Chapter 1

I won 20 million in the lottery and shared the exciting news with my boyfriend.

That evening, he brought over a younger friend from his lab, saying they wanted to play some cards to catch a bit of my good fortune.

I agreed.

After losing five games, I felt overwhelmed and suggested we take a break.

On the balcony, I accidentally saw my boyfriend kissing his friend in a corner.

"Darling, when will this be over? Just looking at her makes me sick."

"Hang in there a bit longer. I've already set everything up. Once she's ensnared, we'll make our move."

"The lottery results are out. Congratulations, you've won a big prize. Please follow the instructions to redeem it at the designated location. Wishing you a happy life."

Seeing the new message, I was momentarily stunned before realizing I had been given a second chance at life.

This was the day I won the big prize.

In my previous life, I quickly told my boyfriend the news.

He was overjoyed, saying we must celebrate.

But when I got home that night, he had brought the younger friend along.

"Baby, I was in the lab when you called. Emily overheard the great news and asked if she could come over to share in your luck."

Emily looked at me with a sweet smile, "Sis, I've never seen such a big lottery win. I was curious and asked my senior to bring me along to see it. You don't mind, right?"

Thinking it was a fun occasion, I didn't refuse.

After dinner, Ethan suggested we play cards for fun.

They worked together seamlessly, and I lost ten thousand dollars in just five rounds.

Feeling light-headed, I suggested taking a break.

It wasn't until I caught them hugging that I realized everything had been a setup.

From the moment he brought Emily home, their goal was to con me out of money and harm me.

Recalling Ethan's ugly smile, I slammed the table hard.

"Bark! Bark!"

The water cup toppled over, and Buddy, who had been sleeping, quickly ran over, circling my feet.

Looking at him, my eyes welled up.

To force me to admit the gambling debt and sign the IOU, Ethan and Emily tied Buddy next to the stove, torturing him with boiling water and a hot spatula.

Amid my heart-wrenching cries, Buddy suddenly sprang up, biting through Emily's hand.

She screamed in pain, angrily raising a kitchen knife to strike.

"Stupid dog! Your owner would rather have money than save your life, and you still protect her!"

"So loyal, I'll send you both down to reunite!"

Buddy's struggling whimpers echoed in my ears.

I couldn't help but cry.

Buddy got anxious, jumped on me, and gently nudged my arm with his paw, showing his concern.

I petted his head, softly explaining, "I'm okay, Buddy, don't worry. I'll make you a gourmet meal tonight."

I calmed myself down and hid the lottery ticket.

Then, I went to Ethan's school.

Being reborn, I thought I could give Ethan another chance.

If this time he didn't plan to harm me, I might even share half the prize with him and part ways amicably.

Standing at his lab door, I dialed his number.

"Baby, I've got some good news!"

I spoke excitedly, and Ethan immediately stopped his experiment, turning around nervously to ask in a whisper.

"Is it about the lottery ticket we bought?"

I nodded.

"I got a message today that our lottery ticket won the grand prize, and the staff asked me to go redeem it!"

Hearing his sudden rapid breathing, I deliberately reminded him, "With this money, we can live comfortably for the rest of our lives. Don't tell anyone, or it might bring trouble!"

Ethan, looking all proper, agreed and repeatedly promised not to tell anyone.

Hanging up, I watched him excitedly jump around the room, then call Emily without hesitation.

"Emily, Nora just told me she struck it rich! Now, we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel."

"Hurry over, so we can plan how to get that money from her!"