You can't be the Only One with Me Around

He had it all planned from the start. The moment I was found, he’d use his second chance to pin everything on me.

And my so-called real parents? They actually believed them. They were ready to sell me off to some blind old widow as punishment!

I spent 10 years suffering in my brother’s place. When I was finally rescued, I thought Mom and Dad would try to make it up to me with love.

But all I got was a deeper, more gut-wrenching betrayal. That night, I lost all hope. I set a fire and took them down with me!

I clenched my fists and swore to myself.

‘This time, I’ll make them all pay!’

I let out a quiet breath of relief as the scenery outside the window became more and more familiar.

‘Good. In this life, they still decided to sell me off to some backwoods town called Millbrook.’

Last time, I spent 10 years in this place—I know it like the back of my hand.

The family that bought me back then wanted a child husband for their mentally challenged daughter.

I fought back with everything I had, tried to escape more times than I could count—that’s why they ended up tying me up like an animal, starving and beating me.

But this time, I’ll act obedient. Play along. Earn their trust.

And first, I’ll make these two human traffickers regret ever laying a hand on me.

After three days and two nights on the road, the car finally pulled over on a deserted dirt path outside the town.

The woman who sold me off, Fabienne, and her partner coaxed me out of the car.

“Come on, kid, we’re at Grandma’s house! Let’s go.”

I nodded and got out without a fuss, looking as meek and well-behaved as ever.

For three days, I hadn’t cried, hadn’t made a scene. I ate whatever they gave me.

Now, standing in the dark, desolate countryside, I wasn’t scared at all.

In fact, I smiled in anticipation and asked, “Auntie, Grandma—will there be endless caramel apples for me later?”

“Yes, yes!”

Her partner, Mabel, waved me off absentmindedly, then leaned close to Fabienne and muttered under her breath.

“Think this kid’s slow? We’re in the middle of nowhere, and he’s still thinking about candy. No one’s gonna pay for an idiot!”

Fabienne shook her head. “Should be fine. The buyer’s daughter is a fool too. Even if he’s a little slow, it won’t matter.

“Two idiots together—doesn’t matter, as long as they can pop out kids.”

They then led me quietly into the town.

Soon, we arrived at the place of the couple that bought me last time.

The whole Willoughbys were already waiting in the yard.

The moment I was brought in, their faces split into wide grins.

Jethro, the father, lifted an oil lamp and leaned in to inspect my face.

“Hmm, not bad. Looks decent.”

Melinda, his wife, holding their 10-year-old daughter, Gracie, beamed. The woman pointed at me and said, “Sweetie, Mommy and Daddy got you a little husband. Do you like him?”

Gracie was much taller than me, drooling as she giggled.

“L… like.”

She laughed foolishly.

I smiled back at her.

“Jethro, this kid doesn’t look too bright either…”

A black-bearded man in his 40s frowned, taking a swig from his whiskey bottle.

“You sure these women didn’t just pawn off another idiot on us? You’re sure this kid’s normal?”

“Of course! He even has a certificate for being a top student!”

Mabel quickly nodded and handed over a workbook and an academic award from my schoolbag.

Jethro and Melinda looked them over, completely satisfied.

“Bro, look at his handwriting! This boy’s gonna give us a smart grandson for sure!”

The bearded man Tavian was about to say something when an older man in his 60s, smoking a cigar, let out a sigh.

“Well, that’s good. I promised my brother I’d take care of you boys. Now that Jethro’s idiot daughter has a husband, all that’s left is you Tavian!”