I Married The Cripple To Get Revenge

I opened my eyes and it hit me—I was back. Back to the day I was supposed to sign my life away to that cursed marriage contract.

My past life flashed before my eyes. My cousin Summer and I were both set to marry into the filthy-rich Riches family. I was promised to Rich "Golden Boy" Richie, the family's pride and joy, while she got stuck with his wheelchair-bound uncle, Rich Jr.

Summer begged me to swap places, but I refused. So she ditched her wedding, left Rich Jr. at the altar, and turned the whole city into her audience.

Then, when I was seven months pregnant, she teamed up with my own brother, River, to cut my baby out of me. They left me to bleed out in some basement, alone and in agony.

But that wasn't enough for her. Summer went full psycho, scheming her way into Richie's arms until she became the new Mrs. Rich. My father knew everything—and helped cover it up.

When my mom uncovered the truth and tried to fight for me, they locked her out on the patio. She jumped. She couldn't live without me.

Now here I was, alive again, staring at the same gaudy living room piled high with gold bars and glittering jewelry. My dad was practically salivating, his double chin jiggling with excitement. Marrying into the Riches family was his ticket to power in this town.

My father—usually colder than ice—actually looked at me with something like approval. "Rainy," he said, "you're finally good for something."

His words sent a shiver down my spine. Wasn't I supposed to be dead? Carved open? Rotting somewhere?

Before I could even catch my breath, I heard a familiar whimper behind me.

"I'm so jealous of you, Rainy," Summer cried, clutching her chest dramatically. "You've always had everything—a mother who loves you, and now you get to marry someone like Richie Rich. And what do I get? A cripple who can't even walk."

She wobbled like she was about to faint. Dad and River rushed to her side, fussing over her like she was made of glass.

"Summer, calm down!" River snapped, shooting me a venomous look. "You know what the doctor said—no stress!"

My mom stood off to the side, wringing her hands. She's always been too soft-hearted. River and I are her twins, the center of her world. She never could stand seeing either of us hurt.

Then Summer finally choked out the question I knew was coming. "Rainy… could you please… switch with me?"

It felt like a punch to the gut. The same request that started it all last time.

Last life, I shut her down immediately. I married Richie, got pregnant, and then Summer—who'd gone missing after ditching her own wedding—showed up again, green with envy. She kidnapped me, sliced me open, and killed my baby. Then she took my place as Richie's wife.

They thought a double murder was bad luck, so they skipped the funeral and flushed my ashes down the toilet. When Mom tried to stop them, they locked her outside until she jumped, joining her dead daughter.

While I was lost in thought, Dad and River grew impatient.

"Hey! Did you hear what Summer asked you?" River barked, raising a hand like he was about to grab my ear.

But Mom stepped in front of me. "Don't you touch my daughter."

Dad's meaty hand swung down anyway—and caught Mom across the face. His sharp nails left a long, bloody gash on her cheek.

"Mom!" I cried, cradling her face. Rage boiled inside me, but I swallowed it down.

I forced a smile and made a choice—the exact opposite of what I did before.

"Sure," I said calmly. "I'll switch."

Dad lowered his hand. Summer and River exchanged triumphant looks.

Only Mom looked worried. "Rainy, don't be rash," she whispered. "This is your life—think it through!"