Chapter 2: The Engagement She Refused
Lianna stared at the engagement ring resting inside the velvet box.
In her past life, this ring had been her dream.
Now, it looked like a shackle.
"You should be happy."
Her aunt's voice echoed from behind her, sharp and impatient. "The Blackwood family doesn't propose twice. Lucien Blackwood chose you. Do you know what that means?"
Lianna knew.
It meant power. Protection. Wealth beyond imagination.
And a death sentence wrapped in diamonds.
She slowly closed the box, her fingers steady—far steadier than she felt inside.
"Aunt," Lianna said softly, "I won't accept it."
Silence slammed into the room.
Her aunt turned, eyes wide in disbelief. "What did you just say?"
"I said no."
The word felt intoxicating.
In her previous life, she had nodded obediently, afraid to lose everything. Afraid of disappointing others. Afraid of standing alone.
But fear had killed her once.
She wouldn't let it touch her again.
"You're joking," her aunt scoffed. "This is Lucien Blackwood we're talking about."
As if summoned by his name, the air in the room shifted.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
Lianna's heartbeat skipped.
Slow, deliberate footsteps approached from the doorway.
She didn't need to turn around to know who it was.
Lucien Blackwood.
The man who ruled both the underworld and the boardroom. Tall, broad-shouldered, his presence alone was enough to suffocate a room. His sharp gaze landed on her back like a loaded gun.
"Explain," he said coldly.
Lianna turned.
Their eyes met.
For a fraction of a second, something flickered in his gaze—surprise.
In her past life, she would have lowered her eyes immediately.
This time, she didn't.
"I'm refusing the engagement," she said calmly.
Her aunt gasped. "Lianna!"
Lucien's lips curved slightly—not in amusement, but interest.
"Give me a reason."
Lianna smiled faintly. "Because I don't love you."
The room froze.
No one had ever spoken to Lucien Blackwood like that.
A dangerous silence followed.
Lucien stepped closer, towering over her. His shadow swallowed her whole.
"You didn't say that yesterday," he murmured.
Yesterday.
Before she died.
Lianna met his gaze without flinching. "People change."
For the first time, Lucien studied her—not as a fiancée, not as a pawn, but as a mystery.
"You're making a mistake," he said.
She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I already lived that mistake once."
Lucien's eyes darkened.
Something shifted—slow, sharp, irreversible.
"Interesting," he said quietly. "Run if you want, Lianna."
His gaze locked onto hers, possessive and dangerous.
"I always reclaim what's mine."
Lianna's heart pounded—but she turned away anyway.
This time, she didn't look back.
She didn't see the way Lucien watched her leave.
Or the way his fingers tightened slowly at his side.
Because the game had already begun.