Vows of Vengeance

Chapter 3: A Second Chance

Elara jolted upright in bed, gasping for air, her eyes wide with lingering fear. The vivid memories of her nightmare—no, her past life—were still fresh in her mind. She looked around her room, taking in the familiar surroundings. Everything was the same, yet different. Her phone showed the date: six months before she was supposed to marry Alex.

She recalled every detail of the nightmare with startling clarity. In that life, she had married Alex, but their marriage quickly descended into a living hell. Her family was ruined, and she ended up dying, pushed down the stairs by Cassidy. The memory of lying helpless, unable to protect herself or her unborn child, was too much to bear. She had to find out if it was all just a dream or a warning.

With determined resolve, she picked up the phone to call her father, John. According to the timeline in her nightmare, Alex would have already introduced the investment project to her father this week. She needed to verify if this was happening in reality.

"Hey, Dad, how have you been? It's been a while since we last talked." Elara said, stepping out onto the balcony to let the morning sun remind her she was alive.

"What made my little bug remember her old man? You rarely call me these days." John chuckled on the other end.

"I’ve missed you so much, wanted to hear your voice." Elara said, her voice tinged with genuine longing. She remembered how her father, a man who loved life and his family deeply, died alone because of that investment project.

"I miss you too. How about coming home for dinner? Your mom has been asking about you." John suggested, sensing something off in his daughter's tone.

"Actually, can I come to your office this afternoon? We can go home together after work." Elara proposed. She remembered that Alex was scheduled to meet with her father today to discuss the project, and she couldn't let them be alone together.

"Of course, I have a meeting with Alex, but it's fine. Just call Will when you get here." John agreed, slightly puzzled but welcoming the idea.

"Thanks, Dad. I'll see you this afternoon." Elara said, ending the call. She took a deep breath, determined to protect her family this time around.

---

Elara arrived at her father's company building and called his secretary, Will. Standing outside the impressive building, she couldn't believe that in a few months, this place would be foreclosed and empty.

"Hi, Will, it's Elara. I'm here at the building. Which floor should I go to?" she asked.

"Hello, Ms. Elara. Please come to the top floor. Mr. John is in the lounge. Alexander is also here," Will replied, familiar with the boss's family. He didn't like Alex and felt compelled to warn Elara subtly.

"Thank you, Will. I'll head up now." Elara said, appreciating the warning. In her previous life, she had learned of Will's distrust of Alex only after it was too late. Will had overheard Alex discussing the fraudulent investment scheme, but John, blinded by the initial returns, hadn't listened to his warnings.

As Elara rode the elevator to the top floor, she caught a glimpse of a familiar figure just as the doors closed. She frowned but didn't have time to dwell on it. There were more pressing matters at hand.

---

"You mentioned a very promising project. What is it about?" John's voice came through the door as Elara approached the lounge.

"This project involves an innovative technology solution, a unique opportunity only available to trusted partners. I've worked hard to secure a meeting with the project's head, hoping to give us a chance." Alex was saying, sounding earnest.

Elara opened the door, stepping in just as John asked, "What specific technology is this project about?"

"Little bug, you're here. Finally decided to make time for me!" John's face lit up with joy at the sight of his daughter.

"I'm sorry, Dad, for being late." Elara said, her apology carrying a double meaning for the mistakes of her past life.

"It's alright. You're here now, and that's what matters." John said, though he sensed something different in Elara's demeanor.

Elara sat down, composing herself before looking at Alex. He seemed surprised to see her, as she hadn't mentioned her visit the previous night.

"I heard you discussing a project. Is there a good investment opportunity?" Elara asked, focusing on Alex.

"Yes, it's an AI technology project, specifically targeting the healthcare sector. The company, Health AI Innovations, aims to revolutionize healthcare using artificial intelligence. Here's their business plan." Alex said, handing over the printed document.

Alex briefly explained the market analysis, demand, product and service offerings, and financial projections. As he spoke, Elara watched him closely, finding his confidence almost laughable. She remembered too well how this charming facade had hidden his true intentions.

John, with his keen business acumen, still had questions. "AI in healthcare? What aspects are they focusing on?"

"Their main focus is on intelligent diagnostic systems, personalized medical platforms, disease prediction and prevention, and medical data analysis services." Alex explained.

Elara listened, knowing she needed to act wisely. She had to protect her family from making the same mistake again, but she couldn't reveal too much too soon.

"Interesting. This sounds promising, but we should look into it more thoroughly." Elara said, aiming to buy some time.

"Of course, due diligence is essential." Alex agreed, though Elara could see a flicker of frustration in his eyes.

As the meeting continued, Elara's mind raced. She needed to gather more information about Alex and this project. She couldn't let her father fall into the same trap. This time, she would be prepared.

---

After the meeting, Elara seized the opportunity to have a private conversation with her father. She needed to know his thoughts about the project and ensure he was cautious.

“Dad, what do you think about this project?” In her previous life, Elara never had the chance to ask John this question, but now she had to know.

“It’s hard to say. Although Alex's presentation makes the project sound highly sought after, I’m skeptical. If it's really that popular, why would they come to us? Our company's expertise isn't in the medical field.” John shared his thoughts, his analytical mind at work.

“That’s exactly what concerns me. Alex’s description seems inconsistent. If they're only looking for partners within the industry, why would they choose us?” Elara listened to her father's analysis, growing more convinced that John wouldn’t easily agree to Alex’s proposal. There must have been other factors she wasn’t aware of in her previous life.

“Little bug, I think we should observe this project for a while longer and maybe consult with some of my trusted friends in the industry.” John suggested, cautious as always.

“I agree. We shouldn’t rush into this, especially since it's not our area of expertise.”

“But, honey, I’m worried about you two. If I delay this investment, Alex might blame you.” John expressed his concern, always thinking of his daughter's happiness.

“Don’t worry about that, Dad. Our family is the most important thing to me, and I’m sure Alex will understand.” Elara reassured her father. Having lived through the worst, she knew nothing mattered more than protecting her family.

“Alright, let’s not dwell on this any longer. It’s getting late. Let’s head home; your mother is waiting for you.” John said, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different about his daughter today. She seemed burdened with hidden worries.

“What time is it, Dad? Are you planning to skip out early?” Elara teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“I’m the boss. I decide when it’s time to leave. Come on, let’s go home.” John said with a laugh, taking Elara's hand and leading her towards the door.

As they walked out, Elara felt a sense of peace and determination. She had a second chance to protect her family, and she wouldn’t let anything or anyone stand in her way.

Elara and John returned home, stepping into the courtyard that showcased Linda’s carefully tended garden. Linda loved flowers, plants, and all things beautiful, so she had filled the garden with seasonal blooms. This garden was her pride and joy, and many family gatherings were held here.

In her previous life, Linda had been drained by the company's financial troubles, constantly running between banks, courts, and her husband's business partners. She had no energy left to care the garden, which eventually fell into disrepair. Now, seeing the garden so vibrant and alive, Elara felt a surge of hope. She still had a chance to change things.

“Honey, look who I brought home!” John called out as he followed Elara into the house after parking the car.

“Mom, we’re back!” Elara announced.

Hearing their voices, Linda quickly put down the stew she was preparing and came out of the kitchen.

“Babe, you haven’t been home in ages.” Linda said, wiping her hands and pulling Elara into a warm hug.

“I missed you, Mom.” Elara replied, hugging Linda tightly, savoring the warmth and comfort of the moment.

“I missed you too. Are you hungry? I made your favorite stew.” Linda said, patting Elara on the back as they walked into the dining room together.

“Hey, don’t forget about me standing here!” John complained, feeling left out as he watched his wife and daughter walk away.

“Come on, dinner’s ready!” Linda called back, teasing him for acting like a child.

After dinner, at the insistence of her parents, Elara decided to stay the night. Lying in her old bed, she reflected on the day’s events. It all felt surreal.