Entanglement Across Two Lifetimes

The banquet hall's dome was draped with red silk, and the colorful lights cast a festive glow over the entire room. I clutched Charles Lynn's hand, but my palm was ice cold, and a chill crept through my chest. This wedding between him and me was nothing but a farce staged for the sake of others, from beginning to end. My five-year-old younger brother Leo ran up, clutching a handful of crumpled coins, his brow knitted into a small frown, his clear voice carrying so many guests heard him distinctly. "Older Sister, why did Charles give Lisa twice as many coins as he gave me?" Whispers immediately rose around us; some eyes were curious, others mocking. The smile on my face nearly faltered, my fingertips instinctively tightening. Charles Lynn suddenly withdrew his hand, his tone tinged with barely concealed impatience as he lowered his head to admonish Leo, "Children shouldn't speak carelessly. It was given casually; there's no difference between more or less." Lisa Scott approached slowly, holding a glass of champagne; the hem of her dress gently brushed Charles Lynn's ankle, her posture intimate. A soft smile graced the corner of her lips, yet sharpness lurked in her eyes. "Charles, don't be harsh on the child." Her voice softened, then she turned to me with a blatant air of provocation. "Perhaps I'm just lucky to have earned Charles's favor. Linda, you don't mind, do you? Charles and I have been this close since we were children." I lowered my eyelashes, concealing the bitterness and hatred welling up behind my gaze. In the last life, it was precisely because she provoked me that I argued then and there, causing a scandal that spread throughout the city. That quarrel became the pretext for the Lynn Family to suppress the Scott Family: my father's company went bankrupt, my parents threw themselves from the heights, and Leo disappeared without a trace. I took a deep breath, and when I looked up again, my voice was calm and steady: "I don't mind." Charles Lynn was clearly startled, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. In the past, whenever I saw him show Lisa Scott even a hint of tenderness, it always caused an uproar. Lisa Scott's surprise vanished in an instant, replaced by a touch of triumph. She deliberately brushed her hair back at the temple with a lazy tone: "Linda is still the sensible one. By the way, I'm a bit thirsty; could you get me a glass of warm water?" Charles said nothing, only raising his eyes to look at me. The unspoken acquiescence in his gaze was unmistakable—he indulged Lisa in bossing me around. "Alright." I nodded in response and turned to walk toward the staircase. Just as I stepped onto the third step, a sudden shove came from behind; I staggered forward, catching a glimpse of Lisa Scott standing nearby, a cruel smile playing at the corner of her lips. A sharp pain shot through my back, and before my consciousness faded, I heard Charles Lynn's hurried footsteps and his voice calling Lisa Scott's name. When I awoke again, I was lying in a hospital bed, my entire body wrapped in bandages, every movement piercing me with unbearable pain. Charles Lynn sat on the edge of the bed, his face dark and menacing. "Linda Scott, did you fall on purpose to gain sympathy?" He was the first to speak, his tone laced with accusation, utterly devoid of concern. I gripped the corner of the quilt tightly, forcing myself to choke down my emotions. In my last life, stubbornness brought ruin and death to my family; this time, I must endure. "I'm sorry," I lowered my posture, my voice humble, "I lost my footing and fell; I'm sorry to have troubled you." Charles Lynn was completely taken aback, clearly not expecting me to apologize first. He was silent for a few seconds, then spoke again in the same cold tone: "Don't pull any sneaky moves. The Scott Family still depends on the Lynn Family's support, so keep in line." "I understand." I answered promptly, watching his departing figure, as the last flicker of warmth in my eyes finally faded away. In this life, no matter how long I must endure or how many injustices I suffer, I will protect my family and never repeat the mistakes of the past.