REBORN TO REVENGE

CHAPTER ONE- WHEN LOVE TURNS ROTTEN

~ LUCY'S POV~

"What the fuck do you want from me, woman!"

Dave demanded, his voice laced with anger.

"I just want us to talk. Can't we have a normal conversation like a couple?" I replied.

"I don't have time for this," he retorted.

"I'm trying to sleep and you're disturbing me."

"But this is important." I insisted "My test results are back, and the doctor said..."

"Are you pregnant?" he interrupted, his tone indifferent. "That's the only thing that matters to me now"

"No I'm not, but the results indicated why I'm struggling to conceive" I responded.

"I'm not interested," he said turning away.

"Really, Dave? You're not interested in listening? Even after the results revealed I have gastric cancer and its stage IV. The doctor warned that getting pregnant would be extremely challenging, if not impossible? And I have less than three months to live." I said, struggling to hold back tears.

"Well that's your problem" he shouted. "If you have cancer, you go fucking treat it and leave me the fuck alone! I don't know why everything about you is so complicated."

I shot back. "And whose fault is it that I have this cancer in the first place? Each time I complain about a stomach ache, your mom always tells me it's because I'm too sensitive. She was the reason I couldn't detect the early signs of the cancer, she's always overreacting when I mention my sym..."

Before I could finish, Dave's expression turned furious, and he slapped me across the face.

"How dare you bring my mother to your problems," he shouted.

"You know what? You don't even deserve to be in this room right now. Get out- I've had enough of your rubbish," he said, pushing me off the bed with such force that I fell and collapsed on the floor.

~ DAVE'S POV~

I pushed her off the bed, and a sudden silence fell over the room. Looking down, I saw her lying motionless on the floor.

"Did she just collapse?" I thought to myself, annoyed.

"Why is this woman so fragile?" I kicked her leg, but there was no response. "You'd better not think about dying on me," I muttered.

With no other option, I decided to take her to the hospital. It was probably for the best that she stayed there rather than with me. I lifted her into my arms and carried her to the car, then drove to the hospital.

To ensure her admission, I knew I had to play the concerned partner. "Please, my wife is unconscious – please help!" I exclaimed to the nurses at the reception.

Moments later, a team of nurses rushed in with a stretcher and took her in.

"You're her guardian, correct? I'd like you to fill out this form, please," a nurse said, handing me a paper. I completed the form and turned to leave, but a voice called out to me. I turned to see a male doctor approaching.

"You must be Mr. Dave, Lucy's husband, right?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, that's correct," I replied, maintaining eye contact with the doctor while wondering what he wanted.

"May I speak with you briefly in my office?" he requested, gesturing toward a door.

I followed him inside and took a seat. "It's about your wife, Lucy. I'm sure you're aware of her recent test results," he said. I recalled that he was referring to her cancer diagnosis, a fact that didn't stir any genuine concern in me.

"Yes, I've heard. I've been devastated by the news," I said, forcing back fake tears.

"I'm so sorry, sir. Please take heart. I advise you to spend the little time she has left with her, cherishing the moments you share. She has less than 3months." the doctor counseled.

Memories? What a joke. Honestly, our marriage holds no sentimental value for me. I married her out of pity and to benefit from her professional success. There wasn't any deeper connection.

"Thank you, Doctor. I'll take my leave now. I need to go home and pack some clothes for Lucy," I said, standing up and heading toward the door.

After leaving the hospital, I decided I didn't want to spend the night alone, especially since Lucy wouldn't be back tonight anyway. So, I called Suzy-the second woman in my life. She's stunning: curvier than Lucy and incredible in bed.

"Hey, baby girl, you're still awake?"

"Yes, I am," she replied. "But I'm getting ready to sleep. I just got out of the shower."

"Mmm, that sounds so sexy. How about I come pick you up and you spend the night at my place instead?" I suggested.

"What about Lucy?" she asked "Don't worry about her. She's still in the hospital and won't be back tonight. That means we have the night all to ourselves."

"I like the sound of that. Okay, come pick me up."

"I'm on my way, baby." I jumped in the car and headed straight to Suzy's place.

She was already outside waiting, dressed in nothing but some incredibly seductive lingerie. Damn-she looked amazing. Way hotter than my cold, ugly wife. I couldn't help but kiss her and give her a playful smack.

We got in the car and drove home. We couldn't even wait until we got to the bedroom-we were already kissing and stripping as we walked through the door. By the time we made it to the bed, we lost ourselves in each other and had incredible sex until we both passed out.

CHAPTER TWO- BETRAYED, REBORN

~LUCY POV~

I regained consciousness to find myself in the hospital, still reeling from the pain in my head after hitting it hard on the floor.

As I glanced at the clock, I saw it was already 11:15 a.m. I couldn't believe my husband would treat me like this, even after knowing I had cancer.

That Jerk!

"Your persistent abdominal pain and weight loss are indications of cancer ma'am. Specifically, you have stage IV gastric cancer. I'm afraid but you have less than three months to live. It's best to go home and inform your family to prepare for the worst." The doctor's words remain etched in my memory.

Why am I always unlucky? I've failed in life, my marriage isn't what I hoped for, and now I have less than three months to live. Overwhelmed with emotion, I couldn't help but break down in tears. To make matters worse, my husband didn't bother to check on me after what he did last night. I think I should just go home, maybe he's had a change of mind this time.

I quickly changed my clothes and left the hospital.

"Taxi!" I hailed, waving at an approaching car. "Please take me to Westheimer road". I instructed the driver, then quickly closed the door.

"Ok ma'am" he responded " Oh dear, you must be very ill," he said, glancing at me through the rearview mirror.

"Yes I am, " I replied sadly. How did he know that? Well, obviously I look pale and skinny.

"You'll get better in no time. It's spring already" he smiles

Why do his words remind me of my late father?... I didn't think I'd get to hear someone with the same accent here in Texas.

"Cheer up. Today is a gift, it's the future that someone wished for before they died" he said softly. "We are here ma'am"

"Oh... thanks" I got out of the car and gave him 20 bucks. "Here sir," I said handing him over the money

"Don't worry, dear. Take this. Just think of me as a father looking out for his daughter." He handed back the money to me and also gave me candy.

"Everything will be okay. You'll get back on your feet in no time, make a lot of money, and meet a man who will love you genuinely."

"But sir...I need to pay for the fare" I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Today is my last day as a taxi driver, and you're my last customer. So just promise me you'll live a happy life. You don't need to pay for the cab fare. That's all I ask"

"Ok, I promise I will. Thank you" I said, bowing my head slightly in gratitude. He sped off. This driver must be a mind reader because his words struck a chord. Despite knowing I had less than 3 months left to live due to my gastric cancer, his words gave me hope that I might defy the odds and live longer.

I stepped into the elevator and rode it upstairs to my floor, stopping at the door to my flat, number 102. Noticing the door was already open, I knew my husband, Dave, was home. I pushed the door open gently and spotted two pairs of shoes on the doormat- one pair belonged to a woman, and the other to my husband. The woman's shoes looked eerily familiar like they belonged to someone I knew.

What the actual fuckkk

How can this man be so cruel? Is this the reason why he didn't bother coming to stay with me in the hospital just so he can enjoy being with his lover?

I creep closer to the bedroom, curiosity getting the better of me, as I strained to make out the muffled voices.

"Damn, baby, you're so sweet. Last night was incredible. You always know how to calm my nerves-and that thing you do with your tongue..." he said, trailing off into a series of erotic sounds that made the woman laugh.

"You're really a pro. But don't worry-just wait until I get the insurance money. Then we can start fresh somewhere else." I recognized my husband's voice instantly. His words sent a chill down my spine.

"How much did you say the money is? I wanna live in a brand-new apartment babe" The lady said in a sultry tone, her voice dripping with anticipation. Her voice sounded so familiar

"400,000 USD," he said

"Really? That's so much money" She said, her voice lighting up with excitement. "That bitch is worth something after all"

"Her Mom died of cancer too. I heard it was hereditary. She kept having stomach aches and digestive issues," he said.

"Ok, how long will it take? Remember you promised to get me the latest designer bag babe"

"I'll get the insurance money soon. After she got admitted last night, the doctor in charge recognized her and told me about her cancer and that she had less than three months left. So after she's dead I'll claim the money and it will be ours."

I can't believe Dave can do this to me. Is this the man I got married to? How can he be this cruel?

I flung the door open, and my gaze fell upon a scene that made my blood run cold. There, in bed with my husband, was none other than my best friend, Suzy. The betrayal cut deep -not only was my husband cheating on me, but he was cheating on me with the one person I trusted- my best friend and they were also conspiring to claim my life insurance payout, eagerly waiting for my death.

"YOU BASTARDS !!.... How could you?" I said, my voice trembling in fury

"I heard everything you both said and no one will get away from this," I said, my voice seething in fury. "I'm going to get alimony and write about this on the company bulletin board. I'll tell your parents and leak it online for the world to see. So that you'll never be able to show your faces in public again!!!"

"Lucy come on, it hasn't gotten like that. Don't do this" Suzy said, approaching me.

"Don't touch me!" I said, shaking her hand off mine. "I thought you were my friend, my best friend. How could you?"

"Please don't tell people at work or my family please" she pleaded.

"Are you concerned about what your coworkers and family are going to think?.... Did you even think about me for a minute?" I said, my voice laced with hurt.

"I have my whole life ahead of me and you're going to die soon anyway," She said, her voice dripping with cruelty.

WHAT!

In a fit of rage, I yanked her hair, and we erupted into a fierce struggle. Dave rushed over to intervene, but his attempt to break us up only escalated the situation, and he ended up slapping me.

"Did you just hit me? I said holding my cheeks

"Yes, and I would do that again. You just tried to hit Suzy. That's what you get for trying to ruin our lives" he shouted. "You're as good as dead. So for the love of God, please just die already!."

"And whose fault is it that I'm on my deathbed!" I glared at him. "It's all because of you and your parents. You're mother constantly belittled me for growing up without a mother while you blew all my savings on stocks and took your anger out on me!"

"Ive told you before not to dare mention my mother! She's not the reason you lack self-worth" he snapped.

"I'll drag you all down with me - you and your parents! I'm going to take you...." Before I could utter another word, Dave shoved me with such force that I crashed into the center table. The glass shattered, and I felt a searing pain as I began to bleed. Warmth spread across my head, and my body went limp. As darkness closed in, my vision faded, and I lost consciousness, succumbing to my injuries.

"Lu... Lucy?" Dave called out.

"She's not dead, is she?"

"I don't know. Ugh, she was gonna die soon anyway."

The Doctor gave me only two to three months, and yet I died at 30, barely beginning my first chapter. I didn't even get to live out my last days as I had hoped.

As my vision faded, I heard my name being called, a voice I knew so well - my dad's.

"Lucy" he whispered, his voice warm and gentle. I turned, and there he was, standing in a soft, golden light. I reached out to him, his eyes filled with love. "It's not yet time Lucy. I need you to promise me one thing. That you'll live a happy life" his voice barely audible.

"But dad.." I reached out to hold him, but my form began to fade, and I was left with nothing but emptiness.

"Lucy? Lucy, wake up! Lunch break is over" a familiar voice called out tapping my shoulder

Mmm... it feels warm. Wait, am I dreaming? "What time did you go home last night? You look really tired." the same voice called out again.

"Lucy, are you okay? I told you to take it easy. Just take a cup of coffee, you'll feel better then you can come inside" she said and turned to leave. I looked up to see the owner of the voice.

Wait, I recognize this voice. This is Mrs. Cole but she isn't working in our company anymore. I think she quit 2 or 3 years ago after giving birth.

No fucking way!

I jumped up slamming my hand on the desk. How am I still alive? I'm sure I was killed by Dave.

How? What is happening?

My phone beeped when a message came in. Wait this is my old phone. I ditched this phone years ago. How am I still using it? I checked the message that just came to my phone and my eyes caught the date displayed on my phone screen.

April 10th, 2022? That was 3 years ago. Wh-

What the...? What happened? Am I... Dreaming right now? How is this even possible?

After living through a shitty marriage, I was murdered by my husband and best friend... And now, I've gone back in time three years. Is this just my life flashing before my eyes one last time? But why this? Why three years ago?

"Lucy? A voice called behind me.

Wait, I recognize that voice. I can never forget this voice. As the memory flooded back, my eyes widened in shock. That was Dave's voice, my husband's tone. The same man who had brutally murdered me and has been plotting to claim my life insurance. My face contorted in fear.

What the hell...? What is he doing here?

CHAPTER THREE- ECHOES OF THE FUTURE

~LUCY'S POV~

"Wh- what are you doing here? What do you want" I asked him.

"You weren't in your seat, so I was wondering what's wrong" he replied calmly "And you don't look so good. Are you alright?"

'That's what you get for trying to ruin our lives. You're as good as dead. So for the love of God just die already'.

His words kept replaying in my head as I stared at him.

"Lucy? Are you not feeling too well? Do you want me to get you some medicine?" he said, taking a step closer to me.

"You hypocrite. Move" I said, my voice barely above a whisper. I turned to leave

"Lucy, wait, what's wrong?" He grabbed my arm, stopping me from leaving.

"Let go of me!" I shouted which caught people's attention. "Don't ever come close to me again! Ever!"

"What's going on? I heard people shouting. Lucy, what's wrong?" Another voice called out behind me.

Suzy? That's her.

'I have my whole life ahead of me. You're going to die soon anyway.'

Her words replayed in my head. So now they came to haunt me even after my death?

"Go to hell," I told her

"Huh, what did you say? What did I do Lucy?" she asked surprisingly

"What's going on here? Lucy, are you okay?" Mrs. Cole asked with genuine concern. "Oh right, Mr. Micheal is looking for you. You should go" she said, subtly signaling that it was time for me to leave, given my current discomfort.

Mr. Michael is the Head Director of the marketing department at U&K Company, and also the C.E.O's son. He was a man of few words, who didn't speak unless it was necessary. He was tall and always wore a suit.

I got to his office to find out why he called. "You sent for me sir," I said almost trembling

"Where is the project review I asked about last week?" he said calmly.

Huh, what review? I can't even remember. "Project... what project sir?" I said, staring at him confused.

"The final review of the report from last week's meeting."

"Oh, so sorry, sir. I'll get it now,' I said, hurrying out of the office as I recalled the report I had compiled after last week's shareholder's meeting.

I returned moments later, handing it to him with a nod.

"Please remember that you're at work, Ms. Lucy. I expect you to separate your work life from your personal life."

"I'm sorry sir"

"Being able to control your emotions is a skill. Please don't trouble your colleagues with your personal problems. You can have a day off, you don't look too well" he said handing back the file to me and with a hand towel I stared at the hand towel in confusion, and he noticed my confused face.

"You're sweating; you can use it to dry your face," he said with a gentle smile.

"Thank you," I said with a smile, thinking to myself, this must be a dream. It's been so long since someone spoke kindly to me.

As I turned to leave, I failed to notice the waste bin in front of me and bumped my leg, losing my balance. Just as I was about to fall, I felt a firm hand grab me from behind, pulling me back to safety. I turned around to see Mr. Michael, his grip secure and his broad shoulders enveloping me.

For a moment, it felt like home, and I wanted to stay wrapped in his embrace.

"Are you okay? His deep and sweet voice brought me back to reality. "You seem dizzy"

"I- I'm okay" I turned and left immediately. I went back to my desk lost in thoughts.

I need to know what is happening. Have I been reincarnated?

Why?

Still lost in thought, I didn't notice my phone ringing. The persistent ringing pierced through my thoughts. Upon reaching into my pocket to retrieve the phone. Alongside the phone, I also found the 20 bucks and candy that the taxi driver had given me after picking me up from the hospital.

The taxi driver's words suddenly came flooding back to me: 'Everything will be okay, you'll get back on your feet in no time and make a lot of money, and you'll meet a man who will love you genuinely.' A startling thought occurred to me: could the taxi driver have been a chrononaut? Was it possible that he had somehow granted me a second chance, given that I had gone back in time three years?

I sprang up from my chair, overcome with emotion, and exclaimed, "Thank you, sir!" I bowed deeply, my eyes welling up with tears. My colleagues, however, seemed perplexed by my outburst, their faces a mixture of confusion and concern.

"Thank you, sir," I repeated, struggling to contain my emotions. "I promise to pick up the pieces and live a happy life from this day forward." As I spoke, I remained bowed, tears threatening to spill down my face.

The murmurs of my colleagues grew louder, their whispers and concerned glances directed at me.

"What's wrong with her?" someone asked, while another voice wondered,

"Has she gone crazy?" But I tuned them out, too caught up in my own emotions to heed their concerns.

I opened my phone and saw a text message from Dave. The message read: 'Lucy, are you okay? I've been calling you, but you weren't picking up. How about I come over for dinner and we can talk?' I glanced up to find Dave sitting across from me, his eyes darting towards me intermittently as he worked on his laptop.

"Asshole, why can't you just leave me alone," I muttered, rolling my eyes and deliberately avoiding my gaze to avoid further confrontation.

Dave and I met in college, and our relationship progressed smoothly. Suzy, my high school best friend, had become an integral part of our lives due to the closeness of our friendship. As a result, the three of us grew incredibly close, often spending time together, including going on dates as a trio.

I saw no issue with Suzy's involvement in our personal life, given my trust and comfort level with Suzy as my best friend. In hindsight, my openness and trust may have blinded me to the risks, ultimately contributing to their betrayal.

I think I should just head home. Given the unexpected second chance I've been granted, I believe it's important for me to take my personal life more serious.

With the realization that today could have been my last day, I'm determined to make the most of this opportunity. Rather than focusing on work, I need to attend to more pressing matters and devise a plan to address the wrongs I've suffered.

I intend to seek revenge.