The sounds of the household were deafening. The estate was alive with activity, maids rushing to and fro, the clang of silverware echoing in the dining hall as preparations were made for the gala. Annabelle, now fully dressed in a rich, burgundy gown, descended the grand staircase, her eyes scanning the bustling scene before her.
She had spent days in her room, brooding over her situation, allowing the enormity of her return to sink in. There were countless things to think about, so many plans to make, but one thing had consumed her thoughts above all: Luke.
In her previous life, she had loved him, or so she thought. But she had betrayed him, and it was that betrayal that had cost her everything. It had driven a wedge between them, eroded the foundation of their marriage, and left her with nothing but guilt.
But now, standing in the midst of the grand estate once again, she realized that her feelings for him were gone. Love had been replaced with resentment and disdain. He was no longer the man she once adored. She had no desire to marry him again. Not this time.
Annabelle made her way through the halls, heading toward the drawing room. Her heart pounded in her chest. She couldn't escape the tension building within her as she thought about what would come next. She had to sever ties with Luke, and soon. But what was more important was that she needed to understand her position—her new role in this life.
As she approached the door to the drawing room, it opened unexpectedly. A man stood in the doorway, tall and imposing. His presence struck her immediately—familiar, yet completely unknown. His eyes were intense, a shade of brown so dark they almost appeared black. His gaze locked onto hers with an unnerving focus.
"Annabelle," he said softly, his voice low, but commanding. "I'm Alex."
She blinked, her heart skipping a beat as his words sank in. She hadn't heard of him before. In her past life, she hadn't crossed paths with this man. But there was something about him that felt… predestined. Something that felt as if he were meant to be here, in her life, even though she couldn't yet explain why.
"Alex?" she repeated, her voice uncertain. There was a sharp edge to his presence, an intensity she hadn't expected.
He nodded, stepping into the room fully, his movements smooth but deliberate. "Yes," he said, his lips curving into a faint, enigmatic smile. "I've been following you for quite some time, Annabelle. It seems we have unfinished business."
She took a step back, her heart racing with a mix of curiosity and caution. "Unfinished business?"
Alex's smile deepened, his eyes never leaving hers. "You might not remember me, but we've crossed paths before. And now, I think we can help each other."
Annabelle's mind reeled as she processed his words. She could sense there was more to him than met the eye. His presence in her life felt orchestrated, as though he had always been part of her story. But how?
"I'm here to offer you a choice," Alex continued. "A chance for revenge. Your family betrayed you, Annabelle. Your sister, your father, and even Luke—every one of them wronged you in ways you cannot imagine. I can help you take them down."
Annabelle's breath caught in her throat as his words hit her like a jolt of electricity. Revenge. It was a word she had thought about for years, but never dared to act upon. But now, with this man before her, the possibilities seemed endless.
"I'm listening," she said, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. She knew she was standing at the edge of a precipice, and the choice she made now could change everything.
Alex's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good. Together, we can make sure they all pay for what they've done to you."