The past is changing

~ELENA~

“Remember, Elena, you’re going there to ruin the proposal,” I muttered, letting out a deep sigh as I rubbed my hands together and stared at my reflection in the mirror. For this fancy date, I had picked baggy black jeans and a white T-shirt with the words ‘I Hate Men’ printed boldly. On the previous date, I had worn a white dress, which ended up drenched in red wine, courtesy of my sister, who witnessed the proposal.

When she accompanied me, I thought she was looking out for me, but I quickly realized she was already involved with Owen, and I had no idea. Knowing exactly how the proposal would go, I intended to disrupt it and reject Owen in front of everyone.

“Time to rewrite your destiny,” I told myself, turning away from the mirror and Grabbing my bag from the bed. I closed my eyes and braced myself for what was ahead.

“Elena!” I heard someone shout, and Ariana’s face popped into view. “Hello,” she waved, and the sight of her made my heart skip in fear. It felt as though I had been hit in the gut. Her pale, gaunt face triggered the memory of her watching me fall to my death. My heart raced, and my breath hitched in my throat. For a moment, my vision blurred until I felt her hand on my shoulder.

“Elena,” she waved her hand in front of my face. “Are you alright?”

I couldn’t respond, standing there in shock. This was my sister, the one who had murdered me out of hatred. Looking at her now brought back every painful memory, and I couldn’t stop replaying them in my mind. Her smile made me question how she could have been so heartless.

“Time’s running out for your date. And why on earth are you dressed like that?” she asked, arms folded, her gaze judgmental as I expected.

I frowned, wanting to lash out at her, but I reminded myself this wasn’t the Ariana from five years later who would eventually kill me. “And why are you dressed like it’s your date?” I asked a question I wouldn’t have had the courage to ask. She had made me believe she was on my side in the past, but underneath her fake smile, she hated me.

Trusting her was the biggest mistake of my life, and it cost me dearly.

“Elena!” she called, placing a hand on her forehead. “What on earth are you thinking about? We’re running late for the date with Owen.”

I frowned but kept quiet. At this time, I always allowed her to go on dates with Owen, but I wasn’t changing my mind that day. I wanted to shame them both—the sister I trusted and the man I thought I loved.

“Let’s go,” I said, walking out of my room and into the living area. Something caught my attention: the family portrait on the wall.

Something was different.

When I looked closer, I saw I was now at the center of the picture, where the legitimate daughter had always been. Ariana, who used to occupy that spot, was now in my old position as the illegitimate child. I could hardly believe my eyes.

As I scanned the living room, I noticed the walls were now covered with my pictures, including the one where every member of the family appeared happy. Even my mother's picture was displayed, to my surprise.

“Mum…” I reached toward the image, remembering how I had begged my father to let me have a picture of my mother on the wall, only to be refused. Now, here she was.

I wondered if going back in time would change more than just a few things. I could only hope the changes would be for the better and help me get my revenge faster.

“What are you staring at?” Ariana’s voice cut through my thoughts, pointing at the picture of my mother. “You must miss her deeply.” Once again, she sounded like she cared, but I knew it was part of her act.

“Let’s just go,” I snapped, walking out of the house, relieved I hadn’t run into her mother, Phaedra, who would’ve had something to say about my outfit and how I was bringing shame to the family.

When we reached the car, I spotted the familiar Audi my grandfather had gifted me upon my college graduation and climbed inside. Once we were seated and buckled in, I started the engine and drove off.

“So, are you excited?” Ariana started making conversation about ten minutes into the drive. “I mean, you used to talk about how you were waiting for Owen’s call, but now you seem… off. What’s going on?”

I glanced at my sister for a moment, still trying to process how she could act like this when, in reality, she had killed me. “I guess nothing excites me anymore,” I replied, eyes back on the road.

She sighed. “I don’t understand why you’re dressed like that, knowing Owen doesn’t like it. If Mother had seen you, she’d be upset—”

“Mind your business, Ariana!” I cut her off, focusing on the road. It felt strange to shut her down like that. I had always considered her my sister, but now I realized that behind all her smiles, she was plotting my ruin in the near future.

“No need to get angry,” she said, turning toward the window. “I was only concerned about what Owen might say. But hey, if that’s what you want to wear, go ahead. Oh, by the way, I invited someone to our date.”

That was unexpected; I didn’t remember anyone joining us before. “Someone is coming? Who?”

She chuckled. “He’s the man I hope to marry. Don’t worry, I’ll introduce you today,” she said excitedly. I couldn’t wait to see who this mystery man was because I intended to ruin whatever she had planned.

Now that I had a second chance, she and Owen would pay. “I see,” I replied.

The rest of the drive was silent until we reached the restaurant. My heart thudded loudly, my hands grew clammy, and my thoughts raced as I parked the car. I was about to confront the man I once thought loved me.

“Let’s go,” Ariana said, grabbing my arm and pulling me inside the restaurant. My heart pounded harder, my mind swirling as Ariana asked for our table. I was lost in my thoughts, rehearsing the words I would say to Owen, who still believed I loved him.

Then, I saw him.

I froze. My eyes locked onto the familiar face that had made my life a living hell for years. Owen—the man who had shattered and murdered me stood there, wearing a smug smile that sent shivers down my spine.

My heart raced, my breath caught in my throat, and I was overwhelmed by the memories of how he had pushed me out of that window.

His gaze swept over me as we approached the table, and his lips curled into a sneer. His voice oozed with disdain. “What the hell are you wearing?” Those were the first words out of his mouth.

I forced a smile, aware of the eyes on us. I wasn't shocked by his constant belittling of me in public because he had always been like that, and I had always let him go.

But today, that would end.