Fourth Life, New Husband

Of the five boys who'd been raised to marry me, Lance Riverford was the one who hated me the most. And yet, he was the one I loved the most.

Three times I was reborn, and three times I forced him to be my husband.

Each time ended the same way—he and his childhood sweetheart killed me.

When I opened my eyes for the fourth time and met that same look of loathing in his eyes, something inside me finally let go.

I turned away and chose his rival, Jace Elden, as my husband instead.

But at the wedding, Lance demanded with tears in his eyes, "Why did you choose someone else this time? Are you doing this just to spite me?"

That was when I realized… he'd been reborn too.

The fourth time I was reborn, it was the day I was to choose my husband.

The banquet hall was full of guests and laughter.

My father called me over with a smile.

"My precious daughter," he said, "have you decided who you'll choose as your future husband?"

Before I could answer, the guests began shouting Lance Riverford's name. Everyone knew I was infatuated with him. I'd declared countless times that I would never marry anyone but him.

There was no suspense to this ceremony. Everyone assumed I would choose Lance. After all, he had been my obsession for three lifetimes—and I'd been willing to die for him, again and again.

But all my unwavering love had brought me nothing but his betrayal and cruelty.

And when our eyes met once more—his filled with disgust—I felt an unexpected calm.

No one could have guessed what I would do next.

I glanced at the wooden panels laid out on the table, each etched with a name. Without hesitation, I picked up the one that bore the name of Lance's rival.

"I choose Jace Elden."

The room fell into chaos. Even my father looked at me in disbelief.

"Are you sure you want Jace as your husband?" he asked carefully.

Everyone knew Jace and I didn't get along. He was careless, cynical, and indifferent to family matters.

And the man I married would one day inherit the entire Mitchell family. Compared to the other four suitors—each accomplished and polished—Jace was far from ideal.

But what I wanted was simple—a heart that was real.

I nodded firmly. "Yes, Dad. I'm sure."

He studied me for a long moment, then smiled with indulgent affection. "No matter who you choose, I'll support you. Since you've chosen Jace, let's have the wedding in three days."

I agreed without hesitation.

When everything was settled, I went alone to the villa where the five of them lived to tell Jace the news myself.

But the moment I stepped inside, I saw Lance sitting on the sofa. His face was cold, the ashtray beside him overflowing with cigarette butts. It was as if he'd been waiting for me.

Even angry, he was devastatingly handsome—like a main character drawn