Chapter 1

The rich couple had arrived at the orphanage to choose a child. Every kid pushed forward, desperate for their attention.

All but me—I stepped back into the shadows and watched.

Jenna Grant snatched the drawing I'd made earlier, clutched it tight, and shoved her way to the front of the crowd.

The moment the couple laid eyes on her, she had them.

"Hello, I drew this family portrait," she said, holding it up with practiced sweetness.

Her voice was honeyed, her smile rehearsed. "Ever since I saw you, ma'am, I've thought you looked just like the mother I've always imagined."

The wealthy pair didn't hesitate. They wrapped her in an embrace, their faces soft with instant affection. Before disappearing into their arms, Jenna turned her head just enough to shoot me a victorious, gloating glance.

I didn't react. Not until my gaze drifted past her, catching sight of someone lingering quietly along—a middle-aged man.

He seemed to notice my stare, hesitated for a long moment, and then slowly walked over to where I stood apart.

Lowering himself to one knee, he looked right at me, his voice gentle and tentative.

"Hey, kid. Wanna come home with me? We just made a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls. They're still warm."

My throat tightened. The tears I'd held back welled up, and all I could manage was a small, silent nod.

In my previous life, it was the rich couple who had taken me in. And in the end, they were the reason I'd died alone in a desolate place.

My last full meal before that—the last time I'd truly felt fed—had been given to me by this man.

*****

In the orphanage dormitory, Jenna twirled gleefully in the lace dress sent by the wealthy woman.

Envious, other kids gathered around her.

Spotting me sitting in the corner, she swaggered over. "Nobody, see? Some people pretend to be pure and well-behaved, yet still no one wants them.

"Mr. and Mrs. Grant took a fancy to me right away. They said I'm just like their own daughter.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot—you got adopted, too. Honestly, only a country bumpkin would want someone like you. You two are made for each other."

I lifted my head, meeting her gaze.

Memories of the previous life—being scolded, locked in a dog cage, and burned with cigarette butts—came flooding back.

I murmured softly, "Jenna, do you want to think it over?"

Frowning, she then taunted, "Are you green with envy? You want me to think it over so you can tell the dean and get them to adopt you instead, right?

"Typical angelic bitch. You're a nobody. Keep dreaming!"

The other kids joined in the jeering.

"She's totally jealous, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she didn't get picked, so now she's hoping Jenna won't have it good either."

"Vicious."

"Angelic bitch."

I didn't explain. Instead, I hugged the doll in my arms tightly.

In the previous life, the wealthy couple had also called me a nuisance and a jinx.

They'd said they should have adopted Jenna instead.

Maybe this time, they'd treat Jenna better.

I buried my face in the doll and fell silent.

After Jenna was triumphantly picked up by the wealthy couple, I followed the middle-aged couple home.

They lived in a run-down inner-city neighborhood, with bumpy roads that made the car jolt all the way.

Huddled by the window, I was sweating profusely.

Susan Lane noticed and scolded gently, "William! Quick, get a fan. Look at how hot our girl is!"

William Lane quickly handed over a small, running fan.

"Oops, my fault. I was so excited to pick up our girl today that I forgot to fix the car's air-conditioner.

"Just hang in there, sweetheart. I'll get it fixed first thing tomorrow!"

I bit my lip and whispered, "I'm fine, really. I'm not feeling hot."

I didn't dare to make any requests.

In the previous life, when I was feverish and asked for a glass of water, I'd been locked in the storage room for three days and nights.

This time, I had to be good and obedient.

When the car pulled up in front of the house, Susan smiled and led me inside.

"Here we are—this is your home now," she said warmly.

I shivered. After a lifetime, I didn't expect to hear the same words again.

The house was small, with a few pots of peppers and scallions on the windowsill.

Susan told William to cook, then pulled me to the sofa and sat me down. Holding my hand, she chatted with me.

"Dear, my husband is William Lane, and I'm Susan Lane. What's your name and surname?"

Our names were all given by the orphanage dean.

But when it came to me, Jenna had insisted on naming me.

She called me "nobody," just to humiliate me.

The dean didn't even bother to stop her.

So, everyone at the orphanage just called me "Nobody."

I shook my head. "I don't have a surname. My name is Nobody."

Susan was taken aback, then frowned with pity. "What kind of name is that?"

She picked up a book, opened it, and looked at me softly.

"Some trees grow quiet and strong, just for you. From now on, your name will be Elowen Lane, Okay?"

My eyes welled up with tears immediately, and I nodded vigorously, holding back sobs.