His Wife by Fate, His Ruin by Choice

The richest man in the capital, Victor Lane, had been chasing me for five years, but I never even glanced at him. Because to him, I was just one of many blind box wives he planned to collect.

As long as you were chosen on the eve of his wedding, youd become the richest man's wife. And I knew without a doubt, I was bound to be picked.

I had already died once. In my previous life, I was the chosen bride, the one everyone envied.

On our wedding day, he got drunk and missed a call from his adopted sister, the only woman he truly loved and mourned when she died suddenly, Julia Watson.

That night, she died of a heart attack.

The next morning, he dragged me to the morgue, grabbed my hair and forced me to kneel down a thousand times before her body.

Why did you tamper with the lottery? You knew I loved Julia! If I had drawn the empty lot, I could have married her! She died crying, clutching your wedding dress, her dress! She should have been the one I married!

You were just a tool to make Julia jealous. Do you think youre worthy to stand beside me? Victors voice was cold and sharp as he glared at me.

He poured all his grief and anger onto me, blaming me for everything. He had my fingers crushed because I wore the ring meant for Julia. He stripped me and threw me into the river because I wore her wedding dress. In the end, he nailed me into a coffin, his coffin and buried me alive.

When I opened my eyes again, my body was whole, but it ached for five long years. This time, I vowed to change everything. I switched the blind boxes order so he would inevitably draw the empty lot. From then on, they could hate or love each other as much as they wanted, but it wouldnt concern me anymore.

Victors number is... the empty lot!

Gasps rippled through the crowd of ninety-nine women. Everyone knew what this meant: Julia Watson was the one. The rest? They lost their chance to become the richest mans wife.

What the hell?! someone cried, tearing up her slip.

Its rigged! This blind box thing is just a sham!

Are you crazy? another hissed, covering her mouth.

Dont you get it? Were just here for the show. Everyone knows how Victor looks at Julia. If we dont get the empty lot and they pick us, were doomed!

A woman gritted her teeth. But Julia is his sister...

So what? Theyre not blood-related; marriage could happen. The rest of us are just fillers. Honestly, the only one with a real chance of surviving this is Jacqueline Smith, number one.

Calmly, I tore the slip with number one written on it from my hand. My fingers trembled involuntarily, the pain from the past still etched deep inside.

Across the room, Victors pupils flickered with excitement as he stood and rushed to embrace Jacqueline Smith.

Jacqueline, this time I picked you. Youre not allowed to run anymore. Jacqueline blushed and tried to push him away, but he held her tighter.

But... Ive always thought of you as a brother.

Thats fine. Youll get used to it. Its our fate.

He cupped her face with both hands, but his cold and sharp eyes flew to me. A chill ran down my spine. I instinctively straightened. Could it be, Victor Lane had been reborn too? But even if he had... I owed him nothing.

This time, I gave him what he wanted. I was finally free.

At the head table, Mrs. Lane cleared her throat lightly, a flicker of panic in her eyes. Victor, Auntie never imagined that out of ninety-nine boxes, youd actually draw the empty lot. Seems fate truly ties you and Jacqueline Smith.

But this result is unexpected. Ill need to speak with your father.

Victors lips curled in satisfaction. Of course, he said, shooting me a challenging glance.

As for the rest of these women, let them stay at the Lane estate until after our wedding as compensation.

He thought I would fall apart, that I would cry. But I didnt. I smiled. I applauded, along with everyone else.

In my previous life, I had also shed tears of joy when I was drawn only to turn around and see Victor Lanes face pale as death. His eyes had fallen on his adopted sister, not sparing me even a glance.

Now that I had been reborn, I refused to be the pathetic fool I once was.

On stage, Victor suddenly flared up, holding Jessy tightly in his arms. He said coldly that they were going on a date, then left without looking back.

With the main characters gone, the remaining ninety-eight women scattered like startled birds.

I was about to return to pack my bags when I was dragged into a corner by Mrs. Lane.

Before I could react, a stinging slap landed on my cheek. You wretched girl! she hissed.

Didnt I tell you Victor would draw your number? Why did it end up being an empty lot?! Another slap followed.

Youre just like your useless father, shameless! Im your biological mother, not some stranger! I told you to listen to me and you threw my words to the dogs!

My face burned from the blows, but not as much as my heart did. The day you married into the Lane Family alongside that cheating brat Julia... that was the day you stopped being my daughter.

Mrs. Lanes eyes turned vicious. If anything happens to Julia because of you, I swear you will pay with your life!

In my previous life, I had been nailed into a coffin and buried alive. Only then did I realize the results of the blind box had been rigged all along. Of course, Mrs. Lane had wanted Julia to marry into a wealthy family. But she also needed to help Julia hide a secret. And me? I had been the victim of that secret.

Now, I wanted nothing more than to sit back and watch them tear each other apart. Their secrets had nothing to do with me anymore.

I rubbed my swollen cheek, my gaze flat and emotionless. Ill be marrying James Burn. Consider it repayment for the money you spent keeping my father alive all these years.

Her expression wavered.

James Burn was a notorious figure in this citys social circles, that man rumored to lack any moral compass. His temper was unpredictable and whispers said he indulged both men and women alike.

He was infamous for his countless lovers, with some rumors claiming as many as eight hundred.

And now, he happened to be searching for a wife to bring home.

If I didnt make a choice myself, Mrs. Lane would surely marry me off to a beggar or brute.

So, I chose James Burn first, because I already knew he was far from the simple playboy everyone thought he was.

Mrs. Lane smiled coldly. Alright, good daughter. Then wait quietly to be married off.

She turned and stormed off, twisting her waist with each step.

I let out a breath. My room was at the far west end of the Lane estate and I had to pass through the garden to get there. At that moment, the garden was in an uproar.

Jessy was covering her mouth, sneezing softly. Victor, my brother, she whined, who planted all this lavender? Dont they know that Im allergic?

Victor gently held his handkerchief to her nose, full of concern. Then he turned to the gardener and ordered, Mow down all the lavender in this field. Get rid of this swing too and clear out any bird nests in the way!

That patch of lavender had been picked off the roadside by my father, back when he was sober.

He used to say, When Im gone, the flowers are, too.

I stared at the gardeners shovel; my eyes wide. Wait! I shouted.

Everyone paused, glancing nervously at Victor. He frowned, his expression unreadable.

You think this is your home? he snapped.

Do you plant whatever you want? Or are you just trying to trigger Jessys allergies?

When I was five, my father had fallen critically ill. I had run away to the Lane Family, begging Mrs. Lane to help him. She had wanted to kick me out, until Mr. Lane intervened.

She can stay, he had said. We can afford to raise a few charity cases.

And so, I lived in the Lane Familys shadow for twenty years. Victor had once taken me quiet, withdrawn me to play with the servants children. He had even said, The Lane Family will always be your home.

Right next to the lavender was a small wooden plaque, faded and old. Handwritten by Victor when he was a child, it read: A place that belongs solely to Audrey Grey and me, a home forever.

I dropped my eyes, ignoring the rotting wooden plaque and bowed deeply.

Sir James, Miss Julia, Im sorry.

It was my fault for not knowing the rules, but please, Sir, dont destroy my flowers. Ill clean everything up.

James Burn seemed a bit taken aback by my bow. Suddenly, Julia began trembling.

James, I feel dizzy...

Her delicate, soft voice snapped James back to attention. With a wave of his hand, he barked, What are you waiting for? Do it!

The lush lavender was fed into the grass crusher, turning into purple juice.

No! I screamed, desperately lunging forward and clutching whatever I could.

James Burn, startled, let go of Julia Watson, who stumbled back and hit a tree trunk.

Are you crazy?!

His eyes were red with fury as he pulled me away until he noticed what I held in my palm: a crushed flower and a broken, rotting wooden plaque.

You... he started.

Tears burst from my eyes you said you couldnt sleep well... Thats why I planted the lavender. My dad gave it to me to help you sleep.

The wooden plaque crumbled in my hand as I held it out to him.

James, I dont have a home anymore.

He froze, reaching out as if to embrace me.

But then a scream pierced the air, it was Julia. A cluster of caterpillars had fallen from the birdhouse Id made, right onto her.

James flinched and rushed forward, pulling Julia away. The caterpillars carried mild toxins, but James Burn used his bare hands to pick them out of her hair.

When he turned back to me, his eyes were full of disgust.

Almost fooled me with your act.

Like throwing bugs, huh? Fine, all of you, stuff the bugs on the ground into her clothes!

Several maids hurried to obey, scooping up the caterpillars. The gardener grabbed me, holding me tightly.

I didnt do it! How could it be me?!

James snorted, saying nothing. Of course, he hadnt believed me in a long time. Otherwise, in our past lives, he wouldnt have accused me of rigging the lottery without even asking.

At first, I still clung to the memory of the Grey Familys kindness and wanted to warn him that Julia was hiding a secret. But now, I regretted it. I wanted to see him lose it when the truth came out.

So, I stopped struggling and let the caterpillars crawl all over me. The spots they touched reddened, swelled and itched unbearably.

Julia finally calmed down and gently tugged on Jamess sleeve.

Will this be bad? Im fine now...

Julia, youre just too kind. Thats why people take advantage of you, he said. Come on, Ill take you to the doctor.

He carried Julia and walked away, leaving me behind.

My body gave out and I collapsed onto the ground. My fingers had dug deep into the soil from trying to endure the pain, mud and blood coating my skin.

Because of James Burn, no one came to help me. I endured the nausea and pain, finally throwing off the caterpillars and staggering to the family doctor.

Inside, I saw James behind a curtain, applying medicine to Julia. Though it was just a simple treatment, Julia gasped dramatically.

By the time he pulled the curtain back, Julia was limp in his arms and his fingers were still wet with medicine.

James glanced at my red, swollen, festering neck and tossed a bottle of potion at me. I was a second too slow, the glass shattered on the floor, spilling the liquid everywhere.

No need to see a doctor. Youre only good for filth.

In the Burn Family and in the whole capital, James was like the sky itself. If he said I couldnt see the doctor, no doctor would even look at me.

I knelt on the floor, half-covered in dirt, applying the potion with my mud-stained hands. When I finally looked up, I saw James tenderly disinfecting Julias fingers as if she were made of porcelain.

James, Im leaving the Grey Family. Nine-year-old James once promised to give me a home.

But now that home was gone and it was time for me to say goodbye.

James Burn wiped Julia Watsons hand clean and kissed her fingertips lightly. His expression barely changed.

Say that again, he said flatly.

I took a deep breath. I said, you and Miss Julia are getting married and Im nothing but an outsider. Just like the other ninety-eight candidates. I should leave.

James, this isnt a request. Its a notice.

Notice?! His tone shifted without him even realizing it. Jacqueline Smith, he sneered, that vegetable father of yours, is he giving up treatment?

His voice had a threatening edge that made me freeze. Memories from my past life made me tremble. He had once embraced me, only to push me into a coffin with those same cold hands.

It was a pity. No matter how possessive James Burn once was, he never imagined Id soon marry someone else.

Before, when I wanted him to soften, I threatened to leave the Grey Family. But now, I didnt need his softness anymore. I really needed to go.

After a long silence, James snorted.

If youre so scared, then stay put. Julia needs a personal maid, especially on our wedding night. You can warm the bed for us.

Julia blushed, lightly tapping his chest with her small pink fist.

James, shame on you.

James caught her delicate white hand, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into a hug.

What are you shy about? Come, Ill take you out to play.

She kicked me with her small high heel as she walked past, sending me crashing into shards of glass.

I picked up the medical tweezers and calmly removed the broken pieces from my leg. Then I applied antiseptic as if it were nothing.

I returned to the room Id lived in for twenty years. I tried to pack like some fictional heroine from a novel Id once read. But quickly realized, none of it belonged to me.

James used to take pictures with me. But at some point, the person in the photos was always a ten-year-old girl. Julia had been abroad for ten years and he had spent those years longing for her.

The dark wedding chamber was plastered wall-to-wall with photos of Julia, secretly taken by a private investigator. All obsessively.

I stuffed my documents into my pocket and sat dazed at the edge of the bed.

My phone vibrated, a message from the hospital caretaker.

Miss Audrey, your father just regained some consciousness. Hes calling your name!

I limped to the hospital. There, I heard my father weakly call my name in a barely audible whisper.

That hadnt happened in my previous life.

Back then, the power went out and the ventilator shut off. He died within a minute.

But now, he spoke my name. For someone in a vegetative state, this was a miracle. Maybe, just maybe, I would live to see him open his eyes.

The caretaker left us alone, giving me a warm smile on her way out. I sat beside the bed, holding his hand tightly.

Im leaving the Grey Family. Those people theyll have nothing to do with me anymore.

Im sorry. I couldnt keep the lavender you gave me.

Dad, can you get up and tell me where did you find those seeds?

I bowed my head and let the tears fall freely.

Tsk, tsk, tsk Ive been looking everywhere for you. And here you are, crying over a dying man.

Julia stood at the doorway, arms crossed, swaying her hips with a smirk. Her eyes narrowed as she sauntered in.

I wiped away my tears. What are you doing here?

Julia lifted her foot and kicked the hospital bed. The monitors beeped in protest as the connected machines jolted.

She tilted her chin arrogantly. I heard Mommy say youre planning to marry that pervert?

I didnt respond. I just stared at her, wary.

It shouldnt be my business if you want to marry a beggar, she sneered. But I heard you know my secret?

I wont tell.

Julia Watson looked at me as if Id just told the funniest joke shed ever heard.

How can I be sure you wont say anything? If you do, James will leave me! Her eyes turned red as she spoke.

Only if youre dead can I finally feel at ease!

With that, a blade slipped from her sleeve and flashed toward me. I instinctively leaned back, falling straight onto my dads unmoving body. Julia didnt look soft at all. With the blade clenched between her fingers, she aimed directly for my throat.

But suddenly, a dry, pale hand caught her wrist. The monitors around us beeped erratically.

The doctor had said that a patient might wake up if the machines made a sound like that.

I whipped around in shock, Dad?

He didnt open his eyes, but his hand firmly stopped Julia from hurting me. No you touch my daughter, came his hoarse, broken whisper.

I couldnt believe it, his hand still held firm.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway fast, heavy and familiar. In a flash, Julia cut her fingertip with the blade and slipped it into my fathers hand. Tears streamed down her face.

Dont kill me!

The next second, James burst into the room. She flew into his arms like shed found a life raft.

James! My sisters father tried to kill me I just heard he was waking up and wanted to see him Did Julia do something wrong? Blood dripped from her fingertip, catching James Burns eye. His face darkened instantly.

Without a word, he seized my wrist with an iron grip, nearly crushing it.

You were going to get Julia killed again, werent you?!

I helped pay for your fathers treatment all these years and this is how you repay me?!

I shook my head, panicked. I didnt! It wasnt me!

James smile twisted cold and cruel, like a demon from the underworld. Yeah, not you this time. It was your father.

I felt my stomach sink. I dropped to my knees and bowed, forehead slamming against the floor.

It wasnt my dad! Hes just a vegetable, he doesnt even know anything!

It was Julia! She tried to kill me! She But Julia interrupted with a sob. I didnt! You know about my blood condition, James, youve always known

Then she clutched her forehead and staggered back, her performance flawless. James glanced at her, his expression hardening. He looked at the blade in my fathers limp hand and his jaw clenched.

Good. Very good

Without another word, he walked over and unplugged my dads respirator. The monitor screamed, a piercing beep ringing in my ears like a curse.

I lunged forward and tried to plug it back in, but he shoved me away.

Stop, James, please, Im begging you! My dad will die without the ventilator!

Hit me, kill me, do anything to me, but please dont do this to him!

James stared down at me like I was dirt beneath his shoes.

Dying is the easiest thing in the world.

Dont think I dont know that a vegetable wont die just because the ventilator is off for ten minutes. Im just punishing you.

He pulled out his phone and called the hospital staff to cut power to the ward, specifically just this room for ten minutes. Then he picked up Julia Watson like she weighed nothing and turned back one last time.

Tomorrow night, on my wedding night, you come back to warm the bed.

If you dont, just wait and see what happens!

He walked out. I crawled over to my father, crying, forcing air into his mouth. But it was useless.

Ten minutes later, the power returned. I immediately reconnected the ventilator. The screen flickered, then steadiedInto a flat line.

He was gone. My dad, who had been left like a dog in that bed for years, was dead. I sat on the cold hospital floor, arms wrapped around my knees, eyes swollen and burning from crying.

And then, I heard footsteps again. I looked up, my vision blurred.

Do me a favor? I whispered.

I didnt know what I was trying to prove anymore. But James Burn organized a wedding more lavish than Id ever dared to dream.

Jacquelines wedding dress shimmered, thousands of sparkling gems stitched into the fabric, dazzling under the lights.

When James entered the grand hall, his gaze instinctively swept the crowd. But he didnt see me in the seat reserved for me.

The ceremony proceeded. Vows were exchanged. Applause filled the air. Then came the toast ninety-eight women he had once collected like trinkets in blind boxes raised their glasses together.

He rarely asked questions. But this time, he did.

Where is Julia?

Number 25 paused, thinking.

You mean Sister Number One? I didnt see her.

James frowned.

She has a name. Shes not just Number One.

Number 25 nodded, confused and watched Jamess leave.

It suddenly struck him, Mrs. Lane was also Jacquelines mother. So, he made his way across the venue to find her.

Mrs. Lane stood smiling, chatting lightly on the phone with Mr. Morgan.

Aunt Jessy, Number 25 said politely, why isnt Julia here today?

At his words, Mrs. Lane and Mr. Morgan exchanged a strange, meaningful glance.

And just like that, James felt a jolt in his chest. An inexplicable pain.

The next second, Mrs. Lane raised her phone. The dim screen lit up and what Jamess saw burned into his mind forever.