Chapter 1

Daphne Yeager was reborn. It happened the fifth time her husband, Wilson Farrell, asked for a divorce. Each time, he raised the stakes. Initially, he offered a mansion and $10 million; then 10% shares and a building. This time, he offered almost half his assets. Daphne knew there wouldn't be a next time. The sixth time, he would kidnap her, drug her, and plant her in bed with Sebastian Turner, his archenemy, to fabricate infidelity. Wilson would leave his assets intact, while Daphne, shamed and suicidal, would end her life. He would then use this to destroy Sebastian's reputation.

Everything Wilson did was for his mistress, Yvonne Smith, a rising star in the entertainment industry (only a year in). She was portrayed as a sweet, innocent, angelically beautiful young woman, her shy eyes reflecting her quiet innocence. Even Daphne conceded Yvonne was more likable than her arrogant self.

But Daphne hadn't always been overbearing. Her change began when Wilson started arriving home late, smelling of other perfumes, and forgetting anniversaries. She'd fussed, and also looked the other way, knowing they were casual flings. He'd never considered divorce—until Yvonne.

Wilson claimed Yvonne was innocent and sensitive; unlike Daphne, she couldn't handle gossip, so he needed to give her status and support in the industry. Daphne, he said, was already established and didn't need backing. He presented Daphne's past success and resilience to criticism as a matter of fact, absurdly so.

"These terms are generous enough, Daphne. Don't ask for more," Wilson said, impatience flickering in his cold expression. He adjusted his tie, revealing a hickey.

In her previous life, Daphne had refused the divorce after seeing the hickey, fighting with Wilson, and even attacking Yvonne on set. Wilson hadn't returned home for a month, then showed no mercy. This time, Daphne wouldn't cling to him. Quickly, neatly, she signed the agreement, fearing Wilson's hesitation.

"No changing your mind. Not a cent less," she stated.

Stunned by her decisiveness, Wilson frowned. "What tricks are you playing?"

Confused, Daphne replied, "Aren't you asking for a divorce? I'm fulfilling your request. Why accuse me of tricks?"

Wilson fell silent, then snatched the agreement, checking her signature. Unease washed over him. "You'd better not be playing tricks."

His skepticism was understandable. In the past, Daphne had employed various tactics to avoid divorce: faking cancer, a kidnapping, a car accident, using a false name on the agreement, and even—most ridiculously—faking a pregnancy. Her sudden acquiescence was suspicious.

Despite his suspicions, Wilson wouldn't miss this opportunity. "Court tomorrow at 9:00 a.m.," he said, shooting her a disdainful glare before leaving. His phone rang. His expression softened instantly, a stark contrast to his harshness towards Daphne. He answered with a gentle, affectionate tone she hadn't heard in years: "I'm almost done. Please don't be mad, okay? I'm coming over…"

Even choosing divorce, seeing his cruelty hurt. After three years of dating and seven of marriage—a decade—she remembered his former devotion. She couldn't understand his sudden indifference. What drove him to offer half his assets, betray her, and push her to suicide just for a divorce? That question had haunted her previous life. Reborn, she no longer cared. He simply fell out of love; no specific reason.

The next morning, Daphne wore a beautiful red dress to the courthouse.

Wilson sneered. "All dolled up. Happy to be divorcing me?"

Daphne shrugged. "How could I not be, leaving this miserable marriage?"

Stunned, Wilson seemed unprepared for this description. Then, Yvonne arrived, linking arms with him. "Are you done, Mr. Farrell?"

Daphne's good mood soured. Yvonne's sweet smile felt ironic, a celebration of their doomed marriage.

"Why the homewrecker?" Daphne asked angrily.

Yvonne, timidly hiding behind Wilson, looked frightened. "I'm sorry, Ms. Yeager I didn't see Mr. Farrell this morning. He said he'd be here, so I came I didn't mean to bother you" Tears welled in her eyes.

Daphne found Yvonne's distress unconvincing, her acting poor. Wilson, however, always fell for such tactics.

"Enough, Daphne. Don't be harsh on Yvonne. She's innocent," Wilson said.

"Harsh? I'm telling the truth," Daphne scoffed. "If she were innocent, would she have slept with you while we were married? She seems cunning."

"Stop it, Daphne! Yvonne isn't the reason," Wilson said, shielding Yvonne. "Take your anger out on me, not her."