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Ava woke to the soft, golden light of morning streaming through her window. The room smelled faintly of lavender, and the familiar hum of the household outside her door gave a sense of normalcy, one she had long forgotten. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling the coolness of the sheets beneath her and the warmth of the sunlight kissing her skin. It felt surreal to be here again, to have the chance to relive this moment. But Ava knew one thing for sure—this time, she wouldn't make the same mistakes.
Her mind raced with the memories of her past life—the moments of happiness she had shared with her husband, Ethan, before the wedge had been driven between them. The moments she had taken for granted, the love she had pushed away. Her friend, Lily, had always been there in the background, whispering her poisonous advice, urging Ava to doubt Ethan's love, to pull away from him.
But this time, Ava would be smarter. She had learned from her past life. She wouldn't let Lily manipulate her again.
The house outside her room was quiet now, but Ava knew it wouldn't stay that way for long. She had to act quickly—time was running out. The clock was ticking, and Lily's jealousy would soon turn into something far more dangerous. The knife had been the first sign. Ava shivered at the thought of the cold metal, but she pushed it from her mind. There was no time for fear.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood, taking in the familiar surroundings. Everything felt the same, yet nothing was the same. Her life had been rewritten, and she had the power to make it right this time.
She dressed quickly in a simple gown, then stepped out of her room and into the hallway. The house was still, the only sound the faint rustling of leaves outside. Ava walked down the stairs, her thoughts focused on what to do next. She needed to be careful. Lily had been manipulative, and the last thing she wanted was for her to catch on too quickly.
As she reached the living room, she heard voices—Ethan's voice, deep and soothing, followed by the familiar sound of Lily's laughter. Ava froze for a moment, the emotions of her past life rushing to the surface. How had she not seen it before? Lily's laughter, her warmth, all a front for the envy and hatred she had harbored. But this time, Ava would see through it all.
She stepped forward, carefully keeping her presence unnoticed as she entered the room. Ethan was sitting in a chair, a book in his hand, and Lily was perched on the armrest next to him, too close, her fingers grazing his shoulder. The sight sent a wave of nausea through Ava, but she forced herself to stay composed.
"Good morning, Ethan," Ava said softly, her voice a little shaky but determined.
Ethan looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. His expression softened as he smiled at her. "Ava," he said, his voice warm. "You're up early. How are you feeling?"
Ava's heart fluttered at the sound of his voice. She had missed him, even in her previous life, but now she could see the depth of his love for her. She had taken it for granted. But not anymore. She would cherish it this time, protect it, even if it meant standing between him and the woman who had tried to tear them apart.
"I'm feeling better," Ava replied, walking closer. She glanced at Lily, whose smile faltered just a fraction as she met Ava's gaze. Lily quickly recovered, her eyes narrowing slightly before turning her attention back to Ethan.
"I'm glad to hear it," Ethan said, his gaze never leaving Ava. "You look beautiful, as always."
Ava's stomach fluttered, and she smiled at him. "Thank you." She had missed his words, his affection, more than she had realized. It was all so easy before, too easy to push him away. But now, every word he spoke felt like a promise, a hope for the future she might never have had.
Lily shifted uncomfortably on the armrest, her eyes flicking from Ava to Ethan. Ava could see the tension in her posture, the way she clung to Ethan's side. It was a subtle display, but Ava saw right through it. Lily wasn't just close to him out of friendship. She was trying to stake her claim. Ava's blood ran cold, but she forced herself to keep calm.
"I'm sure Ethan's been busy with work," Ava said, her voice light, casual, trying to break the tension. "I don't want to take him away from anything important."
Lily immediately chimed in. "Oh, not at all! Ethan always makes time for his beautiful wife. He's always been so devoted to you, Ava." She smiled sweetly, but there was a sharpness to her words that Ava didn't miss. "It's really inspiring. You two make such a perfect couple."
Ava felt the chill in Lily's tone, but she didn't react. Instead, she turned to Ethan, ignoring Lily's presence for the moment. "Ethan, can we talk later? I'd like to spend some time with you today, if that's okay."
Ethan's face lit up at her words. "Of course, Ava. I was hoping we could have some time together, just the two of us. I've missed you."
Ava smiled, her heart fluttering again at the sincerity in his voice. It felt so natural, so right. This time, she wouldn't let anyone come between them.
Lily's smile faltered, just for a moment, but then she stood, brushing her hands off as if to rid herself of the tension. "Well, I think I'll leave you two to it," she said, her voice sweet but with an edge. "Don't forget, Ava, I'm always here if you need anything. You know where to find me."
Ava didn't respond immediately, her eyes locked with Lily's. There was so much unsaid between them, so much hatred simmering beneath the surface. But Ava kept her expression neutral. She had learned the hard way in her past life that confronting Lily too directly would only make her more dangerous. For now, she would play the role of the naive, trusting friend. She would bide her time.
"Thank you, Lily," Ava said, her voice soft, like it had been in their past life. Lily's smile returned, but it didn't reach her eyes.
As Lily left the room, Ava could feel her heart pounding in her chest. Every second felt like it was working against her, but she wouldn't let fear control her this time. She had a second chance, and she was going to take it. Ethan was hers, and Lily's jealousy wouldn't destroy their future. Not again.
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