The Twin Bride Gambit

My brother and I each had a twin wife. Our father had meticulously raised them to be ideal helpmates. The younger sister, Jasmine, was vivacious and charming, falling for my brother, James, at first sight. That left her elder sister, Lily, who was born with a disability, to me. I understood clearly that choosing Lily meant bowing out of the competition for our familys inheritance. After all, a scion of a powerful family couldnt possibly have a disabled wife. Yet, pity for her plight swayed me, and I agreed.

My father, furious at my lack of ambition, banished me to a deserted island. I protected Lily there, and we endured three months. When we returned, she was completely unblemished, while I had three broken ribs and walked with a permanent limp. I considered her my wife and never held it against her.

But then came the warehouse explosion. In that moment, Lily darted out of her wheelchair, practically flying.

She said, Im sorry, James needs me.

James was my older brother. I tripped over a chair and fell, but she didnt look back.

Im sorry, but hes the one I love.

Later, she saved her beloved. And I died in that inferno.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day we chose our wives.

I stared at the familiar scene, frozen and silent. Then, my brother, James, suddenly spoke.

Let Lily come with me. My younger brother has a severe stutter; he should choose someone more articulate to be by his side.

He extended his hand to Lily. But Jasmine, the younger sister, had already fallen head over heels for him, her delicate face tear-filled as she gazed at my brother. James had uttered the exact same words he had in my previous life.

Last time, I believed he genuinely cared for my well-being. I also understood that Father had trained these sisters to help us manage the family business. Lily could only stand with crutches. How could the wife of a Thorne family heir be disabled? Seeing my brother willing to forgo his position for me, I was deeply touched and quickly refused, adamantly unwilling to let Jasmine go with me.

But then came the explosion, and both women rushed towards James. James, in his feigned concern, insisted he wouldnt leave without me. Yet he obediently allowed them to lead him safely away from the warehouse. Jasmine had already brought him to the entrance, but he feigned unconsciousness, prompting Lily to abandon all caution, stand from her wheelchair, and save him. From then on, he not only solidified his position as the heir but also had two stunning women by his side.

This time, I didn't refuse his offer to swap wives.

Lis listen to my brother, I stammered, mimicking my past speech impediment, my face earnest. James instinctively recoiled his outstretched hand, a hint of awkwardness on his face. Lily, too, looked at me in surprise.

Just then, Mother descended from the second floor.

Sawyer, dear, the older sister is better at looking after people. Jasmines lively personality isnt suited for you.

I looked at Lily, leaning on her crutches.

Better at looking after people?

Mother truly found any excuse to support my elder brother.

Besides, your elder brother is going to study abroad soon, and Jasmines grades are better; she can accompany him

Lily, who had been standing quietly in the corner, suddenly took two steps forward.

Madam, I already received my acceptance letter last month.

With that, she actually produced the acceptance letter from my brothers university. Lily spoke sincerely.

Madam, please dont worry about my leg. Ive already contacted a doctor, and I can have electronic neurons implanted in my calf. With consistent stimulation, I can walk normally.

Seeing Lilys calm demeanor, I instantly understood. She had been reborn too. Since she had a second chance at life, it was only natural for her to fight for herself. I gave a self-deprecating smile. I laughed at my past self, who, to protect her pride, had shunned all formal gatherings. During those three months on the deserted island, I had repeatedly put myself in harms way for her. I had led wolf packs away from her. When she fell into a ravine, I had painstakingly carried her back up, step by arduous step. The slippery, sharp rocks had carved countless wounds into my body, yet she remained safe and sound on my back. And now, she was once again firmly choosing James.

Mothers face showed a flicker of admiration.

Are you truly willing to undergo electronic neuron implantation just to stand by Jamess side? Thats more painful than walking on razor blades.

I am willing.

Jamess gaze toward Lily also held a fervent heat. While Jasmine was undeniably captivating, what could be more alluring than an excellent wife willing to sacrifice so much for him?

In that case, Jasmine will follow Sawyer from now on.

The moment the words left her mouth, tears instantly streamed from Jasmines eyes.

Madam, Jasmine isnt worthy of the second young master.

Mothers face turned cold. How could she not see what Jasmine was plotting? She remained silent, seemingly pondering something. Jasmine suddenly knelt before Mother.

Madam, Jasmine is willing to stay in the old estate as a housekeeper.

Mother finally lowered her gaze to her.

Youd rather be a housekeeper than the second young madam?

Yes.

These sisters, both of them were quite decisive.

James spoke, seemingly unintentionally.

Jasmine, are you perhaps looking down on my brothers stutter?

Jasmine quickly glanced at him, her tone tinged with girlish indignation.

First young master, dont you know why Im doing this?!

As she spoke, her tears flowed even more profusely. James showed a pained expression.

But being a housekeeper would be too much of a sacrifice for you. How can that be?

I watched the absurd scene in silence.

If you truly care for Jasmine, why not let her be your assistant? I stammered out the sentence.

James patiently listened to me finish, his gaze at Jasmine holding a hint of greed. Both women, in terms of looks, figure, and intellect, were exceptional.

This wouldnt be appropriate.

Mother turned to look at me.

You should know they were both raised to assist you. Are you truly choosing neither?

Mother was testing me. I gave a light laugh.

Neither.

Mother raised an eyebrow.

Dont be impulsive. I fear youll regret it.

No regrets.

This time my answer was too quick, and everyone in the room looked at me simultaneously. Especially Lily. From the moment I spoke, her gaze hadn't left me. Her brows were tightly furrowed, as if she was trying to understand why I had changed so much.

Mother spoke again.

Then will you have a suitable translator by your side when you go abroad?

I slowly shook my head.

Not going abroad. Going to the company.

Last time, I believed my parents affection, and that my brother and I would always be close. I thought the inheritance rightfully belonged to my brother. So, I immersed myself in my own little world, making Lily the center of my life. Even when Grandfather urged me repeatedly to join the company, I refused. Eventually, I made Grandfather fall ill with frustration.

This time, I wouldnt make that mistake. Grandfather, though old, was still the de facto controller of the group. My parents had no business acumen, which was why they had invested heavily in training the twin sisters. They feared we would inherit their own lack of business sense. In my previous life, after Grandfathers death, James took control of the Thorne family. Eventually, even my living expenses and Lilys required Jamess signature before his secretary would transfer them to me. Though equally a Thorne, I was treated like a beggar. This time, I would reclaim everything that was mine.

When I approached Grandfather and explained my intentions, he patted my shoulder, visibly excited.

You rascal, I always had high hopes for you since you were a boy. Who knew such things would happen later

Never mind, lets not talk about it. From now on, work hard with your grandfather.

Yes.

Grandfather suggested I start as a manager, but I refused. I chose an entry-level position, starting from the ground up. James was preparing for his trip abroad, and the house was filled with joy. Meanwhile, I secured my first project, advancing from a regular employee to a team leader. Grandfather was overjoyed, praising me to everyone he met.

One day, as I was leaving work, James blocked my path at the entrance.

Little brother, youve been on a roll lately, havent you?

Now everyones saying you can inherit the family business on your own merits. You didnt want the twin sisters because youd already planned to cozy up to Grandfather, hadnt you? When did you become so cunning?

Tell me, as a Thorne child, who do you think Grandfather would prefer: you, a stuttering college graduate, or me, whos returned from advanced studies abroad?

I never expected James to use my stutter to provoke me. I lowered my gaze, not wanting to talk to him. Unexpectedly, he shifted, blocking my way.

Little brother, since your stutter is so severe, you should just stay home and recover properly. Why go out and embarrass the Thorne family?

I met his gaze directly.

Why do I stutter, brother? Have you forgotten?

He flinched, looking at me in shock. When I was little, Grandfather often kept me by his side, saying I was the Thorne familys future hope. Back then, my parents were very kind to me. But one day, James tricked me into a small wooden cabin in the backyard garden. He said he was going to the restroom and told me to wait for him. Instead, he locked me inside. I was trapped from that afternoon until the evening of the next day. Police dogs finally found me. When the door opened, Fathers expression showed a hint of disgust. After that night, I was so terrified I lost control of my bladder and bowels, cried all night, and couldnt utter a sound. For several years afterward, I couldnt speak a single word. James, however, claimed I had wandered off playing. Later, Grandfather found many doctors for me, allowing me to speak again, but leaving me with a stutter.

James clearly remembered his past actions. His face instantly paled, and he stammered.

Wasnt that because you were playing around and got lost? All these years, you still blame me for not finding you sooner, right?

But I was just a child then too; I was scared. You cant blame everything on me.

Seeing his pale face, Lilys brows furrowed in concern.

Second Young Master, whatever happened when you were children is in the past. One shouldnt harbor resentment.

At this point, James suddenly grasped her hand.

Its alright. Im the older brother; its my place to concede to my younger brother.

If youre fighting for the inheritance because of what happened back then, Ill just give it to you.

Just then, Father returned.

What nonsense are you talking about?!

What are you two discussing?

James, afraid I would reveal what happened back then, quickly said.

Little brother is still blaming me for what happened back then, Dad. I dont want our family to be divided, so why not let little brother

Father interrupted James.

Sawyer, are you still blaming your brother, even resorting to underhanded tactics to fight for power behind his back?

I was so furious I couldn't even keep up the stutter.

It was clearly

Actually, it was the Second Young Master who started the trouble. Hes always held a grudge about what happened back then.

I looked at Lily. After two lifetimes of knowing her, she should have understood me best. But I never expected her to lie to Father to protect James.

Smack!

I slapped Lily across the face, my palm stinging red. Lily stared at me in shock.

Thats your sister-in-law! Youre completely out of control now!

Take the young master back to his room to reflect. Hell be let out when he understands.

I trembled, looking at Father. Ever since that incident in my childhood, I couldnt be confined alone in a room. It would trigger my panic. But the servant grabbed my shoulder, dragging me upstairs. As I passed James, I clearly saw a mocking smile on his face. Lily, meanwhile, avoided my gaze.

That night, James brought Lily to my room. As soon as he entered, he turned off all the lights. My body reacted to the fear before my mind did. That night in my childhood had deeply affected me. My voice trembled uncontrollably.

Turn on the lights.

Heh, is the big strong man afraid of the dark?

You were quite bold downstairs just now, werent you?

I instinctively reached for the bedside lamp. Lily was quicker, sweeping the lamp to the floor. She kicked it under the bed, then took my phone, which was providing some light, and drew the curtains. The suffocating feeling instantly enveloped me. I tried hard to speak, but no sound escaped. I knew, I was having an episode again. I fumbled in the dark for the bedside table, searching for my medication. But the next second, James snatched the pill bottle away.

Want your pills, do you? Big brother will feed you.

With that, he emptied the pills onto the floor. I stumbled onto the floor, instinctively fumbling for them. But James stepped on my hand.

You can have your medicine, but first, give me the project you just secured.

I struggled to breathe, unable to speak, so I just patted his foot that was pressing on me. He shone his flashlight on my face.

You agree?

I nodded. Throughout this, Lily watched me with furrowed brows. Finally, when I agreed, she said, You shouldnt compete with him. These things rightfully belong to him. I didnt say a word. This project was one I had seen through from beginning to end. I also wanted to see if James could handle this unexpected windfall.

James took over my project, and I moved out of the Thorne family mansion into my own small apartment. I began actively seeing a therapist. Such things would never happen a second time.

Sure enough, a month later, the project imploded. The manager, furious that James had ruined his lifes work, took James hostage. He livestreamed on the dark web, threatening a murder-suicide. I scoffed. James had brought this upon himself. But I hadnt expected Lily to be waiting at my apartment door.

That project was negotiated by you; youre the principal in charge.

Only you can save him.

She bluntly stated her purpose, and bodyguards hidden in the shadows swarmed me. I was bound and pushed into a car. My mind raced. Lily, beside me, said leisurely.

Youre back too, arent you?

I stared at her, my eyes icy cold.

After this is over, you go abroad. I can guarantee you a life of wealth.

I scoffed.

And what about what you owe me?

If you can save James today, Ill be at your disposal from now on.

Soon, we arrived at the warehouse. Finally, both sides reached an agreement: the company would cover all losses, reinstate the manager, and the project would continue. When the manager demanded a hostage, Lily pushed me out without hesitation.

I swear, this is the last time. Ill settle everything and come back for you.

I sneered inwardly. I no longer believed her. Yet, her resolute betrayal still stung.

Lily, does anything I go through mean nothing to you?

She avoided my gaze.

Im your sister-in-law.

I couldnt help but laugh aloud. She took two steps away, then turned to look at me.

I will definitely come back. If anything happens to you, Ill just pay with my life.

I didnt look at her. The manager locked me in a sealed room. There were no windows; the only light source was the phone livestreaming. He dragged my nearly broken self in front of the camera.

Its been a day already! Why hasnt the company made any moves?!

Do you think anyone is watching the livestream? If I torture you a bit, will they speed things up?

With that, he faced the camera and began pulling out my fingernails. In the dimly lit room, blood slowly seeped out. My screams, once high, dwindled to nothing. I was in too much pain to make a sound.

A familiar ID suddenly popped up a line of text in the comments.

[Hands 0-00,000, legs $30,000, other body parts negotiable.]

[You just want money. No one will ransom him. You might as well trade him for some cash.]

I fell into despair. In less than three days, I was tortured beyond recognition. On the third day, while the manager was out buying more tools to torment me, I tried to call the police on the livestream phone, only to find there was no SIM card. I had no choice but to return to the livestream. I pleaded with the screen again and again.

Lily, I know youre watching. Save me.

Please for all the times I saved you, save me just once.

You said you would definitely come back.

Lily

My voice grew hoarse. Finally, I saw Lilys reply in the public chat.

[He wont take your life now. James will be inaugurated as CEO tomorrow. Just get through tomorrow, and Ill come get you.]

Inaugurated tomorrow

Grandfather? Lily, what have you done to Grandfather?

[Grandfather is old.]

After that, no matter how much I called her, she didnt say another word. Just then, the manager returned. He kicked me in the head.

Damn it, trying to outsmart me.

A rain of blows landed on my body. The comments section cheered, but Lily remained silent. The next second, the manager ended the livestream. I lay on the ground, recalling Lilys attitude. All my emotions transformed into pure hatred.

The manager quickly helped me up.

Are you alright, sir?

The lights in the room were off; everything was pre-arranged for the right angles. Naturally, I was fine. I shook my head. I opened the door, looking at the warehouse. I wondered if Lily recognized itthe very warehouse where I had died in my previous life. It was also the stage I had chosen for this grand play.

Proceed as planned.

After this, go to Europe. Dont come back.

I pushed open the warehouse door. Behind me, with a thunderous roar, flames shot into the sky.

From then on, the Thorne familys second young master died in a fire. All debts, I would collect them, step by step.