Ethan chuckled softly.
I inwardly groaned, “It’s nothing, I might be a
bit congested.”
He let go of me, taking out a handkerchief to
wipe my nosebleed, but his eyes turned
somewhat sad.
“All these years, you’ve not only made me
play along, but you’ve been acting towards
me too, haven’t you?”
My heart pounded, remembering what he’d
said.
He said he’d heard my conversation with Lily,
meaning…
“I put a listening device in the brooch.”
Ethan explained, his expression downcast.
“Ever since you almost got kidnapped when
you were fifteen, I’ve been worried about your
<
When I was fifteen, we were targeted by
kidnappers.
Seeing Ethan’s protectiveness towards me,
they decided to kidnap me to get a huge
ransom from my father.
Luckily, our bodyguards arrived in time to
save us.
I used that opportunity to convince Ethan to
play along.
To appear cold to me publicly, even mean.
My adoptive father, to protect me, also
claimed that he wasn’t planning to leave his
fortune to me.
From then on, the public’s attention shifted
away from me.
It also fooled Lily, so she was certain Ethan’s
kindness was just an act.
But she didn’t know that Ethan was indeed
acting, but he was incredibly restrained.
He was deeply in love with me, wanting to be
<
with me every moment.
The listening device in the brooch was to
ensure my safety.
After all, what spoiled brat would harm his
own sister?
A wave of warmth, mixed with guilt, washed
over me.
“Brother, I know you care for me… you heard
our conversation, will you hate me for
deceiving you?”
Ethan’s eyes flickered, and he pressed me
against the wall again.
He leaned in, his lips almost touching my
cheek.
My ears burned.
“How could brother hate his sister? But you
kept so many things from me, you deserve
punishment.”
That night, Ethan punished me until I could
barely move.
He tied my limbs to the bed and tickled the
soles of my feet with a feather.
“Tell me, what do you mean by ‘two
lifetimes‘?”
I begged for mercy, telling him everything
from my past life.
Hearing how I had tormented Lily in my
previous life, Ethan coldly snorted.
“I never liked that girl. Though you two look
alike, she’s truly unpleasant. Unlike you,
you’re so lovable…”
He tossed away the feather and touched my
head.
“Sister, thank you for choosing me as your
brother this time. I’ll protect you.’
I was touched and thanked him softly.
If he hadn’t protected me, I might not have
grown up unharmed.
He shook his head, his eyes shining.
“Your appearance gave my life meaning. To
<
do things for someone you love, to watch.
them grow up, to protect them for a lifetime.‘
A lifetime?
Maybe it wasn’t so bad.
I eventually gave in to Ethan’s wish and
agreed to live in an apartment near campus.
When he came to visit, I’d move into his
place.
During my four years of college, every boy
who confessed his feelings was thwarted by
Ethan, who declared himself my boyfriend.
He’d also jealously ask me if I liked anyone.
It was funny, after the hellish torment of my
past life, I’d lost all hope in romance, feeling
unworthy.
My body and soul were stained with the
memories of abuse.
Seeing me silently weeping, he was
heartbroken, promising to get revenge for me
and help me overcome my trauma.
33
<
I hugged him gratefully.
Regarding revenge, I wanted to do it myself; it
would feel more satisfying.
My college years ended quickly. I intensively
studied screenwriting and directing.
Leveraging my past life’s experience in
Hollywood, I picked it up easily.
Before graduation, I wrote a great movie
script.
Ethan took it back to China, where it was
produced by Gu’s Film Company. A month
after its release, it grossed over a billion
dollars.
Upon returning to China, I ran into Lily at the
airport.
In four years, she had become a rising star.
A throng of fans blocked the airport. Seeing
me in ordinary clothes, dragging a suitcase,
Lily provocatively approached me.
“Sis, look at me! How popular and successful
<
I am!”
I heard the fans whispering.
“That’s Lily’s sister, the one adopted by the
billionaire? They do look alike, but Lily is
prettier and more talented!”
“Yeah! Lily’s much better. Lily, I love you!”
Lily was delighted by their biased praise.
“Willow, just you wait. I’m about to become a
movie queen! Then you’ll be beneath my
feet!”
I ignored her and left the airport.
In the car, I noticed Ethan’s grim expression.
He’d heard Lily’s words.
“She dared to threaten you. I’ll make her
regret what she said!”
I held his hand, smiling.
“Let’s forget about her today. I want to eat
hotpot at that place downtown. Will you come
with me?”
Ethan’s eyes softened, his mood shifting from
L
gloom to cheer.
“Okay, I’ll go anywhere with you.”
After returning, I didn’t rush to join Ethan’s
film company.
From my past life, I knew that staying low-
key was crucial for survival.
Ethan didn’t force me, keeping my scripts
anonymous.
My latest work caught the eye of Director
Zhang, the man who had made Lily famous.
He offered to buy it, but Ethan refused.
However, I suggested a collaboration,
confident in my script.
Zhang agreed. I didn’t attend the signing ceremony; Ethan handled it.
I didn’t want to see him; he was among those
who had abused me in my past life.
Writing this script was my way of setting a
trap.
I wanted him and Lily to fall from grace.
く
Two months later, under Ethan and my
guidance, Lily secured the lead role in
Zhang’s film. To show off, she announced
that she would invite me to the celebration
party.
Due to overwhelming public opinion, I had to
attend.
Ethan coldly snorted, deciding to accompany
- me.
“Director Zhang is an old friend of my
father’s. It’s appropriate for me to be there;
they won’t dare bully you with me around.”
I agreed, and he happily offered me his arm.
But we underestimated Lily’s boldness; she
had a plan to drag me to hell with her.
The banquet hall buzzed with activity.
The Smiths, decked out in jewels, basked in
the adoration of the crowd.
Lily, like an obedient dog, stood beside them.
Director Zhang praised her, and Lily’s eyes
<
flashed with disgust.
