Love is unrequited

After I died, my parents signed an organ donation consent form and my corneas were transplanted to their beloved adopted daughter, Lily Evans. Lily then married my older brother, David, and they finally became a “real” family. I had spent my whole life competing with Lily, only to end up with nothing. Reborn, I decided to live for myself, a decision that unexpectedly led to a happy ending.

1.

I was reborn, back to the day Lily first arrived at our home. If I had been reborn earlier, perhaps I could have prevented Lily's parents’ death, or even stopped my parents from adopting her in the first place. But now, it was too late.

Lily was the daughter of my father's mentor, a renowned artist. She was his only child, born late in life, and cherished like a pearl. Lily displayed remarkable artistic talent but suffered from an undiagnosed eye condition, her vision fluctuating and always at risk of blindness. Her parents had taken her everywhere seeking treatment, but tragically died in an accident, leaving young Lily alone.

Lily's childhood had been tragic, so the moment my parents saw her, they decided to treat her as their own, even prioritizing her over me, their biological daughter.

“Ashley,” my parents said, their eyes full of love, hoping I would genuinely accept this new sister, “Haven’t you always wanted a big sister? Lily will be your sister from now on. Aren't you happy?”

My seven-year-old self, in my previous life, had indeed been happy. I thought I had gained a loving family member, willing to share my love with this gentle-faced girl. I never imagined Lily was a thief, not of material possessions, but of affection. She didn’t want to share my parents’ love; she wanted it all for herself.

“Ashley, Daddy knows you're a good girl,” my father continued. “Lily isn't healthy, so even though you're the younger sister, we need you to help Mommy and Daddy take care of her. Can you do that?”

Before I could answer, tears welled up in Lily's eyes.

“I know it must be hard for Ashley to accept me,” she sobbed softly. “Who wants to share their family’s love? It’s okay, I can go to the orphanage…”

Sometimes, I truly suspected Lily had also been reborn. How could an eight-year-old girl be so manipulative? I hadn't even protested, yet she had already painted me as the jealous villain.

My mother rushed to comfort Lily, wiping away her tears. “Don't cry, Lily. It’s not good for your eyes.” She turned to Lily and added, “And stop calling us Mr. and Mrs. Evans. We told you, from today onwards, we’re Mom and Dad.”

Lily lifted her delicate face, tears clinging to her lashes. She looked so vulnerable and grateful that anyone would have felt sorry for her. “Mommy… Daddy…” she whispered, “I have a mommy and daddy now…”

The three of them embraced, crying together, completely forgetting to ask for my opinion. Lily had that kind of power.

2.

That night, my parents had me share a room with Lily. I lay awake, pretending to sleep, my mind racing, planning how I...