Chapter 3 Living in Hell

Abigail was trapped in that dream again.

A bullet entered her temple, pierced through her skull, and exploded out the other side.

She remembered the feeling clearly—not sharp pain, but a burning sensation. The heat spread through her. Her vision went white, then plunged into endless darkness, until finally there was nothing.

She thought she was dead.

But the next second, she opened her eyes.

She lay in her familiar bedroom, her body completely intact. No wounds, no scars, no surgical stitches.

She sat up abruptly and grabbed her phone from the nightstand. The screen showed a date from two years ago. She really had gotten a second chance.

At this moment, Sandra hadn't yet staged her fake death. Ethan was still playing the role of a caring fiancé. And everyone in the Rodriguez family was still putting on a friendly act for the sake of the trust fund.

Abigail stared at the date, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Today was May 20th.

The day Sandra had chosen to fake her death.

In her past life, Sandra had jumped into the river and disappeared. Everyone believed Abigail had driven her to it. Just days before the incident, the two had argued, and Sandra had cried, saying she couldn't win Abigail's acceptance.

The Rodriguez family believed that story. So did Ethan. From that day on, Abigail's life fell apart.

Her mother refused to look at her. Her father accused her of being cold-hearted. Her three brothers took turns blaming her. Ethan watched her with cold eyes, then began plotting that cruel surrogacy trap.

Meanwhile, Sandra lived it up overseas, quietly waiting for everyone to take revenge on her behalf.

Abigail put down her phone and took a slow, deep breath.

Since her rebirth, she had been haunted by nightmares of her past death, breaking down in tears again and again.

But now, she was no longer weak.

Since fate had given her a second chance, Sandra's fake death might as well become a real one.

A smile touched Abigail's lips. This time, she felt genuinely satisfied.

A knock came at the door, followed by Ryan's voice, "Abigail, stop sleeping in. Today's the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Waterside Hearth. Hurry up and get dressed."

He paused, his tone awkward, "I ordered you a new dress. Sandra didn't know any better and accidentally touched your personal things—don't hold it against her."

A few days ago, Sandra had worn one of Abigail's dresses without permission, and Abigail had gotten angry on the spot. Ryan had taken Sandra's side and personally torn up the dress. They had been in a cold war ever since.

Now Ryan was still maintaining his image as the good older brother, sending a new dress to smooth things over.

Abigail smiled softly, "I got it."

Surprised that she had let go of the grudge so easily, Ryan sounded relieved, "Then hurry up."

Hurry up?

She would definitely make good use of her time. Just thinking about watching Sandra struggle and suffocate in the water made it hard to contain her excitement.

Waterside Hearth was packed that day.

This was the Rodriguez family's newly developed resort project, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony had invited most of the business elite.

Harold stood at the front of the crowd, holding the ceremonial scissors, looking proper and composed.

Melinda stood beside him in a sapphire blue gown, holding her husband's arm with elegant bearing—the perfect image of a wealthy family matriarch.

The three brothers—Finnian, Ryan, and Jason—stood behind their parents in sharp suits, drawing constant camera clicks from the reporters.

Abigail and Sandra, as the family's two young ladies, stood on either side of the elders.

Abigail wore the champagne-colored knee-length dress Ryan had sent.

Sandra wore a white dress, her long hair loose, looking gentle and docile.

She flashed a sweet smile at the cameras, occasionally turning to look at Abigail with eyes full of cautious goodwill.

Whispers floated around them.

"The Rodriguez family's second daughter is so beautiful and gentle. I hear she's very sensible."

"The eldest daughter is pretty too, just less approachable."

Ryan heard the comments and said quietly, "Abigail, stop looking so stern all the time."

Abigail ignored him.

Ryan frowned but said nothing more.

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the crowd dispersed, and guests toured the resort grounds.

Harold chatted and drank with several investors. Melinda accompanied some wealthy ladies on a garden tour. Finnian was surrounded by business partners discussing projects. Jason had gone somewhere unknown.

Ryan stood holding a glass of champagne, talking with a woman in a red dress, a smile on his handsome face.

Abigail stood alone on the second-floor terrace, gazing at the scenery below.

"Abigail."

Sandra walked up behind her, holding two glasses of juice, "You must be thirsty. I got you a glass."

Abigail turned and looked at the smiling face before her.

Clean features, innocent expression—the act was pure and naive.

In her past life, Sandra had used that very appearance to push her step by step into the abyss.

"Thanks." Abigail took the juice but didn't drink.

Sandra walked to her side, "Abigail, are you still mad at me? I really didn't know that dress was yours. Finnian said I could wear anything, so I dared to try it on. I already told Ryan not to blame you because of me anymore. Please don't mind it."

Abigail tugged at the corner of her mouth, "I'm not angry."

"Really?" Sandra looked shocked, "So you're willing to forgive me?"

Abigail looked at her and reached up to tuck her wind-blown hair behind her ear, her manner like that of a gentle older sister, "Of course. We're family. Don't overthink it."

Sandra was completely stunned.

Was this really Abigail? Based on their usual interactions, she should be furious right now, accusing her of putting on an act.

Several passing guests saw the scene and commented on how harmonious the two sisters were.

In her past life, everyone had accused Abigail of being spoiled and unreasonable, believing her misfortune was self-inflicted. In this life, she wouldn't give anyone a reason to criticize her.

She could act just as well.

Ryan came up to the terrace and looked at the two of them with confusion, "You two made up?"

Abigail looked at him and nodded gently.

Ryan visibly relaxed, "I spoke too harshly the other day, Abigail. Don't take it to heart. You and Sandra are both my sisters. I'll treat you equally."

When he said this, his expression was particularly sincere.

But Abigail remembered her past life, when he had said "it would be better if she died" with that same expression.

"Ryan, I understand." Abigail smiled faintly.

Ryan patted her shoulder and turned to leave.

Sandra raised her hand to wipe away non-existent tears, "Abigail, I'll go say hello to Mom."

"Okay."

Sandra turned and left.

The smile instantly vanished from Abigail's face. She knew Sandra wasn't going to find their mother—she was heading to the river to carry out the drama she had planned long ago.

She poured the untouched juice into a flower pot, her expression completely cold.

At three in the afternoon, Sandra returned as scheduled, saying she had something important to tell Abigail privately.

The two walked one after the other to the riverbank.

"Abigail." Sandra turned around, tears already sliding down her cheeks, "I know you've always rejected me. But no matter how you see me, I'm still a member of the Rodriguez family. I'm connected to this family by blood."

She stepped forward, moving closer to the water, "If my existence has been tormenting you all this time, I'd rather just disappear. Leave here forever."

Abigail watched her quietly, saying nothing.

Sandra took another step. Her feet were now inches from the water, "If I died, would you forgive me? Stop fighting with Mom and Dad?"

In her past life, Abigail had frantically tried to stop her at this moment, telling her to calm down and talk.

But in this life, Abigail said, "Then go ahead and die."

Sandra froze, "What did you say?"

"I said jump." Abigail let out a mocking laugh, "Go on."

Sandra's eyes widened, her face full of disbelief, "Abigail, you—"

"Need me to give you a push?"

Abigail suddenly stepped forward and shoved hard, pushing Sandra into the river.