CHAPTER 2

Ruby's POV.

"Can't you hear me?" Sophie asked, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and worry.

I was still grappling with confusion, trying to piece together what was happening. My last clear memory was a blur of pain and despair; dying because of Logan and Sophie. But now, everything felt strangely altered, as if I had been transported to another reality.

"Why am I wearing a wedding dress?" I wondered, my mind racing. I wasn't dreaming was I? I thought briefly and just then, I thought of one possible chance; REBIRTH!

Sophie’s voice broke through my spiralling thoughts again. “Hello?”

I blinked, trying to focus on her face, which seemed to be filled with a blend of concern and urgency. 

My heart raced as I stammered, “What year is this?” My voice was tinged with panic, and I could feel my eyes widening in disbelief.

Sophie’s gaze remained fixed on me as she moved closer. She knelt beside me, her face inches from mine, and gently placed her hand on my forehead. 

Her touch was warm and surprisingly soothing, yet it did little to quell the storm of questions and fears swirling inside me.

“Are you sick or something?” Sophie demanded, her voice tinged with irritation. “It’s the 26th of June, 2024… your wedding day! Just stop all this drama and go get married to Logan.” she said like she wanted me to.

The name "Logan" hit me like a jolt of electricity. My mind struggled to catch up with her words. “Getting married to Logan? And I walk?” I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of hope and fear.

Sophie’s exasperation was palpable. “You must be kidding me,” she snapped, grabbing my hand and yanking me upright.

As soon as I was on my feet, my heart began to hammer in my chest. The pounding was deafening, almost as if it was trying to ground me in this bewildering reality. I felt the shaky strength returning to my legs, and a rush of disbelief flooded my senses. 

I stared at Sophie with wide eyes. The realisation of what was happening hit me with full force; I had actually been REBORN. 

The reality was still so confusing that it was hard to grasp. After being burnt by the fire set up by Sophie and Logan, I got reborn, four years before my death. 

I was reborn four years before everything began to happen. I wasn't crippled, I wasn't vulnerable, I wasn't weak.

Sophie’s perplexed expression only deepened as she watched me gaze around like a lost bride. I needed confirmation that this wasn’t some twisted dream. 

In a frantic gesture, I pinched her hand hard, bracing myself for any sign of illusion. But the sharp pain that followed was all too real.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” she screamed, her voice cracking with frustration.

Sophie’s frustration was evident as she snapped at me to get ready, her anger evident in every word. Without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the room, leaving me alone.

I stood there, a mix of disbelief and excitement swirling within me. “I have been reborn,” I whispered to myself, trying to wrap my mind around the reality of it. 

“That means I have a chance to fix my past mistakes and get my revenge on Logan and Sophie for what they did to me.”

The thrill of opportunity coursed through me. This was a second chance I wasn’t willing to squander. Determined, I stormed out of the room and made my way toward the exit door.

As I approached, I heard the faint murmur of voices coming from a nearby room. Intrigued, I crept closer, straining to catch the conversation. 

“Don’t worry, everything is working as we planned,” Logan’s voice came through clearly.

“I can’t wait to see her tremble and lose everything to us,” Sophie’s voice followed, laced with malicious satisfaction.

“She has always acted like she’s someone special. I hate her so much,” Sophie said, her voice dripping with venom.

The words struck me like a blow. I was stunned to hear that they had been plotting against me even on my wedding day. The realisation that they had been planning from the very start made my blood run cold.

“No… I can’t let this happen again,” I muttered under my breath, my anger rising. I was determined to escape and stop whatever their plan was.

In my haste to leave the hotel, I unexpectedly collided with someone. Startled, I looked up to find a man glaring at me, clearly waiting for an apology. 

But as I met his gaze, I was taken aback by his striking appearance; his chiselled features, full lips, and piercing icy blue eyes made him look almost otherworldly.

“Excuse me? Where are you off to wearing a wedding gown?” he asked, his confusion evident.

Caught off guard, I stumbled for words. “I… I’m sorry,” I said, taking a step back, trying to regain my composure.

I took in his full appearance and quickly recognized him as Julian Thompson, Logan’s cousin. I recalled that in my previous life, Julian hadn’t been at my wedding. Their relationship had soured after Logan sold some of Julian’s company stocks, which led to the company’s bankruptcy and eventual shutdown.

Julian’s presence in this moment was startling and intriguing, pulling my focus from my anger and determination. 

“Hello?” Julian’s voice snapped me back to reality.

“Oh, I’m sorry for bumping into you,” I said, my voice tinged with embarrassment.

“Next time, watch where you’re going,” he replied curtly as he began to walk past me.

A sudden impulse made me grab his hand before he could leave. He looked at me, puzzled by the sudden contact. I struggled to find the right words, my mouth opening and closing without sound.

“Can I help you with something?” he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and impatience.

I was going to ask him for a favour but I wasn't sure how he'd take it. 

“Ummm, nothing,” I stammered, finally letting go of his hand. I watched as he walked away.

“Since this is my fate, I won’t let Logan and Sophie take the upper hand. Why don’t I lure them to their downfall and take my revenge?” I resolved, feeling a surge of determination.

I swiftly made my way to Logan’s room, ready to let him know I was prepared. Together, we headed to the venue, which was conveniently located in the same hotel.

The ceremony went off without a hitch, and once the vows were exchanged, the event concluded. As we prepared to leave, I noticed two cars parked and waiting for us; an SUV and a Mercedes.

“Why don’t you take the SUV, and Sophie and I can take the Mercedes?” Logan suggested with a smug grin.

I was about to climb into the SUV when a wave of déjà vu hit me. I froze, recalling a vivid memory from my past life; an accident on our wedding day that had left me severely injured and crippled.

‘No, not in this life' I said inwardly.

“What’s wrong? Aren’t you coming?” Logan asked, his voice tinged with impatience as he noticed my hesitation.

“I… I forgot something,” I stammered, desperately trying to mask my fear. “Why don’t you guys go ahead? I’ll catch up later.” 

Sophie’s expression shifted noticeably when I mentioned that I’d catch up later. I caught a glimpse of her reaction, but I chose to ignore it, focusing on my own concerns.

Logan persisted, trying to persuade me to get into the SUV, but my decision remained. I refused, determined not to let the same disaster from my past life repeat itself. I insisted they should leave without me.

You think I don’t know your plan, Logan? You’re trying to set me up for an accident. I thought bitterly, as Logan continued his insistence.

“No, I still have some things to take care of. You can go ahead without me,” I said firmly, dismissing them.

As soon as I’d spoken, I turned and re-entered the hotel, my mind racing with strategies and plans for them.

As I walked into the hall, I unexpectedly came face-to-face with Julian. I approached him with a purposeful stride, my gaze fixed and intense.

“Why are you always showing up?” Julian asked, his tone a mix of annoyance and curiosity.

An idea struck me, and I moved closer to him, lowering my voice as I spoke with confidence. “I can help you reclaim your family’s name,” I offered boldly.

“What are you talking about?” he asked, clearly puzzled.

I smirked, noting his confusion. “I know you’re seeking revenge against the Thompson family as well… and I can assist you in that quest. All I need is your help in return,” I said with a knowing smile.

“Let's get revenge together on everyone that insulted you and your family!”