Unresting Life, As Always

I had been secretly in love with my dream man for ten years, and when he finally confessed to me, I rejected him without hesitation.

Because in my previous life, I had said yes with overwhelming joy.

What I didnt know then was that Daniel Foster only confessed to me out of spite, to provoke his adopted sister.

Three days after I accepted, she cried with red eyes, apologized sweetly, and Daniels heart softened. On a stormy night, he left me alone in a dark alley for three hours, where I was harassed by drunkards and couldnt get help.

When I came back, clutching my torn clothes, I demanded an explanation. He only answered coldly with a few words:

Lets break up.

Later, his adopted sister, Isabella Reed, discovered my presence and deliberately drove into me, leaving me half-paralyzed. I filed a lawsuit against her, but Daniel threatened me with chilling words:

Drop the case, or the next thing you see will be your mothers corpse.

I didnt believe he would truly cover up for a criminal at the cost of my mothers life. Until one day, I saw my mother lying in a pool of blood at our doorstep, already lifeless. Only then did I understand this man was a true devil.

This time, I had no intention of being entangled with them again.

When I rejected him, everyone was shocked. Even Daniel looked at me in disbelief.

But I walked past him and turned to the boy behind him.

Hey, handsome, want to be my boyfriend?

Within an hour, the entire campus at Columbia University was buzzing with the news. Everyone knew how I had chased after Daniel for years, shamelessly devoted. Now, suddenly, I had a change of heart

and set my eyes on the rebellious, charming campus king, Ethan Walker.

Realizing I was speaking to him, Ethan froze for a second, then raised an eyebrow and smirked as he twisted open a water bottle with one hand.

You sure about that?

In front of everyone, he pinned me against the wall.

If you want to be my girlfriend, there cant be another man in your heart.

His gaze deliberately flicked toward Daniel.

Not only he knew, but the whole school knew I, Claire Thompson, was famous for being a lovesick fool, chasing Daniel for years.

I nodded. Im sure. From now on, Ill only like you.

Then I added softly:

Even now, its only you.

A flicker of shock flashed in Ethans eyes before quickly turning into something more complicated, almost playful.

Alright then, Ill believe you this once.

He slipped the string of wooden beads off his own wrist and clasped it around mine.

This is my family heirloom. Wearing it means youre mine. No take-backs.

The friends behind him stared, stunned.

Ethan, whats going on? Youve always brushed her off.

This is Claire Thompson were talking aboutdidnt you always give her the cold shoulder? How come?

Ethan shot them a sideways glance. Shut up and go get me a ring and some flowers.

Even his tone grew lighter when he spoke, as if he couldnt help it.

I knew why he had always worn a scowl when he saw me before.

He couldnt stand watching me chase after Daniel like a pathetic fool.

He had always liked me in silence. This time, I decided to give himand myselfa chance.

Just as Ethan and I were about to walk away together, a voice called from behind.

Claire!

Daniel frowned, clearly not understanding what was happening.

Claire, are you sure youre awake?

You rejected my confession? Then why did you send me a love letter every day?

And the breakfasts you brought me every morning

Daniel looked baffled. He had always thought winning me over would be effortless. He never expected that I wouldnt even spare him a glance now.

I couldnt help but laugh.

Those breakfasts? You always threw them straight into the trash.

Professor Foster, no one will wait foreverand besides

All of this before was just me being foolish. Were teacher and student, nothing more.

I turned to leave, but Daniel Fosters frown only deepened.

He was a young entrepreneur from outside the university, who had taken on a part-time position as a guest lecturer because of his friendship with the dean.

I had only taken a few steps when someone grabbed my arm.

Claire.

Didnt you say you liked me?

Daniel was truly strange. Back when I had recklessly chased him, he never even glanced at me. But now that I wanted nothing to do with him, he clung on relentlessly.

I see your worth now. As long as you accept my confession, youll be my girlfriend.

I tilted my head, staring at him in disbelief.

Oh? Anyone overhearing this would think youre some emperor choosing a concubine.

Why should I accept just because you confessed?

Who I like is my choice. And honestlyhow could I like someone so much older than me?

A smirk of disdain tugged at my lips.

I prefer guys my own age.

His face drained of color inch by inch, until at last he let go of my arm. I seized the chance to walk quickly away.

Even after I turned the corner and could no longer see him, my heart was still pounding wildly.

The truth was, I had lied.

After being reborn, I couldnt bear the thought of this man appearing in my life again. Every time I saw his face, I thought of my mother lying lifeless in a pool of blood. I thought of the anguish in her eyes, how she couldnt rest in peace. I thought of her last words to me, whispered with her final breath:

Good girl, stay away from that man run for your life

This time, I had to listen to her.

I thought that after making myself clear that day, Daniel would give up. After all, his confession had only been impulsive, a way to spite Isabella Reed, his adopted sister, by making her jealous.

In my previous life, I was too foolish to understand the truth, too eager to be the scapegoat. This time, I swore Id keep my distance.

But Daniel clung to me like a shadow I couldnt shake.

Claire Thompson, lookProfessor Foster keeps staring at you!

In class, while I was spacing out, my classmate nudged me with her elbow.

The day he confessed to you went viral on the campus forum. Youre famous now, dont you know?

Just look at the lovestruck way he watches you. Maybe being his loyal puppy for so long actually moved him?

I followed her gaze, and sure enough, my eyes met Daniels. But only for a secondI quickly looked away.

It was exhausting.

Back then, I had pulled every string possible just to get into his classes. Now, even though I wanted nothing more than to avoid him, I couldnt skip themmy credits depended on it.

Beside me, my classmate kept gossiping until I finally pressed a hand over her mouth.

Pay attention to the lecture.

And stop spreading those stupid rumors. Theres nothing between me and Professor Foster.

I didnt hear a single word of the lesson. My head was full of my dinner plans with Ethan Walkerwe were supposed to grab Korean BBQ.

When class ended, the rain outside was pouring hard. Of course, I had forgotten my umbrella.

One by one, the other students left the building. I stood under the eaves, waiting like a fool.

Then suddenly, a black umbrella appeared above my head.

You can take this one.

Daniels voice was low and magnetic, sounding far too close to my ear.

In the past, just hearing him speak to me was enough to keep me giddy for hours, even sleepless through the night.

But now, all I wanted was to stay as far away from him as possible.

No need. My boyfriend is coming to pick me up.

I pulled out my phone and texted Ethan Walker. The moment the screen lit up, Daniel Fosters expression darkened.

Your wallpaper when did you change it?

I glanced down at my phone, puzzled. Oh, this? Of course, the day I started dating my boyfriend.

And since I already have a boyfriend, it wouldnt be appropriate to keep another man as my wallpaper, would it?

Daniels face turned completely black.

For five years, my wallpaper had been a candid shot of his back. Hed even stumbled across it once before.

But after my rebirth, the very first thing I did was replace it.

I couldnt find anything better, so I simply chose a selfie Ethan had sent me.

The more I looked at it, the more I liked it.

As soon as I finished speaking, the air around us grew heavy.

Claire Daniels voice was low, as if he was about to say more

But before he could, a familiar voice rang out from not far away.

Claire!

Ethans car pulled up in front of me. His eyes landed on the black umbrella in Daniels hand, and he gave a short laugh.

He stepped out, opened his own umbrella over me, then slipped an arm firmly around my waist.

Thanks for the offer, Professor Foster, but Ill be the one to pick up my girlfriend.

I followed Ethan into the car.

Even after wed driven far away, I couldnt help glancing back. Daniel still stood there like a statue, staring at me as if rooted to the spot.

If not for all the cruelty he had shown me in my past lifeseeing that look in his eyes, I might have almost believed he truly loved me.

Stop looking. Your professor has already left.

Ethan gave me a mocking side-eye, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

I punched him lightly.

What do you mean, my professor? He has nothing to do with me, okay?

Ethan quickly surrendered.

Alright, alright, I said the wrong thing.

When we arrived at the Korean BBQ restaurant, he held my hand tightly the entire time, his gaze so tender it nearly melted me.

Claire, I honestly feel like Im dreaming. I wake up, and youre my girlfriend.

I swatted him again.

Cut it out and go grill the meat. Im starving.

After dinner, we went to see a movie. I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the couch afterward.

When I woke up, I found myself resting on Ethans lap. He had kept the same position the entire night, not daring to move an inch.

Are your legs numb?

He forced a cool expression, face impassive.

Of course not.

But I caught the way he winced in pain when he turned, reflected in the glass behind him.

I laughed silently to myself. Maybe liking someone else wasnt such a bad thing after all.

I wanted to go home to see my momthe person I owed the most from my past life.

Back then, because of my foolish relationship, I was deliberately run down by Isabella Reed and left half-disabled.

I wanted justice for myself, but instead, my mother became a hostageDaniels weapon against me.

Drop the lawsuit, or youll find your mothers corpse.

Those cold words still haunted my nightmares.

That afternoon after class, I shouldered my bag and hailed a cab outside Columbias gate, planning to visit her.

But just then, a pink Porsche came speeding straight toward me.

My legs nearly gave out as memories from my previous life flooded back, threatening to drown me.

That was Isabella Reeds car!

All I could think wasI couldnt let her hit me again. I stumbled and scrambled out of the way, just in time for her pink Porsche 911 to slam into a stone pillar, crumpling its front end.

She stepped out in a frilly princess dress, not the slightest bit distressed over her wrecked car. Instead, her face was twisted with pure hatred for me.

You bitch, how dare you try to seduce my brother? Do you even have the qualifications?

With a face that ugly, women like youscheming and shamelessIve seen too many of them.

I honestly wondered if Isabella was insane. Who runs someone down with a car without a second thought? Clearly, Daniel Foster had spoiled her rotten. If she didnt serve time in prison, it would be an injustice to everyone she tormented with her arrogance.

I stared at her blankly.

Excuse me, do I even know you? What gives you the right to try to run me over?

This is a civilized society. If you come at me again, Ill call the cops.

Isabella glared at me with open contempt, her eyes brimming with hatred.

Look at youugly and pathetic. I dont even know what my brother sees in you.

Finally, it clicked.

She must have heard the rumors spreading around Columbia Universitythat the aloof Daniel Foster had been relentlessly pursuing a female student. Jealous, she had stormed onto campus demanding to know who it was.

Someone pointed at the Deans Honor List board, where my name and photo were posted.

Thats her. Claire Thompson.

And so, Isabella floored her Porsche straight at me.

Crossing her arms, she looked down at me with smug disdain.

Dont you know who my brother is? Even if I kill you today, nothing will happen to me.

Is that so?

I sneered as I pulled out my phone and dialed 911.

Yes, officer, Im outside Columbia University. Someone just tried to kill me with their car.

She thought I was an easy target. She had no ideaI was just as ruthless as she was.

In my past life, Daniel shielded her after she murdered my mother. I took justice into my own hands, killing them both before turning myself in. Ive always believed in repaying blood with blood.

And this life would be no different.

Soon, Daniel arrivedthis time with the police.

What happened here?

Isabella immediately rushed over, clinging to his arm with a pitiful look.

Brother, she bullied me! I was just driving along, and she threw herself at my car. Now my cars totaled because of her!

I almost laughed out loud. The lies rolled off her tongue without a pause.

When the officer asked me, I simply pointed at the nearby security camera.

Check the footage. Everythings recorded.

Daniel nodded and went to look, but Isabella yanked his sleeve desperately.

Brother, dont you believe me?

Daniel gently pulled his arm away.

At home, I can indulge your tantrums. But outside, there are laws. If youre not at fault, Ill protect you. But if you are I wont cover for you.

Panic flickered across Isabellas face.

Moments later, the footage confirmed everythingshe had deliberately driven straight at me.

She was taken to the police station for questioning. As the officers escorted her into the squad car, she twisted back, glaring at me with venom.

Claire Thompson, just you wait!

I brushed the dust off my hands, unbothered.

Let her wait. Id already been through hell once. What did I have to fear?

Back home, I cooked dinner with my own hands for my mother.

Seeing my mom alive and well in front of me felt better than anything else.

After dinner, I walked Ethan Walker out. But when I returned to my building, someone suddenly cornered me against the wall.

Claire

Daniel Foster, drunk and reeking of alcohol, was blocking the hallway at the entrance of my apartment.

Claire, dont leave me.

I was utterly baffled. Daniel didnt even like mehe liked Isabella Reed. So what was with this sudden act of deep affection?

I pushed him away.

Daniel, youre drunk. Let go.

Luckily, Ethan hadnt gone far. I called him, and he came back to drag Daniel away.

On the way back, Ethan looked unusually serious.

Daniel likes you.

What nonsense are you spouting?

Hes not used to losing his little admirer. Thats all. He just enjoyed being chased.

But Ethan shook his head, resolute.

Men understand men best. I can see it in his eyes.

I still thought he was exaggerating. What kind of man likes a woman but destroys her family? If that counts as love, Id rather be hated.

After that night, I deliberately avoided Daniel.

But even so, his adopted sister Isabella kept making trouble for me.

She staged accidental run-ins at restaurants, spilling red wine on my clothes. She deliberately swapped out my assignments so Id get scolded by professors. She even pulled strings to transfer into Columbia.

On her very first day, she already had a swarm of fans and sycophants. With them at her back, she blocked my way coldly.

Claire Thompson, youd better stay in your place. Dont provoke our princess, or youll regret it.

But before they could touch me, my knight in shining armor showed up.

Ethan was sharp-eyed. Every time he caught them trying to mess with me, he quietly taught them a lesson until they didnt dare anymore.

Isabella tried again and again to cause me trouble, but nothing ever stuck. Furious, she even accused me of theft, hoping Id be expelled.

What she didnt expect was that my boyfriend, Ethan Walker, was actually the heir of the Walker family fortune. One phone call from him, and the school smoothed everything over for me.

So Isabella shifted strategies.

Brother, you dont even need the money. Why insist on being a guest professor here? Why dont we just go home?

You promised to give me half of the family business, didnt you? I dont understand anything about it yet. Come back and teach me, okay?

Daniel didnt even look up.

Ill tell Robert Collins to guide you.

When her charms failed, Isabella hatched a new plan: framing me for drugging Daniel to expose a scandalous professorCstudent affair.

Her assistant looked uneasy.

Miss Reed, are you sure about this? If Mr. Foster finds out youre the one who drugged him, using such dirty tricks to chase Claire away, hell be furious

Stop nagging. Isabella brushed it off, unconcerned.

I know my brother better than anyone. Hes just temporarily bewitched by that bitch. But once theyre caught in front of livestream cameras, humiliated, hell despise her forever.

That night, according to Daniels routine, a drink was drugged. He unsuspectingly drank it.

Immediately, bodyguards carried him into a hotel room.

Did it work on Claire Thompsons side? Isabella asked eagerly.