Ch. 02: Turning Point
840 Words
While recalling everything she had experienced,
Claire suddenly realized something-
The memories of that body...
Came with her.
"Oh my God..."
"Did the system forget to erase them? Or... is this part of my reward?"
Her fingers curled slightly.
She knew exactly how valuable those memories were.
It was like living another life.
Another identity.
Another set of experiences-along with every skill the original owner had mastered.
Even just one of those skills would be enough to change her life.
So what more if she had all of them?
Claire let out a quiet breath.
I really hit the jackpot this time...
After a while, she began sorting through her thoughts.
Carefully.
Logically.
She knew-
Every decision she made from now on would create what people called a butterfly effect.
If she followed the same path as before...
Everything would repeat.
And today-
Was the turning point.
"Oh..."
"The system really chose the perfect moment for me to start over."
In her previous life, she and Drake had a small argument.
They were supposed to reconcile.
And after that-
She would agree to marry him.
Today...
Was meant to be their engagement day.
A year later, they got married.
Both sides had minor issues, so they postponed the wedding.
Her parents were abroad for business.
Drake was focused on building his career.
Even after getting engaged-
Nothing happened between them.
Drake said he respected her.
And she... agreed.
She wanted to save everything for their wedding night.
At that time-
She thought nothing was wrong.
But now-
That was what she regretted the most.
She buried herself in wedding preparations.
While Drake buried himself in work.
Until the wedding finally came.
Everything was perfect.
After the ceremony, they flew to Switzerland.
It was her choice.
She had always dreamed of living in the countryside-
Surrounded by beautiful scenery,
With the person she loved.
What a perfect picture...
They planned to stay in a hotel for two days,
Then move to a countryside cabin she had rented for a week.
Everything was flawless.
Too flawless.
They arrived late that night.
A simple meal.
A quiet walk.
Then-
Their hotel room.
It was their wedding night.
She had imagined it countless times.
A sacred moment.
A beautiful beginning.
She was excited.
Nervous.
Even worried about the pain.
Standing in the bathroom, she wrapped herself in a bathrobe.
When she stepped out-
Her face was flushed.
Drake stood there.
Hair is still damp.
Wearing only boxer shorts.
"Hubby..."
she called softly, stepping closer.
His expression changed.
Tension. Desire.
Something unfamiliar flickered in his eyes.
He pulled her into his arms.
Clumsy-but eager.
That moment...
She had dreamed of it so many times.
But reality-
Was different.
An hour later-
Claire stared at the ceiling, dazed.
Something felt... off.
Drake turned away awkwardly.
"I'll go to the bathroom," she murmured.
Inside, she looked at herself in the mirror.
Still flushed.
Still confused.
She didn't understand.
Drake was tall.
Fit.
Well-built.
But somehow-
Things didn't match her expectations.
She sighed softly.
It's already done...
We're married.
The following days passed quickly.
One week later-
Claire sat alone at a bar.
A newlywed.
Drinking.
They had argued that morning.
A small issue.
But somehow-
It felt suffocating.
After a few drinks, she left.
Her house was only a kilometer away.
But before she could even get far-
Crash.
A car hit hers from behind.
Her head slammed against the steering wheel.
Her vision blurred.
A voice echoed faintly beside her.
Panicked.
Urgent.
"Don't sleep... stay with me..."
She tried to open her eyes.
But everything felt too heavy.
The voice stayed with her-
Until darkness swallowed everything.
And when she opened her eyes again-
She was no longer herself.
She had become Claire-
The heroine of the book.
Knock. Knock.
The sound pulled her back to reality.
Claire exhaled slowly and walked toward the door.
When she opened it-
A strong arm suddenly rested on her shoulder.
She froze.
That familiar presence-
She looked up.
Of course.
Alexander Moore.
Her brother's best friend.
He lived directly across from her unit.
While her brother stayed next door.
After graduation, her brother had wanted to move out.
But their parents refused-
Since Claire was still studying at the time.
Now that she has graduated-
He brought it up again.
Coincidentally,
The neighboring unit went up for sale.
So he bought it.
Now-
They were all living on the same floor.
Too close...
"What are you doing here?"
"My brother lives next door."
Alex smiled casually.
"I know. I'm here to see you."
His gaze lingered on her.
Longer than usual.
Something felt different.
Even standing this close-
She felt... distant.
Is it because she loved someone else?
The thought unsettled him.
Was coming back the right choice?
"Come in first," Claire said.
"You look upset. Did you and your boyfriend have a fight?"
He said it lightly.
But his eyes were sharp.
Observant.
Claire frowned slightly.
"Why are you so interested in someone else's private life?"
He chuckled.
- Writer
