Chapter 1

I found myself back at my engagement banquet, seated quietly in the lounge, scrolling through my phone. Across the hall, Lucas Reed, my fiancé, was weaving a web of lies, playing the part of a pitiful, struggling man to the gathered guests.

A live-stream caught my attention. The host, a shrill-voiced individual, was auctioning off items in a peculiar manner.

"Here we have a slice of leftover pizza, aged five years in a loving home. Though secondhand, it's well-seasoned and reliable. A true bargain for the lucky buyer!"

I rolled my eyes at the absurdity when suddenly, a photograph appeared on the screen. My photograph.

It was a candid shot of me smiling, wearing an old set of pajamas—clothes I hadn't seen in years.

I'd spent five years with this jerk, Lucas, in my previous life.

The chat erupted as an ID named "Sugar Daddy" placed an aggressive bid of $5,000,000. The streamer's voice rose in excitement, declaring, "Sold! The deal will be finalized tonight at 10 PM, rooftop pool at Altitudes Resort, same spot as always. Delivery guaranteed!"

A chill ran down my spine.

The rooftop pool. The very place where I had been pushed to my death in my past life.

The door creaked open, and Lucas stepped in, his smile warm and inviting. "Evelyn, the guests have all left. How about I take you upstairs to see the night view?"

---

I glanced back at my phone. The deal had been sealed. "Sugar Daddy" had just bought me for five million dollars.

The streamer's shrill voice echoed in my mind. "Tonight at 10 PM, Altitudes Resort rooftop pool—"

My body went ice cold. Memories of my past life flooded back—being shoved into that pool, water filling my lungs as I drowned.

Lucas walked toward me, his face lit with that same deceitful smile.

"Darling, the guests are gone. Let's go upstairs and enjoy the view," he coaxed.

My resolve hardened in an instant. I thought, "Fine. Let's see how this plays out. Let's see how I die this time."

The elevator doors opened to the rooftop, revealing the glittering infinity pool overlooking the city. Before we could take a step, a voice interrupted.

"Lucas! Where have you been? I've been looking for you everywhere!"

Lila Voss, Lucas's distant cousin, rushed over, her delicate frame trembling with exaggerated urgency.

Lucas caught her, steadying her with a familiar air of affection. "Careful, Lila. You'll hurt yourself."

Lila giggled nervously, then turned her gaze to me. Her expression shifted to one of feigned panic. "Evelyn, you look stunning tonight! But don't you think your lipstick is a bit too bold? It ages you a little."

I smiled, a cold edge to my expression. "Perhaps. Just like that dress of yours—completely unsuitable. Makes you look like you're a hooker."

Her eyes brimmed with tears almost instantly, her lower lip trembling. "Evelyn, I only came here to help Lucas. I'm doing this part-time to ease his burdens. I'm not… I'm not like that."

She clung to Lucas, her voice shaking with emotion. "Lucas, am I embarrassing you? I'll leave right now if I am!"

Lucas wrapped an arm protectively around her, turning to glare at me. "Lila has been working so hard, even with her frail health, just to save up and buy me a new watch for our engagement! Evelyn, why are you so mean? Just because she's less fortunate doesn't mean you can humiliate her like this."

My stomach churned with disgust. It was the same script he'd used in my past life, the same act to cover their betrayal.

Swallowing my anger, I forced a smile. "You're right. I spoke out of turn. I just thought the three of us might find it a bit cramped up here."

Lucas's expression softened at my concession. He patted Lila's back reassuringly. "Go rest, Lila. I'll take Evelyn to the rooftop, and I'll come back soon."

Lila nodded obediently, dabbing at her tears. As she turned to leave, she cast a glance my way, mouthing silently, "Idiot."

I returned her smile and mouthed back, "Just wait."

Lucas slid an arm around my waist, pulling me close. His chin rested lightly on my shoulder as he murmured softly, "Evelyn, look at this view. Isn't it breathtaking? The whole city lies at our feet."

I stared at our reflection in the water, our figures so perfectly intimate.

"It's beautiful," I replied, my voice neutral.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "Evelyn, do you know what my greatest fortune in this life is? Meeting you."

I closed my eyes, suppressing the urge to laugh. He was trying to sweet-talk me into my own demise.

"Lucas," I said suddenly.

"Yes?"

"Do you love me?"

He hesitated, just for a moment, then tightened his hold around me. His voice was rich with emotion. "Of course, I do. You're the love of my life."

His words dripped with excitement, as if he believed he'd won.

Before he could say another word, I let out a gasp and stumbled, my body tilting toward the pool.

As I fell, I reached out with all my strength, grabbing onto his wrist—and the ridiculously expensive counterfeit watch strapped to it.

"Ah!" Lucas's shout of alarm echoed as I plunged into the cold water, dragging his watch along with me.