Chapter 1

Chapter 1

My boyfriend stole my research thesis just to help his childhood sweetheart secure an Ivy League fellowship.

They didn't just publish my work under their names first. They turned around and accused me of plagiarism.

Once the story hit the internet, I was mercilessly bullied online. I fell into a deep, dark depression because of the harassment.

Meanwhile, his little friend became a rising star in the academic world using my hard work.

On the day she won her grand award, my boyfriend got down on one knee to propose to her. I, on the other hand, took a final leap from the rooftop, ending my life in misery.

I never expected to open my eyes again and find myself back on the day I had just finished my thesis.

"Nina? Nina!"

A sharp voice snapped me back to reality. I blinked, realizing the man who should have been at Amber's award ceremony was sitting right in front of me.

I hesitantly touched my wrists. The places that were supposed to be shattered from the fall were perfectly intact.

Is it possible that... I've been reborn?

"Nina, what's wrong? You've been spacing out. Are you just exhausted from pulling all-nighters for that paper?"

"By the way, didn't I tell you to bring it so I could help you edit it? Did you bring the file?"

As Leo Ford mentioned the thesis again, I knew for certain. I was back.

In my past life, Leo used this exact excuse to get his hands on my report. He said he'd do the final polish so I could get some sleep.

I never had any defenses against him back then. I trusted him blindly.

I didn't realize he would immediately hand my blood, sweat, and tears over to his precious childhood friend, Amber Yale.

The two of them conspired to publish the paper before I could. When I eventually submitted my work, they framed me for stealing their ideas.

No one listened to my explanations. The internet tore me apart, and I spiraled into a clinical depression that I couldn't escape.

When I finally confronted him, Leo just gave me a cold, indifferent look.

"Your grades have always been perfect, Nina. You've won so many awards since you were a kid. Why can't you just let Amber have this one win?"

"Stop being so dramatic. It's just some internet trolls. Just endure it, and it'll blow over!"

Later, Amber really did become a star in the field thanks to my research.

But I couldn't handle the endless abuse. I jumped from that rooftop while he was promising her forever.

The memories were so vivid that I could still feel the phantom pain of my bones and organs shattering.

I suppressed the intense physical nausea and shook my head, lying to Leo.

"No, I forgot to bring it."

"You forgot it?! How many times did I remind you? You can't even handle a simple task like this. Are you actually stupid?"

There it was again.

Whenever I didn't do exactly what Leo wanted, he would belittle me.

In my previous life, I was blinded by love. I endured his insults just to keep our relationship alive.

It wasn't until the end that I realized he had loved Amber for years. I was just a second-choice option used to make her jealous.

But since the universe gave me a second chance, I refuse to live so pathetically again!

I let out a cold laugh and pulled my hand back from his grip.

"Why are you so worked up? You said you wanted to edit it, which basically means checking for typos, right?"

"You don't actually understand the science behind what I wrote anyway. So, does it really matter if you see it or not?"

"Or... do you have some other use for my thesis?"

Maybe it was because I hit the nail on the head, or maybe it was because it was the first time I had ever snapped back. Leo's face turned awkward.

He froze for a second, then forced a fake smile and tried to pull me into a hug.

"Of course not. I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to be too tired. You can just give it to me next time."

"Anyway, let's drop it. Amber and the others are waiting at the bistro. Let's head over."

Mentioning the bistro reminded me of the dinner party from my past life. I had skipped it back then to focus on my citations.

Because of that, Leo and Amber spread rumors that I was "jealous and antisocial."

I looked at Leo's shifty eyes and smiled, though the warmth didn't reach my gaze.

Since I already know how this ends, I'm going to make sure they feel every bit of my pain this time.