Chapter 1

I was a small town girl who could only afford to go to college with a scholarship.

My roommate Olivia was the daughter of a wealthy family.

After I entered the school, she not only did not despise me, but also treated me to a five-star hotel dinner and introduced me to her childhood sweetheart Alexander Mitchell.

But when Alexander and I started dating, Olivia suddenly turned hostile.

She slandered me as a thief, knocked over my water cup, and asked all the students in the school to bully me.

Alexander also broke up with me, mocking me for being a vain ugly duckling.

I was expelled from school and jumped off the roof in despair.

When I opened my eyes again, I went back to the day when Olivia took me to meet Alexander.

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"This is Lily, my best friend at university. She is beautiful, isn't she?"

I was pushed to Alexander's side by Olivia.

The music in the bar was noisy, and I was in a trance.

And Alexander, like in his previous life, just glanced at me lightly and turned his head away.

He sat at the bar, drinking vodka one glass after another.

Olivia didn't seem to notice his indifference, but looked at me more happily: "How about him, Lily, Alexander is handsome, right?"

"Alexander's family is involved in property development. They're the most affluent in town."

I bowed my head and feigned a bashful smile, pretending to be flustered.

"He looks very well. But I need to go to the ladies' room now, excuse me."

What a hypocritical couple.

Olivia obviously likes Alexander, but she deliberately pushes him towards me.

Alexander obviously hates me, but he still wants to be ambiguous with me.

I am just a tool for them to flirt, an innocent victim.

I walked into the bathroom and buried my face in the sink, forcing myself to stay awake.

Now that I am reborn, I will never live like before.

Can't the ugly duckling become a white swan? I don't believe it!

I departed without bidding farewell, and as expected, I encountered Alexander at the exit.

He was seated alone on a secluded bench near the doorway, his head bowed as if examining something.

In my previous existence, I had learned much about his history from Olivia.

Today marked both his birthday and the anniversary of his mother's passing.

Last time, everyone had encouraged me to offer a toast to Alexander, but he had mocked my ignorance of spirits and left me standing there awkwardly.

Keeping my gaze lowered, I retrieved a carton of strawberry milk from my bag.

It was intended to be my morning meal, but now it would serve a different purpose.

"Here, consuming alcohol all evening isn't good for your digestive system."

Alexander gave me a frosty look. "I don't want your sympathy."

Remaining calm, I placed it down and said, "If you upset your stomach, your mother would be distressed."

With that, I turned and walked away, disregarding the curious stare behind me.

Privileged individuals like him and Olivia would never take someone of my status seriously.

But this time, I'm not just aiming to earn his respect, I intend to drive a wedge between him and Olivia.

When Olivia returned, she expressed annoyance at my abrupt departure. I placated her as usual, showering her with flattery.

If she missed lectures, I'd mark her present. If she was too indolent to fetch food, I'd bring it to her. If she deemed the dormitory laundry facilities unsanitary, I'd manually wash her garments one by one.

The other roommates labeled me a sycophant behind my back, asserting that regardless of my efforts, she'd never offer me financial assistance.

I pretended to be oblivious, playing the role of Olivia's devoted follower.

Daily, besides performing chores for her, I had to endure her boastful remarks.

She'd declare the cafeteria fare barely suitable for swine, and suggest her father should establish a food processing facility right on campus grounds.

Occasionally, Alexander would visit her, bearing flowers, presents, edibles, and various trinkets - there'd even be items for me.

I'd ingratiate myself with him too, delivering food to him when I brought Olivia's.