Opening Scene The Moment of Rebirth
Elena Carter's body felt unbearably cold. She could barely move, her limbs weak, her breathing shallow. The smell of damp earth filled her nostrils, mixing with the metallic tang of blood. She was dying.
No, she was already dead.
Her fingers twitched as blurry memories flooded her mind—the mocking laughter of her stepsister, the indifferent gaze of the man she once called her husband, the sharp pain of betrayal as they took everything from her.
Dominic Sinclair had never loved her. She had been nothing but a stepping stone for him and her scheming family.
They had taken her wealth. They had ruined her name. And in the end, they had left her to die alone in the darkness.
Elena let out a bitter laugh, her lips stained with blood. If only she had another chance…
A sharp pain shot through her skull. Then, everything went black.
Waking Up in the Past
A sudden rush of warmth enveloped her. Elena gasped, her eyes snapping open.
She was no longer in the cold, dark prison where she had died. Instead, she lay in a silk-covered bed, surrounded by soft cushions. The scent of fresh roses filled the air.
Confused, she sat up. Her body felt different. Stronger. Healthier. No pain.
Elena's gaze swept across the familiar room—the grand chandelier above her, the vanity mirror reflecting a young woman with unblemished skin, the soft fabric of an expensive gown against her skin.
A sharp breath escaped her lips.
This was her bedroom. In the Carter family mansion.
Frantically, she turned to the nightstand, her heart pounding as she grabbed the nearest object a calendar.
Her vision blurred as she stared at the date.
Five years ago.
Her engagement party to Dominic Sinclair… was today.
Elena's hands trembled. She was reborn.
The heavens had given her a second chance.
A slow, chilling smile spread across her lips.
This time, she would not be the fool who loved blindly.
This time, she would destroy everyone who betrayed her.
Breaking the Engagement
The door burst open.
"Elena, what are you doing?!"
Her stepmother, Victoria Carter, stormed in, her face twisted in anger. Behind her, Lily Carter Elena's stepsister hid behind a mask of false concern.
"You should be getting ready! The Sinclair family is expecting you!" Victoria snapped, grabbing Elena's arm.
Elena yanked her hand away, her sharp gaze freezing her stepmother in place.
"I'm not marrying Dominic."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Victoria's expression darkened. "What nonsense are you saying? You're engaged—"
"I was engaged," Elena corrected coldly, standing to her full height. "But I won't marry a man who doesn't love me."
Lily's fake smile faltered. "Sister, are you feeling unwell? Dominic loves you. He—"
Elena let out a soft laugh, but there was no warmth in it.
"I see you're already defending him, dear sister." Her gaze swept over Lily's trembling form. She remembered it all now.
How Lily had pretended to be a caring sister. How she had secretly seduced Dominic. How she had laughed when Elena lost everything.
Lily flinched.
"Elena, don't ruin your future over some childish whim!" Victoria scolded.
Elena's eyes turned ice-cold. This woman had only ever seen her as a pawn.
"I am not ruining my future." She stepped past them, walking toward the door.
"I am reclaiming it."
Facing Dominic
As she descended the grand staircase, whispers filled the air.
Guests had already arrived. The Sinclair family stood in the center of the grand hall, waiting for her.
And at the front of the room stood Dominic Sinclair.
Tall. Handsome. Arrogant.
The man who had thrown her away like trash.
"Elena," Dominic greeted, his voice smooth as ever. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."
She looked at him, but this time, there was no love in her gaze.
"Dominic." She let his name roll off her tongue, savoring this moment.
A flicker of unease crossed his face at her unreadable expression.
"Elena, you look beautiful," he said, stepping closer. "Shall we announce the engagement?"
Elena tilted her head, a slow smirk curving her lips.
"No."
The entire hall fell silent.
Dominic frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, I am not marrying you."
Gasps echoed around the room.
"Elena!" Victoria's sharp voice rang out. "Don't be ridiculous—"
"I am very serious." Elena turned back to Dominic. "This engagement is over."
Dominic's face darkened. "You don't have a choice."
A dangerous gleam flashed in her eyes. "Watch me."
Without another word, she turned and walked out of the hall, leaving him humiliated in front of everyone.
This time, she would not be his fool.
Cliffhanger
As she stepped into the night, Elena's mind was already working.
Breaking the engagement was just the first step.
To truly crush those who betrayed her, she needed power.
And there was only one man ruthless enough to help her.
Alexander Reid.
A small smile played on her lips.
Let the real game begin.