Chapter 1

Charlotte's POV

"Charlotte!"

The sharp scream interrupted my thoughts, intense pain still coursing through my spine like being pierced by thousands of needles.

I jolted awake to see the familiar Manhattan mansion living room. Warm firelight danced in the fireplace, crystal chandeliers casting amber light.

This was... the Blackstone family mansion?

"God, you screamed so horribly just now—was it a nightmare?" Victoria clicked in wearing heels, but her eyes were red and swollen, clearly having cried.

I looked down at myself—a HUGE pregnant belly!

Eight months pregnant!

Memories flooded back like a tide. The excruciating pain of falling from the 60th floor, David's cold eyes...

I had been reborn!

Reborn back to four years ago, back to this DAMNED night!

"Charlotte, you look awful. Should I call a doctor?" Victoria sat beside me, but I could feel her distraction.

"I'm fine..." I forced my voice to sound normal. "Just had a nightmare."

A nightmare? No, that was my death memory! I remembered that tiny figure—my biological daughter... killed by this damned bitch!

"Charlotte, I came tonight because..." Victoria's voice began trembling.

I quickly adjusted my emotions, pretending concern: "What's wrong? You look terrible."

Victoria took a deep breath, then without warning dropped to her knees on the Persian rug with a loud "THUD."

"Jesus fucking Christ! Victoria!" I feigned shock. "Are you insane? Get up!"

"No! Charlotte, only you can save me!" She gripped my hands desperately, tears streaming down like a broken dam. "I've totally FUCKED UP! If Kevin finds out the truth, I'm DEAD!"

Watching her performance, rage and hatred from my past life burned in my heart. But on the surface, I had to appear as naive and kind as I was last time.

"What the hell happened? Get up and talk."

"I can't get up! Not unless you promise to help me!" Victoria cried until her makeup ran, suddenly removing her coat to reveal an equally rounded pregnant belly. "Charlotte, I made an unforgivable mistake... If Kevin finds out, he'll KILL me!"

Seeing her belly, I acted even more shocked: "Victoria! You... you're pregnant?! But Kevin's been in London..."

Victoria's voice grew smaller: "Eight months ago when Kevin was away on business... I got drunk, met some stranger at a bar... God damn it, we had sex."

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" I widened my eyes.

"Worse..." her voice was barely audible, "I got pregnant, and Kevin's coming back soon."

"Victoria, have you lost your fucking mind?" I said with a trembling voice. "Kevin loves you so much—how could you betray him?"

"I know I'm a damned slut! I know I betrayed Kevin!" She sobbed hysterically. "But it already happened! If Kevin finds out, if the media knows, I'm FINISHED!"

I watched her performance coldly. Last time, I was completely fooled by this act, soft-heartedly agreeing to her plan. Then she switched the babies' identities at the hospital, making my daughter suffer undeserved pain.

"So what do you want me to do?" I asked knowingly.

Victoria suddenly looked up, a flash of cunning in her eyes: "Charlotte, we can say you're having twins!"

"What? Are you fucking kidding me?"

"Listen!" She explained urgently. "Our due dates are only days apart. We can go into delivery together and announce you had twins! That way my child gets a legitimate identity, and Kevin never knows the truth!"

I pretended to be shocked speechless by this proposal, while laughing maniacally inside.

Stupid Victoria, did you think I'd be as naive as last time?

"This... this is fucking INSANE..." I deliberately hesitated.

"Please Charlotte! For the sake of growing up together!" Victoria gripped my hands. "This is the only way to protect my marriage! I promise, this damned secret stays between just us two!"

Just us two?

How did David coordinate the baby switch with you last time?

"Victoria..." I looked at her deeply, letting "pain" and "struggle" show on my face. "This is too fucking huge... if we're discovered..."

"We won't be! I fucking SWEAR!" She desperately promised. "Charlotte, I'm out of options! If you don't help me, I can only die!"

I stayed silent for a long time, letting her stew in anxiety. Then slowly, I nodded.

"Alright... for old times' sake, I'll help you."

Victoria's face instantly burst with ecstatic joy: "Really? Oh thank fucking God! Charlotte, you're the best friend in the world! I'll be grateful forever!"

Grateful forever?

I watched her face streaked with excited tears, the fire of revenge burning in my heart.

Damned bitch, prepare for HELL!