~Kate's POV~
I woke up with a gasp, my chest rising and falling rapidly. My hands instinctively roamed over my body, expecting pain, open wounds, and broken bones. But there was nothing—no pain, no bruises. I could move freely, which felt impossible considering what I remembered last.
My heart raced. I looked around and realized I was in my room. What?'
The last thing I remembered was getting hit by a garbage truck after running from the hotel where I caught Brad cheating on me. Was it all a dream? God, I hoped it was. I couldn't bear the thought of Brad actually doing that to me.
I looked down at my hand—and there it was. The ring. Still on my finger.
"No way," I whispered. "This can't be real."
I shot up from bed, stunned, and stumbled into the kitchen to get a glass of water. But just as I lifted it to my lips, the door opened.
I spat the water out when I saw my mom walk in.
"Mum!" I blurted, eyes wide in disbelief.
"Yes, darling. Why are you looking at me that way? I know we haven't seen each other in a month."
"You… you were just here," I stammered. "Yesterday—or today? I don't even know anymore."
She frowned. "What are you talking about? Have you been drinking?"
"Why are you here, Mom?" I asked, my voice shaking, hoping she'd say something—anything—that would prove I wasn't losing my mind.
"I was passing through and thought I'd say a quick hi before traveling for my vacation."
"No…"
"Yes, darling."
I let out a shaky laugh. "You can't be serious. You're saying the exact same thing you said last time."
"Last time?" she repeated, confused. "Are you okay?"
"I think I'm going into shock," I whispered, struggling to catch my breath.
"Kate, are you okay?" She rushed toward me. "You need to breathe in and out gently. It's okay. I didn't know showing up would cause this. If you want me to leave, I will."
"I just need a minute," I managed to say before running to the bathroom.
I splashed cold water on my face, staring at my reflection. My skin looked pale—too pale. My pulse pounded in my ears.
"What the hell is going on?" I muttered to myself. "Am I losing it?"
What are the odds that my mom would visit today and say the exact same thing she said in my dream?
If I was reliving the same day… that meant Brad really cheated—and I died.
A knock came at the door.
"Kate, what's wrong? Do you need to go to the hospital? Oh no, please don't tell me you're pregnant."
I groaned. "Mum, seriously?"
I opened the door. "Mum, I'm not pregnant. I'm fine now."
"You don't look fine. I hope you're not skipping meals—you look really skinny."
"Same line again," I muttered under my breath.
"What line?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Nothing. Forget it. You know what, Mum? I'm just a bit under the weather. I need to rest."
"I'll postpone my vacation. You're obviously not taking care of yourself."
"I'm not a kid, Mum. I can take care of myself just fine. Please, go on your vacation."
She sighed dramatically. "You always push me away when I try to help. One day you'll realize mothers are always right."
"I already know that," I said quietly, half to myself.
"I'm trying to be a loving mother, and you still want me out of your hair. Alright, no problem. I'll leave. But know that I'll be checking in on you regularly."
"Sure you will," I muttered under my breath.
"What's that? I didn't hear you, honey."
"Nothing. I said nothing."
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Is this about Brad? I told you—most men are scum."
For a split second, I froze. Did she somehow know?
But no—of course she didn't. That was just her hatred for my father talking.
"I don't want to talk about Brad right now, Mum."
She raised a brow. "Oh? Trouble in paradise already?"
"Goodbye, Mum. Have a safe trip."
"Fine, fine. Don't forget to eat something other than instant noodles," she said, heading for the door.
"I won't," I said softly.
She humphed and finally left my apartment.
I sank onto the couch and turned on the TV. There it was again—Jack Reeves' scandal with a married woman flashing across the screen.
The reporter droned, "Jack Reeves was spotted leaving the hotel last night with—"
"Oh, give me a break," I muttered, grabbing the remote. "Do you people ever report good news?"
Tears welled in my eyes. "Why is this happening to me?" I whispered.
My phone chimed with a text. I opened it—and froze.
Meet me at The Reeves Hotel, Room 502, at 8 p.m. I have a surprise for you.
I threw my phone across the room. "I'm not going anywhere near that hotel! Brad can go to hell for all I care."
I grabbed my work laptop and sent an email to my boss and HR, requesting a week's sick leave. There was no way I could face work while my mind was a mess.
Hours passed. I stared at the clock, wrestling with my thoughts.
"Maybe it's a test," I whispered. "Maybe the universe is giving me a second chance to make a different choice."
By seven o'clock, I'd made up my mind.
"I'm not running this time."
I called a cab and headed straight to The Reeves Hotel.
Sitting in the lobby, I spotted Brad walking in—with Becca. Their hands were intertwined as they approached the front desk to collect their room key.
"Unbelievable," I whispered. "Same damn scene. Same hotel. Same people."
My stomach twisted. I watched them step into the elevator.
"I knew it," I breathed. "It's real."
I took the elevator to the room at the exact time I got here last time, my pulse pounding. When I reached Room 502, the door was slightly ajar. Becca must have done it on purpose—she wanted me to see.
"I really wanted to be wrong," I said bitterly, stepping into the room.
Brad froze mid-thrust and looked toward the door. His eyes widened in shock.
"Kate! What are you doing here? It's not what it looks like."
"Don't even start, Brad. You said that before."
"Before?" His brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"Fuck you, Brad. I can't believe I wasted five years of my life on you. You lied to me—and I trusted you. We're done. Don't call me. Don't come to my apartment."
"Kate, wait, please—"
I yanked the ring off my finger and threw it at him.
"And you," I glared at Becca, "you can keep him. I know you sent that text."
Becca smirked. "Well, you found out eventually. Might as well enjoy the show while it lasted."
"What text?" Brad demanded.
"Your girlfriend over there wanted to mark her territory. I'm glad she did—otherwise I wouldn't have discovered that you're a lying, cheating son of a bitch."
"I just thought it best she knew," Becca said smugly.
"You did this?" Brad's nostrils flared. "Becca, what the hell—"
I didn't wait to hear more. I turned on my heel and stormed out, ignoring his voice calling after me.
I stepped into the elevator, my face calm this time.
"This is déjà vu," I muttered, watching the floor numbers descend. "But this time, I'm not the victim."
When the doors opened, I walked out, lost in thought, and collided with someone. Strong hands caught me by the arms, steadying me.
I looked up—and there he was. Jack Reeves in a hoodie. I had forgotten about this.
He held me firmly, his gaze sharp but gentle. "Are you okay?" he asked.
"I'm fine, thank you. So sorry, I—"
"Are you sure?" he said, scanning my face. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"Something like that," I murmured.
"Kate!" Brad's voice cut through the air. "So I mess up, and you go fall into another man's arms?"
Jack's brows lifted. "I'm sorry, you know this jerk?"
"Unfortunately, yes," I sighed. "He's my ex."
"Ex?" Brad scoffed. "You can't just erase me that easily!"
"Watch me," I said coldly.
Is he serious right now?
"Fuck you, Brad."
I looked at Jack, meeting his curious eyes.
"I would show him what it really meant to fall into another man's hands."
Then, before I could second-guess myself, I grabbed Jack Reeves' face and kissed his hot sensual lips passionately.