenix Court Lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:43:40Frost-borne by nature.

00:43:41That's not a marriage.

00:43:42It's a slow execution.

00:43:44Last moment is exactly as it was in my previous life.

00:43:47The doors blow open.

00:43:48Heat rolls across the hall.

00:43:49Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court arrives in his full power.

00:43:52In surface form.

00:43:54And Mira is in his arms.

00:43:55My sister.

00:43:56My husband's arms.

00:43:57Around my sister.

00:43:58She looks at me over his shoulder.

00:44:00Satisfied.

00:44:00Certain.

00:44:01In my previous life.

00:44:03On the day of the Bloom-Rite.

00:44:04My sister chose someone else.

00:44:06She left the boar knight.

00:44:07The one nobody wanted for me.

00:44:09It was fate.

00:44:10A frost-borne for a beast.

00:44:12Instead, I saved Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court by accident.

00:44:15He took me as his queen.

00:44:16After the bonding, I bore five heirs for the Phoenix Bloodline.

00:44:20A clan that had gone generations without children.

00:44:23I became a legend across the Everlight Realm.

00:44:25My sister, bonded to her chosen lord.

00:44:27Was cast out for barrenness.

00:44:30I came home with my youngest.

00:44:31Sister poisoned my bowl.

00:44:33Me and my child both.

00:44:35When I woke, it was the day of the rite again.

00:44:38Everyone present is a worthy son of their bloodline.

00:44:42Choose freely.

00:44:43The hall filled with glances, with offered flowers, with quiet negotiations between bodies

00:44:47and bloodlines.

00:44:48I didn't want any of it.

00:44:50In my last life, childbirth had nearly killed me.

00:44:53I wasn't doing it again.

00:44:54I'd painted myself plain.

00:44:56Rough skin.

00:44:56Dull eyes.

00:44:57Nothing worth a second look.

00:44:59A few men caught my silhouette and turned away when they saw my face.

00:45:02One by one.

00:45:03Even the boar knights found partners.

00:45:05I stood alone.

00:45:06Then the doors blew open.

00:45:08The air outside turned the color of a wound.

00:45:11Heat rolled across the hall.

00:45:13Creatures called from everywhere at once.

00:45:15He arrived in a surge of flame-touched power.

00:45:18Prince Solian of the Phoenix Court.

00:45:20In his full power.

00:45:21In surface form.

00:45:22And he had his arm around my sister's waist.

00:45:24Mira saved my life.

00:45:26From this day forward, she is my true mate.

00:45:28Half the Frostfay Covenant elders were taken aback.

00:45:31Some even shedding tears of emotion.

00:45:33A Phoenix Court lord choosing one of ours.

00:45:36Choosing hers first and only.

00:45:38It hadn't happened in living memory.

00:45:40Mira looked at me over his shoulder.

00:45:42Satisfied.

00:45:43Certain.

00:45:43I knew then.

00:45:44She'd been reborn too.

00:45:46In my first life, Mira had caught wind of something about the Phoenix Court.

00:45:49The bloodline could produce pure divine hears, given the right conditions.

00:45:54She decided that was her destiny.

00:45:55So she sent me away beforehand, choosing her partner before I even arrived.

00:45:59But by some twist of fate, I wandered into the deep passage beyond the hall.

00:46:03There was a Phoenix Port Shifter in the passage.

00:46:05Down on one knee, barely holding his form.

00:46:08His body was running at full flame-touched power.

00:46:10The frost around him had already started burning.

00:46:13Another few minutes, and he'd have taken the whole grove.

00:46:15I didn't think about it.

00:46:16I just moved.

00:46:17Poured everything I had into frost-borne current until it stopped fighting back,

00:46:21then sealed his wounds.

00:46:22He lived.

00:46:23I walked away.

00:46:23Wait!

00:46:24It is a token.

00:46:25He pressed a frost-scale crystal into my palm.

00:46:27By the time I reached the hall, only the boar knight was left.

00:46:30I refused.

00:46:31Elder Sylvan was furious.

00:46:32They were about to force the bond, and Prince Solian arrived and named me his.

00:46:36I went to the Phoenix Court.

00:46:37Mira went elsewhere.

00:46:38I bore five Phoenix airs and became something the Everlight Realm talked about.

00:46:42She never conceived.

00:46:43They sent her home.

00:46:44She waited until I visited.

00:46:46Poisoned my food.

00:46:47Mine and my child's both.

00:46:48I still remember what it felt like.

00:46:50The burning from flame-touched power.

00:46:52From the inside out.

00:46:53Her face in the firelight.

00:46:54Now I looked at her.

00:46:55Draped against Prince Solian.

00:46:57Already victorious.

00:46:59She thought she'd won.

00:47:00She hadn't thought through what it would cost her.

00:47:02Phoenix Court Lords are of the flame-touched element.

00:47:05Their mates sleep in flame-touched air.

00:47:07Bathe in flame-touched heat.

00:47:09Eat flame-touched food.

00:47:10For a bloodline like ours.

00:47:11Frost-born by nature.

00:47:13That's not a marriage.

00:47:14It's a slow execution.

00:47:15Last time, I had no choice but to pretend to like it.

00:47:18Every day.

00:47:19I smiled through the sacred ember aisles.

00:47:21Through the scalding baths.

00:47:23Through the meals that felt like swallowing coals.

00:47:25By the time I was pregnant, my soul core was already cracked.

00:47:28The children drew what was left.

00:47:30Mira was frost-born too.

00:47:31She just didn't know what she'd agreed to yet.

00:47:34In my past life, my sister drove a blade straight into my stomach.

00:47:38When I opened my eyes again, I knew she had also been reborn.

00:47:42Fine.

00:47:43Then I don't want either of them.

00:47:44I walked right past the deer, straight to the very back,

00:47:47and picked up a black wolf pup that nobody wanted.

00:47:50Mom, I don't want Serena's leftovers.

00:47:52And I'm not sharing my magic crystals.

00:47:55Who taught you to be so selfish?

00:47:56You taught me, Mom.

00:47:58I just held the black wolf tightly and walked away.

00:48:00The magic crystals sank into the black wolf's forehead.

00:48:03He transformed into a tall, breathtakingly handsome man.

00:48:07I'm Cedric.

00:48:08We wolves only choose one mate for life.

00:48:10In my past life, my sister Serena snatched my destined deer shifter as her mate.

00:48:15Left with no choice, I settled for an unevolved phoenix shifter, Lucian.

00:48:19But the deer suddenly went rogue and rammed into my sister,

00:48:22nearly killing her and making her the pack's laughing stock.

00:48:25But my Lucian triggered a rare awakening.

00:48:27He became a powerful fire force.

00:48:30Driven mad by jealousy, my sister drove a blade straight into my stomach.

00:48:34When I opened my eyes again,

00:48:37I watched my sister choose Lucian without a second thought.

00:48:41I knew she had also been reborn.

00:48:43But she did not know that Lucian's transformation was not luck.

00:48:46It became a legend because I risked my life to hunt down the eternal flame for him.

00:48:51Choose carefully when the beastmen come in.

00:48:54The mate you pick is for life.

00:48:57Where I'm from, everyone selects a beastmate after coming of age.

00:49:00Each year, the beastmates are chosen in order, starting with the elders' daughters.

00:49:04The stronger a beastmate can become, the better it is for the one bonded to him.

00:49:09As Mother looked at me, her tone shifted.

00:49:11Vivian, although the elders say the deer shifter is the best match for you,

00:49:14that doesn't mean it's the best choice.

00:49:17You are older, so you must let your sister have it.

00:49:21Do you understand?

00:49:22I stared at Mother in a daze.

00:49:24The scent of blood hadn't faded, yet now she only looked at me coldly.

00:49:28This harshness was only for me.

00:49:30She had only ever been gentle and doting toward my younger sister, Mother demanded coldly.

00:49:34Vivian, answer me.

00:49:36I gave a bitter smile.

00:49:38Mother, what do you want me to answer?

00:49:39In my past life, I had argued back.

00:49:42It was clear the deer shifter was a better match for me,

00:49:44but she called me greedy, lacking an older sister's generosity, and incapable of greatness.

00:49:50Just then, Serena, holding the fledgling in her arms, smiled sweetly and spoke up.

00:49:56Mom, let Vivian have the deer shifter.

00:49:58Please don't argue with her because of me.

00:50:00The phoenix is enough for me.

00:50:01Serena, are you sure you want Lucian?

00:50:04A beastmate will shape your entire future.

00:50:07Mom knows how proud Serena is.

00:50:10She always wants the best.

00:50:11Why would she give up the spirit deer for a trash bird?

00:50:14A flash of disgust crossed Serena's eyes.

00:50:17She knew the spirit deer was way more valuable,

00:50:19but she was still terrified of how it almost killed her in her last life.

00:50:23Yes, Mom.

00:50:24I only want Lucian.

00:50:26Serena shot me a smug look, like she was already watching me get trampled to death.

00:50:30What a fool.

00:50:31She forgot that the deer only went crazy because she forced it to level up too fast.

00:50:36Lucian only became a phoenix because of my sacrifice.

00:50:39But that ungrateful bird.

00:50:41Before I even died in my past life, he used his phoenix powers to reject our mate bond.

00:50:46If he hadn't stolen my last bit of life force, that stab wound wouldn't have killed me.

00:50:51Mom smiled warmly at Serena, then turned her cold eyes on me.

00:50:55Serena is so sweet for giving you the deer shifter, Vivian.

00:50:59You need to give half of your magic crystals to Serena.

00:51:02Lucian needs expensive care.

00:51:04So she always knew Lucian needed care.

00:51:07But in my past life, she never said that.

00:51:09She just told me Lucian was useless and made me give my crystals to Serena anyway.

00:51:13Turns out, no matter if I choose the bird or the deer, Mom will never love me.

00:51:18Fine.

00:51:18Then I don't want either of them.

00:51:20I walked right past the deer, straight to the very back of the room,

00:51:24and picked up a black wolf pup that nobody wanted.

00:51:27This light.

00:51:28I want a loyal, brutal, and deadly beast mate.

00:51:33Mom, I don't want Serena's leftovers.

00:51:36And I'm not sharing my magic crystals.

00:51:38You used to always give Serena half!

00:51:41Who taught you to be so selfish?!

00:51:43Where is your sisterly love?!

00:51:45My mom screamed at me, completely ignoring the crowd around us.

00:51:49People started whispering and laughing at me.

00:51:51I finally raised my head.

00:51:52You taught me, Mom.

00:51:53It was her who used my actual life to teach me that family ties mean absolutely nothing.

00:51:59Vivian, don't you dare regret this!

00:52:01Lucian is going to become a phoenix one day!

00:52:04Serena's mocking voice echoed behind me.

00:52:06But I didn't care.

00:52:07I just held the black wolf tightly and walked away.

00:52:10Just wait and see.

00:52:11Without my high-quality magic crystals, Lucian will be lucky if he even grows feathers.

00:52:16Back in my room, the exact second the magic crystal sank into the black wolf's forehead,

00:52:21he shook his fur out.

00:52:22Right before my eyes, he transformed into a tall, breathtakingly handsome man.

00:52:27His dark green eyes locked onto me.

00:52:30In that exact second, I forgot how to breathe.

00:52:32If I knew he was this hot in my past life, I would have dragged him home way sooner.

00:52:37Are you... hungry?

00:52:39Do you want some raw meat or something?

00:52:41I swallowed hard, trying to hide how desperately I wanted him.

00:52:45The black wolf narrowed his eyes, and my heart skipped a beat.

00:52:48Holy crap.

00:52:49He's even hotter now, this brooding, dangerous energy.

00:52:53Can I really handle a guy like him?

00:52:57Don't move.

00:52:58The black wolf suddenly leaned in, and my entire world stopped.

00:53:02I'm Cedric.

00:53:04We wolves only choose one mate for life.

00:53:06We live together, and we die together.

00:53:09I want to imprint your face into my mind, so I will never forget you.

00:53:13Then you better look closely.

00:53:14I smirked, grabbed his collar, and slammed him straight onto the bed.

00:53:18What are you doing?

00:53:19Cedric's face instantly turned bright red, and his wolf ears popped out from his head.

00:53:24I pinched his fluffy ears.

00:53:26Say honey, he gasped, and mumbled it.

00:53:29Honey.

00:53:30Then instantly pooped back into his little wolf form out of pure embarrassment.

00:53:36I burst out laughing, and buried my face right into his chest fur.

00:53:40At first, he tried to push me away a little, but he didn't dare use any real strength, because

00:53:45he was terrified of hurting me.

00:53:47I refused to move.

00:53:49Seeing that he couldn't get me off, he just sighed, threw his head back, and totally gave

00:53:54up.

00:53:54I used to hear that wolves were the most loyal mates, but I never expected him to be this

00:54:00obedient.

00:54:01He looks so dangerous, but his attitude is literally perfect.

00:54:05In my past life, I chose Lucian.

00:54:08I had to babysit and beg him for days before he finally agreed to form the mate bond.

00:54:13That basic-ass bird had a terrible temper, and was so high-maintenance.

00:54:18Serena definitely doesn't have the patience to baby him, so good luck to them.

00:54:23Thinking about this, I realized I had found a true treasure.

00:54:27I hugged Cedric tighter, and nuzzled him again.

00:54:30Suddenly, a loud shriek cut through the air, followed by a massive crash outside.

00:54:39In my past life, my sister drove a blade straight into my stomach.

00:54:43When I opened my eyes again, I knew she had also been reborn.

00:54:47Fine.

00:54:47Then I don't want either of them.

00:54:49I walked right past the deer, straight to the very back, and picked up a black wolf pup

00:54:53that nobody wanted.

00:54:54Mom, I don't want Serena's leftovers, and I'm not sharing my magic crystals.

00:54:59Who taught you to be so selfish?

00:55:01You taught me, Mom.

00:55:02I just held the black wolf tightly and walked away.

00:55:05The magic crystal sank into the black wolf's forehead.

00:55:07He transformed into a tall, breathtakingly handsome man.

00:55:11I'm Cedric.

00:55:12We wolves only choose one mate for life.

00:55:15In my past life, my sister Serena snatched my destined deer shifter as her mate.

00:55:19Left with no choice, I settled for an unevolved phoenix shifter, Lucian.

00:55:23But the deer suddenly went rogue and rammed into my sister, nearly killing her and making

00:55:28her the pack's laughingstock.

00:55:30But my Lucian triggered a rare awakening.

00:55:32He became a powerful firebanks.

00:55:34Driven mad by jealousy, my sister drove a blade straight into my stomach, when I opened

00:55:39my eyes again.

00:55:42I watched my sister choose Lucian without a second thought.

00:55:45I knew she had also been reborn.

00:55:47But she did not know that Lucian's transformation was not luck.

00:55:51It became a legend because I risked my life to hunt down the eternal flame for him.

00:55:56Choose carefully when the beastmen come in.

00:55:59The mate you pick is for life.

00:56:01Where I'm from, everyone selects a beastmate after coming of age.

00:56:05Each year, the beastmates are chosen in order, starting with the elders' daughters.

00:56:09The stronger a beastmate can become, the better it is for the one bonded to him.

00:56:13As Mother looked at me, her tone shifted.

00:56:15Vivian, although the elders say the Deershifter is the best match for you, that doesn't mean

00:56:20it's the best choice.

00:56:21You are older, so you must let your sister have it.

00:56:25Do you understand?

00:56:27I stared at Mother in a daze.

00:56:28The scent of blood hadn't faded, yet now she only looked at me coldly.

00:56:33This harshness was only for me.

00:56:34She had only ever been gentle and doting toward my younger sister, Mother demanded coldly.

00:56:39Vivian, answer me.

00:56:41I gave a bitter smile.

00:56:42Mother, what do you want me to answer?

00:56:44In my past life, I had argued back.

00:56:46It was clear the Deershifter was a better match for me, but she called me greedy, lacking

00:56:51an older sister's generosity and incapable of greatness.

00:56:55Just then, Serena, holding the fledgling in her arms, smiled sweetly and spoke up.

00:57:00Mom, let Vivian have the Deershifter.

00:57:03Please don't argue with her because of me.

00:57:05The phoenix is enough for me.

00:57:06Serena, are you sure you want Lucian?

00:57:08A beastmate will shape your entire future.

00:57:12Mom knows how proud Serena is.

00:57:14She always wants the best.

00:57:16Why would she give up the spirit deer for a trash bird?

00:57:19A flash of disgust crossed Serena's eyes.

00:57:22She knew the spirit deer was way more valuable, but she was still terrified of how it almost

00:57:26killed her in her last life.

00:57:28Yes, Mom.

00:57:29I only want Lucian.

00:57:31Serena shot me a smug look, like she was already watching me get trampled to death.

00:57:35What a fool.

00:57:36She forgot that the deer only went crazy because she forced it to level up too fast.

00:57:41Lucian only became a phoenix because of my sacrifice.

00:57:44But that ungrateful bird.

00:57:46Before I even died in my past life, he used his phoenix powers to reject our mate bond.

00:57:51If he hadn't stolen my last bit of life force, that stab wound wouldn't have killed me.

00:57:56Mom smiled warmly at Serena, then turned her cold eyes on me.

00:58:00Serena is so sweet for giving you the Deershifter, Vivian.

00:58:03You need to give half of your magic crystals to Serena.

00:58:07Lucian needs expensive care.

00:58:09So she always knew Lucian needed care.

00:58:11But in my past life, she never said that.

00:58:13She just told me Lucian was useless and made me give my crystals to Serena anyway.

00:58:18Turns out, no matter if I choose the bird or the deer, Mom will never love me.

00:58:22Fine.

00:58:23Then I don't want either of them.

00:58:24I walked right past the deer, straight to the very back of the room, and picked up a black wolf

00:58:30pup that nobody wanted.

00:58:32This light, I want a loyal, brutal, and deadly beast mate.

00:58:38Mom, I don't want Serena's leftovers.

00:58:40And I'm not sharing my magic crystals.

00:58:43You used to always give Serena half.

00:58:46Who taught you to be so selfish?

00:58:48Where is your sisterly love?

00:58:50My mom screamed at me, completely ignoring the crowd around us.

00:58:53People started whispering and laughing at me.

00:58:55I finally raised my head.

00:58:57You taught me, Mom.

00:58:58It was her who used my actual life to teach me that family ties mean absolutely nothing.

00:59:03Vivian, don't you dare regret this.

00:59:06Lucian is going to become a phoenix one day.

00:59:08Serena's mocking voice echoed behind me.

00:59:10But I didn't care.

00:59:11I just held the black wolf tightly and walked away.

00:59:14Just wait and see.

00:59:16Without my high-quality magic crystals, Lucian will be lucky if he even grows feathers.

00:59:20Back in my room, the exact second the magic crystal sank into the black wolf's forehead, he shook his fur

00:59:26out.

00:59:27Right before my eyes, he transformed into a tall, breathtakingly handsome man.

00:59:32His dark green eyes locked onto me.

00:59:34In that exact second, I forgot how to breathe.

00:59:37If I knew he was this hot in my past life, I would have dragged him home way sooner.

00:59:42Are you... hungry?

00:59:44Do you want some raw meat or something?

00:59:46I swallowed hard, trying to hide how desperately I wanted him.

00:59:49The black wolf narrowed his eyes, and my heart skipped a beat.

00:59:53Holy crap.

00:59:54He's even hotter now, this brooding, dangerous energy.

00:59:57Can I really handle a guy like him?

01:00:02Don't move.

01:00:03The black wolf suddenly leaned in, and my entire world stopped.

01:00:07I'm Cedric.

01:00:08We wolves only choose one mate for life.

01:00:11We live together, and we die together.

01:00:13I want to imprint your face into my mind, so I will never forget you.

01:00:17Then you better look closely.

01:00:19I smirked, grabbed his collar, and slammed him straight onto the bed.

01:00:22What are you doing?

01:00:23Cedric's face instantly turned bright red, and his wolf ears popped out from his head.

01:00:28I pinched his fluffy ears.

01:00:31Say honey, he gasped, and mumbled it.

01:00:34Honey.

01:00:34Then instantly pooped back into his little wolf form out of pure embarrassment.

01:00:40I burst out laughing, and buried my face right into his chest fur.

01:00:45At first, he tried to push me away a little, but he didn't dare use any real strength, because

01:00:50he was terrified of hurting me.

01:00:52I refused to move.

01:00:53Seeing that he couldn't get me off, he just sighed, threw his head back, and totally gave up.

01:00:59I used to hear that wolves were the most loyal mates, but I never expected him to be this obedient.

01:01:05He looks so dangerous, but his attitude is literally perfect.

01:01:10In my past life, I chose Lucian.

01:01:12I had to babysit and beg him for days before he finally agreed to form the mate bond.

01:01:17That basic-ass bird had a terrible temper, and was so high-maintenance.

01:01:23Serena definitely doesn't have the patience to baby him, so good luck to them.

01:01:28Thinking about this, I realized I had found a true treasure.

01:01:32I hugged Cedric tighter, and nuzzled him again.

01:01:35Suddenly, a loud shriek cut through the air, followed by a massive crash outside.

01:01:41What are you doing?

01:01:42Cedric's face instantly turned bright red, and his wolf ears popped out from his head.

01:01:48I pinched his fluffy ears.

01:01:50Say honey, he gasped and mumbled it.

01:01:53Honey.

01:01:54Then instantly pooped back into his little wolf form out of pure embarrassment.

01:01:59I burst out laughing, and buried my face right into his chest fur.

01:02:04At first, he tried to push me away a little, but he didn't dare use any real strength,

01:02:09because he was terrified of hurting me.

01:02:11I refused to move.

01:02:13Seeing that he couldn't get me off, he just sighed, threw his head back, and totally gave up.

01:02:18I used to hear that wolves were the most loyal mates, but I never expected him to be this obedient.

01:02:24He looks so dangerous.

01:02:26But his attitude is literally perfect.

01:02:29In my past life, I chose Lucian.

01:02:31I had to babysit and beg him for days before he finally agreed to form the mate bond.

01:02:37That basic-ass bird had a terrible temper, and was so high-maintenance.

01:02:42Serena definitely doesn't have the patience to baby him, so good luck to them.

01:02:47Thinking about this, I realized I had found a true treasure.

01:02:51I hugged Cedric tighter, and nuzzled him again.

01:02:54Suddenly, a loud shriek cut through the air, followed by a massive crash outside.

01:03:00What are you doing?

01:03:01Cedric's face instantly turned bright red, and his wolf ears popped out from his head.

01:03:07I pinched his fluffy ears.

01:03:09Say honey, he gasped, and mumbled it.

01:03:12Honey.

01:03:13Then instantly pooped back into his little wolf form out of pure embarrassment.

01:03:18I burst out laughing, and buried my face right into his chest fur.

01:03:23At first, he tried to push me away a little, but he didn't dare use any real strength, because

01:03:28he was terrified of hurting me.

01:03:30I refused to move.

01:03:32Seeing that he couldn't get me off, he just sighed, threw his head back, and totally gave

01:03:37up.

01:03:37I used to hear that wolves were the most loyal mates, but I never expected him to be this

01:03:42obedient.

01:03:43He looked so dangerous, but his attitude is literally perfect.

01:03:48In my past life, I chose Lucian.

01:03:50I had to babysit and beg him for days before he finally agreed to form the mate bond.

01:03:56That basic-ass bird had a terrible temper, and was so high-maintenance.

01:04:01Serena definitely doesn't have the patience to baby him, so good luck to them.

01:04:06Thinking about this, I realized I had found a true treasure.

01:04:10I hugged Cedric tighter and nuzzled him again.

01:04:13Suddenly, a loud shriek cut through the air, followed by a massive crash outside.

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