SECOND CHANCE BRIDE

LAURA'S POV.

The realization came slowly, like faint light seeping through a gap in a thick curtain. My head was heavy, like being hit by a thousand hammers at once. It felt like my body was shrouded in fog, moving was difficult, let alone opening my eyes. But that sound... the monotonous buzzing of the machine, the hurried footsteps, the antiseptic scent that stabbed my nose-I knew I was in a hospital.

I try to open my eyes, though they feel heavy as stone. The blinding white light makes me squint, but I manage to see the pure white ceiling. The monitor next to me beeps softly, showing a steady heart rate.

I'm alive.

Why am I alive?

The last memory I have is of the accident. The car that went off at a crazy speed. The sound of metal crashing down. The excruciating pain, piercing to the bone. Then everything went dark. I was sure I was dead. But this?

I turned my head slowly, examining my surroundings. A strange feeling tingled at the bottom of my stomach, as if something was wrong. Then the door opened, and someone walked in. A woman whose face felt familiar-my mother. She smiled, her eyes glazed over like she had just cried.

"Laura! Thank goodness you're awake!" She hugged me carefully, as if I could break at any moment.

"Mom..." my voice was hoarse, almost inaudible. "I... I had an accident..."

Her face changed, full of confusion. "What are you talking about? You're fine, dear. Today's the big day, remember? Your engagement day with Galen!"

Those words had me transfixed.

Engagement? With Galen?

That's impossible. Galen and I got engaged five years ago. I remember that day very well. The pastel blue dress I wore, the little diamond ring on my ring finger, the nervous smile on Galen's face as he asked me to marry him. But it was all in the past. Our relationship ended two years later. And then the accident...

"Mom, what year is it?" I asked, my voice shaky.

My mom chuckled, as if my question was a joke. "It's 2020, dear. What's wrong with you?"

The year 2020. No way. That was five years ago.

I gripped the blanket, my breath coming in short gasps. What is this? A dream? An illusion? Or... reincarnation?

I looked down at my left hand, and there, the engagement ring sparkled like magic. The ring that should have been lost years ago.

I was back.

I don't know how or why, but I went back in time-to the day it all began.

How is this possible? I remember everything vividly-the sound of squealing tires, the loud crash, the flying broken glass, and the piercing pain that made my last breath seem like it had been forcibly taken away.

I closed my eyes again, trying to catch my breath. Amongst the chaos, one thought haunted me: I didn't have time to do it. Didn't have time to unpack everything.

With the last of my strength, I reached for the small table beside the bed, looking for my cell phone. It was like stirring mud-slow, feeble, agonizing movements. Finally my fingers found the cold, flat object. I activated the screen.

The year is 2020. The clock struck nine in the morning. I blinked, staring at the numbers in disbelief. It couldn't be. Didn't I just live in the year 2025? Hadn't five years passed since today?

But what bothered me more was this cell phone-my old one, the model I had replaced years ago. It felt foreign, like I was playing a role in a life that wasn't mine.

I opened the messages app and the gallery, looking for something that could explain this situation. And there I found it. Evidence that I had carefully collected. Photos, screenshots of text messages, even a short video. It all led to one harsh reality: Galen, my fiancé, was having an affair with my own sister.

I remember the night before the accident. I was sitting in the living room, laptop screen on with the messages on full display. Galen, who I had thought was the perfect man, was talking sweetly to Elsa, my sister. Words that should only be spoken to a spouse, not to his fiancée's sister.

"If only this wasn't Laura..." was the last message I read before the screen went out.

I had planned everything. That night, I would confront them. I would expose their rottenness in front of my family, in front of everyone, if necessary. But fate said otherwise. The car I was driving never arrived at its destination.

And now here I am, five years younger, with a second chance that somehow came out of nowhere.

My body trembled, not from exhaustion, but from anger. Nothing has changed-Galen is still the same traitor, Elsa is still the sister who stabbed me in the back. But this time I knew more. I knew how they pretended, how they hid everything with a fake smile.

I don't know why I came back, but I know one thing: I won't let them ruin my life again.

This time, I will play smarter. I will make sure that the truth is revealed, not with emotions, but with evidence and strategy. If I had been given a second chance, then I would use it to make sure they paid for what they had done.

I gripped the phone tighter. The morning sun peeked through the window, its rays falling on the screen that was still emitting a cold blue light. On the screen, there was a final message from Elsa to Galen: "Tomorrow, the big day. Don't forget, I'll still be here even if he's by your side."

A faint smile rose on my face. "We'll see, Elsa. We'll see, Galen. This time, I'll be the one in control."

LAURA

I'm still trying to adjust to the fact that I woke up in the past. Everything felt real, too real to be a dream. The touch of the fresh morning air, the aroma of the hot tea served by the waiter, and the sounds of lively conversation in the living room of my family's mansion-all reminded me that this was the beginning of my second life.

I was back five years ago, before all the destruction. Before the marriage that ruined my life. Before I became a woman who lost everything.

Today, my family mansion was filled with guests. Father said that the Galen family was coming to discuss a business partnership. I knew it wasn't just about business; it was the beginning of a planned match between me and Galen, the heir to their family.

I came down from the room, wearing the pastel blue dress the maid had chosen for me. My hair is in a simple bun, as per my mother's request. Everything looks the same as before, but it feels different. I was no longer the naive girl who knew nothing.

When I stepped into the living room, my eyes immediately caught Galen's figure. He stood gracefully beside his father, dressed in a perfect black suit, his face as handsome as I remembered. He was still the man who exuded a cold and authoritative aura, the man I once thought would be my protector.

But I knew the truth behind that piercing gaze. In the next five years, our marriage would turn into a nightmare. He would be the man who made me feel unimaginable humiliation, loneliness, and betrayal.

"Laura," my mother's voice broke into my thoughts. "Why are you standing there? Come here, child."

I stepped forward, trying to keep my smile calm. All eyes were on me, including Galen's. Our gazes met for a moment, and I could feel my chest tighten.

"How are you, Laura?" he asked in a flat but polite tone.

"Fine," I replied briefly, trying to refrain from returning his gaze for too long.

The formal conversation continued, but my mind drifted. I thought of all the things I knew-how Galen's family would use this marriage to their advantage, how Galen would turn into the figure who destroyed me.

But now I had a second chance. I won't let history repeat itself. I won't be the foolish woman who gives her life to a man who doesn't care about her.

When everyone was immersed in the conversation, I stared at Galen silently. He was still talking in a calm tone, discussing business with my father. No one suspects, no one knows the future like I do.

I took a deep breath, realizing that this time, I had to play it smart. If I wanted to change my destiny, I had to face Galen and his family with a cool head.

The marriage discussion felt like a sharp knife hanging over my head. Sitting in the large living room of my family's mansion, I gazed at the satisfied-looking faces, especially my father and Mr. Galen. For them, this was the perfect moment-a business deal wrapped in the guise of marriage.

Galen, the man sitting opposite me, only showed a flat expression. His eyes were cold, and he didn't seem bothered by this discussion. Of course, he wasn't bothered-this was just another part of his plan.

I had heard it all before, five years in the future. I knew how this marriage would turn into a disaster, how Galen would become the man who ruined my life with every cold and calculated decision he made. But this time, I wasn't going to let that happen.

"So," Mr. Galen said with a satisfied smile on his face, "it seems that everything has been agreed upon. Laura and Galen will make the perfect couple."

My mother smiled broadly, Valerie, my sister, sitting politely beside her. She seemed unconcerned, probably because her mind was occupied with her lover, Darius-Galen's younger brother.

I clenched my fists under the table, feeling the sudden courage ignite in my chest. I knew what I had to do to stop this, even though I realized the risk was great.

"I disagree," I said suddenly, cutting off the conversation.

The room was instantly silent. All eyes were on me. My mom looked confused, while my dad frowned.

"What do you mean, Laura?" he asked, his tone sharp.

I looked at Galen, whose eyebrows were raised slightly. This was the first time I'd seen him show any reaction other than coldness.

"I don't want to marry Galen," I said calmly, though my heart was pounding. "I want to marry Darius."

In an instant, the silence turned into chaos.

"What?" Valerie stood up from her chair, her face flushed with anger. "You're joking, right, Laura? You can't be serious!"

My mother looked pale, while my father looked at me with sharp, angry eyes. Mr. Galen looked surprised, but he quickly covered his expression.

"What do you mean?" Galen finally spoke, his voice low but filled with caution. "Why are you bringing Darius' name into this?"

I looked at him steadily, though my chest felt tight. "I want to marry Darius. I think he suits me better than you."

Valerie stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "Laura, you have no right to say that! Darius is my lover!"

I looked at my sister gently, even though I knew this would hurt her. "Valerie, I know this comes as a shock to you. But I believe Darius is better suited to be my best man. It's for the future of our family too."

"For the future of the family?" Valerie almost shouted. "You just want to take Darius away from me! You always thought you were better than me, didn't you?!"

"That's enough!" my father snapped, his voice echoing in the room. "Laura, what's all this about? You know how important this marriage is to our family!"

I looked at him, trying to calm myself down. "Dad, I just feel this is the best decision. If the Galen family still wants to work with our family, then marrying me off to Darius will have the same result. Nothing changes, except the person I marry."

"Do you realize what you're saying?" Lord Galen finally spoke up, his gaze sharp. "Darius is not ready for this kind of responsibility."

I took a deep breath, looking at everyone in the room. "I realize, and I believe this is the right choice."

But in my heart, I knew the real reason why I was doing this. I didn't really love Darius, and I had no intention of taking him away from Valerie. I just wanted to stop this marriage. By shifting the focus to Darius, I could create an opening big enough to escape the fate I already knew.

The commotion in the room was growing. Valerie continued to protest, my mother tried to calm her down, while my father and Mr. Galen were engaged in a serious discussion. Galen himself just looked at me with an expression that was hard to interpret.

"You know this isn't the end," he said quietly, low enough that only I could hear him.

I didn't reply, but looked at him coldly. In my heart, I knew he was right. This was just the beginning. But I was ready to face everything. If life gives me a second chance, then I'll make sure I'm no longer a victim of their games.

LAURA.

I don't know where the courage came from. Maybe it was because I was too fed up with this family game, or maybe it was because I just wanted to control something-whatever it was. While everyone was still arguing in the living room, I grabbed Darius' hand in a swift motion, leading him out of the room toward the deserted side of the mansion.

"Darius, come with me. We need to talk."

He didn't resist, though I could feel the stiffness in his body. His face showed confusion, but he let me drag him to the quiet end of the hallway, away from the commotion.

"Laura, what are you doing? What's all this about?" he asked once we reached the large window overlooking the back garden. His tone of voice sounded flat, but I knew there was anger hidden behind it.

I let out a long breath, trying to calm myself down. "Darius, I know this is sudden and might sound crazy. But I need you to listen to me before you jump to any conclusions."

He crossed his arms over his chest, looking at me with raised eyebrows. "Alright, I'm listening. Explain."

I bit my lip, searching for the right words. "I apologize for what I just did. Asking to marry you in front of everyone without warning... I know it was outrageous."

He was still looking at me with a flat expression, but I could see the tension in his jaw. "If you knew it was outrageous, why did you do it?"

I took a deep breath. "Because I had no other choice. There is something you must know, Darius, something that will destroy you if you continue to let this go on."

He frowned, confusion beginning to show in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

I looked at him, trying to show the earnestness in my eyes. "It's about Valerie. And Galen."

His face instantly changed. "What do you mean? What are you trying to say about my sister and Valerie?"

I reached into my dress pocket, pulling out the small envelope I'd been preparing since I realized what had really happened in the past. The envelope contained evidence that would change everything-photos and letters that showed the affair between Valerie and Galen.

"I know this is hard to believe," I said softly, handing the envelope to her. "But I want you to see this for yourself. You deserve to know the truth."

She took the envelope hesitantly, her eyes looking at me suspiciously. Slowly, she opened the envelope and began to look at the contents. As her eyes went through the photos and letters, I could see the change in her face-from confusion, to shock, and finally anger.

"This... this can't be," she muttered, her voice low but full of emotion. "Valerie... she couldn't have done this."

"I wish it weren't true," I said honestly. "But I've already confirmed it. Valerie and Galen... they had an affair. They've been going at it for a long time, even before I was set up with Galen."

She paused, her gaze blank as if she was trying to digest everything. I knew this was hard for her-Valerie was her fiancé, and Galen was her brother.

"So, you made a scene earlier... because of this?" she asked finally, her voice sounding calmer but burdened.

I nodded. "Yes. I know if I don't act now, things will only get worse. If you marry Valerie, you'll only get hurt. And if I marry Galen, I also know my life will be ruined. We'll both be victims of their lies."

She looked at me sharply. "And you think the solution is for us to get married?"

I shrugged, feeling a little awkward. "I don't really intend to marry you, Darius. It's just an excuse to stop all these plans for a while. I need time to think about the next step, and I think you need time to decide what you want to do."

He was still looking at me, but this time there was something different in his eyes. Whether it was trust or simply relief that she knew I was on her side, I couldn't be sure.

"I don't know if I can trust you completely, Laura," he said finally. "But if what you say is true... then I have no choice but to cooperate with you."

I smiled a little, feeling the weight on my chest ease a little. "That's what I was hoping for. We don't need to act in a hurry. We just need to play smarter than them."

He let out a long sigh, folding the photos back into the envelope. "Alright, Laura. I'll work with you. But I have one condition."

"What's that?" I asked.

He looked at me sharply. "If I feel you're using this for your own benefit, I won't hesitate to destroy your plan."

I nodded. "That's fair."

And for the first time, I felt that maybe I wasn't alone in this game. We both had the same goal-reveal the truth and destroy the lies that had destroyed our family.

***

I walked side by side with Darius down the long hallway of my family mansion. Our steps echoed along the walls, but no conversation passed between us. His silence was awkward, yet heavy.

Darius seemed lost in thought, probably digesting everything I had just shown him. Evidence of the affair between Valerie and Galen. I knew it was hard for him to accept this-two of the people closest to him had betrayed him. However, we didn't have much time to wallow in emotions. We had to go back to the living room and face reality.

When we got near the living room door, I heard Valerie's high, angry voice. It seemed like the commotion was still going on. I swallowed, preparing myself for the next wave.

As soon as we stepped inside, Valerie immediately noticed our presence. Her angry gaze immediately locked on Darius and me. She got up from the sofa with a sharp movement, her face flushed with emotion.

"You!" She pointed at me with trembling fingers. "What's this all about, Laura? What are you up to?"

I took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "Valerie, calm down. I can explain-"

"Explain what?" she cut in with an almost shrill voice. "You're really trying to take Darius away from me, aren't you? Do you think you're better than me? Do you think you can have everything just because you're older?"

"Valerie, listen to me," I said patiently. "This isn't about usurping anyone. I just want to stop something from going wrong before it gets worse."

However, she wasn't listening. She turned towards Darius, her eyes glazed over. "And you, Darius? Is this true? Are you secretly having a relationship with Laura behind my back?"

Darius stiffened beside me. I could feel the anger beginning to simmer within him, but he was trying hard to contain it.

"There is no such relationship," he said in a cold, but clear voice. "Valerie, you have to stop accusing for no reason."

"For no reason?!" Valerie chuckled, sounding bitter. "The two of you disappeared together, then suddenly Laura is screaming about marrying you. Do you think I'm stupid? Do you think I didn't see something between you?"

"What you see is just your own imagination," I replied firmly, taking a step forward. "You want to know why? Because I know you and Galen... crossed the line a long time ago. I know you two are having an affair."

My statement brought an instant silence to the room. Valerie was silent, her face as pale as if she had just been slapped. Everyone in the room, including my parents and Mr. Galen, looked at me with shock.

My statement brought an instant silence to the room. Valerie was silent, her face as pale as if she had just been slapped. Everyone in the room, including my parents and Mr. Galen, looked at me with shock.

"You... what are you talking about?" Valerie finally spoke up, her voice trembling. "You don't know anything."

I raised an eyebrow, challenging her. "I know everything, Valerie. I have proof. The letters, the photos... everything that proves your relationship with Galen. So stop pretending to be innocent."

Valerie's face flushed again, but this time it wasn't from anger-it was from embarrassment. She glanced at Galen, who was now sitting with a stiff expression, like someone who had just been caught red-handed.

"You... you can't prove anything," she said in a defensive tone. "You're just lying to destroy me!"

I smiled faintly. "Well then, why do you look so panicked, Valerie?"

Meanwhile, Darius stepped forward, his voice cold and sharp. "Valerie, I'm giving you a chance to explain. But if you keep denying, I have no reason to keep trusting you."

"I'm innocent!" Valerie almost shouted, her eyes now filled with tears. "Darius, you can't trust Laura. She's just trying to manipulate you!"

However, Darius was unmoved. He stared at Valerie with a blank expression, as if the woman standing in front of him was a stranger.

"If you were truly innocent," he said quietly, "then you wouldn't be afraid of the truth."

I could see Valerie starting to lose control. She glanced around, looking for support, but no one spoke up for her. Even my mother, who usually defended her, seemed too shocked to say anything.

"I've had enough," I said finally, looking directly at Valerie. "I won't let myself or Darius be victimized by this lie. If you still want to deny it, go ahead. But I won't stop until the truth is revealed."

With that, I pulled Darius out of the room. I knew this was just the beginning, and there was still a lot to face. But for the first time, I felt like I had control over my life. No matter what happened next, I would fight to ensure that the truth prevailed.