I had no idea that Howard was watching us from a distance. He believed that Anna was helping me, feeling a sense of pride that his adopted sister had such a kind heart. The truth, however, was far darker: no one in this cruel world could be trusted, especially not someone like Anastasia.

As we stood there, a car suddenly sped toward us. Before we could react, two men jumped out and forcibly shoved us inside. Howard witnessed everything; his expression shifted from shock to concern, but it seemed his worry was not for me. No, it was for his adopted sister, Anastasia. In a panic, he ran back, calling for security, his footsteps echoing with urgency.

The chaos escalated as security personnel chased after the car, and Howard joined them, determined to save her. But as the world around me blurred, my vision faded, and I felt myself slipping away from reality.

When I finally opened my eyes again, I found myself surrounded by the very people who had kidnapped me. They were the same individuals who had brought nothing but destruction into my life. My heart raced as I realized the gravity of the situation.

Anastasia appeared before me, her smile wide and triumphant as she stepped into the room. She seemed to revel in my despair, her expression filled with delight at seeing me in such a vulnerable state. The contrast between her joy and my fear was stark, and in that moment, I understood just how deeply twisted she truly was.

****

After the harrowing experience of being kidnapped, I opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital bed,

I turned my head and saw her again: Anastasia. She stood there with that same twisted smile, flanked by the very men who had taken me. The sight sent chills down my spine, and my heart raced as I realized I was not free from her grasp.

"Welcome back to reality," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. The room felt suffocating as her presence loomed over me, her eyes sparkling with a cruel delight at my vulnerability.

The men exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable but menacing.

I glanced at those men again, a wave of panic washed over me, and my heart raced uncontrollably. Just thinking about everything they had done to me made me feel nauseous. My stomach churned, and I fought the urge to vomit. Then, I turned to Anastasia, desperation lacing my voice. "What do you want from me? You've already ruined my life, and now Howard is going to divorce me too."

Anastasia let out a chilling laugh, her eyes glinting with malice. "You can run away from him all you want, but there's something that will always keep him tied to you, so he can't be mine fully." Her words sent a shockwave through me, leaving me stunned. What did she mean? I knew she was Howard's adopted sister, but I could never understand the depth of their connection or why it seemed so twisted.

She continued, her voice dripping with bitterness. "I have always loved Howard. Ever since my mother was best friends with his mother, I knew he was meant for me. After my mother passed away, the Carter family took me in, and I waited for the day I could marry Howard. But then you came along and ruined everything. To him, I am just a sweet, innocent girl-like a sister, even. Ugh, how disgusting is that?"

Her words struck me like a dagger. I could see the hatred in her eyes, and it terrified me. "I am meant to be his wife," she said, a sinister smile spreading across her face. "And as long as you're alive, that can never happen."

The gravity of her threat sank in, and I felt my breath catch in my throat. I was trapped in a web of danger, with Anastasia at its center, and I realized just how precarious my situation was.

"Take her to the rooftop," Anastasia ordered, her voice cold and commanding. The cruel men around her wasted no time. They grabbed me roughly and dragged me off the bed, showing no regard for my condition. I struggled to walk, my body weak and trembling, but they were relentless. They forced me into a wheelchair, completely ignoring my pleas for mercy.

As they wheeled me down the hall, I could feel blood trickling down my legs, pooling on the floor beneath me. The sight of it made my heart race with fear. They showed no compassion; their expressions were devoid of any empathy as they pushed me toward the elevator.

The hallway was eerily quiet-no one was around to hear my silent cries for help. I wanted to scream, to call out for someone to save me, but they had my mouth covered, silencing my desperate attempts. This was a private floor, restricted to only doctors or specific individuals, which meant there was no one to come to my aid.

I felt utterly powerless, trapped in a nightmare with no way to escape. The weight of despair settled heavily on my chest, and all I could do was hope for a miracle-that somehow, someone would come to rescue me.

Before I knew it, we arrived at the rooftop. The doors of the elevator opened, revealing the vast expanse above, and I felt a chill run down my spine. My heart raced as I realized the gravity of my situation.

They threw me from the wheelchair, and I cried out in pain as I hit the ground. Desperation filled my voice as I begged for mercy. "Please, let me go! I just want to leave. You've taken everything from me-my husband, my unborn child, and my dignity. Just let me go!"

But Anastasia grasped my hair, forcing me to look into her eyes. "You are the biggest thorn in my side. As long as you're alive, Howard will never be mine. I'm not foolish enough to let you live; you have to die. Besides, what will you do with your life now? As you said, you've lost everything. People in your situation usually take their own lives. Why don't you do the same so I can benefit from it?"

She smiled cruelly and pushed my head down. Turning to her men, she ordered, "Stand her up over there and give her a push. It needs to look like she took her own life out of despair. I don't want any more theatrics; finish this quickly." With that, she walked away, leaving me in the hands of my captors.

In just a few moments, I found myself standing at the edge of the building, the ground far below me. They held me tightly, and despite my pleas for mercy, they showed no sign of compassion. "Please, just let me go!" I cried, desperation lacing my voice. "They have taken everything from me."

I looked down from the height, my heart pounding in my chest. The fall seemed endless, and death loomed before me like an inviting embrace. I felt trapped, with no other option but to accept it. Memories flooded my mind-each moment of joy, every dream I had once cherished. I never imagined saving someone's life would cost me so dearly. If only I could turn back time and stop all of this from happening. I longed for the chance to reclaim my happiness, to fulfill my dreams instead of trying to carve out a place in someone else's heart.

As I stood there, I wished I could change my fate. Suddenly, they released my hand, and I felt myself teetering on the edge. Time seemed to slow down as I began to fall, the ground rushing up to meet me. In that moment, a wave of hatred surged through me-hatred for them, for Howard, and for his family. I wanted revenge; I wanted them to pay for what they had done.

These thoughts raced through my mind as a light swallowed me whole.

I braced myself for the impact, waiting for the pain to hit me. But suddenly, my eyes snapped open, and I found myself standing in front of Howard. He looked cold and furious, his expression a mask of rage. "I'm talking to you! How dare you bring my grandfather on a bike? What if something happened to him? You put his life in danger!" His words pierced through me, echoing the very same accusations he had hurled at me three years ago.

Confusion washed over me. I had been falling from the building, teetering on the brink of death, and now here I was, facing Howard again. My eyes widened in disbelief as I struggled to comprehend the situation. How could this be happening?

Just then, Dr. Robert entered the scene, witnessing Howard's outburst. He quickly intervened, stepping between us with a firm demeanor. "Mr. Carter, calm down," he said, his voice steady. "If it weren't for her quick thinking, your grandfather would have died. The heart attack was severe."

Howard fell silent, the anger draining from his face as Dr. Robert's words sank in. This was all too familiar, a twisted replay of events from three years ago. My mind raced-how could this be possible? Without thinking, I turned and ran, the weight of confusion propelling me forward.

As I fled, I could feel their eyes on me, filled with surprise and concern. Howard turned to Dr. Robert, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Who is she that you're defending?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Dr. Robert replied, "She's the new intern. Today is her first day. Some people are just born to save lives."

Howard nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the spot where I had just stood, a mix of emotions playing across his face. I could feel the tension in the air as I disappeared down the corridor, still grappling with the surreal nature of what had just unfolded.

I rushed into the washroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I splashed cold water on my face, desperately trying to wake myself from this surreal nightmare. Am I dead? Is this all just a replay of my past? Or am I simply losing my mind? The questions swirled in my head like a tempest, and I stared at my reflection, searching for answers in my own eyes.

As I stood there, lost in thought, a woman who looked like a nurse entered the washroom. She glanced at me with concern. "Are you okay, Doctor?" she asked gently.

I blinked, trying to shake off the confusion. "Y...yeah, I'm fine," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It's okay," she continued, her tone soothing. "I know you must be upset about what Mr. Carter said. I heard it all. He's such a handsome man, but he's so cold-hearted. He didn't even thank you for what you did. Can you believe that?"

I looked down, washing my hands in the sink, the water cascading over my fingers. No one knows how cruel he is better than me. The words slipped out before I could stop it.

The nurse paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What? What do you mean?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for clarity.

"Nothing," I replied quickly, trying to dismiss the weight of my words. "C...can you tell me what the date is today?"

Her expression shifted to one of shock at my question. "The date?" she echoed, momentarily taken aback. "It's October 20, 2021."

The words hit me like a slap to the face. 2021? I repeated in disbelief, my mind racing. I felt the walls of reality closing in around me. I had been thrown back in time, to a moment I thought was long past.

Without another word, I bolted out of the washroom, my heart racing as I processed this shocking revelation. The nurse stood there, her face a mix of confusion and surprise, watching me as I rushed away, desperate to escape the confines of this strange reality.

I rushed out of the hospital, my heart racing as I took in my surroundings. The billboards loomed overhead, their bright colors and bold messages screaming at me, confirming the impossible: it was truly 2021. Had I somehow traveled back three years in time? Did God hear my last wish and grant me a chance to make my life better?

The realization washed over me like a wave, filling me with a mix of disbelief and exhilaration. I have a chance to change everything. This was my opportunity to right the wrongs of my past, to confront the Carter family, and to finally seek the revenge that had eluded me before.

I had missed my chance to expose Anastasia's truth back then, but now I could do it. I could bring everything to light and ensure that justice was served. I will not let this opportunity slip away again.

As I stood there, the weight of my resolve settled in. "Howard Carter," I whispered to myself, my voice steady with determination. "The time has come to settle the score for all the pain you've caused me." Each word was a promise, a vow to myself that I would not back down this time.

I took a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs with renewed purpose. This time, I would not be a victim. I would reclaim my power and rewrite my story.

***

Charlotte was deep in thought, contemplating whether she should change her duty shift. She needed time to figure out how to take revenge on the Carter family. Without knocking, she entered Dr. Robert's office, oblivious to the fact that he was in the middle of a conversation with someone else.

"Doctor, I want to change my shift-right now," she blurted out, her urgency evident in her voice.

Dr. Robert looked up, surprise etched on his face. "Charlotte, today is your first day, and you want to change your shift already? What's going on?"

I hadn't even considered that I would need a solid reason to request a shift change. What should I say now? Panic began to rise within her as she searched for an excuse. "Um... well, haven't you seen how rude Mr. Wendell Carter's grandson is? I don't want to face that toxic person. I want to start my work with good people, not while listening to the tantrums of some spoiled rich prince."

As soon as Charlotte finished speaking, the man sitting across from Dr. Robert turned to her, his expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Am I hearing this right?" he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm dead?"

Charlotte's heart raced as she recognized him. It was Howard Carter.

Her mind spun as she realized the implications of her words. She had just openly criticized him without knowing he was in the room. What have I done? she thought, feeling a flush of embarrassment mixed with adrenaline.

His cold eyes turned towards me, and so did his steps. Even in his anger, his face looked handsome. No, I can't forget what he did to me. This man, as handsome as he is, is equally cruel. He stood right in front of me, and his cold eyes fixed into mine.

I told myself, "Don't look into his eyes, Charlotte. Not now. You need to take revenge; you cannot fall for him again."

The tension in the air was palpable as I struggled to maintain my composure. My heart raced, torn between the undeniable attraction I felt for him and the bitter memories of the past. His presence was magnetic, yet I reminded myself of the pain he had caused.

This is not the time for weakness, I thought, trying to steel myself against the emotions swirling within me. His handsome features, framed by that confident demeanor, were a stark contrast to the hurt he had inflicted.

As he stepped closer, I could feel my resolve wavering, but I fought against it. I must stay strong. I will not allow myself to be swayed by his charm or his looks. I have to remember my purpose.

In that moment, I realized that my feelings were a dangerous distraction. I needed to focus on the path ahead, one that would lead me to reclaim my power and take the revenge I so desperately sought.

"What nonsense did you just say?" he said coldly. I composed myself and confidently replied, "I don't want to see your face again." I couldn't believe I had said that, but there was no change in his expression. I was surprised; he didn't even break eye contact, and I wasn't going to back down either. I stood my ground. Howard Carter, you're a complete jerk. I wanted to say it out loud, but the words didn't escape my lips.

Then he said, "Nice way to get my attention, but I know girls like you all too well." His words hit me like a slap across the face. He had just called me a gold digger and an attention seeker, and I understood his indirect insult all too clearly. How could it get any worse? You really are a scoundrel, Howard Carter.

Before I could respond, he walked away. I was left speechless, filled with hatred for him and for myself. Just then, Robert chimed in, "Don't take his words to heart; that's just how he is. I'll let you know about your shift change later. For now, just focus on your work." I nodded and stepped out of the room, feeling frustrated and confused.

Why was this happening to me?

I knew I couldn't give him a harsh reply; perhaps, in some corner of my heart, there was still a place for him. But I couldn't forget what he had taken from me. I didn't want to let him take anything else away. I had to be tough. Just then, I noticed Howard on the phone, and anger surged through me. He couldn't disrespect me like this-not in this life.

I marched towards him and grabbed his shoulder, turning him to face me. "How dare you insult me? You... you are the worst kind of person, so despicable and ungrateful! I saved your grandfather's life, and in return, you call me a gold digger and an attention seeker? What could I expect from someone like you, you scoundrel!" I nearly shouted, feeling a rush of satisfaction. Finally, I had said something to him.

I felt my breath quicken. What was going on in that scoundrel's mind? I couldn't understand what he was thinking.

I realized my back was against the wall, and I was cornered. I couldn't back away any further. I was filled with dread, wondering if he was angry enough to strike me.

My heart raced, pounding loudly in my chest. He remained calm, but then I noticed him stepping closer to me. I took a step back, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me. He looked into my eyes again, and suddenly, I felt trapped. My back hit the wall, and I realized I couldn't retreat any further. Was he going to hit me? I was certain of it. I shouldn't have confronted him today, especially not on my first day as Charlotte again.

"I never called you a gold digger or an attention seeker, yet you spilled the truth about yourself. Nice try and don't ever attempt to touch me with those filthy hands again, or else those hands won't be in their place." My eyes widened in disbelief. I couldn't believe I had ever loved this man.