REBORN AS A RUTHLESS HEIRESS

Celeste POV

Pain.

A dull, throbbing ache press against my skull, dragging me from the depths of nothingness. My body feels heavy as if I am submerged in a thick fog.

But there is something else -- something familiar. The scent of my favorite -- fresh lavender. I can also hear the distant hum of morning traffic and the meowing of the little cat around me.

Then suddenly -- light rays flash into my eyes as they try to snap open.

A white ceiling, unblemished.

My breath hitches.

My chest rises and falls rapidly as my lungs gasp for air.

My fingers curl into the silk sheets beneath me, feeling the texture and the weight of reality pressing down on me.

I blink, my vision adjusting to the dim light filtering through the luxurious canopy above my bed.

My bed.

How am I on a bed?

Confusion twist through my mind like a storm, had it all been a dream? No icy water, no suffocating darkness, no pain -- had I imagined it?

A rush of disorientation hit me like a tidal wave.

Where am I?

I sit up abruptly, my hands slowly flying to all parts of my body, expecting to find bruises, wounds -- some kind of proof of the horrors I had endured that night.

But there is nothing. No marks or bruises on me, and my silk nightgown is pristine.

Instead, I'm surrounded by the warm glow of a familiar chandelier hanging above me.

I recognize this room.

Golden drapes, silk sheets, the lovely scent that envelopes the air-- it is my bedroom in the Lancaster estate. But how?

My fingers grip my nightgown tightly as I struggle to breathe. This isn't possible. I am supposed to be dead!

My gaze goes around the room, my heart hammering in my chest. Everything is exactly how I remembered it-- my vanity mirror still had the small crack in the corner from when Sophie had accidentally knocked over my perfume bottle, and the large desk close to the window still had the deep scratch from when Sophia had dragged a chair across it.

These details... They shouldn't be here.

I turn to the light stand, where my phone is charging. With trembling hands, I grab it and press the power button. The screen lit up, and my heart nearly stop.

Date: March 16th, 2024

My breath hitches.

This is the day before my engagement to Noah Harrington. Five years before my death.

My entire body went still. The truth slams into my face like the force of a tidal wave.

I am reborn.

A chill ran down my spine.

To be sure I'm sane--- who knows my phone could be wrong. My gaze went back to the wall-mounted calendar near my bedside. I grip The calendar, looking closely at the date...

Still five years ago.

I gasp... My mind still spinning in disbelief, I stumble towards the mirror nearly tripping over my own feet.

The woman staring back at me... Is way younger and softer.

I reach up, touching my face in shock...

All the faint lines of exhaustion were gone, the dark circles beneath my eyes gone, the weary lines carved by years of betrayal and suffering. I look younger...

My cheeks were fuller, untouched by the pain I had endured. My glossy, wavy hair flows over my shoulders.

A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat, but it comes out as a strangled sob.

Then it dawned on me...

This is the day before my engagement party. The day before, I sealed my fate by agreeing to marry Noah Harrington. The day before, I unknowingly walked into a trap set by the people I trusted the most.

A small bit of memories crash down on me like a wave. I remember everything. The sweet words Noah had whispered in my ear while secretly spending nights with Sophia.

The way my adoptive mother always smiles at me pretending to care while plotting to steal my inheritance. The way I had foolishly sacrificed my happiness, my dignity, and my entire life for people who never truly loved me.

A sharp, bitter rage coursed through my veins, unlike anything I had ever felt before. I had died in the cold, discarded like trash.

Not this time.

This time, I won't be their fool. This time, I'm not going to be that naive girl desperate for love and approval.

This time, I would destroy them before they could destroy me.

A knock at the door cut through the silence.

"Miss Celeste, are you awake?"

A maid's voice, one I recognize. My throat tightens. The last time I heard that voice, it had been filled with pity as she was driven out of the Lancaster estate, discarded like an unwanted burden.

Taking a deep breath, I straightened my shoulders, wiping the shock of my face. The old me would have hesitated, uncertain, and vulnerable. But I am no longer that girl.

"Yes," I answer with a steady and commanding voice.

"Enter."

The door opens, and a maid steps in bowing politely. "Madam Lancaster has requested you to join us for breakfast. The family is expecting you."

My fingers dig into the sheets with rage. "Ok, I will be there soon."

She turns and leaves the room.

I have no plans of going downstairs to have dinner with those pretenders.

My nails dig deep into my palm until I feel the sting of pain. No, I'm not that naive, foolish girl anymore.

I have been given a second chance.

A slow, bitter smile curls on my lips. This time, things will be different.

This time, I won't be their puppet.

This time, I will make them pay.

I take a deep, steadying breath and force myself to think rationally. I woke up exactly one day before the engagement announcement.

In my past life, I had blindly accepted Noah's proposal, believing in his sweet words and empty promises. I had thought it was the beginning of a fairytale.

Now I know it was the beginning of my downfall back then in my past life and now.....

Such a mistake won't happen again.

While still in my thoughts, a few minutes later, I hear a knock on the door again.

I thought I told this lady I will be with them shortly. Why the irritating disturbance?

"Come in," I yell without thinking if it's the same person at the door; I'm just trying hard to control my anger.

When the door opens wide, I see Mum-- the pretender.

"Celeste darling are you awake? I sent the maid to get you for over thirty minutes now. You didn't show up" Eleanor Lancaster's voice is sweet, warm --- deceptive.

My lips curl in disgust. I have once sought this woman's approval, desperate for affection. Now I know better.

Taking a deep breath, I compose myself. I can't let them know I have changed. Not yet.

"Yes, Mother," I call, making sure my voice sounds soft and obedient. "Come in."

The door opens, and Eleanor steps inside, her elegant frame wrap in a designer silk robe. She is as beautiful as ever, with her flawless skin and carefully styled blonde curls. She smiles at me, but I can see the deceitful calculation behind her eyes.

How was I blind all these years. I mumble to myself.

"You slept in," Eleanor said gently, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Today is an important day, darling. The engagement announcement -- have you forgotten?"

Forgotten? I nearly laugh. I can never forget the day I had unknowingly sealed my fate.

But instead of showing my true thoughts, I tilt my head, forming innocence. "Of course not, Mother," I say with a small smile. "Just that... I was lost in thought."

Eleanor's sharp eyes study me for a moment before she nods approvingly. "Good. The press conference is at noon, and we want everything to be perfect. Noah is the ideal match for you, after all."

Ideal match! Indeed I scoff In my subconscious

I clench my jaw but force my expression to remain pleasant.

"Of course," I murmur.

Eleanor patted my hand. "Good girl. Get dressed and come downstairs soon. Your father wants to discuss the final details."

With that, she leaves the room, closing the door behind her.

I exhale slowly, my hands tightening into fists so that I can feel the sting.

I had tolerated this in my past life. I had allowed myself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter.

But not this time.

My first move is to destroy the engagement...

I can't wait to see the disgrace on their faces.

My second move?

Noah Harrington and Sophia Raynes won't see me coming for them.