Chapter 1

1

I can't believe it, I'm reborn.

Neon lights flashed outside, and the air inside was stifling.

I pinched my palm hard.

Ouch, it's not a dream.

Well, not exactly.

I already died once, so even if it's not a dream, I shouldn't be able to feel pain.

"Ashley," a man's husky voice echoed in my ear.

A shiver ran down my spine.

Not only was I reborn, but I was reborn on that fateful night.

"Ashley," Josh whispered, his kiss landing on my lips.

I turned my head, the heat now on my neck.

No.

He wasn't calling for "Ashley." He was calling for "Olivia," Chloe's nickname.

In my past life, I thought he had finally noticed me, and I foolishly gave myself to him.

Later, I learned that Josh had always loved Chloe.

He was just drunk and mistook me for her.

"Josh, snap out of it!" I shoved him away with all my strength.

I had a crush on him for ten years.

After that night, he hated me for ten years.

Thankfully, this time, nothing had happened yet.

Josh paused, looking down at me.

The room was dark, but the light from outside illuminated his face.

Even drunk, his skin was pale, and his eyes were calm.

It was enough to fool me in my past life into thinking he was sober.

"Ashley?" He finally seemed to recognize me, a flicker of something in his voice.

But in the next second, his eyes became clouded and complex.

He cupped my face urgently and kissed me again.

I brought my knee up, kicking him hard and pushing him away.

I ran out the door.

Breathing in the cold night air, I pulled out my phone, checking the time again and again.

I was sure.

I really was reborn!

I rushed home, memories of my past life flooding back.

Josh and I were childhood sweethearts, our families close friends.

Tonight, Mrs. Evans had called, saying Josh wasn't answering his phone and asking me to check on him.

I always knew the code to his apartment.

I opened the door and found him drunk.

I had been in love with Josh for years.

Hearing him call out "Ashley" over and over, I couldn't resist.

I didn't go home that night. The next morning, my parents and Josh's parents found us in bed together.

Our clothes were scattered on the floor.

Our parents had always wanted us together, and this seemed to seal the deal.

I was about to graduate from college, and our wedding was quickly planned.

I was ecstatic.

My years of silent longing had finally come to fruition.

I thought Josh was happy too.

He was always reserved, never one to show his emotions.

But he went with me to choose a wedding dress, to pick out a ring, never once saying "no."

Until our wedding day.

A beautifully dressed girl sobbed in the audience.

Everyone thought Josh was kissing me, but he was gritting his teeth in my ear:

"Ashley, are you satisfied with this outcome?"