Rebirth Snatching Back My Stolen Luck novel Chapter 3

LILITH

Maybe it was because everything had been laid out so plainly, but I felt more comfortable with the mechanical voice in my head.

“By the way, do you have an actual name besides ‘system’? Calling you that every time feels too impersonal.”

“We’re stuck together for the foreseeable future, so I'd prefer something… less formal.”

[I don’t have one.]

It replied matter-of-factly.

“Then I'll give you one,” I decided.

It made a mechanical hum, as if agreeing.

I pursed my lips thoughtfully, brows furrowed. Moments later, my frown smoothed out and I clapped my hands together in delight.

“Got it! I'll call you May.”

[Why May?]

“Because thanks to you, I was reborn in the month of May. Coincidentally, it also happens to be my birthday month. It feels… meaningful and significant.”

[Understood. The choice is yours.]

“It’s settled then.”

With that, I straightened my back, letting my voice take on a sharper edge.

“Now, let’s get down to business.”

[What business?]

My eyes glinted with coldness.

“The business of stopping my engagement with Brandon, of course.”

[But it's already scheduled for tonight. How do you plan to stop it from happening?]

May paused, then added thoughtfully,

[Just so you know, revealing my existence or disclosing future events is strictly prohibited. Both actions violate system regulations.]

I chuckled good-naturedly. “Don’t worry. None of those were ever within my consideration.”

[Then what's your plan? Sweet-talking your parents into annulling the engagement?]

[Actually, I think it’ll be better to go along with it first and then think of countermeasures later on. That'll give you enough time to prepare.]

I couldn’t help but smile faintly.

It was clear that although May had told me to make different choices, it still thought of me as the same person I used to be—passive, powerless, and prone to compromise.

Although the second part was still very much true, I would never again allow the other two to define me.

From now on—

My eyes blazed with confidence and determination.

I wouldn’t compromise. Not even an inch.

[I’m sorry.]

May said suddenly.

Confusion flashed in my eyes. “What are you sorry for?”

[You’re right. I still don’t understand you.]

In that instant, realization struck me, making a chill crawl up my spine. “Wait… can you read my thoughts?”

[Yes.]

May admitted, then quickly added.

[But I don’t do it unless necessary. I only heard you just now because your emotions spiked.]

Even with the explanation, I felt unsettled. Uneasy.

“Then let’s make the first ground rule: in the future, you’re not allowed to read or pry into my thoughts without my explicit permission. Do you agree?”

[Yes.]

I exhaled in relief. The idea of someone having free access to my mind and thoughts felt absolutely horrifying and suffocating.

My voice softened. “Don’t hold it against me for reacting this way. I don’t think there’s a single human alive who would be comfortable knowing their thoughts were laid bare.”

[It’s fine. I understand.]

With that, I finally relaxed.

“You said you could provide me with helpful information. Does that still stand?”

There was a brief pause.

[Yes. As long as it’s within controllable limits.]

My tone turned razor-sharp.

“Then tell me—when did Brandon and Claire’s affair begin?”

I had married Brandon one year after our engagement. Around the same time, I got pregnant. For the baby switch to go unnoticed, Claire’s child had to be of similar age. If the baby were older, no matter how dumb I was, I would've sensed something off.

Which meant those two snakes had been together for far longer than I realized.

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