Chapter 1
A scorching beam crashed down, breaking both my legs. The smell of blood was quickly drowned out by the thick smoke.
Through the flames, I saw Avery Stone frantically protecting Isabella Lane with his own body.
Avery shouted, "Don't be scared, Bella. Even if it costs me my life, I'll get you out of here!"
I used up the last bit of my strength, reaching desperately for the crack in the door.
"Avery... save me..." I called out.
Avery froze when he heard my voice, but he didn't turn around.
He said, "You're my wife, you have to think about the big picture!"
"Isabella is the only college graduate here. She's the main tech person. She can't die!"
Main tech person, huh?
I was the one who stayed up all night drawing those blueprints.
Flames curled around my long hair.
I stared at those two risking everything for each other, and suddenly, the pain just faded away.
Avery, since you cared so much about her, then in my next life, I'd make sure you see who the real tech genius was.
*****
I felt something around my waist.
A pair of strong hands clamped down on me, holding me in an unbreakable grip.
A burning-hot chest pressed against my back, still trembling from the ordeal we'd just survived.
I went rigid all over.
My gaze shot past his shoulder and fixated on the black briefcase sitting on the dining table.
The zipper wasn't fully closed.
A corner of an official file was sticking out.
My name, Claire Stone, was now slashed through with a harsh red X.
My stomach twisted in knots.
It was like choking down a spoiled sandwich.
The crackling sound of the fire snapping the door lock in my last life still thundered in my ears.
When Avery carried Isabella out, the thing he gripped so desperately was the very document that betrayed me.
"Claire! Thank goodness... I got here just in time!"
Avery buried his face in the crook of my neck, his tears soaking through my collar.
He said, "This time, Claire, I promise I'll cherish you. I won't let you suffer, not even for a moment."
"Let go," Claire said, her voice icy.
I turned off the faucet.
The cold drops splashed against the back of my hand.
Avery froze, but instead of loosening his grip, he held me even tighter.
"Claire, are you still upset? Don't go to the workshop. It's way too dangerous. I promise I'll take care of you from now on," he said.
Dangerous?
Or maybe he was just worried I'd be in Isabella's way.
I forcefully pried his fingers off my waist, showing no mercy.
"The kitchen's greasy. You wouldn't want to mess up your fancy suit," I said coolly.
I turned and dumped the shredded potatoes into the basin without even looking at him.
Avery looked uncomfortable.
"I'm gonna take a shower to wash off these bad vibes," he muttered.
He picked up the briefcase, paused for a second, then set it back on the dining table and headed into the bathroom.
The sound of running water filled the air.
I dried my hands at a leisurely pace, then walked over to the dining table.
That briefcase was the one I'd spent two weeks sewing by hand for him, night after night, to celebrate his promotion to factory director.
I pinched the paper between two fingers and slowly pulled it out.
It was the List of Key Staff for Advanced Training in Silverport.
Next to my name, there was a handwritten comment: [Recommend reassignment to logistics. Slot reassigned to Isabella Lane.]
The handwriting was wild and unmistakable.
It was written by Avery himself.
I gave a bitter, mocking smile.
So this was his idea of making it up to me in this new life, huh?
He wanted to break my wings and keep me caged at home, useless and forgotten.
Then he'd use my sweat and tears to pave the way for his beloved.
"Claire! Can you grab me a towel?" Avery called out from the bathroom, his voice sickeningly cheerful.
"Tonight, let's really celebrate. I've got a huge surprise for you. Bet you'll be in tears," he said.
It was truly a surprise.
I stared at the thin sheet of paper, my fingertips turning pale.
My gaze fell on the sewing kit beside me.
A pair of scissors was stuck in it.
It was meant for snipping threads, but sharp as a blade.
I just needed to walk in, drive them into his neck, and everything would be finished.
I wrapped my fingers around the icy handle of the scissors.
The bathroom door cracked open, and a wave of steam billowed out.
"Honey? Where's the towel?" Avery called out.
I loosened my grip on the scissors, letting them fall away.
Taking a life meant paying with my own. Throwing away this second chance for a scumbag like him? Not a deal I'd ever make.
What I wanted was for him to witness his tower, built with painstaking effort, collapse into ruins right before his eyes.
I reached for a fountain pen from the holder.
Without hesitation, I spread the document flat across the table, ready to make my move.
"Yeah, I'm coming."
I answered him, then twisted off the cap of the fountain pen.