I woke up in a hospital ward. There was an IV in my hand. I looked with empty eyes at the ceiling, remembering what happened. Firstly, I was tortured day and night. Secondly, a woman looking almost like me told me some fairytale about reliving my life. Of course, I totally didn't believe her words and gave my consent because I thought I was in delirium. However, before I realised what was going on, I was back in the past a year before my life was ruined—the d*mned banquet night when my attraction to Leonardo started. During it, I tried my best to preserve my image on the surface, but my emotions were in a mess.
Thankfully, being in the hospital allowed me to reflect on everything until now calmly. If this really were my second chance, I would use it to the fullest. For instance, if I was correct, this time in my past life was crucial. Back then, I chose to stay in Scotland with my dad because his collaboration with Leonardo would take months. I thought it was a great chance to become close to the man I would fall in love with.
During that period, I only liked him superficially. He was intelligent, charming and masculine. Conversations with him were never dull, and he had such a cute side to himself; he rarely showed it, which in result evoked the desire to spoil him.
Everything went smoothly until half a year ago when he became cold, and I was already in love. I didn't realise how much I treasured the moments when he treated me wholeheartedly and shared his worries with me. So, when he stopped, I wanted all that back. I wanted again to be close with each other, to be able to rely on him and he on me. However, things would never become the same. He went to Italy and never contacted me. I followed him like a total love-struck fool, asking what the reason was for acting so distant. He answered me blandly there was not such a thing as he never considered himself being close to me. I was shaken. My feelings weren't reciprocated. It was just courtesy from his side.
Nevertheless, I didn't think of giving up. I was going to make him fall in love with me. Little did I know that love couldn't be forced. But, with all naivety, I lived in the illusion that if I try hard enough to show him how sincere I am, how I care for him, he will return my feelings. I chuckled to myself. What an idiot I was? During my reminiscences, the door opened, and my parents entered. They looked anxious. I felt a pang of regret in my heart.
''I'm sorry I made you worry.'' My mother shook her head at my words, telling me amiably.
''Sweetie, don't beat yourself up. Of course, as your parents, we should care for your health.''
''Yes, dear. Come on, say to mummy and daddy what happened to you. You looked fine the whole evening.''
''Maybe is low blood pressure.'' Suddenly the door opened, and the family doctor walked in. He greeted us politely and looked at me quizzically.
''Miss MacCarner, the results of your tests are out. Everything looks fine except the level of acetylcholine. This is a chemical that functions in the brain and usually is realised when one sees blood. A person goes through psychological shock, and the end result often is fainting. Did something stressful happen recently?''
Three pairs of eyes glued themselves to my face expecting my next words. I swallowed nervously.
''I don't remember such a thing.'' I answered weakly, and the doctor raised his brows astonished.'' I didn't see blood.'' I tried not to think about what happened the day before. There was lots of blood. My body was soaked in it.
''Doctor Reed, doesn't she look pale?'' My mum asked.
''I'm fine. I only need some more rest.'' I lied smoothly.
''Well, your daughter is physically fine. She needn't stary at the hospital and can recuperate at home. But, I'm a little bit worried about her psychological condition. If she had been through anything traumatic, she could have psychological shock again if triggered.'' My parents looked at each other and waited for the doctor to close the door.
''Luo, do you hide something from us?'' My mother asked suspiciously.
''No. I don't know what happened. Honestly. But I will be fine.'' The indisputable fact was that mothers know their children better, so my mum didn't truly believe me. However, nothing happened to me this period of time in the past, and she couldn't guess what could've hurt me. The next second, her phone rang. Her brows creased unpleasingly, as the caller wasn't a person she fancied.
''What do you want?'' She spoke in Chinese, which surprised both dad and me. After that, I calmed down, guessing who might've been. ''You can no more order me around as you please. Don't you forget that you disowned me?'' She sneered coldly. A few seconds later, her face became pale. ''I'll ask her, but if she refuses, you won't use your dirty tricks on her or me.'' She hanged the phone and searched for my dad's gaze, which was solemn.
''What does your father want?'' He asked, not masking his displeasure.
''He wants Luo and me to go to China. My nephew is getting engaged.''
''I want to go.'' Last time in the other timeline, when my mother went to China, I refused to accompany her. I didn't know I would never have a chance to see her again. Something happened that forced my mother to never come back to Scotland until my kidnapping.
''Luo, better stay with your dad. Your grandfather is strict and stern. His family hardly get along with him. And you are such a sensitive girl. I don't want you to be hurt by his words and actions.'' She was distraught. I felt like she hid something she didn't want to be known from me.
''Don't worry. Nothing bad will happen. Besides, I want to visit my cousin. It's been thirteen years. I'm curious what person he is.'' This wasn't the truth. Right now, I wasn't interested in him. All I wanted was to be far away from Scotland and Leonardo. He would be here for six months working with my dad. Previously, during that time, I became friends with him. Well, I thought we were. However, this time I would go to China. The doctor's words repeated in my head. I had a traumatic experience. I was beaten, then travelled back in time. Something in my mind definitely changed. I needed to figure out how severe it was. And how deep I was wounded.
City D*, Fújiàn Province, China The sun was warm and bright high in the sky. My skin absorbed its rays. The ocean water glistered like a million diamonds. I watched absent-minded the foam formed near the shore. My body was sluggish. A few more minutes, and I would fall into a deep slumber. Anticipating this, I closed my eyes, ready for a dreamless rest. This was the only way I could sleep. A week ago, when I came to China, I realised I could not sleep at night. I had constant nightmares where I screamed and begged while my bones were breaking. There was a demon with Xavier's face with hellish eyes and scalpel in hand. I woke up in cold sweat and with a shaking body. After this happened for three days in a row, I was afraid of falling asleep. Intentionally, I stayed awake for two whole days before I felt my eyes were unable to stay open anymore. Exhausted, I slept for fourteen hours. My mom was worried about me. She constantly asked how I felt and even offered a psychologist's help. S
Evening came fast. I yawned leisurely, watching the city lights from the car's window. They were so blinding it hurt. I closed my eyes, but the drowsiness immediately attacked my body. God, I didn't sleep since yesterday afternoon. Even though I knew, I could stay awake a while longer, but my brain wouldn't be in its best condition.''Xiao Luo, you won't fall asleep in the club, will you?'' Yan Si asked worriedly. I looked at him disdainfully.''Now, you are afraid. You should have let me sleep on the beach instead of pestering me the whole time.''''But the human body is meant to sleep during the night and work during the day. It's unhealthy to switch your sleeping regime.'' He said righteously.''Did you know about people called night owls? Or you live under a rock?''''These are exceptions. Plus, these people don't stay up the whole night. They go to sleep after midnight. Not like you, who wander like a ghost in the mansion until sunrise and dur
The next evening, the whole family sat together to have a meal. I was a bit under the weather due to my lack of sleep, and grumpy observed the family members from my maternal side. Grandfather was the Yan family's head and my uncle, followed by Yan Si, his successors. My mother was his only daughter, and she didn't get along with her father. If it wasn't for my cousin's engagement, I doubt I would ever have the opportunity to see them face to face again. The reason for their animosity was my father. Not only he wasn't the chosen spouse from grandfather, but he was even a foreigner. This displeased the old tyrant so much he found a way to estrange their relationship. With lies, manipulation and threats, he forced my mother to come back to China from Scotland, where she studied as an exchange student. Once in his hands, he never let her leave. My father was deceived that mom married someone else and never knew he had a daughter until I was ten. Then they got together thanks to my uncle.
The seaside manor was prepared for tonight celebration. There was still an hour before the first guests arrived. I was watching the servants making arrangements on the beach from my room on the second floor. Today the weather was so pleasant. It wasn't warm nor cool—just my favourite type. I suppressed a yawn hoping I wouldn't fall asleep during dinner. I hadn't slept since yesterday afternoon. Maybe I needed to drink another cup of coffee. I made my move to the first floor, where the kitchen was. I didn't want to interrupt the servants, so I was going to make it myself. The manor wasn't as spacious as other people's manors living in this private residential area; however, it was the most beautiful. The combination of traditional and modern Eastern exterior made it look grand, royal, elegant and sophisticated. The interior was inspired by the West, which brought a unique, relaxing charm. Two cultures were combined harmonically. I remember when I was a child, how much I loved playing
Even if I were struck by lightning, I wouldn't be as shell-shocked as I was. His dark eyes had the intensity of a beast going to swallow its prey whole. His predatory look made me tremble. And his statement that he wouldn't let me escape…I could swear I had never in my two timelines met that person. His fierce countenance, combined with his absurd statement, scared me in no joking manner. ''There must be a misunderstanding. I never had the opportunity to be acquainted with you.'' I tried to be polite and pleasant as possible. Despite that, there was a scornful grimace on his face. ''Hell, if I knew what talented actress you are.'' He chuckled suddenly. ''Do you honestly think I will believe your pretence? You might have plastic surgeries and changed the colour of your eyes; however, I can never mistake the person who you truly are.'' Well, obviously, you could. Without a doubt, he knew a woman closely resembling me and was adamant about treating me like her. In this vast world with s
The serenity of the night was in stark contrast with my emotions. My blood boiled in my veins, and I couldn't conceal the wrath in my eyes. I must have scared Yan Si because the look on his face was wary.''Tang jie, what happened? Why do you look like you are planning someone's murder?'' He asked in a shrill voice, throwing me a suspicious look. I narrowed my eyes at him and repeated coldly.''Come and see what I am talking about.'' Slowly with uncertainty, he closed the door, and soon his body leaned over my shoulder.'' I don't think it is a good idea to check father's laptop.''''Read first and comment later.'' I cut him off, and he looked at me with a hurtful expression. I didn't pay attention to him too immersed in my thoughts. What to do with this knowledge?''What the bloody hell is this?'' His loud exclamation took me out from my reverie, and as a result, I jumped in scared in my chair.''Are you trying to get me diabetes, stupid? M
A few hours later, there was a loud commotion in the hallway outside my room. Slowly, I opened my eyes, listening to the loud voice of Yan Si's mother. The words were a little bit unclear due to the thick walls, but I could grasp the conversation's meaning. Or the monologue, to be exact. Han Wei was urging Yan Si to wake up, and knowing how he slept like a bear in hibernation period; I could guess she found the task excruciating. I got up from my bed and came closer to the door. Normally, I wasn't a nosy, gossiping person. However, I couldn't stop wondering why Han Wei was so nervous. Her voice was laced with panic, and she sounded almost hysterical.I switched the lights off, which I used to doze off until morning, and looked outside. Only my eye was visible. Han Wei was standing at the doorstep, stomping with her foot. From her profile, I could see she was red with anger and worry.''Yan Si, I order you, get up right now, or I will beat you until your ass is red! I d
Early in the morning, the private plane set off from China to Italy. The flight was long, and I had nothing to do. Last night I tried to sleep in set on lights, but Han Wei disturbed me. Since then, I counted many sheep. Alas, it was futile. So I thought I would have the chance to rest during the flight. ''Luo Luo, we didn't have much time to talk yesterday.'' It was Xi An's voice. At the engagement party last night, we only had time to nod at each other. There were so many guests and friends of both families, and Yan Si and Xi An, together with their parents and family heads, had to pay attention to them. My mother and I were left to the side, but mom had old acquaintances in China, so she wasn't left alone, and I…well, I preferred being bored than speaking nonsense. Besides, I hated hypocrites, and most of the people there were like this. ''Well, we can make up for that until we land in Venice.'' I smiled gently, not too sad for my wasted opportunity to sleep, and not long after, w
The morning air was crisp and fresh. The sun was shining brightly, and its warmth gently caressed my skin. I was lying on the concrete next to the pool in the yard of Leonardo’s two-story house. My eyes were closed, and I was exuding an air of tranquillity. Or at least I hoped my pretense was believable enough for the security guard whose eyes were glaring at me with murderous intent. I wish I could sigh, but that would give me away. Honestly, at this point, the constant threats to my life felt like an annoying chore I had to constantly deal with. A normal person would be scared, constantly on edge, looking behind their back to make sure there isn’t a crazy personal hitman or a mentally unstable woman trying to end them, but maybe because I died once, I became a bit indifferent. Or maybe my indifference was a result of me going cuckoo. Whichever one it was, I was too lazy to give a sh*t.The security guard looked around for the fifth time during the last ten minutes. No, not because h
Trigger warning, panic attack, suicide, ptsd 1 month later, Valetta, Malta I raised my hands wrapped in boxing gloves and tried to relax my shoulders. They shouldn’t be stiff or too high. That would make my belly vulnerable. I put my right leg forward and crouched a little just enough to easy to avoid an attack coming to my face. I looked at the man standing opposite me and once his eyes met mine, I tried to hit him with my right fist. He blocked it as always, but it didn’t’ mean it will stop me from trying to punch him again and again. When I tried to hit him for the fourth time, he raised his fist so quickly I couldn’t even see it before I felt pain on the left side of my head. I staggered backward and shook my head like a wet dog. ‘’ I told you to be careful when you attack because you leave your guard open.’’ Leo’s voice was even and unbothered. On the other hand, I was already breathing with difficulties. ‘’Don’t focus only on attacking. You need to prot
For the first time in a long while, I felt some semblance of satisfaction. Was it because Leonardo, the man I used to love so much without being reciprocated, was standing in front of me? No, definitely, not. It was because of the fear in the eyes of the woman who ordered my death and almost succeeded in taking my life. Her skin was as white as a sheet of paper, and her dark eyes were round with dread. Did I look like that when Xavier took a picture of me and sent it to her? Did she feel the same thing as me now? If the answer was yes, I could truthfully say that I understood her. I sincerely understood why she enjoyed watching the person she hated suffering. My gaze full of malice was promising endless pain if I got the chance to get near her. Noticing the promise in my eyes, she quickly hid behind Xavier. As always. God, I just wanted to see her alone without the protection of her dog. I clenched my jaw, sensing my boiling anger but then forced myself to calm down. I wante
“All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day.” Never in my life did I believe there would be a day when a quote from a comic would relate so closely to me. But recently, I started feeling that the bad days in my life are far more than the good. I was so tired of fighting to keep my sanity. To fight to stay afloat of the sea of misery that was pulling me to its depths with every passing day. I didn’t think I had more strength to swim. I gave up.I looked at the woman kidnapped and wanted to torture me for some unknown reason. Earlier I tied her wrist and ankles with the same rope she tied me before breaking free. My eyes found hers, and I noticed the slight trembling of her body. Her nostrils flared because of her heavy breathing, probably caused by her fear. Yes. It wasn’t funny to be let at the mercy of other people. But I was curious. Did I also look that pathetic
When I was left alone, I used the time to go to the bathroom and pull the lid of the toilet bowl. There I sat in for a while, not thinking about anything. I watched the white door blinking and not letting any thought or emotion in my head. For the first time in a while, I felt some semblance of peace. Why was my life like that? In the beginning, I blamed Leonardo and Bianca. But now? After this hallucination, I didn’t know what to think. Was what I saw something created by my stressed subconsciousness? It was possible, but it couldn’t explain the familiarity I felt. I had that feeling of being aware of it at some point but forgetting about it.However, I couldn’t accept the other option. I wasn’t strong enough mentally to do it at this point. So, for now, I would just bury my head in the sand and believe it was a bad dream caused by the constant stress I lived in. I went to wash my hands, and while doing so, the door opened, and another woman came in.
The door opened to a spacious hall bearing an ancient ambience. I blinked confusedly, wondering what was happening. Many people were inside wearing traditional Chinese clothes, their gazes pointing expectantly at the place where I was standing. Just a moment ago, the make–up artist was preparing me for the interview, and now suddenly, I was on some set for an ancient drama tv-series together with many other unknown people. I must be dreaming. But, normally, people didn’t realise they were dreaming while I was keenly aware that what I see wasn’t real. Then my body started moving on its own accord, making everything even more surreal. My back was as straight as an arrow, my head held high and my breathing steady. But deep inside, I was feeling anxious. Why was I moving without wanting it? I felt like a marionette. I tried to move my head around and better look at the environment, but it was impossible. The only thing I could see was the red hem of my clothes and t
On the next day was the interview which Kang Xianliang and I had to give in front of the press to dispel the rumours of my ‘’affair’’. I woke up tired with no will to live as always, but this time there was an additional reason for my lack of good rest, which didn’t include my nightmares. I was mostly tossing all night, feeling that something unpleasant is about to happen. However, I tried to be positive and just ignore it. While I had my breakfast at Xianliang’s kitchen, I was reading the file he sent me yesterday about the woman who hated me enough to try to tarnish my reputation.To be honest, there wasn’t anything interesting about her. She was an actress who tried for years to become popular and successful, but unfortunately, her acting skills were lacking, and all the movies she starred in were criticised for her performance. Maybe, because she could not achieve her dream, she became a cruel and wicked person who wanted to vent
A hand crept on my back, slowly caressing it, making my hairs stood on ends. My heart started palpitating, and I wanted to step away from that burning tip which I felt was getting closer and closer. However, the moment I tried to move away, the grip on my waist got stronger, and he pulled me even closer, making our bodies touch without even a gap. I put my hands on his shoulders, keeping my face away from him. ‘’What are you doing?’’ I asked, irritated, trying to hide my nervousness caused by our closeness. ‘’You are going to burn me.’’ ‘’It won’t be that bad. It will hurt at the beginning but eventually, you will get better.’’ I blinked a few times, astonished at what he had just said. During the time we spent together, I realised that this man had some really black and twisted sense of humour. So, I knew right now he wasn't serious. But, there was one problem. One moment he was joking, and the other, he was serious, doing exactly what he had been joking about. Seei
The name of the woman who supposedly was behind this whole ordeal didn’t invoke any memories in me. For the sake of my life, I couldn’t remember if I had ever met her, nor could I think of a situation where my actions could directly or indirectly implicate her. We didn’t have common friends or acquaintances. So, why the bloody hell did she do this? But maybe, it wasn’t because of me. Maybe it was because she had a history with somebody close to me and was using me as a revenge tool. However, I could hardly think of a person here in China who cared so much about me they could get upset if I was hurt. While I was thinking about this, I arrived at Kang Xianliang’s mansion. When the butler let me in, I hurried to his office wanting to ask if he knew that woman by some chance. However, I only made one step when the butler’s hand stopped me on my way to the stairs. ‘’Young Master isn’t in a very good mood today. Be careful not to worsen it.’’ My eyebrows furrowed a