The Teddy Who Changed My Fate Chapter 1

My lucky streak started the day I found a stray poodle.

It wasn't just landing my company's biggest contract or the promotion and raise that followed. It was catching the eye of a wealthy matriarch who decided I was the perfect match for her son. She offered me cars, a house, and promised to sign over the entire family fortune to our firstborn.

I was ready to refuse, but when she showed me a photo of her son—currently away on business—this certified sucker for a handsome face was sold.

The wedding was arranged in a whirlwind, but the groom missed his flight and never made it. His mother, my new mother-in-law, had me walk down the aisle with the poodle in my arms and, right there at the altar, transferred an extra million dollars into my account as a wedding gift.

Just like that, I married into high society. A few days later, my roommate pushed me off our apartment building's rooftop.

"We both saw that dog!" she screamed, her face a mask of rage. "Why do you get the fairytale wedding while I get nothing? If you die, I can start over! I can have it all!"

When I opened my eyes again, I was standing on that same street corner. This time, I made sure she was the one to adopt the poodle.

* * *

"Oh, you poor little thing! Are you lost?"

My roommate, Stella, a notorious neat freak, scooped up the filthy poodle that was circling our feet. Before I could even process what was happening, she shot me a sharp look.

"Phoebe, I'm keeping this dog. Don't you dare try to take him from me."

I saw the fierce determination in her eyes, a stark contrast to how things had played out the first time.

I knew instantly: she was reborn, too.

A triumphant smirk played on Stella’s lips. "I feel a real connection to this dog, like he's a good luck charm. Who knows what he'll bring me." She paused, sizing me up. "I know you want him, but you already have two dogs. You can't possibly handle a third, right?"

I glanced at the poodle nestled in her arms and gave a slight shrug. "You're right, I'm stretched thin as it is. If you want him, he's all yours."

In my previous life, I only took him in because he followed us all the way home. I felt sorry for the matted, dirty creature, so I gave him a bath and some food. He never left. I had no idea that simple act of kindness would completely derail my life.

At my words, Stella's eyes lit up with an excitement she couldn't hide.

"You promise? No take-backs!" she said, her voice giddy. "Even if he helps me marry... well, whatever happens, you can't get jealous!" She cut herself off, probably worried she'd say too much and I'd change my mind.

After I swore a solemn oath that I wouldn't regret it, she hugged the dog tightly and practically skipped home.

At the same moment, a notification materialized in my mind.

[Congratulations. You have been granted one chance to be reborn. The death of the key individual at this critical juncture will allow you to return to this moment and change your fate.]

The message was a revelation.

Rebirth wasn't random; it was a power that could be activated. The trigger was the death of the other person who received the opportunity.

No wonder Stella had said my death would let her start over. She had been given the same power. But from her reaction just now, it was clear she had no idea that I was reborn, too.

The moment I walked through our apartment door, Stella blocked my path. "Phoebe, did you hear a weird noise just now?" she asked, her expression a mix of panic and anxiety.

I knew exactly what she was talking about, but I just frowned. "What kind of noise? Is someone breaking in?"

"No, it was like... a robot voice. It said something about being reborn... and death."

I rolled my eyes. "You've been reading too many fantasy novels, Stella. Rebirth isn't real. You should stop daydreaming."

She scrutinized my face, searching for any hint of a lie. When she found none, she visibly relaxed. Humming a cheerful tune, she disappeared into her room. I watched her go, a small, cold smile touching my lips.

She had no idea that this poodle had another name: the Wicked Fleece.

I hoped she was ready to pay the price for taking him in.