Chapter 1

One thing Nova Sterling regretted most in life was falling in love with her uncle.

When Nova was ten, she met Ewan Shaw for the first time. Standing tall, he held her orphaned self in his arms and promised to protect her for the rest of his life.

When she was bullied in school at 15, it was Ewan who appeared and made her bullies kneel and apologize.

When she was 18, Ewan was critically injured during a failed mission. Nova ignored the doctors' warnings and went ahead with donating part of her liver to save him. That was also the day she stole a kiss, only to be caught when he opened his eyes.

Instead of the sweetness she'd expected, only shock and distance were found in his gaze.

Later, when Ewan's beloved, Wynter Linwood, fell critically ill, Nova was the only compatible kidney donor. The ever-so-cold and aloof Ewan went to Nova and promised that he'd give her anything she wanted if she was willing to donate her kidney.

Nova responded with silence as her refusal, and Wynter died on the operating table.

Ewan didn't shed a single tear as if nothing had happened. But on the seventh day after Wynter's death, he publicized Nova's diary, which was filled with the secret dreams of a teenage girl.

He nailed her to the pillar of shame and branded her as the teenage girl who loved her uncle.

On Nova's birthday, Ewan drugged and kidnapped her. When she was assaulted, he stood by indifferently and spat, "I'll never touch you. Don't even think about it. You disgust me."

In the end, he poured a basin of cold water over her as she hovered between life and death and brought her back to consciousness.

Amid her daze, she saw him approaching with a knife. The knife was raised high as his cold voice rang in her ear. "This is what you owe Wynter."

When Nova opened her eyes again, she was back on the day of his kidney donation request.

…

"Please, I'm begging you. The kidney may mean nothing to you, but Wynter will die without it.

"If you agree to donate, I'll do anything to meet your demands."

Ewan's desperate voice rang in Nova's ears and snapped her back to reality.

She'd been reborn.

In Nova's past life, she'd refused him that day and ended up suffering a tragic life worse than death. She'd lost part of her liver for Ewan, and her body could never take the risk of losing another kidney.

Yet now, Nova had figured out everything in this new life.

She would die anyway if she refused, so she might as well give him the kidney to repay him for taking care of her for 11 years. After that, they'd call it even.

With that thought, she clenched her fists and firmly replied, "I'll do it."

Ewan's unfinished words caught in his throat, while the doctor standing aside paled.

"Are you sure, Ms. Sterling? We don't usually recommend multiple organ donations. It significantly increases surgical risks and might even lead to death."

Nova nodded resolutely. Of course, she knew the risks. But to break free from Ewan, it was worth it even if it meant dying.

It was only after witnessing her sign the agreement that Ewan relaxed.

He'd feared she was lying and was surprised to see her sign so decisively. As the thought crossed his mind, his gaze toward her softened slightly.

"Since you've agreed to the donation, I'll keep my promise. Name your price."

"I have only one condition—to cut all ties with the Shaws. From this day on, I'm no longer one of you."

Ewan frowned at her request. "Are you serious?"

He'd assumed she would use the donation as leverage to force him to marry her, but her request was to cut ties with him.

Nova met his gaze and coldly replied, "Yes."

He stared at her suspiciously before his expression fell. Then, he warned, "Don't play your little games, Nova. Cutting ties with the Shaws doesn't mean I'll ever be with you.

"We can never get together. There's only one person I've ever loved, and that's Wynter, not you."

Nova's eyelashes trembled faintly as she murmured, "Got it."

The pain of her past life remained vivid in her mind, and she knew exactly how deeply he loved Wynter.

So, in this life, she'd never love him again. All she wanted was to stay as far away from him as possible.

Ewan was stunned for a bit at her response. He looked at her, his gaze lingering on her face.

Something about Nova felt different now, but he couldn't quite put a finger on it. Just as he was about to speak, Wynter's voice came from the ward.

He instinctively rushed in.

The look in Nova's eyes dimmed slightly, but she followed.

Wynter's eyes were red as she coughed and said, "Ewan, don't make things difficult for Ms. Sterling. I know she doesn't like me, and I understand even if she refuses to donate."

She was about to continue when Ewan gripped her hand tightly. His tone was full of joy as he exclaimed, "Nova agreed to the donation! You're going to be okay!"

Wynter's words came to an abrupt halt. She turned to Nova in shock before her eyes turned bloodshot. "Did she make you promise to marry her in return?"

Before Ewan could respond, she raised her hand and slapped Nova hard across the face, leaving a red handprint.

Clutching her chest and breathing agitatedly, she screamed, "Nova, you have no shame! He's your uncle, so how could you do something so low?

"Ewan, if you marry her, I'd rather die right now!"

Wynter was obviously overwhelmed with emotion, and Ewan couldn't bother to spare a glance at the injured Nova. Instead, he held Wynter tightly in his arms and murmured, "My heart has always belonged to you, Wynter. I'll only marry you and not anyone else. She shouldn't dream about it."

Nova clutched her burning cheek and smiled bitterly. She knew better than to keep watching.

As Nova walked away, she overheard their conversation.

"She's donated part of her liver for you. Will it be dangerous if she gives up her kidney for me, too?"

Nova's steps faltered, and a flicker of hope rose in her chest as she waited for Ewan's reply. But in the next instant, her hope was shattered completely.

"Wynter, you know that I don't care if anyone else lives or dies. As long as you get better, that's all that matters."

After leaving the ward, Nova took a few seconds to calm herself before making a call. "Hello, Ms. Bennett. I've decided to join the Project Westfort."

Chapter 2

Claire Bennett lit up in delight after receiving Nova's reply, and she said, "That's wonderful, Nova! I'm so proud of you. The country needs more young people like you who have a strong sense of duty and willingness to serve.

"But the project is tough, and you'll be stationed at a remote place. Will your uncle let you go? He seems to care about you a lot."

Nova's grip tightened on the phone. Her voice was steady and unwavering as she said, "I don't need his permission. I can decide for myself."

After Nova ended the call, all strength drained from her body. She staggered and collapsed slightly against the wall. But as she stepped back, she collided with Ewan's arm.

Startled, she hopped away and saw Ewan frowning deeply. He asked, "Who were you talking to? What are you joining?"

Keeping her cool, she replied, "Oh, my professor asked if I wanted to join a campus club."

He didn't question it further and delivered a cold statement. "The surgery is scheduled for next week. In the meantime, I'm bringing Wynter home."

Then, he paused as if a thought crossed his mind. His tone was colder as he continued, "Also, I don't want to see strange letters in my study again. They might cause unnecessary misunderstandings for Wynter."

Nova turned her head away, digging her fingers into her palm. Her voice was bitter as she murmured, "Understood."

Ever since the day she stole the kiss and got caught, she wrote Ewan a heartfelt love letter every week. They were filled with pages of her feelings and love poured into words.

However, every single letter had ended up in the trash.

Still, Nova kept writing stubbornly.

Yet, what she saw as confessions of affection were repulsive and disturbing in Ewan's eyes.

Seeing her acquiescence, he said nothing more and gave a few instructions to the driver before walking back into the ward.

An hour later, Nova spotted Ewan's car at the exit of the hospital. She watched him help Wynter carefully into the backseat.

Rushing downstairs, she arrived at the car in time and reached out for the door handle, only to watch the car speed away in front of her. All that was left was a cloud of exhaust fumes.

Frozen in place, she immediately received a new message from Ewan. "Wynter has OCD. She doesn't like the scent of strangers, so take a cab home yourself."

Her eyes dimmed. After lowering the phone, she raised her hand and flagged down a passing cab. Once inside, she stared out the window silently.

The driver asked in concern, "That handprint on your face looks pretty serious, young lady. Would you like me to stop by a pharmacy for you?"

Nova shook her head as her expression grew darker.

No one in her so-called family had shown her a shred of concern, and the only words of worry came from a complete stranger. Now that she thought about it, it was ridiculously ironic.

When the car stopped at the villa gate, she stepped out and pushed it open.

She entered, but Ewan was nowhere in sight. Wynter sat in the living room and toyed with a necklace in her hand.

When Nova took a closer look, she recognized it was her emerald necklace she'd locked in her safe. It was the only keepsake her parents had left behind, and she cherished it so much that she dared not even touch it.

Now, Wynter was fiddling and playing with it.

Nova's expression turned cold as she reached out her hand. "Give me back. Ms. Linwood, you entered my room without permission. Is that what proper upbringing means these days?"

Wynter's expression soured, but before she could speak, Ewan's voice came from upstairs. "I let her in. Wynter is going to be the lady of this house anyway. She has every right to enter any room she wants.

"In fact, if it makes her happy, you shouldn't have any objection if she demands to stay in your room."

He stopped in front of Nova and scanned her face with an indifferent gaze. Nova's face paled.

Emboldened by his presence, Wynter smirked. "It's just a stupid necklace. If you want it back so badly, here."

She reached out to hand it over, but just as Nova went to take it, the necklace hit the floor and split into two.

"No!"

The necklace broke, and so did Nova's heart. It was her parents' keepsake and her only connection to them.

Her eyes turned bloodshot and fixed on the necklace on the floor. Shoving Wynter aside, Nova didn't care how pathetic she looked and got onto her knees.

She desperately tried to piece the necklace back together, but nothing could change the fact that it'd shattered.

Wynter stood awkwardly nearby. She'd never expected such a huge reaction from Nova.

Ewan frowned slightly. In all the years they'd lived together, this was the first time he had seen Nova lose control.

But seeing how frightened Wynter looked, he frowned and comfortingly said, "Enough. Wynter didn't do it on purpose. How much was the necklace? I'll pay for it."

Chapter 3

Nova didn't respond. She simply picked up the shattered pieces of the emerald necklace and carefully tucked them into her bag.

After a long silence, she looked up and gave Ewan a bitter smile. "That's fine, Uncle Ewan."

With that, she turned and swiftly walked away, leaving Ewan frozen in place.

Uncle Ewan? Nova had never called him that again since she had confessed her feelings. Regardless of how sternly he'd warned her, she'd stubbornly refused to change the way she addressed him.

But now, she called him that on her own initiative.

Ewan stood rooted to the spot and was lost in thought. He only came back to his senses when Wynter tugged at his sleeve.

"Ewan, what's wrong?"

He quickly composed himself and slipped back into his usual concerned tone. "Nothing. Don't worry about what just happened. Nova isn't a bad person, but I've spoiled her over the years, so she's just a little willful."

Wynter was stunned and hadn't expected Ewan to speak in Nova's defense. She nodded sweetly, but a sharp glint of jealousy and ferocity flickered in her eyes.

Desperate to regain his attention and control, Wynter wrapped her arms around his waist and playfully said, "Ewan, let's get married once my surgery is over, okay? I can't wait to start a life with you."

Ewan's gaze softened. He playfully brushed the tip of her nose and dotingly said, "Okay. Whatever you want."

"Really? Then I'll be the most beautiful bride in the world!" she exclaimed.

…

In the days that followed, Nova buried herself in schoolwork. She ran back and forth, finalizing all the paperwork for Project Westfort.

Busy leaving early in the mornings and returning late at night, she never saw Ewan again, though they lived under the same roof.

One day, she walked toward the fireplace with a box of love letters she'd once written. She'd made up her mind to burn it all.

Just as she burned the last letter, Ewan's harsh voice rang out behind her. "What are you doing?"

Nova didn't reply, but he stormed over and noticed the half-burnt letter. His expression darkened as he gripped her wrist tightly. "What trick are you playing now, Nova? Do you think this will get my attention? Is this fun for you?"

Nova lowered her head and yanked her wrist free. "You're overthinking it."

But Ewan seemed more convinced that this was another of her petty games. Smirking, he announced, "Wynter and my wedding will be held ten days from now. You're invited."

Colors drained from Nova's face, but she forced a weak smile and said, "Congratulations."

Ten days from now, she'd be joining Project Westfort. It seemed she might not have the chance to attend the wedding, but she said nothing more and turned to leave.

When she reached the door, Ewan called out again, "Wynter says a wedding happens only once in a lifetime. She doesn't feel comfortable leaving the arrangements to others."

Nova didn't understand what he was trying to imply and asked, "So what?"

"So, I want you to plan the wedding. I've raised you since young, and you should know what exactly I like," he replied.

Chapter 4

Nova lowered her gaze and smiled faintly to hide the bitterness and mocking coldness in her eyes. "I don't love you anymore, Uncle Ewan. You don't have to humiliate me like that."

With that, she turned and walked out of the villa, while Ewan stood rooted to the spot.

She took a cab to campus. There were still documents she needed to fill out for the project.

As she exited the office, she suddenly felt dozens of eyes turning her way, followed by whispers and mocking laughter.

"Oh my goodness, is this real? Rich people do play dirty."

"The more proper someone looks, the filthier and flirtier they are in private."

"I have the title. We're gonna call it 'The Billionaire's Caged Canary.'"

While Nova was confused, a panicked roommate rushed over and stopped her. "Nova, check out what's trending on Twitter!"

She hurriedly pulled out her phone, and a headline popped up on her screen. "The Shaw Family’s Forbidden Romance Exposed".

She clicked on the post in disbelief, only to find a heavily censored, intimate video. The faces in the video were hers and Ewan's.

In the video, she was pinned beneath him and shamelessly begging for his affection.

Nova's face flushed red as she clenched her fists tightly. "This video is edited! I never did any of that!"

"I trust you, Nova. Someone must've paid to get the headlines trending. You have to find out who did this and not let them get away with it!"

Hearing that, Nova immediately grabbed a cab back to the villa to talk to Ewan. But just as she stepped onto the stairs, she found him standing at the top.

Before she could say a word, he shot her a glare. His voice was cold and scornful as he jeered. "Is this what you meant when you said you didn't love me anymore? As a young lady, you ruined your reputation just to destroy my wedding with Wynter. Have you no shame?"

Nova bit her lip hard and wanted to speak, but the words were stuck in her throat. She hadn't expected him to think of her that way, and at that moment, all her strength to defend herself crumbled.

Ewan took her silence as guilt and sneered. His expression grew colder as he continued, "If you think I'd be forced to marry you because of public sentiments, you're dead wrong.

"In this life, I, Ewan Shaw, will marry no one but Wynter Linwood!"

Right after he announced that, Wynter stepped in and heard everything.

Wynter walked up to Nova slowly, her voice dripping with condescension as she said, "A woman should know how to love and not destroy herself, Ms. Sterling."

Nova opened her mouth to speak, but Wynter secretly gave her a forceful push, knowing there were 50 steps down the stairs behind her.

At the same time, Wynter pretended to sprain her ankle and fall forward with a fake cry. Without hesitation, Ewan caught her hand.

It was only when the sound of someone tumbling down the stairs that he turned and noticed Nova.

She curled up at the base of the steps and clutched her knees in pain. Tears streamed down her cheeks as if crying could ease the excruciating pain in her body.

The sight made Ewan tighten with alarm as he rushed down the stairs. "Nova, are you okay?"

Chapter 5

When Nova woke up, the first thing she saw was Ewan's haggard face.

Seeing that she was awake, Ewan softened his tone for once. "I didn't save you because Wynter is sick."

Nova flatly replied, "I understand."

He let out a nearly imperceptible sigh and continued, "You're going to donate your kidney in a few days, so you must take good care of your body."

Nova smiled bitterly. That was why he was there to watch over her. He was probably concerned that her injury would interfere with the kidney donation to Wynter.

After a long pause, Ewan added, "No matter what, I won't forget my promise. Even after I get married, I'll always protect you."

Nova slowly looked up. Deep down, she murmured, "Too bad. I won't need that anymore."

…

Ewan didn't show up the next day. Nova waited until the IV finished before handling all the discharge paperwork herself.

Just as she completed the formalities, she noticed a stretcher being rushed to the emergency room.

Her eyes fell onto Ewan's frantic figure beside the stretcher and the person lying on it—Wynter.

Her mind went blank. In her past life, Wynter had died because Nova refused to donate her kidney. But now that Nova had agreed, why was Wynter still in such a state?

With no time to think, Nova sprinted toward the emergency room.

…

At the entrance, the dispirited Ewan collapsed on the bench with his head hanging. His fingers tapped nervously on his knee.

Nova ran to him and asked what had happened. It was only then that she learned Wynter had a blood-clotting disorder.

Wynter had gotten dizzy while showering and slipped, hitting her head. That had caused significant bleeding.

Soon after, the doctor emerged from the emergency room and asked, "The patient has lost too much blood. Is there a family member available to donate?"

Ewan leapt to his feet. "I will!"

"The patient has Rh-negative blood. What's your blood type?" the doctor asked.

Ewan's face paled when he heard that. His voice trembled as he murmured, "I'm type B."

Rh-negative blood was a rare blood type, and Nova was the only one in the room who had it.

She didn't hesitate. "I'm Rh-negative. I'll do it!"

She vividly remembered the pain of her past life, and now that she was finally breaking free from that fate, she would never let history repeat itself.

Under the nurses' lead, she donated a full pint of blood. When it was over, her vision went dark, and she collapsed in the donor room.

By the time Nova woke up, the room was silent, and she was alone. She yanked out the IV, got off the bed barefoot, and ran to Wynter's ward.

At the door, she was stopped by a warm, intimate scene.

Ewan held Wynter tightly in his arms as if he'd almost lost her. He choked up as he muttered, "You're okay… That's all that matters."

Wynter gave a frail smile. "Ewan, if I died, it could make it easier for you and Ms. Sterling to be together. Why go to such lengths?"

Upon hearing that, Ewan solemnly took her hand and pressed it against his chest. "Don't ever say something like that, Wynter!

"Can you feel it? My heart beats only for you, so don't mention someone irrelevant who will hurt our feelings. I'll only love you in this life and every life after."

Nova's heart shuddered violently as the sharp pain pierced her chest. She leaned against the wall, and her eyes were filled with sorrow as she whispered, "This time, the tragedy won't happen again."