Chapter 1: Rebirth
Xiao Rou's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with an unfamiliar ceiling. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear the haze from her mind. Where was she? This wasn't her bedroom. The memories came flooding back, and she sat up with a start. She was back. She had traveled back in time.
She looked around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. This was her home, but it was years ago. Her kids were young, and her relationship with Jian was... complicated. Xiao Rou's gaze fell on the bedside table, where a photo of her and Jian's twins, Ming and Li, sat. They were so innocent, so full of life. Her heart twisted with a mix of emotions.
As she swung her legs over the side of the bed, Xiao Rou's feet dangled in the air. She felt a sense of unease, like she was floating on a cloud. She had so much to make up for, so much to change. But where to start?
Xiao Rou stood up, her eyes scanning the room. Everything was just as she remembered it. The luxurious furniture, the lavish decorations, it all seemed so... empty. She walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, letting the sunlight flood in. The bright light illuminated the room, and she felt a sense of hope.
She thought back to her past life, to all the mistakes she had made. She had been so blind, so foolish. But now, she had a chance to change everything. Xiao Rou's eyes narrowed, determination burning within her. She would not make the same mistakes again.
Xiao Rou walked over to the closet and opened it, revealing a rack of designer clothes. She smiled wryly, remembering the countless times she had worn these outfits to Jian's business functions. She had always felt like a trophy, a mere accessory to his wealth and power. But now, she saw things differently.
She began to get dressed, her mind racing with plans and strategies. She would start by rebuilding her relationship with her kids. She would be a better mother, a more loving and supportive one. And Jian... she would work on rebuilding their relationship too. Maybe, just maybe, she could make him see her in a different light.
As she finished getting dressed, Xiao Rou's eyes fell on the clock. It was time for the kids' breakfast. She smiled, feeling a sense of purpose. She would start her new life now, one step at a time.
Xiao Rou walked out of the bedroom and made her way to the kitchen. The nanny, Ah-Li, was already preparing breakfast for the kids. Xiao Rou's eyes lit up as she saw Ming and Li sitting at the table, their eyes fixed on their tablets.
"Good morning, Ah-Li," Xiao Rou said, trying to sound cheerful.
Ah-Li turned around, a look of surprise on her face. "Good morning, Madam. Good morning, Ming, Li."
Ming and Li looked up, their eyes flicking to Xiao Rou before returning to their tablets. Xiao Rou's heart twisted, but she smiled. It would take time, she told herself.
"Good morning, kids," Xiao Rou said, walking over to the table. "How are you guys doing today?"
Ming and Li murmured a response, not looking up from their tablets. Xiao Rou's heart ached, but she refused to give up. She would win their love, no matter what it took.
As Xiao Rou sat down at the table, Ah-Li placed a bowl of steaming hot congee in front of her. The aroma wafted up, and Xiao Rou's stomach growled in response. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until now.
"Thank you, Ah-Li," Xiao Rou said, smiling at the nanny.
Ah-Li smiled back and patted Xiao Rou's hand. "You're welcome, Madam. You need to eat more. You've been working too hard lately."
Xiao Rou nodded, taking a spoonful of congee. It was smooth and creamy, just the way she liked it. She closed her eyes, savoring the taste, and felt a sense of comfort wash over her.
Just then, Ming and Li started arguing over a toy, their voices rising in pitch. Xiao Rou's eyes snapped open, and she sighed inwardly. This was not how she wanted her morning to go.
"Okay, kids, let's not fight," Xiao Rou said, trying to sound calm. "There's enough to share."
But Ming and Li were too caught up in their argument to listen. Xiao Rou's patience began to wear thin. She was about to intervene when Ah-Li stepped in, her voice firm but gentle.
"Okay, kids, that's enough. Let's share and take turns. Ming, you can have the toy first, and then Li can have it."
Ming and Li looked at each other, then back at Ah-Li. After a moment, Ming nodded, and Li smiled. The argument was settled, and the atmosphere at the table returned to normal.
Xiao Rou watched the exchange, feeling a mix of emotions. She was grateful for Ah-Li's help, but she couldn't help feeling a pang of guilt. She should be the one handling these situations, not Ah-Li.
As breakfast came to an end, Xiao Rou stood up, determined to make a change. She would be more involved in her children's lives, more present and supportive. It wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to try.
"Ah-Li, I'll take the kids to school today," Xiao Rou said, making a decision on the spot. "I want to spend some quality time with them."
Ah-Li looked surprised but nodded. "Okay, Madam. I'll get the kids ready."
Xiao Rou smiled, feeling a sense of excitement. This was the start of a new chapter in her life, one where she would prioritize her family and build stronger relationships with the people she loved.
As she watched Ah-Li help the kids get ready, Xiao Rou's mind wandered to Jian. What would he say if he knew she was taking the kids to school? Would he be pleased, or would he object?
Xiao Rou's heart skipped a beat as she heard the sound of the door opening. She knew that sound, that deep, rich voice. Jian was home.
Xiao Rou's heart skipped a beat as she heard Jian's voice, deep and resonant, calling out to her from the living room. She felt a flutter in her chest, a mix of emotions she couldn't quite decipher. It had been a long time since she'd seen him, and she wasn't sure how to react.
"I'll be right there," Xiao Rou replied, trying to sound calm and composed.
She took a deep breath and walked into the living room, her eyes meeting Jian's across the room. He was standing by the window, his back to her, gazing out at the city skyline. The sunlight streaming through the window highlighted his chiseled features, and Xiao Rou felt a pang of attraction. She hadn't forgotten how handsome he was, how charismatic.
As she approached him, Jian turned around, his eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with tension. Xiao Rou felt like she was drowning in the depths of his eyes, unsure of what she saw there.
"Good morning," Jian said finally, his voice neutral, but his eyes betraying a hint of surprise.
"Good morning," Xiao Rou replied, trying to sound casual. "I was just about to take the kids to school."
Jian's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze flicking to the clock on the mantle. "You're taking them to school?" he asked, his tone incredulous.
Xiao Rou nodded, feeling a surge of determination. "Yes, I thought it would be a good opportunity for us to spend some quality time together."
Jian's expression was unreadable, but Xiao Rou could sense his skepticism. She knew he didn't think much of her parenting skills, didn't think she was capable of taking care of the kids on her own. But she was determined to prove him wrong.
"I see," Jian said finally, his voice dripping with disdain. "And what about your schedule? Don't you have any appointments today?"
Xiao Rou felt a pang of irritation at his tone, but she kept her cool. "I've cleared my schedule for the day," she said, her voice sweet. "I want to focus on the kids and our family."
Jian raised an eyebrow, his expression mocking. "How... noble of you."
Xiao Rou's eyes flashed with anger, but she bit back her retort. She knew that reacting to his jibe would only fuel the fire. Instead, she smiled sweetly and turned to the kids.
"Okay, kids, let's get going. We don't want to be late for school."
As they headed out the door, Xiao Rou felt a sense of trepidation. She knew that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. But she was ready. She was ready to fight for her family, for her marriage, and for herself.
As Xiao Rou held the necklace, she felt a sudden jolt of electricity run through her body. It was as if the crystal pendant was calling to her, drawing her in with an otherworldly force.
The shopkeeper smiled, noticing Xiao Rou's fascination with the necklace. "That piece is special," she said. "It's said to bring good fortune and love to the wearer."
Xiao Rou's eyes widened, and she felt a flutter in her chest. Good fortune and love were exactly what she needed. She had been given a second chance at life, and she was determined to make the most of it.
"I'll take it," Xiao Rou said, her voice firm.
The shopkeeper smiled and wrapped the necklace in a velvet box. "You have excellent taste, madam," she said. "That necklace will look stunning on you."
As Xiao Rou paid for the necklace and put it on, she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She couldn't wait to see how her life would change with this new piece of jewelry.
With the necklace safely tucked under her clothes, Xiao Rou left the boutique feeling like a new person. She decided to grab some lunch at a nearby café, enjoying the warm sunshine and fresh air.
As she sipped her coffee and nibbled on a pastry, Xiao Rou couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe this was the start of something new, something good. Maybe she would finally get the happy ending she deserved.
Just as she was lost in her thoughts, Xiao Rou's phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. She hesitated for a moment before answering it.
"Hello?" she said, her voice cautious.
The voice on the other end was low and husky, sending shivers down Xiao Rou's spine. "Xiao Rou, it's been a long time."
Xiao Rou's heart skipped a beat as she recognized the voice. It was a voice she had thought she'd never hear again, a voice that brought back memories she had tried to bury.
"Who is this?" Xiao Rou asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
There was a pause on the other end, and for a moment, Xiao Rou wondered if she had imagined the whole thing. But then, the voice spoke again.
"You know exactly who this is, Xiao Rou. And we need to talk."
Xiao Rou's heart was racing now, her mind reeling with possibilities. Who was on the other end of the line, and what did they want.