Chapter 2

Laura jerked upright, panting and sweating furiously. She pushed Sharon aside and jumped from her seat, distancing herself.

"Where... Why am I here?" Laura stammered, scanning the strange yet familiar office.

Sharon's brow furrowed. "Ms. Seymour, are you alright? You seem disoriented."

Laura's eyes darted wildly as she took in every detail. "What am I doing here?" she whispered.

Her gaze settled on the portrait on her desk – a picture of her and Diane. As she reached for it, a loud noise pierced her head, and she groaned.

"Are you okay, Ms. Seymour?" Sharon asked, concern creeping into her voice.

Laura's memories began to resurface: betrayal, her car accident, the dark room, and the mysterious light.

"Am I dead?" she whispered.

Sharon laughed. "Well, I guess you could say that."

Laura's head snapped up, her eyes locking onto Sharon. "So, this is the afterlife?"

Sharon chuckled. "You haven't sobered up from last night's send-off drinking."

"Send-off drinking?" Laura repeated, uncertain.

Sharon's smile faded. "You really don't remember? We celebrated your resignation and upcoming marriage last night. Today's your last day."

"Who's resigning and getting married?" Laura asked, confusion etched on her face.

"Me?" she pointed at herself, incredulously

"Wow, you really don't remember," Sharon said, shaking her head.

"Ms. Seymour, as your subordinate, I shouldn't say this, but please avoid drinking. You're not suited for it. Try clubbing, karaoke—no, you're a terrible singer—or just sleep. It's a better night activity for you."

Laura stared, stunned, then burst into laughter. Sharon's expression changed from amusement to concern.

"Wow, Sharon, you have really adapted to the afterlife. I must say, you are really good. How long has it been since you died? Four years, that's a long time. And no need to be formal with me, here you're my superior..."

"What are you spewing?" Sharon asked, cutting her off. "Who is dead for four years? Me?" Sharon asked with a stern expression.

Laura's laughter ceased as Sharon scoffed. "You should sleep off your hangover and wake up when you are sober." Sharon advised before existing the office.

Laura stood alone, confusion etched on her face. "This isn't the afterlife? Then where am I? Or am I hallucinating?"

Her gaze drifted to the ringing phone. "Why is this phone so outdated?" she wondered.

The phone stopped ringing, only to start again. This time, Laura felt an inexplicable pull, and before she knew it, she was holding the phone, transfixed by the caller ID.

'Sugar'

The word froze her in place. Her eyes remained locked on the screen.

'Could it be? Diane Timmer? Had she followed me to... wherever this was?' Laura's mind reeled with questions.

Laura hesitated before answering the call.

"Hi, Sugar! What took you so long?" Diane's lively voice asked.

"Sugar," Laura whispered, struggling to find her words.

Diane's concern was palpable. "You don't sound good. Are you sick?"

 "No, no... I..." Laura stammered.

Diane's tone turned sympathetic. "Today's your last day at work, and you must be stressed leaving after seven years of hard work. But think of the bright side – you'll be the youngest mistress of the Russell conglomerate, the young Mrs. Russell! You'll finally have a real family."

Laura frowned, perplexed. Even Diane knew it was her last day? Was God playing a trick on her?

"Yeah, I'm really stressed out," Laura said, determined to ace the test.

"You should've cleared your desk earlier. Don't get sick before the wedding; you wouldn't want ugly wedding pictures." Diane advised.

"Right, I wouldn't want that." 

"Oh least, I forget, We are viewing wedding gowns tomorrow. Keep your schedule free... Oh, you're unemployed now! There is no schedule to worry about!" Diane laughed. 

"Yeah, I guess so." Laura frowned, uncertain.

"Talk to you later, bye." Diane and ended the call before Laura could utter another word.

"Wedding," Laura whispered, pieces falling into place. "I'm resigning and getting married." The truth dawned on her.

She checked her phone, confirming her suspicion. "August 5th, 2014." The exact date she resigned before marrying Vincent.

"I returned," Laura breathed, uncertain how, but the evidence surrounded her.

God had granted her final request, giving her a second chance at life.

A smile spread across her face as she gazed at her younger reflection in the hand mirror.

She had once sacrificed everything – life, dreams, career – to become Vincent's wife, only to meet death.

Not this time.

"I won't make the same mistakes," Laura vowed, her eyes burning with determination.

Her priority was herself; everything else came last.

Laura's grip on the phone tightened, a newfound resolve coursing through her veins.

A gentle knock on the door broke Laura's reverie. She looked up to find Ms. Seo, CEO of Hamilton & Associates Law Firm, standing in the doorway with a warm smile.

"Clearing your desk, I see?" Ms. Seo asked, surveying the cluttered space.

Laura hesitated, but Ms. Seo continued, her tone tinged with a mix of understanding and regret.

"I know this wasn't an easy decision. You've been an integral part of our team, one of our first and finest attorneys. Your departure will be deeply felt."

Ms. Seo's forced smile betrayed her true emotions. Laura sensed the unspoken concern: the law firm would lose its star attraction, and clients might follow her out the door.

"I won't sugarcoat it, Laura," Ms. Seo admitted. "Your absence will impact our client base. You've built an impressive portfolio, and many clients are loyal to you alone."

Laura met Ms. Seo's gaze, aware of the weight her resignation carried.

"Ms. Seo, I've reconsidered my resignation. I'm staying," Laura declared, her words leaving Ms. Seo stunned.

Ms. Seo's expression shifted from surprise to concern. "Laura, I'm thrilled, but are you certain? You know Mrs. Helen's stance on her daughters-in-law working."

"I've thought this through," Laura assured. "I won't let Hamilton & Associates suffer because of my marriage. This is my decision, no guilt necessary."

Ms. Seo's eyes narrowed. "What changed your mind?"

Laura's gaze locked onto Ms. Seo's. "Let's just say I'm ambitious," she said with a hint of humor.

Ms. Seo's curiosity was piqued. "And?"

Laura's tone turned resolute. "I have one condition – I want to be an equity partner."

Ms. Seo's eyebrows arched, impressed by Laura's audacity.

"Frankly, Laura, I admire your ambition," Ms. Seo said, pausing for emphasis. "However, this decision requires careful consideration. Your performance evaluation is upcoming, and your track record is impressive – excellent performance, reputation, growth, promising shares, and as a non equity partner, you have attained remarkable success. I'll recommend you to Mr. Julian Hamilton."

Laura smiled, relieved. "Thank you, I appreciate your support."

Ms. Seo nodded. "You're the top contender, aside from Mr. Tanner, but I doubt he matches your drive." With a warm smile, Ms. Seo added, "Welcome back to Hamilton & Associates Law Firm."

"Thanks, I would appreciate it if my decision to stay remains confidential for now." Laura said.

"Okay," Ms. Seo nodded discreetly.

As Ms. Seo left, Laura beamed with pride. "Good job, self. You're finally prioritizing yourself."

Her phone buzzed, breaking the moment. Vincent's text reminder flashed on the screen: "Visit grandfather tomorrow."

Laura's lips curled into a sly smile. "Thank you, divine force," she whispered, eyes shining with gratitude. "You have given me a second chance, reunited me with familiar faces. I don't know how, but I'm grateful." 

Her voice took on a resolute tone. "I promise, this time around, I'll make them regret every hurt. Watch from your throne as I unleash justice. None shall escape, no soul who harmed me shall go unpunished." Laura's determination echoed through the room, a vow to herself and the universe.