AURELIA

Water filled my mouth even before I could scream. My body jerked violently, my limbs flailing as panic rushed and slammed into my chest.

I couldn't breathe.

Air.

Air.

Air.

I couldn't swim.

A hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me upwards, over the edge. I coughed immediately as air got into my lungs.

"Breathe," a voice said above me, steady and calm.

I sucked in a deep breath, trying to survive. I was alive...I was alive.

The blur cleared from my eyes, and I looked up. I froze.

Him.

Theron Draix.

For a second, neither of us moved or looked away. 

"Are you okay?" He asked gently.

What was he doing here?

Had he...had he been the one who hit me with the car?

Theron would do anything. Mireya's words played in my head. 

I gasped, tears clouding my eyes. He would do anything, including killing me? I scrambled up from the floor, water dripping from my dress. 

"How dare you?" I shot, "How dare you touch me?"

Theron blinked. "You..."

"You asshole. Haven't you done enough yet? Just to protect her, you are going to kill me? So why didn't you do it? Why did you change your mind, you bastard!" I screamed, my fists hitting his chest. Anger burned through my body furiously, as if I didn't let it out, I'd burst open.

Theron gripped my wrist, pulling my hands off him. "I should be asking you that, Aurelia. Were you trying to kill yourself? You knew you couldn't swim, so why on earth are you beside the pool?" He asked.

The pool?

I turned sharply, before I could think. He was right, the pool was right beside us. This scene had played before. Two years ago, I had unfortunately slipped and fallen into a pool. But that night, Theron hadn't been there, and I'd been saved by the security guard who had come right in time. The security guard was staring at us now, halted halfway in his movement. So why...why was Theron here right now? Why was I here right now?

I ran my hands through my body, and there was no pain. Nothing to show that I'd been hit by a car and had fallen off the bridge. 

The realization hit. Heavens had answered my prayers, and I was back, two years before my betrayal. I gasped, my heart beating against my rib cage. I wasn't dead. I was alive.

"Are you sure you are fine?" Theron pulled my attention back to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for saving me from the water," I said. "But next time, I would appreciate it if you let someone else save me rather than you." 

"You would have drowned."

"Why do you care about my life? Drowning or not...I am none of your business."

"Of course, you are my business," he said with precision. "I am your boyfriend."

Right, at this time, Theron and I were three years into the fake relationship he had tricked me into.

I scoffed. I'd been such a fool in my past. However, this time, I won't let the same thing repeat itself. Over my dead body.

"Theron Draix," I called, "I'm breaking up with you."

The shock that clouded his face was a sight to behold.

~~

Theron didn't follow me after I said those words to him. He probably was too shocked to do that. I also hadn't planned to do this, but I wasn't in my brain at the moment.

I had watched movies and read books about rebirth a lot, but thinking it could happen to me. That, even in imagination, was an expensive thought. But I was here, which meant only one thing...I had been reborn.

I blinked as I stared at myself in the mirror, my hair coming in curls as a result of the bath I'd just gotten. In my memories, Mireya had taken me to the pool, only to not be available when I'd fallen in. She had only appeared after I'd been taken into my room, which would be a few minutes from now. Falling into the water and almost dying had made me never step close to that pool again. In my past life, I had felt a hand clearly push me into the water, but Mireya had insisted that I had slipped. I sighed, picking up the dryer and blowing out my hair.

There was no need to think too much about what to do. In this life, I would do exactly the opposite things I did in my past. 

The door pulled open, and Mireya peeked in. "Aure."

Her voice came off so worried, so much so that I had trusted her so foolishly in my past life. My fingers tightened against the dryer in my hand. Seeing the woman who plotted my murder and betrayal face to face made me burn with uncontrollable anger.

But I forced a smile, "Mireya."

"Are you okay?"

"Where did you go? Right before I fell into the pool, I saw you, but immediately after that..." I trailed off, watching her calm expressions slightly falter. She wasn't so calm and composed after all. How hadn't I noticed that?

"Uh...I went to call for some help. My leg has been hurting me for some time, and I couldn't get into the water."

My eyes moved to her legs. She was standing perfectly fine.

I sniffed, twisting my face, "Mireya...I think someone hates me. I felt a hand push me into the water. Someone is trying to kill me!" I forced the tears out of my eyes. 

"No...no..you slipped. No one pushed you."

"Someone did, Mireya. I have to tell mom and dad."

"You know mom and dad are still annoyed, don't you?"

I had totally forgotten that. They were annoyed because I'd failed to come to the dinner party at Cleaves. Meanwhile, that night, Theron had invited me out for a date. Thinking about that, I must have been really stupid, leaving my family business for someone else to take over, and running everywhere with someone who didn't even love me.

However, my parents were my parents, and I knew them better than anyone. The only reason why I never tried winning them back in my past life was that I was too fixated on Theron and believed getting him would make me more important. This time, I would rise by myself.

"Don't worry, I will pacify them. They won't let someone hurt their 'only' daughter out of anger, would they?" I emphasized the word only, so much that Mireya's face lost color for a second.

"Only?"

I pouted. "You know what I mean."

Her face shifted back to its original look. "Just be patient, you don't have to tell them. I would get the CCTV to confirm. Don't disturb mom and dad so much, they are really busy."

I dropped the dryer, rushing to pull her into a tight hug. "Thank you, Mireya. You are the only one who truly cares about me in this world."

Mireya smiled. "You know I love you."

Well, I smirked, the feeling isn't mutual. Between the two of us, Mireya, I would have to see who can win the Oscar Awards for best acting in history.

AURELIA

"What day is your graduation?"

My eyes flicked upwards at my father's question as we ate dinner. My fork slowly hit the glass plate, making a clink.

Graduation?

I remembered that my graduation was just two weeks from now.

"On Friday, 12 pm," I replied.

I'd forgotten about all of these; my life had practically rewound two years, and this time, I was preparing for graduation. That meant my arts award had been a month or two back. I should have contacted Mr. Ford, who wanted to speak to me about my art, shouldn't I?

"Hopefully, after graduation, you will be smart enough to know that the arts have nothing to do with this family," my father said. I always knew he was against it; this question had also popped up in my past life. The seemingly peaceful dinner had turned into an uproar in an instant.

He didn't seem to understand that business was not my forte, and while I could handle a little bit of food nutrition-letting it go only because I would have competed against Mireya in my past life-, I was happier with food tasting and adjustments. However, now, I plan to give my all when it comes to wrenching the company out of Mireya's hands.

"Yes, while I pursue arts in my free time, I would love to work at the company full-time, until I can hold the reins."

Mireya's fork hit her plate loudly, while my mom stared at me, mouth agape.

"I thought you wanted nothing to do with the company?" Mom asked.

"I did," my lips flattened, "however, I realized I was wrong, and you were right. I should be serious and work at the company." 

Whatever made them sleep at night was what I was going to say to make them give me a chance at the company. However, that didn't mean I was happy with them. They had joined in making my past life miserable.

"That's good," my father nodded his head, a contented smile brightening his face. "I'm so happy you finally wisened up, Aurelia. Just act like your sister from now on, Mireya will teach you everything you need to know."

"Thank you sis!" I glanced at Mireya.

She forced a smile, her fingers tightening around the fork. 

"Tomorrow, Aurelia, you should come to the boutique with me. I would get some dresses perfect for your first day at work," mom said, placing a piece of beef on my plate.

I knew my parents and what made them switch easily, it was nothing more than business.

"Aure, I don't think you should work at the company. Isn't art your passion?" Mireya asked in my room after dinner. I looked up from my phone and stared at her,

"It is," I nodded. "And since it's a talent, it's easier for me than most. But I want to try something new and working at the company sounds like a nice idea."

I watched as her brows furrowed. "You never wanted to work at the company-"

"People change, Mireya. I thought you would be happy for me, we would be spending more time together for a while. Think of my period there as a sisters' hangout."

"How many days do you plan on spending?" Her ears perked up the moment she heard the word period.

"I don't know. Depends on how fast I learn and how soon mom and dad retire so I can take over," I said flatly.

"You...want to take over the company? You haven't even started working yet," she said sharply.

"Exactly. Why are you so tense?" I scoffed, grabbing my head phones from the bed as I stood up. "I'm going for a run, see ya."

I let out a breath the moment I stepped out of the house. Staying in the room with Mireya would have killed me at any moment, so how did she pretend for that long? From the moment she got into our house? Pretense was suffocating, and watching her act so nice simply made me angry. I couldn't wait to take back the things that belonged to me and watch the calm composure snap out of her.

My legs hit the floor as I ran past the gate, running at the side of the estate. A shadow fell beside me and before I could turn, the owner came. Theron Draix.

What? My legs stopped suddenly and before I could fall, his hands wrapped around me, holding me steady. 

"Are you okay?" His eyes stared at me, full with worry.

Fake.

I steadied myself, pushing him away. 

Irritation clouded my face, "What are you doing here?"

In my memories, I'd never run into Theron jogging, ever. He wasn't even home during weekdays, except for Friday evenings. This was a Wednesday.

"Jogging, you?"

"You are clearly not blind," I threw the words out of my lips venomously. He should see clearly that I wanted nothing to do with him. "Did Mireya send you here?" 

"Mireya?" His eyes narrowed. "No."

"You are a liar," I scoffed. "I see she couldn't wait to cry to you, right?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about-"

His words had barely dropped, when we heard a vibration, from his joggers. Right, joggers. Seeing Theron Draix in clothes other than suits and ties was...crazy. However, I hated him and I hoped he could see that and just leave me the heck alone. This time I was focused on the girl I called my family.

"Pick her call, lover boy, and leave me alone," I said flatly and continued my race, away from him.

"Did we have a fight?" Theron resurfaced.

"No."

"Then why are you breaking up with me?" he held my arm, halting me. 

For a second, we stared at each other in utter silence. And just for that second, something flashed in Theron's eyes. Pain?

"Are you-"

"Aurelia!" A voice cut me off from my words and I turned, just in time to see a bike stop in front of me. Its owner pulled off the helmet from his head and a smile crossed his face.

I blinked, and then, recognition set in.

"Tony?"

AURELIA

Tony pulled me into a tight suffocating hug the moment he alighted from his bike. 

"Tony, I can't breathe," I chuckled as I struggled to pull his hands away from me.

"It's been what...ten years?" Tony asked as he finally let me leave his grip.

"I think," I shrugged, staring at him. He'd gotten tanned, more handsome than I remembered, and he was, shockingly, riding a bike. Weird, Tony could mention names of the most expensive cars than anyone I knew, and here, he was biking.

"Do you want to get out of here? For an hour or something,"

I glanced at the man behind me, who hadn't said a word, and yet was throwing daggers at Tony. The fact that they knew each other and still didn't say a single word to each buzzed me a little. Yet, going with Tony would be the best way for me to avoid Theron.

"Sure, why not?" I stretched my hand to get the second helmet, when it was suddenly snatched away from behind. My gaze hardened as I turned to look at Theron.

"What on earth do you think you are doing?" I frowned.

"It's late, are you seriously going to go with him?" Theron's eyes narrowed.

"Yes," I replied flatly, grabbing the helmet with more force than necessary, but he pulled it backwards, dragging me with it.

The helmet was the only thing between us as he lowered his voice, "He could be dangerous."

"Why do you care? Don't you think you are more dangerous than him?"

"What?" He blinked.

"I hate people like you, Theron, who do whatever and believe that because it is them, they can get away with it. People like you are bullshit." 

His fingers loosened from the helmet and I pulled it towards myself. "Go home and work on files or something. A billionaire like you should not be seen walking around easily. The world is dangerous, Theron."

He seemed to get the sarcastic comment because his eyes darkened at my words. Tony helped me place the helmet properly and he zoomed off the moment I got on his bike. 

At 8pm, we sat across each other at a small restaurant reasonably far away from the Queen's Estate.

"So you and Theron..." Tony trailed off as he sipped from his coca cola drink. I had insisted on something soft, so he'd gone with coca cola and I with a glass of pure orange drink.

"Don't talk about him." I was warned.

"Are you still in love with him?"

"Are you guys still not talking?" I smirked.

Tony grinned, "Touche."

I smirked. We both don't get along with Theron now. I remember not talking to Tony for a whole week because Tony and Theron had a fight, and even now, I had no idea what caused it, each of them refused to tell. One thing was constant, Tony and Theron would never speak to each other again. it 's been like that for a year before he left and ten years now, it was the same.

"Just so you know," I traced the rim of my glass with my polished nail, "I broke up with him three days ago."

Tony's eyes narrowed, "You dated." 

It was more like an observation than a question. 

I nodded. "Something like that."

"It wasn't something like that, heiress. The fact is that you and Theron dated, period. Let's hear it, what made you break up with your longtime fantasy?"

Tony was...unhinged. I chuckled. "Long time, what?"

"That's what Theron is to you," he shrugged, sipping his drink, before he tilted his neck, "Go on."

A tattoo peeked from underneath it, the darkness contrasting with his white shirt. When had he gotten a tattoo? I was so tempted to ask.

"Even if I tell you, you wouldn't be able to understand so never mind." I sighed. Who would believe something as crazy as rebirth?

"If you aren't interested in telling me, that's fine. However, if you need someone to make him jealous, I'm right here for you," he tapped his chest.

There was no need to make Theron jealous. I wanted him to pay for his crime and not take him back.

"I'm not dating him," I said and firmed my gaze. "Period. Enough of Theron, how come you are back in LA?" 

"What happened, wherever you went?"

He clicked his tongue, "You don't even know, heiress. Is that how little you care for me? The size of your love is no more than a bee."

"It's queen bee sized, at least."

Tony laughed.

The next hour was spent, talking about everything we could share about our lives in the last ten years, and truthfully, talking with Tony made me feel better. In my past life, I hadn't met him, however in this life, he was right here.

Theron wasn't also at the pool in my past life and there was no record of him jogging, ever. He spent practically all his time working, or probably being with Mireya. That meant only one thing, certain things were changing this time. Was it because I came back?

"Heiress," Tony pulled my attention back to him, breaking my connection of thoughts.

"Huh?"

"What exactly are you thinking about?" He raised his brows, staring at me quizzically. 

"What did you ask?"

"About your sister, Mireya. How is she?"

"Mireya is-" I stopped.

Right, it's Mireya's first press conference tomorrow, where she announces the information of our newest pastries to the viewers. That move made her known to the world and people immediately assumed she was the heiress to Hales Foods. I shouldn't be here right now. 

"Tony," I called. "Take me home."

"What's going on? Is there trouble at home?"

"No, I just need to prepare for something. We'll talk better next time, but tonight I have to leave."

He nodded, pushing his chair backwards. "Let's go, Heiress."