Anna always relied on her looks as a golden ticket,believing beauty trumped all—education,intelligence,talent.
Paired with anything,it was a winning hand.
But when beauty was paired with her blind love and envy, it became a death sentence. “Last life,I stopped you from dating Julian.You thought you were unhappy,blamed me for killing your rich-wife dream.Were you really that miserable back then?This life,are you happy now?”

Anna closed her eyes,silent.
People don’t appreciate what they have.My years of care could’ve given her a stable,happy life.
With a shred of conscience,she wouldn’t have betrayed me.
“Save your apology.You’re not truly sorry or guilty.You just regret not living the lavish life you wanted.”
I walked out.
Relatives said Anna died days later.Margaret aged a decade overnight.

Sometimes,living is worse than dying.
As for me,years of hard work,self-improvement,and networking paid off.
I led my team to the city’s top law firm.
The director,a compassionate person, approved our pro bono legal aid program, which aimed to help workers like those who had been wronged by Julian.

My boyfriend’s startup flourished, and his career reached new heights.
We met at our peaks,becoming our best selves.
As a guest speaker at my alma mater,a junior asked,“How can I become as successful as you?”
Looking at her bright, young face,I said softly,“A clear mind,fierce determination,a kind heart,and relentless self-improvement.Opportunities come to those prepared.”
“There’s no shortcut.You carve your path through thorns.”
I added,“When you're young and at your prime, don't let infatuation derail you!”