Chapter Two: Second Chance
1018 Words
Zara’s POV
When I awoke, I wasn’t dead. Not yet. My eyelids fluttered open, but the world remained a blur. The sterile beeping of a life support machine was the only sound in the room.
The metallic tang of blood filled my mouth, and pains coursed through my body. The door creaked open, and Grace’s voice filtered through the haze, sharp and venomous.
“You should have just died, Zara. Your miserable life should have ended a long time ago, but you’ve been too stubborn.”
Grace gave a hollow, mocking laugh. “Now that you’ve ended up like this, it’s only right that you die to cover up the forgery case,” she added.
Rage and fear surged through me, but my body betrayed me. I laid still, helpless and cold.
“You’ve always been so stupid,” she continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “If you ever get the chance to wake up, don’t be too naïve.”
Just then, the world tilted, spinning into nothingness as I prayed for a second chance. In my next life, I wouldn’t be so stupid, naïve, or desperate for acknowledgment.
My eyes snapped open to the familiar environment of my old room. My heart raced as I sat upright, gripping the worn duvet. How could I be here?
My heart quickened as I scanned the space, disbelief coursing through me. Wasn’t I supposed to be dead? Or at least in the hospital? And the pain, the blood – it was all gone.
Trembling, I checked the calendar. It was a month until my wedding.
Wait… did I by any chance get a second chance? My heart raced with confusion and unanswered questions.
I jolted upright, realization striking like a lightning bolt. I had been given a second chance.
The door creaked open, and Cassandra entered. Her voice was soft and light. “Sis, you’ll be late for your appointment,” she said, her smile fake and familiar.
I stared at her, my throat tightening. She was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and I could see through her carefully crafted façade.
Tears slid down my cheeks. Her smile faltered. “Sis… you’re acting weird? Are you getting emotional because you’re getting married?”
“Getting married?” I repeated, my voice low with emotion.
“Yes,” she chirped. “You should be getting dressed. You’re meeting William for your dress fitting. Hurry up!”
William . My stomach churned at the memory of his betrayal. Then Grace… the sting of betrayal was unbearable.
After Cassandra left, I stepped into the bathroom, letting the cool water wash over me. Staring at my reflection, I vowed, “I’ll survive. I’ll live. I’ll destroy them all.”
At the bridal boutique, I slipped on a dress that fit my curves perfectly. “Ma’am, you look so stunning,” one of the attendants said as I stepped out of the dressing room.
“Sir, look at your bride,” another said, motioning to William .
He glanced up briefly, his face indifferent. “Uhmm… she’s beautiful,” he said, his eyes already back on his phone.
Clenching my fists, anger surged through me. Moving closer, I caught a glimpse of his phone – Cassandra’s photos.
“You bastard,” I cursed under my breath.
William looked up, startled. “What?”
Without another word, I grabbed a pen from his suit pocket and slashed through the dress, ripping it away. Gasps filled the room.
“Have you ever witnessed a cancelled wedding?” I asked the stunned attendant, a smirk playing on my lips.
“Nooo,” she replied, stammering and confused. “…why are you asking?”
“Well, you’re about to.”
Then I grabbed the bouquet and shoved it in William ’s face. “The wedding is off, you bastard.”
He gasped, speechless. “What…?” he asked, stuttering.
I didn’t reply. Instead, my sardonic laugh echoed through the room as I changed back into my clothes and left.
“Zara,” he called, trailing behind me. “Why are you doing this? It’s a month to our wedding,” he said, his voice pleading.
I spun around and asked, “Have you ever loved me?”
His face froze, his usual smugness replaced by hesitation. “Of course,” he stammered.
“No… you don’t,” I shot back. “You love Cassandra, don’t you?”
Silence.
Tears burned in my eyes, but I refused to cry. I turned to leave, but felt his hands clutch my legs.
“Please, Zara,” he said, falling to his knees. “I’ll stop loving her. I’ll treat you right. Please marry me,” he said, his voice breaking. I almost believed him, but then he added, “Without you… I won’t be able to pay back my family’s debt.”
Anger boiled inside me. I kicked him away and left without another glance, leaving him groveling. Tears streamed down my face as I boarded a taxi.
I found myself in a dimly lit bar. I sat by the wine table, waving the bartender over.
“Your strongest drink,” I said. He nodded and handed me a glass. I downed it in one gulp, my mind racing with possibilities and survival plans.
Just as I requested another shot, Evander entered and took a seat nearby. I remembered his words from my past life, and my heart sank.
Like a fleeting haze, the thought drifted into my mind: *Why don’t I get closer to him? He might be able to help.*
My hands weakened around the glass as I stared at him. His piercing gray eyes locked with mine for a second.
I steadied myself and approached his table. “Zara,” his voice soft, yet firm.
My eyes widened. “You know me?”
“Of course,” he replied. “You’re Cassandra’s sister. I’m actually waiting for her. She’s my date.”
Pain flickered, but I quickly buried it. Instead, I met his gaze, my voice steady. “Instead of Cassandra, why don’t you marry me instead?”
- Writer
