Chapter 2

I watched his retreating figure with cold indifference. Facing the curious gazes of the bystanders, I picked up a broom and swept the flowers into the trash can.

My eyes scanned Asher’s friends, the ones who had been loudest in their cheering, and I spoke flatly:

“What’s with all the fuss? College entrance exams are coming up soon. Don’t you want to focus on your studies, or do you plan to repeat this year?”

Under my cold stare, they exchanged glances, then quickly returned to their seats. Once the classroom was quiet again, I pulled out my textbook and buried myself in studying.

Thinking of everything I’d suffered in my previous life because of that toxic pair, an irritable rage simmered within me. This time, I had to stay far away from those two.

Asher didn't reappear at school after leaving until evening dismissal. I glanced at their empty seats, packed my things, and practically sprinted home.

Seeing my parents, looking years younger, in the living room, my eyes welled up. I let out a choked sob and threw myself into my mom’s arms.

Seeing me like this, she panicked, holding me close and gently patting my back. “Honey, what’s wrong? Did someone bully you at school? Tell Mom, I’ll make sure you get justice.”

After a long while, I calmed myself, sniffling. “No, I just… suddenly missed you both so, so much. And I’m so sorry.”

Hearing me, Mom sighed in relief, playfully patting my head. “Did you mess up a test this time?”

My dad chimed in from behind, “Don’t be too stressed, it’s just the college entrance exam. Even if you mess up, Dad will support you for life.”

Watching the harmonious atmosphere at home, my heart gradually settled. My parents were so good to me, yet in my previous life, Asher’s manipulation had led me to give up my career after pregnancy and become a stay-at-home wife, handing over full control of the company to him.

Because my parents disagreed, I had a huge fight with them and cut off all contact.

This also allowed Asher to use my pregnancy as an excuse to trick me into moving away, imprisoning me in a secluded basement he’d prepared just for me.

No one found me for a long time after I died.

Meanwhile, he used his position to embezzle company funds, draining the accounts and leaving the company bankrupt.

My parents, reeling from the twin shocks of my death and the company’s bankruptcy, became distraught and were tragically killed in a car accident.

I clenched my fists. This time, I would protect them, no matter what.

In the middle of the night, I dreamed of my previous life again. In a dimly lit room, my hands were cuffed to the bed frame.

Suddenly, a beam of light, and a pair of polished leather shoes appeared before me. I recoiled in terror, shrinking into the corner, but the owner of the shoes wouldn't let me go.

He stomped on my calf, grinding his heel back and forth:

“Does that hurt? Imagine how desperate Serena must have been when you bullied her until she jumped. You should go to hell to atone for your sins.”

I croaked, struggling to explain, “Asher, I never bullied her.”

“Still trying to deny it!”

He lifted his foot and slammed it without hesitation into my stomach.

“No!”

As I struggled, the handcuffs snapped. Seizing the opportunity, I threw a straight punch directly at his most sensitive spot.

I didn't waste a second, getting up and hitting Asher with a left hook, then a right hook, until he was on his knees, begging for mercy.