Rebirth: Punishing the Vicious Roommate

I was lost in thought when Nicole swiftly changed into the dress I had just bought.

Anyone unaware might have thought she was the star of today's birthday party.

At that moment, Nicole received a call and urged me. "Hannah, Steward's rushing us. Let's go."

I frowned.

"But I haven't decided what to wear yet.

"You're wearing the dress I bought for my birthday."

A flash of mockery crossed Nicole's eyes.

"Oh, you can just wear that T-shirt. You don't have a good chest or hips; and you don't look good in a dress anyway.

"But I have curves, so this dress fits me perfectly."

Saying this, Nicole dragged me out.

By the time we reached the restaurant, our classmates and a few close friends were already waiting.

Amidst everyone's cheers, a staff member pushed out a person-sized gift box.

I pretended to be surprised and untied the ribbon on the box.

As the box opened, Steward Lambert emerged, holding a bouquet of roses.

"Surprise! Happy Birthday, Hannah!"

Steward gave me a big hug, and in my previous life, I was so immersed in the surprise that I didn't notice Nicole's darkened expression.

It turned out that in my past life, her prank on me during the photo was out of jealousy.

He said it was a joke, but he did it on purpose.

Seeing me dazed, Steward handed me a gift.

"Hannah, I saw you eyeing this camera for a long time, so I secretly had someone get it for you.

"Today, let's use it to capture some memories."

In my previous life, I was genuinely happy, taking many photos with friends using that camera.

Towards the end, a girl wanted a photo with Steward.

Steward, likely tired, struggled to smile.

And Nicole, trying to make him laugh, gave me an over-the-shoulder throw.

My arm hit a decorative stone in the restaurant.

The severe pain almost made me faint.

Steward, seeing my misfortune, couldn't help but laugh, his brightest smile captured by the camera.

But when I, enduring the pain, prepared to hold her accountable, I saw Nicole hiding behind Steward with a smug look,

"Oh, I didn't mean it. I was just joking with Hannah. I didn't expect her to be so fragile.

"But if it made Steward smile, it was worth it."

"Besides, Hannah is studying medicine; it should be no big deal for her, right?"

But when I saw the doctor's furrowed brow, my heart sank.

The doctor said I had a compound fracture in my right arm and would never be able to hold a scalpel again.

Nicole was shocked when she found out.

She shed a few crocodile tears, claiming she would cut off her own arm to atone.

Steward quickly stopped her, gently comforting her.

But did he forget that I was the real victim?

After the surgery, Ingrid arrived.

When she looked at the bandage on my arm, her eyes instantly turned red.

"Hannah, it must hurt a lot."

"Nicole was too careless with her jokes. Apologize to Hannah, hurry!"

I suppressed the pain and coldly said, "No need for apologies.

"Let the police handle this. Whether it was a joke or intentional, the harm is done."

But before I could finish, Steward protested, "Hannah, Nicole and I grew up together. I know her joke went too far, but calling the police is unnecessary.

"After all, we'll be seeing each other often after we get married. How awkward would that be?"

"I know you're in pain, but this could be a blessing in disguise. Being a medical student is exhausting. Take this opportunity to rest. Don't worry, I'll take good care of you."

At this point, Ingrid interjected, "Nicole's uncle is a major client of our company. As our future daughter-in-law, if you strain relations with the Eliot family over this, what will happen to the business cooperation?

"Calling the police would be disgrace to our family. I won't allow it."

I wanted to say more, but Steward cut me off, "Hannah, your arm is already broken. Why ruin our relationship with the Eliots over it?"

"Nicole didn't mean it; she's like a sister to me. I hope you can see her as a sister, too.

"Besides, she is younger than you, so can you just forgive her this time?"

Steward's words left me speechless with anger.

I was only a month older than Nicole. Why should I forgive her recklessness?

But in my previous life, I was foolish enough to listen to Steward's suggestion.

Over time, he became increasingly indifferent to me, and I developed depression.

On our fifth anniversary, Steward didn't come home until late.

Then, I saw Nicole's post on Instagram - a photo of her kissing Steward.

She even showed off the ring on her ring finger.

Caption: [Announcement: The best proposal from the one I love most. Everything is just perfect.]

After seeing it, I went to the top floor barefoot and jumped down from the roof.

But this time, I swear I won't let such a tragedy befall me again.