Born Twice, Broken Once

Episode 3

Lucas Heng appeared out of nowhere, standing right next to my desk, visibly annoyed.

“She’s with me. I’ll handle the dress.”

Zachary Cole sneered, “She could be with me too.”

“Stop fighting.” Charlotte Van tilted her head toward me. “You two have no fashion sense. I’ll take her to pick a dress this weekend.”

I smiled sheepishly, declining, “Evening gowns are expensive. I can’t afford one.”

“Of course I’m gifting it to you. What are you thinking?” Charlotte chuckled and tapped my forehead.

Poor her—she had to frantically wipe her hands right after.

Lucas Heng also nodded. “Just pick a dress. I’ll cover it.”

Zachary instantly tossed his shopping bag into the trash can behind him. “Forget it then.”

I looked at him seriously. “It’s a waste to throw it out. If you invite me to your birthday party, I’ll wear this one.”

Zachary was stunned. He glanced at me, then looked down at his phone. “No need. I’ll get you something better.”

The matter passed quickly.

That weekend, picking out the dress went smoothly. Charlotte didn’t pull any tricks and actually helped me choose one that suited me.

At the end of May came Lucas Heng’s birthday.

The mansion had been bustling for days. The staff were busy decorating, the chefs preparing the menu, and me? I was busy taste-testing—and everything was delicious.

After filling up, I found myself reflecting—my fate in this life had completely diverged from Eliza Tran’s in the past.

Would those same people still try to turn against me?

That night, I stood in a corner of the birthday party in a beautiful evening gown.

Lucas stood in the brightest spot of the hall, surrounded by Zachary, Charlotte, and a few other socialites.

I quietly watched them, mentally matching names to faces.

Suddenly, Lucas looked back at me.

Our eyes met briefly before he turned away, continuing his conversation.

This party was mainly filled with people our age. In high society, the social networks of the younger generation were just as important as the adults’.

“Hey, whose family are you from?” a boy beside me bluntly scanned me from head to toe.

The gown was indeed designer, but to really highlight one's status, one needed sparkling jewelry, flawless makeup, soft skin, and—most importantly—the grace to maneuver through such events.

I had no intention of hiding anything and replied honestly, “I’m Mr. Heng’s classmate and tutor.”

He burst out laughing and motioned for others to join.

“I’ve heard. She’s the maid’s daughter from the Heng family. Clothes do wonders, she’s got a bit of a face.”

“Lucas spoils her enough to buy her a dress? Don’t tell me they’ve got something going on…”

The group laughed as if they knew some dirty secret between Lucas and me.

I was about to call out to Lucas when a girl beside me tugged my hand and gestured for me to stay quiet. She then turned to them coldly, “You’d better shut up, unless you’re asking for trouble.”

The boys laughed it off. “Trouble? What’s she gonna do, flash something at us?”

“If she can seduce Lucas Heng, she must have something worth seeing, huh? Hahaha!”

I immediately raised my voice, “Mr. Heng! Someone here’s daring enough to insult your dog right to its face—”

“I heard.” Lucas cut in, striding over with a group of well-dressed guests behind him.

The girl beside me sighed and stepped away, casting the boys a look that clearly said ‘Good luck with that.’

Lucas spoke coldly, “What now?”

The boys instantly panicked at his presence.

“We were just joking around, nothing serious.”

“Yeah, just chatting.”

Amid the crowd’s curious stares, I stated calmly, “They said there’s something indecent going on between me and you. That kind of slander—shouldn’t go unnoticed.”

Lucas sighed. “You really have no sense of decorum?”

They immediately bowed and apologized repeatedly.

Zachary Cole added mockingly, “Wow, Lucas, even strays can sneak into your birthday party now?”

Lucas finally snapped and ordered the butler to throw them out.

The party ended smoothly. Not only was I spared the humiliation I once endured, but Lucas even stood up for me.

It really felt like a novel—the poor girl assigned to accompany the cold young master eventually warming his icy heart.

The feelings between us… were quietly changing.

Two years later, we graduated high school. I followed Lucas Heng to the U.S.

Our relationship didn’t change much, except that he’d gotten used to my presence and care.

I was a top student and managed to stay in the top three of my major, even in America.

Lucas didn’t quite get it. “You don’t have to try so hard. When we go back, you’ll work for my company. You won’t be short on money. I didn’t bring you here to survive on instant noodles.”

Slurping my bowl of noodles, I didn’t even look up. “Okay, treat me to a feast tomorrow then. Thanks.”

Lucas rolled his eyes—and joined me with his own bowl.

America was a land of ultimate freedom. So much so, it felt like your soul could run wild, n***d.

Lucas was never a reserved person—quite the opposite. Judging from what he’d done in his past life, he was someone who truly knew how to enjoy life.

Pleasure is the privilege of those born above others.

When wealth and status are predetermined, what’s left to stimulate the senses… is everything else.

Lucas had a notoriously messy love life. A common trait among young heirs, perhaps.

I’d occasionally stumble upon scenes that should be blurred out—but I was never surprised.

Everyone was so nonchalant.

Lucas, of course. His girls, too. And me? Even more so.

I’d pick up my laptop, calmly reminding him: “Boss, don’t forget protection. STDs are a hassle.”

Then gently closed the door behind me.

Charlotte Van was also studying in the U.S., though not at the same school as Lucas. Still, we met often enough.

She never became the radiant darling she imagined herself to be.

Back in high school, she couldn’t completely stomp me down. But leopards don’t change their spots—she just found new ways to lash out.

In her own words, she always needed someone beneath her feet.

Both she and Lucas had outgrown the dreamy teenage phase. They now lived openly, in an “each does their own thing” kind of relationship.

Me? I drifted through their chaotic world, focused only on assignments.

Year after year passed. Only sometimes, while staring at a chat window on my phone, did I realize… this was a different world than the one before.

Lucas stepped out of the shower, towel-drying his hair, and leaned in over my shoulder. “Whatcha looking at?”

Still damp, he smelled faintly of body wash. Our cheeks were barely a hand’s width apart. I could see his lashes without even turning.

At 21, Lucas was fully grown—broad-shouldered, long-legged, with striking features sculpted by wealth and privilege. He had a magnetic pull.

But our relationship was still pure—just a little… too close.

I turned the phone screen toward him. “My sister sent a photo.”

He looked for a moment, then straightened and muttered, “Not as pretty as you,” before walking away.

Odd… considering our faces were identical.

After graduating in the U.S., I returned to China with Lucas, along with Zachary and Charlotte.

The once-playboy heir had now become a sharp, successful young businessman, swirling wine at social functions like he owned the world.

I naturally became his assistant.

Zachary tried a few times to test our relationship. Once he confirmed we weren’t together, he started actively “digging the corner.”

After a few tries, Lucas got fed up and warned him to stay away from me.

Charlotte entered showbiz.

In this era, even a pretty face without acting skills could gather fans—especially with a wealthy family backing her.

But one time, paparazzi caught her and Lucas together. That dug up all the gossip.

Soon, they were trending online. Tags like “childhood sweethearts,” “perfect couple,” “meant to be,” and “my OTP is real” popped up everywhere.

Lucas, trailed by reporters, ended up yelling at Charlotte over the phone.

They were both selfish people—fights were routine.

After hanging up, Lucas said, “Evelyn, cancel tomorrow’s schedule.”

I nodded. “Yes, Mr. Heng.”

He had been under a lot of pressure lately.

Life at the company was nothing like school.

He collapsed onto the sofa, exhaustion like a mist over his features.

Then he said, “Let’s go to Eden.”

Eden—just the name screamed indulgence. It was a luxurious playground for the elite, a hedonistic paradise.

I glanced at the time—it was nearly midnight. Still, I didn’t argue. “Alright, I’ll get the car.”

Just as I turned to leave, Lucas grabbed my wrist. I lost balance and fell straight onto him.

Startled, I yelped, “Boss?!”

Lucas hugged me tight and sighed, “Evelyn, do you even know how long I’ve been holding back?”

I blinked. “Holding back what? Are you in pain somewhere?”

“You…” He choked on his words, then gave a bitter smile and let go. “You’re too clean. I can’t bring myself to taint you.”

I looked down at him and mumbled, “Yeah, I shower every day.”

In the end, Lucas went to Eden alone, and I went home.

A single nightlight was left on in the living room.

When I opened the door, Eliza was still awake.

She wore headphones, completely immersed in her world. Her hair, still damp from a recent shower, reached her waist. She hadn’t even dried it.

Drafts were scattered on the floor. She was tapping something on a keyboard-like device, completely focused—unaware I was even there.

I didn’t disturb her. Quietly, I stepped back and returned to my room.

I sat at my desk and went over the remaining two proposals.

I knew clearly—these parties had no ties to the Heng Corporation. If I wanted to succeed… I’d need to enlist help.

Lucas had reached the age for marriage. The Heng and Van families had always expected to unite through him and Charlotte.

His parents pressured him to get engaged to her.

But Lucas was in full-on rebellious mode. He pretended not to hear it. Push too hard and he’d slam the door and walk out.

While working, I’d sometimes glance up and find him staring at me—his expression complex and unreadable.