The Winter Knows No Frost

My father bought twin brothers from the black market to serve as bodyguards for me and my sister.

My sister chose the tall, strong older brother, leaving me with the frail, mute younger one.

Feeling sorry for him, I kept him close, seeking doctors for his silence and maintaining distance to respect his apparent OCD.

I thought trauma had shaped him that way. But when our father's enemies kidnapped us, he abandoned me without hesitation, choosing to die shielding my sister.

In his final moments, he spoke for the first time. "You finally see me."

To me, he said, "In the next life, please don't choose me."

I realized then that he was neither mute nor afflicted with OCD. His silence and aversion were directed solely at me.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back on the day we chose the bodyguards.

This time, I'd grant his wish.

Olive Winters’ voice lingered in my ears like a haunting refrain. “Maybe I should take Neal instead. Eira’s so delicate, and Liam’s strength would better protect her.”

I jolted awake, memories of my past life crashing over me like a relentless wave.

Before I could speak, she turned to the elder of the twin bodyguards, Liam Ramos, with practiced gracious poise. “Liam, I entrust my sister to you. Protect her well.”

I stared at her, my heart gone cold.

In my previous life, her feigned kindness ensnared me completely. After she chose Liam, I hesitated—and she offered to swap bodyguards.

I naively believed she cared about me.

In truth, she’d already counted on my soft heart, certain I would never accept anyone’s “sacrifice.”

That way, she could keep the bodyguard she wanted and burnish her reputation for kindness.

I didn’t see her true face until our father’s enemies kidnapped us.

This time, I cut her performance short. “Alright.”

Olive froze, her face a mask of shock. She hadn't expected me to agree so readily. I met her eyes with an icy smile.

Once, my weakness allowed her to manipulate me. Not anymore.

From the corner of my eye, I caught Neal Ramos' bewildered expression.

Our father, Richard Winters, spoke up. "No, that won't do. You're my eldest daughter, Olive. Your safety is paramount. This younger one looks too weak and is mute. How can he protect you?"

I turned to him, absorbing the bitter truth. In his mind, I couldn't compare to his illegitimate daughter.

He'd married my mother to save his failing company, only for her to discover he already had a child with another woman. She withered away in sorrow soon after.

Barely had she passed when he brought Olive and her mother into our home, demanding I call her sister.

As his biological daughter, I thought he harbored some affection for me. But knowing Neal was mute, he still brought him back, making this choice a mere charade. He had always intended for Liam to serve Olive.

Olive sighed in relief, clutching his arm with feigned concern.