Reborn Again To Marry My Enemy's Son

Chapter 2

“Who are you, how do you know my name? Did Carlos send you?” Francesca says, holding the beer can in a fighting stance as if it could protect her. At least I’m not going to go down without a fight, she thinks to herself. “Are you always like this?” the man says his face covered in disbelief and a little bit of worry. No, Francesca wasn’t always like this. She was a girl full of life, hope and love, but the world had hurt her so much that she found it hard to believe in it or anyone in it. “Answer my question!’’ Francesca demands keeping her fighting stance “Do you always ask this many questions?” the man asks. Francesca lunges forward, pushing the can closer to the man’s face so much that he leans on the car for support “Okay, I will answer your question, but can you put the can down first?” he says in a cautious tone his eyes filled with shock. She moves back but still holds the can in her hand in case of surprises “I am not here to hurt you, just to warn you. Whatever you do with the information I’m about to give you it’s your choice’’ he says in a calm but precise tone. “Your life is in danger and if you want to be safe then you should come with me “he adds, his expression serious. Francesca and him stare at each other intensely for a while, both scanning the other’s face for some kind of sign. Suddenly Francesca bursts into laughter. She laughs so hard that she began choking. This startles the man. Other people would show concern or contempt in this situation, but she, she’s laughing. That definitely wasn’t the reaction he was expecting. Just then Francesca dips her hand into her bag and brings out a scrunched-up euro note that looked like it had been suffocated and hands it to him. “This was a fantastic prank. Are you a content creator or fortune-teller? Unfortunately, you picked the wrong girl. I am only giving you this money out of pity so make sure you pay for this car and suit you rented alright’’ she says as she begins walking away, laughing still. The man just stands there in utter shock. The rolling down of the back window catches her attention. The window is rolled down so little that it is only enough for her to see the dark brown eyes staring at her. There is something mysterious and enchanting but awfully dangerous about those eyes. Regardless, Francesca doesn’t shift her gaze “you are making a mistake one that you will regret for the rest of your life.’’ The person in the car says, his tone cold and intentional. A chill runs down Francesca’s spine and the first man hands her the euro note back, before stepping into the car. The car zooms off at such speed that a puddle of water splashes on her, drenching her completely. “What was that? is that a new format for k********g?" Francesca says with a shudder as she begins to walk away. Just then her phone rings, “hello’’ she says as she picks the call “is this miss Francesca Rossi’’ the voice on the other end asks. “Yes’’, “we are calling to inform you that we will be cutting off your mother’s oxygen supply as you have failed to make payment for continuation of her medical plan. Sorry for the inconvenience’’ the voice says. Francesca's eyes open wide in shock. She tries to explain but the line cuts short. She then realizes that her phone is dead. Francesca immediately breaks down. “No, it can’t be’’ she cries, tears stream down her face as she falls to the ground clutching her heart. Once again, she had put Carlos before herself and now it is costing her the life of the only real thing she had. “How could I forget, how could I!” she hits her head continuously as she continues to cry. Suddenly, a bag is thrown over her head and as she tries to struggle, she is met with a fatal blow and blacks out.

 Francesca struggles to open her eyes. Her eyelids are so heavy that she feels she is carrying the whole world on them. She looks at her surroundings and, in the darkness, the only thing she can make out is a small window through which the moonlight seeps in. She hears voices but can’t make out the words. Her head is throbbing with immense pain and her vision is blurry. She tries to get up but soon realizes she is tied and begins to struggle. Her movement catches the attention of two other figures who move towards her. One of the men grab her hair “so you’re finally awake” he says smiling, his breath stale. “Hey Franky, don’t worry, you’ll be safe here’’ the other voice says patting her head lightly. That voice sounds familiar. Francesca turns to look at the man, sure enough it’s Carlos. “What is going on, Carlos what is happening?’’ Francesca says her breath heavy as she begins to shake in fear. “Don’t worry Franky, look” he lifts a suitcase filled with money. “So much money and all I needed to do was to sell you. I’m rich now’’ he adds as he begins to laugh manically. “No, how could you do this to me. after all I’ve done for you?’’ Francesca, already crying says. “I genuinely appreciate all you’ve done. But they promised me a huge amount of money’’ he says coldly and leaves. Not even sparing another glance at Francesca who was crying. The other man unties her and tries to undress her but Francesca resists and is met with a resounding slap that sends a ringing noise through her ear and she lands on the floor. The man keeps forcing himself on her and Francesca continues to resist, but after a few more blows and slaps Francesca lies there still. The world around her becomes still and inaudible that she doesn’t even keep count of the men who take advantage of her. There was a face though, outside that just kept watching silently as Francesca was brutally r***d and that was the only thing she took note of, that face.

Francesca's breathing becomes weak and she realizes she’s dying. “I was wrong. I neglected myself and my mother for that cruel being. If I have a second chance, I will do better for myself and my mother’’ she says clenching her fist. Her eyes shut and as she takes her last breath a tear escapes. “Francesca, Francesca!’’ Francesca’s eyes jolt open. and there before her a familiar face “Mrs Morgana?’’ she says confused. “You have closed for the day why don’t you go rest at home instead of sleeping here. Here’s your paycheck,’’ Mrs Morgana says as she looked at the stunned and visibly confused Francesca. “Mrs Morgana, what’s the time and today’s date’’ Francesca asks. Mrs Morgana is confused by her strange behavior but replies, “It’s 6pm January 24, 2024.’’ How is that possible? Didn’t I die. Francesca whispers in confusion. After a moment of deep thought, she realizes “I have been reborn, exactly 8hrs before my death,” she says in disbelief.