I wake up to the sound of rain.
For a moment, I think I'm still dreaming. The soft drops hit the window, the air feels warm, and everything around me looks strange.
I sit up quickly. The walls are pink, not white like my apartment. The bed, the curtains, and the smell are all different. My heart starts to race.
Then I see it. My old nightdress. The one I wore years ago.
I grab my phone from the table beside me. It's not the one I used before; it's an older model. My hands shake as I turn it on.
The date says two years ago.
I drop the phone. My breath catches in my throat. "No," I whisper. "That can't be right."
I run to the mirror. The face staring back at me is younger. No tired eyes. No scars. I touch my skin, my hair, my lips.
"I'm… back?"
The memories rush in at the wedding, the lies, Adrian's cold eyes, Isabella's fake tears, the pain that ended it all.
And now, somehow, I'm here again. Before it all happened.
For a moment, I can't move. My legs feel weak, my heart heavy. Then a thought comes to me, maybe this is my second chance.
I remember the words I said that night: If I ever get another chance, I'll make them pay.
Maybe someone heard me. Maybe fate did.
I take a deep breath. The fear starts to fade. The pain turns into something cold, clearer.
If I really went back, I could stop everything before it happens. I know the lies. I know who will betray me. And I know how it all ends.
Not this time.
I walk to the window and pull the curtains open. The city outside is alive again, shining under the morning rain. It feels like the world is giving me a warning, maybe a test.
"I won't waste this chance," I whisper.
My phone buzzes. It's a message from Isabella.
Isabella: Morning, sis! Don't forget dinner tonight. Adrian will be there!
I almost laugh. Dinner. The same dinner where she first met him was the start of everything that destroyed me.
I type slowly, smiling to myself.
Emma: I'll be there.
She has no idea what's coming.
All day, I plan in silence. I remember the deals my father made with Adrian's company. I remember the meetings, the secrets, the way Isabella played innocent while stabbing me in the back.
This time, I'll use every move they once used on me.
When evening comes, I get dressed. No fancy gown, no bright colors. Just a simple black dress that makes me look calm and sharp.
When I arrive at the restaurant, Isabella hugs me. "You look lovely, sister," she says sweetly.
"You too," I reply with a smile.
Adrian is already there, talking to my father. His voice is deep, his posture confident. I remember how much I loved that once. Now I just watch him carefully.
He looks at me for a moment. His eyes are calm but curious, as if trying to read me. Back then, I would've looked away shyly. But now, I meet his gaze and don't blink.
He's the same man who once broke me. But he doesn't know that yet.
During dinner, Isabella talks too much, laughing at everything he says. I stay quiet, watching, learning, remembering.
When the dinner ends, Adrian turns to me. "It was nice seeing you again, Miss Blackwood."
I shake his hand and smile softly. "It was nice seeing you,u too, Mr. Blackwood. I hope we meet again soon."
He looks slightly surprised, as if he didn't expect that tone. I turn away before he can say anything more.
On the drive home, Isabella talks nonstop. "He's amazing, isn't he? I think he likes me already!"
I stare out the window and hide my smile.
You have no idea, Isabella. Not this time.
When I get home, the rain has stopped. The air feels clean, new.
I walk to the window and look out at the city lights. My reflection in the glass looks calm now. Not broken. Not weak.
"They ruined me once," I whisper. "Now I'll ruin their lies."
This time, I won't cry. I won't beg. I won't let them win.
This time, I'll control the game.
The clock strikes midnight. The new day begins.
So does my revenge.