Three Rebirths, Three Cycles

After the ninety-ninth failed round of IVF, my husband, whose low sperm count was the official problem, spoke with a chilling coldness.

Isabelle is just so fertile. I touch her, and she gets pregnant. Unlike you.

He stood there, holding the hand of Isabelle, the imposter heiress who had been raised as my sister, and gave me three choices. One, I could turn a blind eye and continue playing the part of the CEOs wife. Two, I could take ten million dollars and disappear. Three, I could leave with nothing.

Everyone in the city knew how proud I was, how desperately I loved Vincent Ashwood. They expected a storm. They expected me to shatter with jealousy, to burn everything to the ground rather than accept defeat.

But I didnt cry. I didnt scream. I calmly pushed the check back across the table.

Let the child call me Mother. Ill continue to be a good Mrs. Ashwood.

After all, this was my third rebirth.

In my first life, I chose to walk away with my pride and nothing else. In the second, I swallowed that pride and took the ten million. Both paths led to a horrific end.

So, in this third life, I figured the three of us could just make it work. It would be a tight squeeze, but wed manage.

Vincents handsome face froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. Audrina, youre actually willing to accept another woman carrying my child?

I reached out and straightened the collar of his shirt, my touch making his jaw tighten. I offered him a perfectly gentle, perfectly composed smile.

After all these years, after all the needles and the hormones and the agony of one failed procedure after another wasn't the goal for you to have a child? Now that my dear Isabelle has helped us, why on earth would I object?

Isabelles pretty face went pale. She bit her lip, the fury in her eyes practically spilling over. She must have pictured me screaming, clawing, a hysterical mess. She never imagined Id be applauding.

Audrina, I thought youd be furious, she stammered. I didnt expect Anyone would think you dont love Vincent anymore.

Vincents sharp gaze shot to me.

I just smiled and patted her shoulder. Oh, dont be silly. There are many ways to love. Learning to love what he loves is just one of them.

In my first life, I had chosen to leave with nothing. Too proud to take his dirty money. But what could a housewife, detached from the professional world for years, possibly do? I couldn't even land a decent clerical job. I ended up in a dingy apartment, chewing on stale bread, living a miserable existence. Even then, Isabelle wouldn't let me be. She arranged a "car accident" that ended my life.

In my second life, I learned my lesson. I took the ten million. I thought it was my ticket to a new beginning. But without connections or resources, starting a business was a nightmare. The one time I found a seemingly reliable partner, it was a trap. The night I was cornered on a rooftop by debt collectors, I heard Isabelles mocking laughter through a jumbled phone call.

Vincent never had a fertility problem. Hed been slipping her birth control pills all along. He only married her to get her familys investment in the Ashwood Corporation. Now that shes useless, did she really think she could just start over? Of course she had to die.

When I opened my eyes again, I decided to just give up fighting. They were a match made in hell, a bitch and a dog. How could I possibly tear them apart? The three of us would be perfectly cozy together.

My magnanimity clearly threw Vincent off balance. He frowned, studying me with a confused expression, but his words were a warning. Then youd better play the part of Mrs. Ashwood well. If you dare lay a hand on Isabelle, dont blame me for being merciless.

I gave him a sweet, brilliant smile and immediately got to work. Isabelle cant be traveling back and forth in her condition. She can stay in the guest room from now on. She can focus on the baby, and Ill take good care of her.

Isabelles face immediately crumpled into a mask of distress. Im carrying Vincents child, and you want me to stay in a guest room? So far from the babys father? Are you trying to separate us on purpose?

Youre right, how thoughtless of me, I said, not giving anyone a chance to argue. I turned to the butler. In that case, please move Mr. Ashwoods things into the guest room as well. We wouldnt want them to suffer a long-distance relationship under the same roof.

Isabelles eyes widened.

Before she could launch into a tearful complaint, I turned my smiling gaze on Vincent. Darling, youre the father. Its best for the babys development if you stay with the expectant mother. You cant possibly be thinking of staying in the master bedroom with me. That would break poor Isabelles heart, wouldnt it?

Isabelle bit her lip. Vincents eyes softened as he looked at her, pulling her into a gentle embrace. Ill stay with you and the baby. Come on, lets go rest.

They walked up the stairs arm in arm, a picture of intimacy. In another life, the sight would have driven me mad with jealousy and rage.

Now, I simply returned to the master bedroom and made a phone call I never thought Id make.

We have a deal. I become a major shareholder in your group, and you help me destroy the Ashwoods.

2.

That evening, I slid a document across the desk to Vincent.

Ive drafted a postnuptial agreement regarding our assets. Take a look.

Vincent scoffed, annoyed. You want to talk about money with me now?

My eyes welled with tears, but I fought them back, my voice trembling with practiced vulnerability. Ive endured so many needles, so much pain. My body is broken, my pride is gone, and now I have to take care of the woman carrying your child, I said, my voice cracking just so. I havent uttered a single complaint. All Im asking for is access to your supplementary credit card to do some shopping, to buy a few dresses. Is that too much to ask?

Vincent looked at me, his expression a complex mix of guilt and impatience. As long as you behave, my money is your money. Spend what you want.

I watched, a serene smile on my face, as he signed the papers. My heart was a frozen stone in my chest. He had no idea that his signature had just given me complete control over his liquid assets. How I spent it was now entirely up to me.

The next afternoon, dressed to the nines, I met my best friend Sophie for a shopping spree. In my previous lives, I had been so consumed by my love for Vincent that Id pushed everyone away. Sophie had tried to talk sense into me a few times, but eventually, she gave up. I had died utterly alone.

When I stood before her now, she was stunned.

Audrina? You actually ditched Vincent to go shopping with me? I heard the imposter heiress moved in with a bun in the oven. I expected you to be either drowning in tears or sharpening a butcher knife. You look tired, but surprisingly calm.

I looked at my reflection in the shop window. My face was young, yet etched with a profound exhaustion. For three lifetimes, Vincent had used his family as an excuse, pressuring me, insisting I had to produce an heir or hed divorce me. I loved him, so I threw myself into the brutal cycle of IVF, torturing my body for two years until I was a ghost of my former self.

The irony was that I wasnt the one who couldn't conceive. It was him, feeding me birth control pills after every time we were intimate. He watched me suffer, offered no comfort, and then had the audacity to call me useless.

How utterly, cruelly absurd.

And I, for a man who had plotted my ruin from the start, had thrown away my friends, destroyed my health, and twisted my own life into a pathetic knot.

I sighed. Im twenty-seven, Sophie, not seventeen. If he were madly in love with me, maybe Id fight for him. But for a cheating bastard like him? Hes not worth a single tear.

Sophie stared at me for a long moment, then pulled me into a fierce, relieved hug. Its about damn time, you idiot! You gave up everything for him, running to clinics and trying crazy remedies until you ran yourself ragged. IVF is agony, and you did it ninety-nine times? Your stomach must be a pincushion. Were you crazy?

This life, I had been reborn on the very day of my ninety-ninth IVF failure. It was too late to stop myself from that last act of lovesick foolishness. But it wasnt too late to choose a different way to live.

I hugged her back tightly. Never again. From now on, I live for me.

Elated, Sophie dragged me to an exclusive nightclub. The doors opened to reveal two rows of handsome young men, each with a unique style.

Audrina, take your pick! Tonights on me! Were celebrating your escape from prison, your glorious rebirth!

Id never been interested in men from places like this. But then I thought about it. I did need a child. And as it happened, today was my ovulation day.

My eyes scanned the room, landing on a young man in a crisp white shirt. His silhouette was lean and sharp, the line from his neck to his shoulder clean and elegant. His long, slender fingers held a quiet, magnetic allure.

Sophie followed my gaze. Thats Noah. A university student, works part-time. Brilliant kid, but proud. He never takes clients.

I put down my glass and walked over to him.

Are you clean?

The young man looked up, his gaze intense. Ive never been with a woman.

I was satisfied. Spend the night with me. Name your price.

He stared at me for a few seconds, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. One of the other hosts stepped forward nervously. Im sorry, miss, but Noahs situation is unique, he doesnt

But Noah raised a hand, his dark eyes locked on mine.

Okay.

That night, he carried me into the presidential suite. He was a wolf, fierce and hungry. I cast aside the shackles and sorrows of my past two lives and let myself drown in the moment. My phone on the nightstand lit up and went dark, again and again. Vincent Ashwood. He called ninety-nine times before finally stopping.

When it was over, I left cash on the table. As I walked out, ignoring the long list of missed calls, I didnt see the man in the bed behind me watching my every move, his expression unreadable, as he answered a call of his own.

Brother, Im not crazy. I know exactly who she is

3.

When I got home, Vincent was sitting in the main armchair in the living room, his face a thundercloud. The ashtray in front of him was overflowing with cigarette butts.

Audrina! he roared. Where were you last night? Why didnt you answer my calls?!

Isabelle clung to his arm, her voice a timid whisper. Vincent, dont be so harsh Maybe Audrina was just upset and needed some space.

I calmly slipped off my heels and handed my purse to a waiting maid before I finally met his furious gaze. I was out with Sophie. Had a few drinks with some guys to blow off steam. Is there a problem?

You are Mrs. Ashwood! Vincents rage boiled over at my indifference. You went out drinking with other men? Am I dead to you?

I patted his shoulder condescendingly. Now, now, what did we agree on yesterday? Im going to be the perfect Mrs. Ashwood. You and Isabelle can be as lovey-dovey as you want. Thats wonderful for you, but I get lonely. And since youre otherwise occupied, I naturally have to find someone whos available to comfort me.

Vincent was so angry he could barely speak.

Isabelle quickly fanned the flames. Audrina, how could you be so shameless? Vincent is only being kind to me because you cant have children. But to betray him like this youre breaking his heart!

Even now, they were trying to use that lie to make me feel guilty, to shame me into submission.

My hands clenched into fists, but I kept the smile on my face. As you said, I cant have children. After ninety-nine failed IVF attempts, its pretty clear that even if I did betray him, I wouldnt end up pregnant like some people. So you can relax. I turned my smile on her. And youre a pregnant woman, Isabelle. You need to keep your emotions stable. Stop trying to stir up trouble, alright? Be good.

A flicker of guilt crossed both their faces.

I ignored them and turned to the butler. From this day forward, Miss Isabelles meals are to be prepared with the utmost care. Five nourishing soups a day. Birds nest, sea cucumber, fish maw only the highest quality ingredients. We must ensure she and the baby get all the nutrients they need.

Isabelle looked stunned. Audrina, I cant possibly eat that much

Of course you can! Youre eating for two! Dont worry about your figure. The babys health is what matters.

Isabelle had always been vain about her looks. At the mention of her figure, a flicker of anxiety crossed her face. She looked to Vincent for help. Vincent, I dont want to

Vincent, already agitated, just waved a dismissive hand. Just listen to her.

I took Isabelles hand, my touch cloyingly affectionate. Dearest, during pregnancy, hormonal changes can cause weight gain, skin discoloration, acne, even hair loss its all perfectly normal. Please dont worry. I will take the best care of you and the baby.

My words were soft and soothing, but Isabelles palm was slick with sweat. She saw my concern as a threat.

Publicly, she drank the nourishing broths I had the kitchen prepare. Privately, she forced herself to throw them up. To maintain her figure, she spent two hours a day in the gym, ate nothing but salads, and secretly hired a prenatal yoga instructor to create a "no weight gain" plan.

I watched it all unfold as I selected a gown for the upcoming anniversary gala.

Miss Isabelle is very active, I instructed the butler. Add an extra portion of soup to her daily menu. And make sure you watch her drink every last drop.

I was curious to see what kind of baby could survive that kind of prenatal abuse.

4.

That weekend, I slipped into a haute couture gown, adorned myself with jewels, and made my way to the Ashwood Corporations anniversary gala.

As always, the guests flattered and fawned over me. I moved through the crowd with a practiced smile, the perfect corporate wife.

Half an hour into the event, Vincent arrived.

And on his arm, her belly just beginning to show, was Isabelle.

The room erupted in whispers.

Isnt that the fake Jiang family heiress? With Mr. Ashwood?

So the rumors are true! She really moved in! That must be his baby!

The real wife must be losing her mind. This is going to be a bloodbath.

Isabelle saw me, a triumphant smirk playing on her lips. As they passed me, she suddenly stumbled, lurching towards me. I was ready for it and sidestepped neatly.

But she grabbed my wrist, using the momentum to throw herself backward.

Audrina why did you push me? she cried, her face instantly pale. She clutched her stomach, tears welling in her eyes. Vincent, my stomach it hurts

Vincents face turned to stone. He raised his hand and slapped me, hard, across the face.

Audrina, shes your sister! And shes pregnant! Cant you show a shred of decency?

The sting of his handprint bloomed across my cheek. After everything theyd done to me in my past lives, the pain didnt break my heart. It just filled my chest with pure, unadulterated rage.

If I couldnt stand the sight of her, she never would have set foot in the Ashwood mansion in the first place, let alone be here now, flaunting herself and slandering me in public.

Vincents gaze flickered to Isabelle. She just clutched his arm, her eyes red and pleading. Vincent, you believe her? Not me?

His face hardened again. Audrina, I dont want to hear your excuses. Apologize to Isabelle. Now.

I did nothing wrong, I said, my voice like ice.

Isabelles sobs grew louder.

Vincents eyes were cold slits. If youre going to be this stubborn, then fine. As of today, the monthly allowance stipulated in our agreement is suspended. When youre ready to get on your knees and apologize to Isabelle, we can discuss reinstating it.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. I couldnt believe Id actually tried to reason with a cheating, abusive bastard.

I twisted the wedding ring from my finger, a ring I had worn for three lifetimes, and threw it at his face.

A man who cherishes his wife finds fortune. A man who abuses her loses everything. Youre choosing your mistress over me, Vincent. I hope you dont live to regret it.

With that, I turned and walked away, not bothering to look back at the fury contorting his handsome features.

In the days that followed, the household staff, sensing the shift in power, began to ignore my orders. They served me leftovers, cold and congealed. The internet, meanwhile, exploded with stories about me.

ASHWOOD CEOS WIFE, BARREN FOR YEARS, DRIVEN MAD WITH JEALOUSY, ATTACKS PREGNANT SISTER.

MRS. ASHWOODS SECRET LIFE: NIGHTS OF DEBAUCHERY WITH MALE ESCORTS.

THE TRUTH REVEALED: VINCENT ASHWOOD DRIVEN INTO ANOTHER WOMANS ARMS BY HIS TOXIC, INFERTILE WIFE.

Suddenly, I, the victim, was a pariah, a villain in a story they had written for me.

Vincent saw the headlines and offered me an ultimatum. If you kneel and beg Isabelle for forgiveness, Ill make these stories disappear. Ill even let you save face at the family dinner tonight.

I glanced at the text message that had just arrived on my phone. The final piece was in place. Tonight, the trap would spring.

I looked up at him. Youre the one who leaked these stories. Youre the one whos hurting me. The one who should be kneeling is you.

Youre insane! he spat, laughing with rage as he slammed the door on his way out.

At the family dinner, I was seated at the far end of the long table, ignored and served nothing but cold appetizers. Isabelle, however, was seated right next to my mother-in-law, who held her hand affectionately.

Isabelle, dear, your belly is so pointed. It must be a boy, she cooed. Vincent, you must take good care of her. Shes the savior of the Ashwood family. Not like some people, who are not only useless but also a complete disgrace.

Everyone flocked around Isabelle, showering her with compliments, conveniently forgetting she was the other woman. They followed my mother-in-laws lead, piling on the insults, each word a calculated sting. Isabelle kept glancing my way, her eyes glittering with triumph.

Just then, Vincents assistant burst into the dining room, his face ashen.

Mr. Ashwood, its a disaster! Apex Holdings just snatched the development rights for the Eastside Core property! he panted. And our shipping contracts, the tech park project several key suppliers just pulled out simultaneously! They said Apex made a better offer! Sir, our core assets are being poached! At this rate, the company is going to collapse!

Vincent shot to his feet, stunned. How is that possible? Where would they get that kind of liquid capital?

The assistant was sweating profusely, his voice trembling. I checked, sir. A new major shareholder invested in Apex Holdings two weeks ago. A massive infusion of capital. That new shareholder is its your wife.

The room fell into a dead, suffocating silence.

Vincents head snapped towards me, his eyes filled with utter disbelief.

Audrina. Was this you?

I met his gaze, my smile as sweet as poison.

Yes, I said. It was me.