Echoes of a Shattered Vow

In her past life, when a truck barreled toward them, Lillian Hogan instinctively pushed Elton Ruiz out of harm's way. She paid the price with both her legs crushed.

When she woke up in the hospital, the aloof, noble man lowered his head for the first time.

Standing by her bedside, he promised to marry her. Tearfully, she accepted the proposal from the man she'd loved since she was eight.

But after the wedding, Elton often stayed out all night. His attitude toward her grew cold and harsh.

When an infection from her injuries left her on the brink of death, the billionaire didn't spare a single penny for her care.

"I never thanked you for saving my life," he said. "Our marriage was a mistake from the start. Let me go."

His face grim, he pulled out her oxygen tube.

Lillian's eyes widened in shock. In the agony of betrayal and heartbreak, she took her last breath.

If she could do it all over again, she vowed never to love Elton again.

When her eyes opened again, Lillian Hogan found herself back on the day of the accident.

The same truck sped toward them.

In a split second, her body moved on its own, pushing Elton Ruiz out of the way, just like in her past life.

But this time, Elton reacted instantly, pulling both her and Jill Pratt out of the truck's path.

He grabbed Lillian's shoulders, roaring, "What were you thinking? You could have died! Who asked you to save me?"

Lillian stumbled to the ground, her hands instinctively touching her legs. They were still there.

She'd never forget this day.

At Jill's birthday party, hosted by Elton, Jill had argued with Elton's parents.

Upset, she had run off, nearly getting hit by a truck.

Elton had risked his life to save her, and Lillian, in turn, had pushed him out of danger, losing her legs in the process.

Elton had married her, but he had resented her, feeling forced to give up Jill, his true love.

When Lillian had lain dying from infection, he had ended her life.

Now she was given a second chance, but things played out differently.

She stared at Elton, noticing a strange intensity in his sharp gaze, a weight that didn't match his age.

Lying nearby, Jill let out a weak cry.

Elton released Lillian and rushed to her side, checking her over.

"Jill, are you hurt? Let me see," he said, his voice and movements dripping with a tenderness Lillian had never felt during their marriage in her past life.

Jill shook her head, wincing. "I'm fine. Just can't walk."

Without hesitation, Elton scooped her up in his arms. "I've got you. Let's head back and see the surprise I prepared for you."

He strode back to the party without another glance at Lillian.

Watching him disappear, Lillian gave a bitter smile. But there was a hint of relief in that smile.

Getting back to this moment was good. At least, she wouldn't be Elton's burden.

She pulled out her phone and called her uncle, Alonzo Ballard, who was living abroad.

Alonzo wasn't blood-related to her. Her father used to help him, and they became sworn brothers. He had always treated Lillian like family, offering to take her abroad many times.

She had refused because of her obsession with Elton.

Now she decided to grant Elton's wish and disappear from his world.

"Uncle Alonzo, I've made up my mind. I want to live with you abroad," she said.

On the other end of the phone, Alonzo was thrilled. "That's great! I've got a room ready for you. Whatever you want, be it school or a job, I'll set it up. When are you coming? I'll send someone to pick you up."

Lillian's eyes welled up as she thought of leaving her hometown and cutting ties with her doomed love.

"Give me two weeks to wrap things up here," she replied. "Then I'll come."