Chapter One

The room reverberated with the sound of a forceful slap.

The intense pain brought Kathy abruptly back to reality. Just moments ago, she had been engulfed in the despair of facing death, but now she found herself gazing up at Xavier standing before her.

Xavier's handsome features were contorted with anger, and he exhibited no mercy as his hand connected with her cheek.

"Kathy, you've crossed a line! How could you be so cruel?"

At that moment, Alexia, who lay weakly on the hospital bed, managed to sit up. Her hand was swathed in thick bandages, and she spoke softly, "Xavier, it's not her fault. It was my fault. I accidentally fell. Please don't blame her."

As she uttered those words, tears welled up in her eyes, accentuating her already pallid face and evoking a sense of sympathy.

 

Xavier felt a sharp pang of anguish.

"Alexia, don't defend her. I witnessed everything clearly. It was this malicious woman who pushed you down the stairs!"

He turned his gaze towards Kathy, his eyes filled with contempt as if she were a despicable creature.

"Apologize immediately!"

Kathy finally regained her composure and surveyed the familiar scene before her. A complex whirlwind of emotions engulfed her. She had died, brutally murdered by a criminal, and yet, unexpectedly, she found herself back at this crucial juncture in her life.

Over the past two years, Kathy and Xavier had shared a harmonious relationship, until Alexia entered the picture and everything changed. Kathy only discovered that she was merely a substitute for Xavier's first love, his "Freesias in spring." Xavier pursued her solely for her physical attractiveness and the faint resemblance she bore to Alexia.

"Apologize?" Kathy sneered, a cold and melancholic smile gracing her lips. The sunlight filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow upon her face, accentuating her vivid presence. 

Xavier was taken aback, his heart wavering. They had been together for two years, and it was impossible not to feel something. "Don't be foolish. If you apologize, Alexia won't hold it against you."

Meanwhile, Kathy sat on the bed, her hands gripping the sheets tightly, her teeth clenched. Xavier had softened once again. How could he do this?!

Kathy pursed her lips, her petite face exuding an icy demeanor. She raised her hand and delivered a resounding slap to Xavier's cheek.

"Apologize? Dream on! You're a worthless man. We're through." With her head held high, fueled by anger, she stormed away in her high heels.

 

Xavier shielded his face, his mind still reeling in disbelief. The fact that Kathy, who had always been compliant with his wishes, had just slapped him was unfathomable. Anger surged within him, compelling him to give chase.

"Xavier... I'm in pain," Alexia called out suddenly, halting his steps.

He halted abruptly and swiftly retraced his path, returning to her bedside. He carefully examined her injured hand. After all these years, she remained unchanged, her beauty and gentility evoking uncontrollable tremors in his heart.

"How does it feel? Is the pain unbearable? I'll call the doctor," Xavier murmured softly, his voice tinged with concern.

 

Alexia shook her head. "Xavier, there's no need to call the doctor. Just having you by my side like this eases the pain."

He gazed into the shimmering light of her eyes, his heart skipping a beat. Unable to resist, he gently embraced her. As she nestled against his chest, a triumphant glimmer flickered in her eyes. She knew that even after all these years, Xavier still cherished her deep within his heart.

Meanwhile, Kathy strolled down the street, her countenance somber, yet her heart surprisingly light, as if a burden had been lifted. In her previous life, at this very moment, she had caused a scene at the hospital, but Xavier had refused to listen to her explanations, resorting to cruel and hurtful words to humiliate her.

 

The following day...

Xavier furrowed his brow, casting quick glances at his phone multiple times. The signal was strong, and the battery was fully charged. Why hadn't Kathy called to offer her apology yet?!

This thought made him purse his lips, a flicker of anger crossing his face. Even if she were to kneel down and apologize, he wouldn't easily forgive her.

Later that afternoon, the weekly meeting at the Havard Corp commenced.

Seated at the far end of the table, Xavier grimaced as he observed several vacant chairs.

"Where is Kathy? Summon her to the conference room for the meeting!" he bellowed.

 

Even in the midst of a temper tantrum, there had to be limits. A surge of intense disgust welled up within Xavier's heart. The administrative staff at the lower end of the hierarchy exchanged glances, and someone cautiously spoke up:

"Sir... Miss Kathy has tendered her resignation."

Xavier's eyes widened, and he forcefully slammed his clenched fist onto the table.

"What?!"

His countenance grew unpredictable, contorted by a grotesque grimace.

The employees continued to share the unsettling news:

"Not only did she resign, but Mrs. Bridgette, Mr. Ian, and Mr. Tristan as well..."

Xavier abruptly pounded the table and shouted, "Enough!"

His face turned terrifyingly dark, never anticipating that they would have the audacity to make such decisions behind his back.

 

Moreover, they were all integral pillars of the company. Their sudden departure would undoubtedly have a daunting impact on the organization.

With their absence, the meeting could no longer proceed. After venting his anger, Xavier adjourned the gathering and retreated to his office.

He loosened his collar, his anger reaching its peak. 

Xavier swiftly unlocked his phone and dialed Kathy's number, only to be met with the busy tone, indicating that he had been blocked.

Infuriated, he hurled the phone against the wall, shattering it upon impact.

Soon after, a gentle knock resounded on his office door.

"Come in!"

The door creaked open, revealing Alexia peering inside, dressed in a pristine white gown. She expressed her concern as she inquired, "Xavier, what's wrong? Did I interrupt something?"

Upon seeing Alexia, his countenance softened ever so slightly.

 

"You shouldn't be here, Alexia. You're hurt. You should get some rest." 

She smiled sweetly. 

"It's merely a minor bruise, Xavier. I've come to clarify matters with Kathy. I don't wish to be the cause of your argument."

His anger intensified when Kathy's name was mentioned.

"Do not make excuses for her. That bitch does not deserve your explanation. I was foolish to believe she was as kind as you."

Alexia felt satisfied. She hadn't anticipated that such a simple ploy would yield the desired outcome. Although Kathy's response was unforeseen, Alexia assumed she was merely attempting to maintain composure. Who knows where she is now, consumed by regret for her actions. But why should she care? As long as the desired result is achieved.

"Xavier, please don't be upset. Once I explain things to Kathy, she will surely understand," Alexia said with genuine concern.

 

"What's there to explain? It's her fault in the first place. Please, don't worry. I will make her apologize," Xavier hissed with a grim face.

Alexia's heart skipped a beat. What did he mean? Does Xavier still not want to break up with Kathy? How could this be?! She rubbed her hands nervously. 

"Um.."

Xavier embraced her tightly without hesitation.

"I'll take you to the hospital," he stated. 

Resting against his chest, Alexia observed his anxious expression. A sense of contentment filled her heart. She realized that no matter how much time had passed, his love for her remained unwavering.

Who would have predicted that he would establish his own company and rise to prominence in Stanton City? If it weren't for his disadvantaged family background in the past, Alexia would not have ended their relationship long ago.

Fortunately, it was not too late now. With this realization, a faint smile graced her lips. She was resolute in her determination to reclaim Xavier's affections, regardless of the repercussions. 

'No matter what it costs...'