chapter six

Emily's POV

I stepped into the grand bedroom, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The rich scent of sandalwood lingered in the air, mixing with the faint aroma of fresh roses arranged in an elegant vase near the bed.

A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, its golden light casting a warm glow over the room's luxurious furnishings—dark mahogany furniture, silk drapes swaying lightly in the breeze from the open window, and a king-sized bed covered in crisp ivory sheets.

I let out a quiet sigh. "This is my room now. It's actually different from my past room, what changed?" I thought to myself.

" Was it all a dream? It can't be ....it really can't be, because I can still feel the pain!!, the betrayal!!, everything and again Anthony found the same place so this is real" I thought to myself.

Matter who had led me here bowed slightly and gestured toward the en-suite bathroom and walk-in closet.

"Miss Emily, if you need anything, the servants are at your disposal. Mr zu has instructed that you should be made comfortable."

"Comfortable?" I questioned myself.

" Is everything changing ? Is the heavens having mercy on me?" I questioned myself again

"Miss Emily" Matter called out tapping my shoulder and jolting me out of my thoughts.

"Are you ok?" she asked with curiosity written all over her.

"Yes….yes I'm ok" I stuttered

"Thanks," I said, forcing a smile.

With another bow, Matter exited, leaving me alone in the grand space. For a moment, I simply stood there, taking it all in. It was too perfect—too surreal.

If I hadn't lived through hell in my past life, I might have believed that this was a dream. But I knew better.

My fingers trailed over the smooth surface of the vanity table as I made my way toward the balcony. The sheer curtains billowed as I pushed the glass doors open, stepping out into the cool evening air.

And then it hit me.

The view. The smell of the night air. The way the stars blinked down at me.

It was all so familiar.

A sharp pang shot through my chest, and before I could stop it, memories came rushing back—dark, painful, suffocating.

A Lifetime Ago….

I had stood on a balcony just like this, under a night sky just like this, with a heart filled with love and dreams of forever.

And Lucas had been beside me

My first love or so I thought. The man who had once held me in his arms, whispering sweet promises in the moonlight.

I could still hear his voice, deep and smooth, laced with the lies I had been too blind to see back then.

"Emily, no matter what happens, it's always you. I love you."

A bitter smile curved my lips. What a fool I had been.

Lucas had been my world once. I had loved him with every fiber of my being, believing that he was my destiny. I had met him when I was eighteen—young, naive, and desperate for love in a family that had never truly accepted me. Lucas had been charming, protective, everything I had thought I needed.

And Sonia…

My nails dug into my palm as I remembered the girl who had always worn a mask of innocence while hiding venom behind her soft smiles.

Sonia, my adopted sister.

.

Sonia, the one Lucas had chosen over me.

The betrayal had started subtly—stolen moments between Lucas and Sonia, lingering glances that I had convinced myself were nothing more than coincidence. I had ignored the warning signs, thinking that love would be enough to keep Lucas by my side.

I was wrong.

The memory crashed into me like a wave, drowning me in its cruelty.

That fateful day, when my family abandoned me on the cold floor to die. Williams came in and picked up the knife stabbing me, instead of taking me to the hospital.

"Why?"I had whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding of my heart.

Williams had smirked. "You were in the way, Emily. You always were."

The sharp, burning agony of a knife plunging into her flesh.

I gasped, as I clutched my wound, my vision blurring with tears and disbelief. I had stared at Lucas, searching for remorse, for hesitation—anything that might prove he still had a heart but nothing. He only reminded me of how I stopped him from being with the one he loves.

I snapped out of my thoughts, my body trembling as the phantom pain of the knife wound resurfaced. I pressed a hand against my chest, as if expecting to feel the wound there, but of course, there was nothing.

I had been reborn.

A second chance.

A chance to make them pay.

My breath came in slow, measured gulps as I forced myself to calm down. I couldn't lose myself in the past. Not now.

I was stronger. Wiser.

This time, I wouldn't be the foolish girl who fell for sweet words and empty promises.

This time, I would be the one holding the knife.

Just then, a soft knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts.

"Miss Emily?"

A maid stepped inside, her voice gentle yet firm. "Dinner is ready. Master zu is waiting for you."

I straightened, smoothing the fabric of my dress as I turned to face the maid. My moment of weakness was over.

The past was a ghost, haunting me—but I would not let it define me.

I am here now. Alive.

And I i have a mission.

Lifting my chin, I strode toward the door.

Let the game begin.