Standing in the living room, I faced my mother, or rather, the woman who had raised me. My heart was a fortress of ice, my words sharpened by the memo of betrayal.
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "What? Say it again," her hand ran through her hair and then down to her neck, a nervous habit I'd want to see from now on. "I'm not marrying Zayn," I said, my voice cold. Hearing this, she sat her glass of water down, her hands shaking slightly. Her face hardened with her eyes flashing with anger. "I feel under the weather." A flicker of confusion crosses her face, a rare crack in her otherwise impenetrable facade. She blinked, taken aback by my sudden coldness. Her gaze shifted momentarily, and she noticed the maid stand silently by the doorway, a witness of our fractured exchange. "Go get me some chicken. I'll boil it for dinner." She instructed the maid, her voice unnaturally steady. The maid nodded and quietly exited the room, leaving us in a sense of silence. "Don't you hear me? Or do you just pretend not to hear the things I say?" A mixture of confusion and concern etched on her features. "What?" She exclaimed. I held her gaze for a moment longer, then turned away, my back to her. The sound of my footsteps echoed as I walked toward my room. I could feel her eyes on me, a mix of confusion and hurt. But I couldn't let that faze me. Not now. As I reached my room and closed the door behind me, I allowed a small, bitter smile to play on my lips. They didn't know the truth yet, but they would when I started biting them like bees. All of them would pay for what they did. Being transferred back in time had given me a second chance, and I intended to use it to exact the revenge they all deserved. This time, they would all face the consequences. Minutes passed, the room's stillness matching the cold resolve in my heart. I stepped out after I changed from the tattered wedding gown. I froze at the sight before me. Zayn stood in the hallway, talking to my mother. Not my real mother, I reminded myself. Their conversation halted as they noticed me. "Nobody is listening to me, I see," I took some steps forward to stand in front of Zayn. "How many times do I need to tell you? Want me to say it here? The reason why I'm not marrying you?" I asked in a cool voice but my face was cold. My mother's voice echoed through the house, her words cut through the tension like a sharp knife. "If you're in a fight, take care of it outside. I won't watch this in my own house." The words stung, but before I could even respond, Zayn grabbed my arm and dragged me towards the door. I could feel the tension radiating from him, a mixture of anger and frustration. We stumbled out onto the porch, the door slamming shut behind us. The cool evening air hit my face, and I yanked my hand away from his grasp. He spun around, his face contorted with anger. "What's with you? You're misunderstanding something. I decided to marry you by my own free will." "That's how badly you want to near Elena," I shot back, my voice rising. I took two steps, covering the space between us. "Be honest. You have no chance with Elena, so you chose me," anxiety grid him. "I come from a rich family, so I can help you," I continued."I'm adopted, so you don't feel so inferior. Most of all, the fact that you could be close to Elena must have been the biggest factor," I smile disgracefully, mocking him. "Wow. Now that I say it out loud, you're trash, Zayn." His anger flared, his eyes narrowing. "Emma, how can you say that to me?" Just then, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw his mother's name flashing on the screen. "It's your mother, " I muttered. I hesitated but answered. "Hello?" "Hello, my new daughter! I just wanted to let you know I found the perfect dress for the wedding. I just didn't like the color, so I got a new one. It's a little more expensive but a special day calls for a special outfit, right?" I glanced at Zayn, who was now looking at me with a mixture of dread and pleading in his eyes. He mouthed, "Please, don't as anything." "Why is she quiet?" I hang up, switching off my phone, feeling the weight of the conversation settle heavily on my shoulders. That's what they are good at. All they know is to collect money from me. "Did you just hang up on my mother? He snapped, his anger reigniting. "You told me not to say anything. Go tell her that the wedding's off," I echoed, incredulous. I turned back toward the house, ready to escape this unbearable situation. But before I could reach the door, I heard a thud behind me. I turned to see Zayn on his knees, his face a mixture of desperation and sorrow. "Hey, Emma! You… you know my situation. My father lost all his money in the stock market before he passed away," his voice breaking as he speaks. "All my mother has is debt. After a few, she got scammed. I can't tell my family. This marriage is the only thing they're counting on. Emma, I'll be good to you." My heart ached as I looked at him, kneeling there, vulnerable and pleading. The intensity of the past few minutes, the weight of his words, and the confusion swirling in my mind made it hard to think clearly. "I'll make up for hurting you. So…" I cut into the conversation. "How?" I said softly, my voice trembling. "Huh?" A bit of confusion ran through him, looking for words to say. "How are you going to make up for it?" I asked again, this time my voice was cold. "I'll… I'll do all the chores," he looked at me. "I'll take the trash. I'll do the cooking and laundry. I'll come home right after work. I won't go out with colleagues if you don't want me to. And… please… Emma, you… you like me." I felt a lump in my throat from the beginning of his words, but he spoiled everything at the end. I shook my head. "No," I started softly, my voice trembling. "That wasn't liking someone." "What?" As I stood there, the memories of my past life came to me. The day my mother lied against me to protect herself and Elena's company, that I ran to him for help, not until I saw him and Elena having a conversation and he handed me a divorce letter, talking to me so coldly without even putting himself in my shoes. Trying so hard to impress your own parents and somehow smiling through all of it. You reminded me of myself. I felt bad for you like I felt about myself. Now is the time I need to rent his own words for him. "I saw myself in you. Doing anything you can just to be loved. I felt bad for you," my words felt like a dagger to him. His eyes widened in surprise. I continued. "So… it was like useless self-pity? But I'm not like that anymore. I'm done being pathetic," I said, turning my back to him. As I walked back inside, leaving him kneeling there, I felt a strange mix of relief and sorrow. It was over, and I knew it was the right choice, no matter how much it hurt seeing him like that but they haven't passed through what they made me pass through. Approaching the front door, I could hear the sounds of conversation drifting through the slightly open door. My mother and Elena were talking, their voices low and conspirational. I hesitated, my hand on the doorknob, an uneasy feeling settling in my stomach. Curiosity getting the better of me, I inched closer to the door, careful not to make a sound. Their words slowly became clearer, and my heart sank as I realized they were talking about me. "She was dying to get married. Why is she being like that?" my mother said jokingly. "Mum, just postpone her wedding." "What?" she asked in disbelief. "You know she was crazy about Zayn. If she's being like that, she must have a reason." "You're way too nice," I could hear the sound of one of them moving to each other on the couch. "And… maybe I can get married first?" My mother's voice caught in "You like Amory that much?" I tiptoe through the door to hear them more. "Mom, I've never really wanted anything. You and Dad always took care of everything for me. I want that guy to be mine," she smiled softly. "I want to marry him." "I guess it's our family's first wedding. It should be you, Elena. Now she will step aside or we will crush her to the ground." Their words stung, each one landing like a blow. I stood in the hallway, feeling a mix of anger, hurt, and a strange sense of liberation. I left the hallway to my room. I paused as I leaned my back against the door. Since I'm here for revenge, they should all have it. "Now that you mentioned it, Elena. I want him too."Sitting on my bed, my mother and sister's cutting words still fresh in my mind, I felt a surge of determination. They had treated me with such contempt, and I was done being a scapegoat.My finger hovered over my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found the name I was looking for, Mia. Not only was she a good friend, but she was also a reporter and the cousin of my sister's boyfriend, Amory.I took a deep breath and pressed the call button. After a few rings, Mia picked up."Hey! Long time no talk," she said cheerfully."Hey, Mia. It's me," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "When are you free? I need to talk to you about something important.""Is everything okay?" she asked, cover creeping into her voice. "Not really," I admitted. "But I'd rather explain in person. Can we meet at that little restaurant downtown? The one we used to go to.""Sure, I can be there in an hour," she agreed without hesitation. "See you soon."Hanging up the phone, I felt a mix of nervousn
With the information in hand, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I would meet Amory first, charm him, and set my plan into motion. They had underestimated me for too long, it was time for them to face the consequences of their actions. The next day, I dressed carefully, choosing an outfit that was elegant yet approachable. I arrived at the Noelle hotel well before 4 pm and found a spot where I could watch for Amory Without being seen. My heart pounded as I waited, determined to make my move. At 3:45 pm, I saw him walk into the hotel's luxurious lobby. He was tall, with a hair of quiet confidence. My pulse quickened. This was a chance. I watched as he sat down in one of the plush armchairs, glancing occasionally at his phone. Taking a deep breath, I approached him. My feet felt heavy with fear, but I forced myself to move forward. "Hello, Amory. Could I sit for a second?" I asked, flashing a polite smile. Amory looked up in surprise. "Emma?" Hearing this sends down a mix
This is so weird. The sight of the key card made my heart race. I couldn't tell if this was a test or something else entirely. "Emma! Can we talk over there?" she pointed towards the opposite direction with her face flushed with fear of what might be happening. "I don't think so," I paused. My heart pounded as I reached for the key card, my fingers trembling inside me but composed apparently. "Because we need to use this," I picked up the key card, to raise it for her to see. Amory sighed, letting his gaze up and looking at my sister's eyes. My sister's eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing as she struggled to find words. The sight of her speechless gave me a small, bitter satisfaction. "What do you think, Amory?" I asked, his gaze returning to me. Amory nodded. "Of course, Emma."My sister's face contorted with a mix of rage and disbelief. "Emma! What are you doing? Explain yourself! "Amory turned to her, raising his hand again. "Emma… should we go upstairs?" Amory sugge
"What? Don't you know you're no longer our family when you get married off? You should think about your family now that you're married. You shouldn't be so greedy". "I'm so sorry Mother," l lost all my appetite for a smile. Loads of water are already gathering in my eyes waiting for a blink for them to drop. "Hurry up and get rid of it, we don't want anyone to think our exhibition is lousy, " she turned to take her leave. "That's so harsh mother," Elena also turned, forming her lips to make a mockery of me. "Instead of looking at the painting, can't you see how I feel? Sure, I may not be up to your standard, but I worked so hard on it with all my heart," I spurted out as tears rolled down my cheeks. "Hey listen, you were working on that painting while you should've been working harder. That's why I was upset." "I'm sorry. I misunderstood you. It's for a good cause, so I'm doing my best and I won't disappoint you," I retorted, trying to find her favor. "Let me know if you
Have you ever felt like your heart has been put in a mincer? That is how I feel right now looking at them. I feel like my heart has been shredded into pieces. I wanted to run away. To look away, but I don't want him to see me feeling jealous of him. Unfortunately, Amory's phone rang, giving me the chance to leave the room. Feeling a lump form in my throat, I excused myself to the bathroom, needing a moment to compose myself. As I splashed cool water on my face, I couldn't share the feeling of inadequacy that gnawed at me, wondering all over my sister's words. As I hurried out of the bathroom, my mind still swirling with emotions, I failed to notice the figure approaching from the opposite direction. Before I could react, I collided with someone, nearly stumbling backward in surprise. Looking up, I find myself face-to-face with Amory. His eyes widened momentarily in shock before softening with concern. "Oh, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, reaching out to steady me. His touch w
With my heart racing, I follow the officers, determined to uncover the source of the disturbance. As I rounded the corner, my breath caught in my throat when I saw the appearance of someone lashing out, slapping someone. Someone familiar, someone I never expected to see in such a predicament with a force that echoed through the room. It was my mother who was being slapped by one of her customers, Mrs Rodriquez. Shock and disbelief washed over me as I struggled to make sense of the scene unfolding before my eyes. How could this be happening? What had led my own mother to be slapped by someone not up to her level as she always claimed? Shock and horror coursed through me as I watched my mother stagger backward, her hand flying to her cheek in disbelief as she collapsed within a second with her assistant manager gripping her to stand. "The police will find out. What should I do?" I read the words forming on her lips. She whispers to her manager's eardrum. I can see the look o
Tip-toeing through the room looking for Zayn. I can hear my sister's voice echoing in the next room in front of me. I decided to make some silent runs and prevent my hill from making a sound against the tiles. Almost at the edge of entering the room, I could hear my sister's voice. "You have feelings for me? I already know you made it so obvious," I move closer to stay at the entrance to hear clearly and see who she's speaking with. "Only a dense fool like my sister wouldn't realize," what I heard shattered my heart. "I thought it was just a phase and overlooked your cute crush. But how dare you?'' She takes two steps forward, closing the space between them. "How any of you and Emma are so similar? Why do you both not know your place?" her voice rang out with anger, each word a sharp dagger cutting through the air. Her words echoed in the room. "You desire the things you can't have and create a mess…" her voice cut when she realized my presence from the entrance, a look of
I woke slowly, groggy and disoriented, the sterile smell of antiseptic filling my nostrils. The soft beeping of machines was a constant, steady rhythm, a reminder that I was still alive. My body ached all over, a dull, persistent pain that seemed to come from everywhere at once. I tried to shift slightly, wincing as a sharp pain shot through my side. My eyes fluttered open, the harsh overhead lights making me squint. The room was a blur of white walls and medical equipment. It took me a moment to remember where I was and what had happened—the accident, the lorry, the crash. As my vision cleared, I noticed a familiar figure standing at the foot of my bed. My mother. For a moment, a flicker of hope sparked within me. Maybe she had come to apologize, to show some semblance of care. But the look in her eyes was cold, calculating, devoid of any warmth. She approached the bed, her steps deliberate and slow. My heart pounded in my chest, the beeping of the monitor quickening in respons