The wind was sharp the night they pushed me down that cliff.
Not a stumble.
Not a mistake.
It was betrayal wrapped in wedding lace, and it hit harder than the jagged rocks that shattered my bones below.
I remembered it all now—Ava's voice, soft and trembling with false concern, whispering "I'm sorry" as she loosened her grip.
Nolan's cold gaze as he watched me fall—not a flicker of regret in those perfect stormy eyes.
They had planned this.
My death. The end of my existence.
(with a painful laughter) And I had loved them both with all I have. And now in my end moments I only wish that if there is any god in this world please avenge for me if you could give me another chance I want to destroy everyone who destroyed me like this.
And when again I opened my eyes....
The sunlight hit my skin like a slap, warm and wrong.
I opened my eyes to silk sheets. Pale gold curtains danced in the breeze. Birds chirped outside my window like it was any other morning.
I sat up slowly, disoriented.
My room.
My old room.
No hospital bed. No bandages. No pain. I touched all over myself like I am dreaming in the early morning.
But then My eyes fell on something that is not less than a nightmare to me. There was that same gown at the foot of my bed—ivory, custom, hand-stitched to fit a fairy tale.
My wedding dress.
My breath caught.
No.
It couldn't be.
I shot to the calendar. The date glared back at me like a cruel joke.
The day before my wedding.
My knees nearly gave out. But I didn't scream. I didn't cry.
I laughed.
It started as a breathless chuckle. Then a ragged laugh ripped from my throat like fire.
I had been given a second chance. I see towards the sky and then a faint smile touched my lips. And I promised to myself and the heaven that....
This time, I wouldn't walk down that aisle.
I wouldn't play their puppet.
I wouldn't smile for the camera before being stabbed in the back.
I would tear everything they built—every lie, every alliance—apart.
I ripped the gown from its hanger. The delicate lace tore with a satisfying hiss.
Every pearl, every sequin, felt like a tooth I was pulling from the mouth of a monster.
By the time I was done, it looked less like a dress and more like a warning.
And I wore it like a crown worn by a fallen queen.
Because I wanted them to see what they'd created.
A bride they are planned to buried, now is back from the dead.
The sun glared down as I stepped out of the cab in front of Blackwood Corp.
A twenty-story tower of glass, metal, and ruthlessness.
Damien Blackwood's kingdom.
Nolan's rival.
And my only way in.
My heels clicked against the marble floor of the lobby as I stormed in—bare-shouldered, bleeding from the thigh where broken lace scraped skin, lips parted and eyes locked on fire.
The receptionist blinked.
"Ma'am, you—"
"I'm here to meet Damien Blackwood," I said, voice steady.
She reached for her phone. "He's in a meeting. You'll have to—"
"I don't wait. Or rather I should say I can't wait."
Security moved in fast—two guards, then four. Hands reaching.
I jerked free.
"Don't touch me, Don't you dare to do that" I snapped, shoving past them. They tried to grab my arms—I elbowed one hard in the ribs and sprinted for the elevator.
I hit the button.
The doors opened.
One guard dove. I ducked under his grip and slapped the emergency close.
Metal slammed shut. I was inside. Breathing hard.
Shaking.
Smiling.
I was going to make it.
The elevator opened on the top floor. Quiet. Polished. Cold.
Damien Blackwood's assistant stood behind a minimalist desk, startled by my blood-streaked gown and defiant stance.
"who are you and how dare you enter the president's office floor."
"Tell him Nyra Callahan is here. He'll want to see me."
"You can't just enter her like this ma'am." The assistant said in serious tone.
With a dangerous tone Nyra again said, "just do as I say or I know very well how to do it myself."
She hesitated and said in low tone," "ma'am sir is busy—"
But as Nyra gave her a death glare Then she buzzed.
Seconds later, double glass doors at the end of the hall creaked open.
He stood at the window, back to me. Broad shoulders under a black tailored suit. The skyline made a halo around his silhouette.
When he turned, it wasn't shock that crossed his face.
It was amusement.
"Miss Callahan," he said slowly, voice low and sharp. " Don't you think you are way to early for your own funeral."
I stepped forward, heels crunching softly on the Persian rug. "No," I said. "I'm just on time for war."
His eyes dropped to the torn lace dragging behind me, then lifted—curious, calculating.
"And what kind of war are you offering me?"
"One where I help you destroy Nolan Hayes," I said.
He arched a brow. "That's a bold proposal coming from a soon to be bride that's kind of amusing."
I didn't blink. "Help me Call off this wedding. And I'll give you everything—his secrets, his strategy. I was supposed to become Mrs. Hayes. I know every move he's about to make."
He stepped forward. The scent of expensive cologne—dark and spiced—hit me like a warning.
He was taller than Nolan. Broader. And something about the way he moved was less polished and more... predatory.
"And in return?" he asked, eyes gleaming like polished obsidian.
I held his gaze.
"I offer myself."
Silence.
Something changed in his face—his smirk faltered. A flicker of surprise. Then something darker slid in.
"Your body?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
"No," I said. "My mind. My blood. My rage. Use it. I'm not some helpless girl. I'm the weapon they failed to bury."
Damien stepped closer. Our shadows touched.
His gaze dropped to my lips.
"You walk into my empire wearing torn lace and vengeance," he murmured, "and expect me to believe this isn't a suicide mission?"
"It's not," I said. "It's an execution."
He chuckled, low and dangerous.
"And you want me to be the executioner?"
"No," I whispered. "I want you to hand me the blade."
He looked at me for a long moment. Then walked to his desk, pressed a button.
"Have a suite prepared in the west penthouse," he said to his assistant. "Miss Callahan is staying."
I didn't move.
He turned back to me.
"But be warned, Nyra—if you betray me... I won't push you off a cliff or building like a nice villain."
He walked closer, eyes locked on mine.
"I'll ruin you so beautifully, you'll beg for the pain to be ended like a moth who ends it's life for the light."
My breath hitched—but not from fear.
I smiled.
"I already died once," I said. "What more can you possibly take from me?" I whispered under my breath.