~Kiera’s POV~
If I could turn back time, I may have made different choices.
Three years ago, I offered $5 billion from the Campbell Group to save Relish from financial ruin—a selfless act, driven by my love for Nicholas and my desire to secure a future together.
Although at the time he did not have feelings for me, I hoped that in time, those feelings would bloom.
My big mistake. Now I wonder if it had been in vain.
I blinked my eyes, disoriented by the sudden change in surroundings. Instead of lying at the bottom of the stairs, I found myself on the edge of a tranquil lake, surrounded by an atmosphere of surrealism.
The frigid breeze grazed my face, and as I looked around, confusion enveloped me. There, standing before me, was Nicholas.
But something was off.
It wasn't the familiar setting of my home or the painful aftermath of our confrontation. But…
I lifted my hand to the back of my head, and my fingertips gingerly touched, searching for the blood I had expected to find.
But there was none.
I blinked back in confusion as I glanced down at my drenched attire. The cold water clung to my clothes, casting an uncomfortable dampness over my entire body.
I try to gather my thoughts, but my gaze drifted to the figure seated beside Nicholas—Cristal.
She was wearing Nicholas’ clothes and was equally soaked from head to toe. The sight was bewildering, leaving my mind spinning with questions.
I scrutinized Cristal closely, my eyes narrowing in on the woman who had caused so much turmoil in my life.
The pieces of the puzzle clicked into place, unveiling the truth behind this bizarre turn of events.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. This scene felt oddly familiar, a haunting memory from the first year of my marriage—the time of her return.
Cristal had resurfaced, determined to sabotage our relationship. I remembered the lake, the confrontation we had when she stated she was back for what was hers and gestured with her eyes over to Nicholas.
At first, I ignored it but then things became too much to bear with her actions and she decided to remind me who really had him wrapped around her finger.
Cristal jumped into the lake and pushed my chest, forcing me to retaliate.
Before I could do anything, she pulled me down with her, disguising the situation in a manner that seemed like I pushed her down, making Nicholas misunderstand and the accusations that would forever tarnish my reputation in Nicholas’ eyes and bridge whatever trust we had, followed.
Nicholas’s voice sliced through the air, his words venomous and laced with anger.
“You are a wicked selfish vicious monster, Kiera, how dare you! I never knew you could be this cruel. Do you hate her that much? You want her to drown you witch?! Is that why you did not want her back in the country?”
The weight of confusion pressed upon me as I struggled to understand the madness unfolding before me.
Yet, as I observed Nicholas’ face, I saw no sign of the affection and acceptance that I had yearned for.
Rather, the way he looked at me now mirrored the rejection and disdain that had pushed me away in the first place.
The realization struck me like a blow to the chest, intensifying my feelings of failure and disappointment.
Examining my surroundings more closely, I realized that I had been transported back in time, two years into the past.
The wedding ring on my finger was the old one, not the newer one exchanged on our third anniversary. The pieces of the puzzle fell into place, illuminating the deception that had shaped our lives.
Nicholas’ grip tightened around my arm as he pulled me up, leaving a trail of scratches and blood in his wake.
I winced at the pain, both physical and emotional, but I refused to succumb to his demands. I knew I had to make a choice, to break free from the cycle of lies and manipulation.
With newfound determination, I looked at Cristal, seeing through her facade.
She feigned concern, pretending to be the victim in this twisted game of hers.
“Nick, you cannot be too harsh on her. I bet it was a mistake. She doesn’t need to be yelled on like a kid or made to apologize. I forgive her. I would not like a forced apology either.”
“She needs to apologize. It is not okay.”
“No, it is. See I am alive. Isn’t that what matters most? Ignore her attempt to drown me. I hold no grudge.”
I scoffed a laugh. But I knew her true nature, the cruelty she had inflicted upon me in secret. This time, I wouldn't allow her to deceive Nicholas or control our fate.
Summoning every ounce of strength, I spoke my truth, refusing to apologize for something I hadn't done.
“When you do not know exactly what happened, is this how you judge? You side with a stranger over your wife. She was the one who said she is back to take you away from me and she would ensure you leave me. I would never apologize to her.”
“Silence! Now you try to ruin her good name? Cristal would never do that. I have known her all my life.”
“And me? Am I now the monster?”
My voice trembled, but my resolve remained unyielding. I wanted Nicholas to see Crystal’s true face, to understand the depths of her deception.
Cristal’s eyes flickered with a mix of anger and panic, her mask slipping for a fleeting moment.
She urged Nicholas not to push me too hard, feigning concern for my well-being.
Perhaps that would work on my husband but not me. I saw through her act, recognizing her manipulative tactics. He, however, seemed blinded by her false vulnerability.
“Kiera apologize to Cristal now or…”
“Or what? How can you not even believe me?”
“I know she wouldn’t lie,” he defended, brushing off the truth. “Last warning, this should not repeat itself. Choose, either you apologize or I would divorce you.”
At that moment, a surge of clarity washed over me. I couldn't continue down the path I had already walked.
I refused to be a pawn in their game, trapped in a toxic cycle of betrayal and heartache. It was time to break free, to sever the ties that bound me to this past life, to them.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I made up my mind. Divorce became my salvation, my ticket to liberation. I couldn't wait for the next time, for another chance to change our fate.
My reborn self had the strength to forge my own path, leaving behind the shackles of my past.
As I stood before Nicholas, my heart heavy with the weight of the decision I was about to make, a flicker of hope ignited within me.
“You want to divorce me?”
“W-what… It isn’t like that. I said next time if such happens again, I…”
I lifted my palm between us, silencing his words. My eyes glazed with anger and determination.
“I’ll spare you the stress. No need to wait long to put up with me. Let’s get divorced.”
I had been given a second chance, an opportunity to reclaim my life and find true happiness.
I knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but I was ready to embrace it, knowing that the future held infinite possibilities beyond the confines of this tumultuous past.
“K-Kiera,” shocked, Nicholas stuttered but that did not change anything. My mind had been made up.
Only a fool would remain in this hell hole after what happened in the future. No.
“My lawyers would visit you,” I uttered once more and walked away.
Standing in front of the calendar picture frame of her and Nicholas on their wedding day on her make-up desk, Kiera’s eyes settled on the year—2021.It was hard to believe that she stood here, reborn after the tragic event that happened. But as much as she wished to doubt it, the pain that coursed through her body was too big of a reminder for her to forget.It was 2023 when the incident happened and looking at the date now, the mishap that occurred in her past life certainly hadn’t happened now.Kiera sat in front of her desk in her new apartment (after moving out of Nicholas’ mansion the previous day), her heart pounding with a mix of determination and anxiety as she read the content of the mail on her laptop screen.She made up her mind to break free from the nightmare that her marriage to Nicholas had become.Taking in a deep breath, she pressed the send button, sealing the fate of their relationship. The express mail containing the divorce papers was on its way to Nicholas’ offic
The reason why Kiera slated their meeting for Friday was because she needed to go to work in her family's company—Campbell group the next day.In her previous life she had used a big sum of money to save the Relish group from decline but in turn jeopardized the future of her own company, accelerating its decline.Not long after, her grandfather fell ill and was hospitalised, his health deteriorating further.On his last day, he had wished to see the face of his granddaughter once more before passing on but even that became impossible.Back then, her love for Nicholas was so strong that when her grandfather had called her number, she had offered to leave home to get pastry for her husband, missing the call and in turn, missing her grandfather's last moments.With her rebirth, Kiera felt she was sent not only to save Campbell group from its ultimate end but also protect her grandfather.Stepping into the company, Kiera made her way into her office at Campbell Group, her footsteps echoin
Kiera stood at the car park corner, her gaze fixed on the sleek black limousine. Nicholas loomed beside it, a brooding figure that sent a shiver down her spine.Her heart felt heavy, burdened by the weight of her decision.She had made up her mind—tomorrow, she would meet Nicholas to finalize their divorce and put an end to their tumultuous marriage.She wanted to avoid him now, to gather her thoughts and find the strength to face him one last time.The second she got close enough, he stepped forward, his face a mask of anger and confusion."Kiera! Where do you think you're going? We need to talk!" he demanded, his voice sharp and commanding.Kiera recoiled, her eyes narrowing. She did not intend on evading him but the menacing glare in those eyes of his sent a shiver down her spine.The past memories of his abuse flashed through her mind, igniting a fierce determination within her.She had never dared to resist him before, always yielding to his wishes, but not anymore.She had learn
After leaving the company, Kiera placed a call to Iris and the two of them met up in front of a club.Stepping into the executive club Styling Royals, a sanctuary for celebrities and the elite, Kiera swept her gaze around, taking in the magnificent designs of the place.“You like it?” Iris’ voice cut through the music to reach her friend’s ears.Stunned, Kiera could only nod her head in response.“Hehhe, how does it feel to finally break from the shackles of your past and experience the thrill of a club for the first time?”“I don’t know but it sure feels great. You come here all the time?”“Seldomly but yeah.”Styling Royals was a club with an invitation-only membership. It ensured that only the most prestigious figures in society could enter its doors, some of which were high-end celebrities.“Come let’s find a seat.”As they navigated through the vibrant atmosphere, Kiera couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. She had finally found herself, breaking free from the suffocating
The tension in the room crackled like electricity as Nicholas’ face contorted with anger, staring at the stranger in his path. His eyes burned with a mixture of fury and fear.Behind him, Kiera’s heart raced, unable to tear her gaze away from the man, Jace, who had been her defender.At the same time, Jace turned his head to the side, his gaze holding her as though asking a silent question.What she had seen wasn’t what she had expected. To her surprise, he looked more striking than Nicholas.The thought alone made her heart skip a beat as she stared at Jace.She had never seen anyone so captivating before. And despite her fear of Nicholas, her eyes remained drawn to Jace like a moth to a flame.He stood tall, his broad shoulders adorned with a fiery-maroon suit that hugged his muscular frame perfectly.His jet-black hair was styled impeccably, framing his chiselled jawline and prominent cheekbones.Amidst all of that, it was his mesmerizing blue eyes, shining with a mixture of intens
Jace turned to Kiera, his hand still on her waist as they left. "What was that all about?" he asked in a whisper as concern etched on his features.Kiera shook her head, not wanting to think about it. Instead, she focused on Jace, taking in every inch of him."You should come with me," he said suddenly. "I can make sure you're safe."Kiera hesitated, uncertain whether it was a good idea to follow a stranger. But there was something about Jace that made her feel as though she could trust him."Okay," she said softly as she nodded.He gave her a reassuring smile and Kiera couldn’t help but feel grateful for his timing.She felt safe with him like she had finally found someone who could protect her from the dangers that lurked in the shadows.By the time they arrived at his private bar and made their way to the shelf where they sat on their respective stools, Jace let her have her way and drown her sorrows with a few drinks while her lips fed him with her problems.Thanks to the fact tha
I opened my eyes, the room spinning around me, as the throbbing ache in my head intensified."Arrgh… Bloody hell! What did I do…?" I groaned out.Confusion washed over me as I tried to piece together the events of the previous night.My memory was a hazy canvas, fragmented and scattered.The last thing I remembered was drinking with Jace, a man whose presence brought both comfort and mystery and my very saviour.As the memories slowly trickled back, I was struck by a wave of shock and embarrassment.Hell, I was a mess yesterday.I recalled my frenzied behavior, my desperate plea for him to sleep with me, and even attempting to undress him.The way I kissed him, the need, how I stroked his hard on through his trousers.Gosh! Shame and regret coursed through my veins. I feel my cheeks become hot and flushed crimson from embarrassment as I realized the extent of my actions.I cover my face with both palms as the memory replayed in my head all over again.With every second, the more I fel
As soon as her clothes were delivered, she placed them on the bed and went to freshen up. Once done, she picked up her phone attempting to call Jace about her car when her eyes landed on something.The world seemed to spin as the onslaught of notifications came rolling in.Her heart sank as she scrolled through the trending news—articles, photos, and rumours all swirling around Nicholas and her, their broken relationship, and the games they played.Images of Nicholas and Cristal, blurred and elusive, along with pictures of Jace and her flooded the screen.Her mind raced, trying to make sense of the chaos unfolding before her eyes."Tsk, these bastards," she cussed out loud.With a sense of urgency, she hastily changed into the beautiful light purple gown that Jace had gotten for her and rushed to the hospital where her grandfather lay.As she entered his ward, she was met with the unsettling sight of her uncle, Ray, wearing a devious grin."Hello, Kiera. Welcome," Ray announced, his s