Chapter 1

My life ended on the very day I was supposed to start a new chapter with my beloved.

It was my wedding day, and the place of my demise was the rooftop of a luxurious five-star hotel.

As I plunged into the void, there was a scene that seared itself into my dying vision. Out burst the groom, Andrew Carter, from the opulent presidential suite, followed by my cousin, Emily Summers, looking all rumpled and disheveled.

The look of sheer panic plastered across their faces was unmistakable. But I wasn't naive enough to believe it was because they cared about me.

No, they were petrified that their dirty little secret would be exposed.

Then, in the blink of an eye, I opened my eyes again. To my utter shock, I'd been sent back in time to the night of my engagement.

*****

"What happened, Charlotte? You look as white as a sheet," Andrew murmured, gently brushing his fingers across my forehead, his eyes brimming with concern.

Glancing at his two-faced mug, I felt like I could throw up right then.

This guy was supposed to be my husband-to-be tomorrow, but last night, or rather, in my past life, he was in the sack with my cousin.

"Just a bit nervous, I guess." I managed a weak smile, forcing down the nausea.

Andrew planted a sweet peck on my forehead. "Silly girl, what've you got to be nervous about? Tomorrow's our big day!"

Yeah, it sure was a big day!

It was the day I'd seen his true color and the day I'd met my end.

"Andrew, where are you crashing tonight?"

He hesitated for a split second, then flashed a grin. "At the Regency Grand Hotel, hanging with the boys. Don't you remember?"

The Regency Grand Hotel. That was where I caught him and Emily in the act in my last life.

"What about Emily? Where's she staying?" I asked, trying to sound casual.

"She said she'd stay with you. Didn't she tell you?" Andrew replied.

I internally scoffed at the thought.

Stay with me? Yeah, as if that would happen. I knew she'd choose to be with my fiancé instead.

I said, "Maybe I misheard. Well, get some shut-eye early. You've got an early start tomorrow."

Andrew kissed my cheek. "Sure thing. I'm off now. See you tomorrow, my bride."

Watching him walk away, I balled my fists.

In this life, I swear Andrew would never have his way again.

Not long after, Emily showed up with a glass of milk in her hand, strutting into my room.

"Charlotte, have some milk. It'll help you sleep. You don't want to look like a raccoon on your wedding day," she said, wearing a sugary smile, looking as innocent as a lamb.

But I knew she was a snake in the grass. "You're so sweet, Emily." I took the milk but didn't take a sip. "So, you're staying here with me tonight, right?"

"Absolutely! I'm gonna be right here with my dearest cousin. Besides, I'm your bridesmaid tomorrow, so I gotta get up bright and early for makeup."

I nodded. "Okay, I'm gonna take a shower. You should get some rest, too."

Once in the bathroom, I dumped the milk down the toilet.

In my past life, after drinking that milk, I passed out cold and had no clue Emily had sneaked off to meet Andrew.

This time, I'd stay sharp and watch their little game.

After my shower, I came out to find Emily already in her PJs, lying in bed.

"Charlotte, you were in the shower forever. Did you drink the milk?" she asked deliberately.

"Yeah, and I'm feeling pretty sleepy now," I said, pretending to yawn.

A glint of victory flashed across Emily's eyes. "Then hit the hay. You gotta look like a million bucks at the wedding tomorrow."

I shut my eyes and slowed my breathing. About half an hour later, I felt someone moving by the bed.

Emily quietly got up, shot off a text on her phone, and tiptoed out of the room.

I peeked at the clock, and it was 11:30 p.m. In my past life, I headed to the Regency Grand Hotel at 6 a.m. to surprise Andrew.

Instead, I got the shock of my life. This time, I wouldn't wait till morning. I'd catch them red-handed tonight.