Chapter 5: The Weakest Link

He was counting on guilt to do his dirty work. If I was out of the way, everyone would rush to make it up to Delilah—and he’d come out looking like the hero.

Dad and Mom wouldn’t do it. Grandma prided herself on fairness and wouldn’t do such a thing in the open.

They had their own rules, their own boundaries. Even in a house full of secrets, some lines couldn’t be crossed in daylight.

There was only one person left.

I realized then that my brother was the weak link—the one person desperate enough to act.

My brother placed a piece of peach cobbler from Magnolia Bakery in front of me.

He set the plate down with a flourish, the golden crust still warm. Magnolia’s peach cobbler is famous—people line up at dawn just to get a taste. I wondered what he wanted in exchange for such a rare treat.

“Nadine, why haven’t you gone out lately?”

He tried to sound casual, but there was an edge to his voice. He watched me closely, searching for a crack in my composure.

I picked up a piece of cobbler and took a bite. Magnolia’s only makes twenty a day—you have to line up forever to get one. I’d never had that kind of treatment before.

The crust flaked beneath my fork, the filling sweet and tart. I took my time, savoring every bite, letting him wait.

“Brother always says I’m not steady enough and might embarrass myself after getting married. I think you’re right, so I’m using this time to learn and settle down.”

I kept my tone light, almost teasing. “You’re always telling me to be more composed, so I figured I’d give it a try. Maybe I’ll surprise you yet.”

“In the blink of an eye, you’re about to get married. I’ve been thinking lately that I was too harsh on you before. Nadine, don’t worry, no matter what, your brother will always be your support.”

He reached across the table, his hand hovering just above mine. “You’re still my little sister, Nadine. I want you to know I’m here for you, no matter what.” The words sounded rehearsed, but there was a flicker of something real in his eyes.

“After marriage, you won’t be as free as at home. Take this time to go out and relax.”

He tried to sound encouraging, like he was offering a gift. But underneath, I could sense the urgency—the need for me to play my part, to keep the family’s secrets safe.

Such considerate words—this is the first time I’ve heard them in both my past and present life.

It was almost enough to make me believe him. Almost. But I remembered too much.

Seeing his face full of concern and reluctance, I remembered the day Delilah married the Duke of Northfield in my last life.

The memory hit me like a wave—my brother, drunk and weeping, calling Delilah’s name like a prayer. The wedding was a blur of white dresses and flashing cameras, but his pain was sharp and clear.

He was dead drunk, murmuring, “Del, Del.”

His words slurred, his eyes red. “Del, you’re all I have left.” I watched from the shadows, unseen, unwanted.

“The Duke of Northfield truly treats you well. He went through so much to win you the status of legitimate daughter. Nadine is dead, and no one will ever compete with you again. You will be happy for a lifetime.”

He toasted their happiness, even as he mourned my absence. It was a twisted kind of loyalty.

He knew the Duke of Northfield had plotted against me, yet still called him a friend.

The betrayal was complete. My brother—my own flesh and blood—chose friendship over family.

My death meant nothing to him. He even thought my death was only good for Delilah.

To him, I was just an obstacle—one that had finally been removed.

I couldn’t understand why he was so cold to his own sister.

I’d spent years trying to earn his approval, never realizing it was never mine to have.

Until I saw the pain in his eyes when he called Delilah’s name, I finally understood. Ha, what a ridiculous thing…

The truth was bitter, but at least it was honest. Love and loyalty had always belonged to Delilah, not me.

He was still earnestly persuading me.

He leaned in, his voice low. “Just think about it, Nadine. A little fresh air will do you good.”

I lowered my eyes and played dumb: “Since you say so, I’ll go out and relax.”

I smiled, sweet as pie. “If you insist, brother. Maybe I’ll take a walk in the park, see the cherry blossoms.”

Brother, in our last life, you all got your wish. This time, it’s my turn.

The thought sent a thrill through me. For once, I was the one holding the cards.

Maybe I didn’t get any smarter after being reborn, and maybe I can’t find a way out for myself, but at least I’ve cut off everyone else’s escape…

I might not have all the answers, but I finally had the power to change the game.

There’s a cherry blossom grove behind St. Mary’s Church. It’s March now, and the blossoms are in full bloom, falling like pink rain.

The air behind the church was thick with the scent of spring—fresh, sweet, tinged with something almost electric. Petals drifted down in slow motion, carpeting the ground in soft pink. For a moment, the world felt suspended, as if time itself was holding its breath.

When I arrived, I saw Sean Murphy standing under a tree, tall and handsome, the picture of a refined gentleman. Who would’ve thought that beneath that polished exterior beat such a rotten, despicable heart.

He wore his best suit, hair combed just so, a bouquet of lilies in his hand. To anyone passing by, he looked like the perfect Southern gentleman. But I knew better. I could see the rot beneath the surface.

“Nadine, you finally came.”

His voice was soft, almost pleading. He took a step forward, hope flickering in his eyes. For a split second, I almost pitied him.

I walked up, step by step. Letting him drink in my gaze, I gripped my hairpin and stabbed it into his chest.

My steps were measured, deliberate. I met his gaze, let him believe whatever lie he needed. Then, in one swift motion, I drove the hairpin into his chest. His eyes widened in shock, the lilies tumbling from his hands.