Chapter 1 Reborn

• “You’ll go in her place, do you understand.”
• I stared at my hands in shock. What day was this?
• “Gwen! I’m talking to you.” the voice snapped.
• I slowly looked up. Mother stood by the door, wearing a pink dress. Funny, how my brain seemed to remember this exact moment.
• “What’s wrong with you? Why are you staring at me like that?”
• I didn’t answer. I slowly raised the duvet up just to be sure my body was still intact.
• “You have five minutes to get dressed and come downstairs. The Lavel family will be here any minute.”
• The door slammed shut.
• “Lavel…” I repeated the name out loud.
• So this was real... I had gone back three whole years. How was this possible? Had heaven truly given me another chance… or was this some cruel joke?
• I stood up immediately and headed for the mirror. I looked young and untouched. There wasn’t a single cut on my body. My hand moved to my face instinctively, a sudden image played in my head as I closed my eyes. The pain came rushing back. I could see a woman being held down by three strong arms, she was yelling and screaming; struggling to breathe. Just then, a knife pierced through her heart. My eyes snapped open. That woman…. She—she was me.
• I knew I had died. So why was I standing here? And back to the day the Lavel family came for my hand in marriage. Heaven had probably had pity on me. or maybe it wasn't heaven at all. Maybe fate simply wasn't finished with me yet. Either way, I refused to die the same way twice.
• “Gwen!” a voice yelled from downstairs.
• I immediately ran to the bathroom. Within twenty minutes I was downstairs. I stood still for a second. Nothing had changed. Father still looked more excited about the business deal than his own daughter. Mother still fussed over Selena's appearance as though she were the only child worth loving. Three years later, they would pretend to mourn me.
• What a joke. Dad had managed to brainwash her into treating her own daughter like an outcast, while she treated his supposed late sister’s child like a tresure.
• Father’s gaze landed on me where I stood.
• “Don’t just stand there, come here.”
• I forced a smile as I walked down. As usual, mother’s intimidating stares came.
• “What are you wearing!” mother frowned.
• “Come on, sis. You’re getting married not attending a funeral.” Selena immediately chipped in.
• I kept my face straight. Normally I’d have talked back and try to fight her but I was done. I was no longer the naïve girl from three years ago.
• “Are they here yet?” I asked instead.
• “Well…”
• “So eager to meet your husband, aren’t you?” Selena cut father off with a smile.
• I laughed within me. Well, she should enjoy her moment now while she can. By the time she gets what’s coming for her, I’d love to see if she can still manage that smile.
• The screeching of cars outside made my parents straightened.
• “They’re here.”
• My heartbeat quickened despite everything I knew. This was the beginning of my nightmare the first time. I watched as my parents and Selena hurried outside to welcome them. In my past life, I had ran out with them also. Selena had even pushed me to the floor and gave me a bruise. I had hurried outside nevertheless. But today? All that changes now.
• After a few minutes, mom and dad walked in with the Lavel family. Like last time, his parents and siblings came also.
• Father looked at me with a disapproving look. “Gwen, come welcome your in-laws.”
• I didn’t plan to before, but he was right. They were my in-laws after all. I stood up slowly with a smile.
• “Welcome, it’s a pleasure having you here.”
• I should be setting their fucked up ass on fire for what they did to me. But I was surprisingly calm, I didn’t even feel angry the slightest bit.
• “Don’t you have manners?” Diane Lavel hissed at me.
• She was Bernard’s mother. My supposed mother—in-law. I bit my lip, but I forced myself to stay calm.
• She turned to my parents. “Is this the obedient daughter you promised us?”
• Father stepped in quickly. “Pardon her manners, she’s not feeling well.”
• “So you’re giving us a mentally unstable daughter-in-law?” she scoffed, casting me a disapproving look.
• “Ma’am---“
• “I’d advise you watch your mouth, old hag.” I stepped past my father, cutting him off completely “I can’t promise to be nice.”
• Bernard stepped in front of me immediately. “Are you insane? How dare you talk to my mother that way?”
• Mother quickly stepped in front of me. “Please, sir. Forgive her. She doesn’t know what she’s saying.”
• “I know what I’ve said.” I folded my arms, staring directly at Bernard. “If anyone dares calls me unstable again, I’ll show you exactly how an unstable person behaves.”
• Bernard glared at me. His hands clenched into a fist. “I see you like running your mouth.” He turned to his mother. “Mom, let’s take her. I’ll train her properly myself.”
• I rolled my eyes. Train me properly? Right. In his dreams. At the corner, I saw Selena lips curved into a smile. Even father looked relived.
• “Fine, I agree. She needs to be taught some manners.” Diane replied.
• I gave out a mocking laugh. Everyone stared at me in awe.
• “Gwen,” mom called softly as if afraid something had happened to me.
• “Wow!” I began clapping. “What a nice show.” I continued. “Even if you were the last man on earth, I’d rather die single.”
• Diane gasped. “Victor! Control your daughter!”
• Father rushed to me at once. “Gwen, behave this instance!” he yelled at me, his face hardened.
• “Put it together father.” I warned. “Are you that desperate to sell your married daughter to the Lavel for money and status?”
• “Married?”
• “Gwen, stop saying nonsense.” Mother snapped.
• “She’s married?” Bernard and Diane exclaimed at once.
• “NO! Of course she’s not.”
• I kept my gaze on Bernard. “Why don’t you go ahead and ask who I’m married to?”
• His eyes were fierce. “Whoever he is, he’ll you divorce right now. You’re coming with me.”
• I laughed again, longer this time. “Really?” I teased.
• “I’m Bernard Lavel, my family runs this country. You think any fool would dare go against me?” he smirked.
• I smirked back at him. “Even Asmodeus?”
• Bernard's confident smile slowly faded. Diane's face drained of every trace of color. For the first time since they entered this house... they looked afraid.
• “Who the hell is that?” father confused voice came.
• Selena laughter filled the room. “Is that a name or a curse?” She laughed again. “At least, make up a believable name next time sis. It would have been more convincing.”
• My gaze was still fixed on Bernard and his family. “They might not know him, but you all do.”
• Diane face looked like she was just told she would die tomorrow.
• “How—how do you know him?” Bernard’s voice came finally. It trembled a bit.