Chapter 2
Amara jolted upright in bed, gasping for air. Her chest heaved as she clutched the sheets, her mind spinning.
The last thing she remembered was Celeste’s smug face and the searing pain in her skull. But now…
She blinked, her surroundings unfamiliar but hauntingly familiar. Soft morning light streamed through delicate lace curtains, and the faint scent of roses wafted from a nearby bouquet.
Her heart stopped as her eyes landed on a calendar on the bedside table.
“Five years ago?” she whispered, disbelief thick in her voice.
She scrambled out of bed, her breath hitching as she saw the pristine white wedding gown hanging from the wardrobe.
Today was the day. Her wedding day.
Amara’s knees gave out, and she sank to the floor, clutching her head. Memories of Ethan’s betrayal, Celeste’s cruelty, and her own untimely death came flooding back with brutal clarity.
“This can’t be real,” she murmured.
Her hand trembled as she touched her face, her skin smooth and unmarred. Her head didn’t ache. Her body wasn’t broken.
“I’m alive,” she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’ve been given a second chance.”
But the joy of being alive was quickly eclipsed by the bitterness of betrayal. Ethan’s face flashed in her mind—his coldness, his lies. And Celeste, the viper she had once trusted like family.
Amara clenched her fists, her tears drying as a new resolve took hold. Not this time.
She stood, her reflection in the mirror showing a woman reborn. This time, she wouldn’t be the naive bride walking blindly into a life of heartbreak. She would be the architect of her revenge.
“Amara, darling, are you ready?” her mother’s voice called from outside the door.
Amara quickly wiped her face, slipping into the mask of a radiant bride. “Coming, Mom!”
As she stepped into the bustling bridal suite, her mother beamed at her, fussing over her dress and veil. But Amara’s focus was on the figure lounging in the corner, sipping champagne—Celeste.
“Good morning, bride-to-be,” Celeste purred, her smile as sharp as ever.
Amara forced a smile, her mind racing. She remembered how Celeste had charmed everyone into making her the maid of honor, using the position to stay close to Ethan and undermine Amara at every turn.
Not this time.
“Celeste,” Amara said sweetly, “I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve made a last-minute change.”
Celeste raised an eyebrow. “Change?”
“Yes,” Amara said, turning to her childhood best friend, Lily, who was adjusting her own dress. “Lily, you’re my maid of honor now.”
Lily’s eyes widened. “Me? But—”
“No buts,” Amara interrupted, her tone firm but kind. “You’ve been by my side through everything. It’s only right.”
Celeste’s smile faltered, her grip tightening on her champagne glass. “Amara, are you sure? We’ve been planning this for months.”
“Oh, I’m sure,” Amara said, her voice as sweet as honey but with an edge that made Celeste’s smile freeze. “You’ll still be part of the wedding party, of course. I wouldn’t want to take that away from you.”
Celeste’s jaw tightened, but she plastered on a polite smile. “Of course. Whatever makes you happy.”
Amara’s lips curved into a small, victorious smile. Checkmate, Celeste.
The ceremony was as beautiful as Amara remembered, but this time, she paid attention to every detail. She caught the subtle glances Ethan shared with Celeste, the way his gaze lingered on her for a second too long.
When it was time for the exchange of vows, Amara’s heart pounded. As Ethan slid the ring onto her finger, she met his gaze, her eyes unwavering.
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Ethan said, his voice steady, though his eyes flicked briefly toward Celeste.
Amara’s lips twitched. She took his hand, sliding the gold band onto his finger. “And with this ring, I make a promise. To love, honor, and cherish you—for all the days of our lives.”
The vows concluded, and the officiant smiled. “You may now kiss the bride.”
