After Rebirth, I Helped My Husband and My First Love
Chapter 1
I was a child bride brought into the Landry family.
Mrs. Landry groomed me to assist her only son, Ethan, in managing the family business.
Ethan had autism. For seven years, he either ignored me or abused me, never once giving me a real look.
Then, Willow returned from abroad. He swept her into his arms, showering her with kisses and whispered endearments.
“Willow, half of this family is yours. I’ve stayed faithful to you all these years.”
Later, Willow had me kidnapped and a video of my assault was leaked online, ruining my reputation.
My family disowned me, my friends betrayed me, and I died of depression.
Ethan remained indifferent to my suffering, but for Willow, he turned against his own family.
Everyone envied Willow’s good fortune, her devoted man.
I alone knew those seven years were wasted.
This time around, I wouldn’t repay Mrs. Landry’s kindness with my marriage.
I would let them have each other.
“Shannon, how about we set your wedding with Ethan for next week?”
Mrs. Landry’s voice snapped me back to reality.
In my past life, seeing Ethan and I hadn’t consummated our marriage, she wanted us to marry first, then let things naturally progress.
But then, Ethan’s “one true love” came home.
I didn’t want to go through that again.
“I don’t want to get married,” I said calmly.
A servant muttered, “Miss Shannon, what kind of talk is that? The Landrys have been so good to you, yet you act like this—ungrateful!”
“She’s a viper!”
Seeing Mrs. Landry’s glare, the servants fell silent.
Mrs. Landry looked at Ethan.
He sat uninterested.
Just as she was about to ask for his opinion, he stood abruptly.
“Mom, I have to pick someone up at the airport.”
He sped away without hesitation.
I knew it was Willow’s arrival day.
Mrs. Landry’s expression was complex.
“Shannon, I know you’ve had a hard time. It’s not your fault.”
“Ethan’s autism made him distant, but…”
I knew this was the reason I was brought into the Landry family.
I rolled up my sleeves and pant legs, my breath hitching.
“Ethan and I have been together for seven years. Seven years of injuries, hardship, and complete rejection.”
“I’m afraid I’m letting you down.”
My skin showed knife wounds, burns, countless scars.
These were from when he’d have episodes, and I tried to protect him.
The pain shot through me, making me cry out.
Mrs. Landry was silent for a long time, finally saying, “Three days. Give each other three more days. If his attitude hasn’t changed, I’ll let you go.”
Ethan returned late.
I didn’t wait on him as usual.
He saw me on the couch and didn’t say anything.
He only brought me a glass of water and helped me drink it.
Soon, a woman’s voice filled the room.
“Ethan, won’t your parents be angry?”
“What if she finds out she was drugged and tells someone?”
Ethan replied, “Relax. She’s just a placeholder. I’ve been faking my illness for years, waiting for you.”
“It’s late. Stay here tonight.”
They closed the door, and soon, the sounds of passion filled the air.
A tear rolled down my cheek.
I’m naturally immune to ether-based drugs.
He miscalculated.
I never imagined the man I’d followed for seven years was like this.
When he had episodes, I was always cautious.
When his food wasn’t to his liking, and he’d have it remade six or seven times, I patiently persuaded the chef.
When he’d have episodes, cowering and trying to harm himself, I’d burst in, take the blade, hold him, even if I bled.
It was all a lie.
Tears welled in my eyes.
Mrs. Landry paid off my parents’ debts, which was why I came to the Landry family.
I’d endured all this to repay their kindness.
If I couldn’t fulfill Mrs. Landry’s wishes, in three days, I’d leave.
To sever all ties, I’d have a friend help stage a fake death—a fall off a cliff.
Shannon would cease to exist.
I woke to find Ethan’s door open.
The room was a mess, clothes strewn everywhere, a strange smell in the air.
“Shannon, clean this up,” Ethan said.
He went to shower.
I said nothing, changed clothes, and started cleaning.
Willow was in bed, smiling.
“Here you are? I heard you’ve been with Ethan for seven years, and he wouldn’t even touch you.”
“Like a wild child. No wonder, any man would be uninterested.”
I cleaned, saying nothing.
“Willow’s amazing, getting Ethan to open up. I’ve never seen him bring anyone home.”
Willow’s face darkened.
“Shannon, what are you saying? Are you trying to be nasty again?”
“After all these years in this house, you think you own the place? If not for Willow understanding me, my illness wouldn’t have healed so quickly!”
Seeing Ethan return, she slapped herself, drawing blood.
Ethan flew into a rage, kicking me to the floor.
“Shannon, why are you so petty? Willow’s just spending the night, do you have to treat her like this?”
“You can’t act like this in this house!”
I swallowed my hurt and crawled out.
This time, I wouldn’t make a scene.
Soon, Mrs. Landry found me, saying I needed to help with a business meeting.
Ethan placed Willow by his side, ignoring me.
He toasted the business owners, Willow cooperating perfectly.
They looked like a couple.
Willow upset one owner, who slammed his glass down.
“Ethan! Even your woman looks down on me. Are you serious about this deal?!”
“We may not be as big as the Landrys, but we have our own means. Don’t get so high and mighty.”
Willow, fresh from abroad, was out of touch.
She hid in Ethan’s arms, her voice full of distress.
“Ethan, I’m sorry. I caused this trouble.”
“I’m still getting used to things. Teach me, and I won’t do it again.”
She clutched her chest, saying she had chest pains.
Ethan patted her head.
“Don’t worry. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Before leaving, he remembered the meeting.
“Shannon, apologize to everyone, pour drinks.”
“I’ll be back. Don’t let them down. If they like you…”
He left without looking at me.
The owners blocked me.
“Little girl, where are you going?”
“Give us some face. Drink this.”
It was strong liquor.
I had no choice.
I raised my glass.
“Mr. Landry was impolite. Please accept my apology.”
“We’re sincere. Let’s drink and talk!”
“What a woman! I like working with straightforward people!”
“Miss Shannon, don’t go home tonight…”
Their voices blurred, I couldn’t tell sincerity from lies.
I drank until I passed out.
Ethan never came.
My heart ached.
I woke up to find my clothes gone.
Itching and pain consumed me.
Ethan came to get me, his disgust evident.
“I’m late. My mother’s looking for you. Let’s go.”
He held me, but I felt no warmth.
I laughed bitterly.
I’d repaid the Landrys.
It was the second day.
Mrs. Landry knew about Willow.
She called Ethan and me.
“Ethan, your condition’s improved. With Willow back, you’re a different person.”
“The wedding…”
Ethan interrupted.
“Mom, I want to get engaged to Willow.”
“She’s like a lifesaver.”
“As for Shannon, let her be a housekeeper.”
Mrs. Landry’s eyes flickered.
Looking at me, silent and lifeless, she knew what happened.
“Fine. Ethan, I trust your judgment.”
Ethan was relieved. So was I.
After sending Ethan away, Mrs. Landry called me.
“You’re a good child. Since Ethan’s found someone, I won’t keep you.”
“This card has ten million. Consider it compensation. Tomorrow is the third day.”
I nodded, packing my things.
Before dawn, my friend, Maya, arrived.
“Sis, everything’s ready.”
I almost left, but saw Ethan with Willow, followed by their team.
“Ethan, what style for the wedding?”
“You suffered. Now I’m back, and it’s a fresh start. With you, I’m not afraid.”
Ethan ruffled her hair, with fondness.
Seeing my bags, he frowned.
“Shannon, where are you going?”
“Are you done with your chores? You know Willow and I are picky.”
I glared at him coldly.
“Find another housekeeper. I quit.”
Willow smiled.
“Ethan, let her be. After all these years, she thinks she’s something?”
“We need a dog house. Let’s use her room.”
Ethan’s expression darkened.
“Shannon, what’s with the tantrum? Have I mistreated you?”
I didn’t argue or get angry.
I saw Maya’s car, and got in without looking back.
Willow blocked the car.
“Oh, you want to leave? Everything you’ve eaten and worn is from the Landrys, you can’t leave without paying!”
“You bitch, return everything!”
Ethan stood arms crossed, offering no help.
He finally came to me.
“Shannon, stop it. Apologize, come back. Don’t make a scene.”
He thought I was throwing a tantrum.
But I was really leaving.
I’d been at the Landrys for seven years, managing everything.
I spent years and money on Ethan’s illness, visiting every hospital,
Only to find out it was all a sham.
I got out of the car, and in front of everyone, I began to undress.
“Ethan Landry, I return everything.”
“We’re even now.”
Willow laughed.
“Continue. Are you scared?”
I glared at Ethan, taking off my last piece of clothing.
“Haha, a good dog. This woman was just eating for free.”
Ethan said nothing, his face grim.
I turned and got in the car.
Maya tossed me some clothes, her face full of pity.
We drove to the cliff, and I told her to start the live stream.
Maya checked my equipment, giving me the signal.
When the stream had viewers, I turned and jumped.
Soon, a live-stream suicide became trending.
He arrived to find Maya crying.
He grabbed her collar, his eyes red.
“Where’s Shannon? Talk!”
“She’s too honest to jump. Are you playing me?”
Willow stood by, cold as ice.
Maya sobbed, “Do you know how she lived? You almost drove her insane!”
“What more do you want?!”
She tossed my bags from the trunk.
“Everything’s packed. She just had a breakdown and decided to die.”
“She was exhausted. I understand.”
Ethan trembled.
“Shannon wouldn’t… she wouldn’t!”
“I want to see her, dead or alive!”
