Chapter 1

In my previous life, Madeline Lewis and I were both chosen for adoption by two different families.

Over a piece of candy, she convinced the couple who originally wanted me to take her instead.

What she never knew was that the couple she turned down was among the wealthiest philanthropists in the country. And I grew up as their only daughter.

They gave me everything, the finest education, lessons in dance and music, and even arranged my marriage into money.

On my wedding day, Madeline was among the guests.

When it was her turn to offer a toast, she pulled a knife from her sleeve and drove it straight into my heart.

She said, "It was me they wanted first. You stole the life that should have been mine. Now die."

With my last strength, I yanked the wedding cake knife free and plunged it into her chest.

My adoptive parents made no move to save me; they only told me to die quietly.

Afterward, my ashes were tossed into a polluted river.

Then I opened my eyes and found myself back on the day we were chosen.

The headmistress, Helen Smith, asked, "Evelyn, which family would you like to go with?"

*****

Two ladies, Rebecca Hughes and Lynn Anderson, stood in front of me, both smiling at me.

Seeing their familiar faces, I dreamed about this scene so many times in my previous life.

I wished I could choose my mom again, more than anything.

Just as I was about to point at one of the ladies, Madeline came running over.

She stuffed the candy she'd snatched back into my hand and said, "I want to be Ms. Hughes's kid. This candy was Evelyn's. Here, I'm giving it back. Let her pick Ms. Anderson as her mom."

I stared at Madeline, surprised. But when I caught the way she looked at my former adoptive mom, with that same mix of longing and greed, I suddenly realized that Madeline had been transcended, too.

"Evelyn, how about you?" Helen asked.

She shot Madeline a displeased look, her brows furrowing.

She was sick of how Madeline kept changing her mind.

In my previous life, Lynn had given me a piece of candy, coaxing me to be her daughter. Madeline stared at that candy, her eyes burning with jealousy. She took candy from Lynn, making a fuss and insisting she wanted to be Lynn's daughter.

Madeline and I were born on the same day, at the same time, in the same year.

We grew up side by side, so we were really close.

Madeline was always more mature than I was. We hung out together, watching strangers come to the orphanage to pick out kids.

I was always a little envious, but she just stood off to the side, making snarky comments about everyone.

Madeline said, "That couple looks broke. Their clothes are so out of style. No way you'd have a good life with them.

"This time, only a woman showed up. The kid's definitely not going to be a priority. Definitely not the kind you want to go with.

"Evelyn, picking parents is a real skill. Trust me, just follow my lead, and you'll nail it every time."

I just nodded at her admiringly.

Helen mentioned that both couples were interested in us because we were born at the same time.

So, either of us would do for them.

Neither couple had any biological kids, but Helen never made it clear what their family backgrounds were like.

In my previous life, Madeline picked Lynn just because of their outfits and a single piece of candy.

But she had no idea the couple she rejected were actually rich and famous philanthropists.

After they adopted me, they spoiled me in front of everyone, sent me to the best schools, and paid for the priciest music and dance lessons.

They even set me up with a wealthy husband for a business deal.

That was why, in my previous life, Madeline ended up killing me out of spite.

But what Madeline didn't know was that those two were seriously twisted. To them, I was nothing more than a human good luck charm they kept around for show.

Behind closed doors, they abused me and barely gave me anything to eat.

It was only later that I learned they actually had a child; he was sick, never seen by the public, and about my age. What they really needed was someone to be his personal blood donor.

And that someone was me.

But Madeline had no idea about any of this. In this life, she was hell-bent on taking my spot.

Well, how could I not let her walk right into it?