Chapter 5

In just a few moments, I found myself standing at the edge of the building, the ground far below me. They held me tightly, and despite my pleas for mercy, they showed no sign of compassion. “Please, just let me go!” I cried, desperation lacing my voice. “They have taken everything from me."

I looked down from the height, my heart pounding in my chest. The fall seemed endless, and death loomed before me like an inviting embrace. I felt trapped, with no other option but to accept it. Memories flooded my mind—each moment of joy, every dream I had once cherished. I never imagined saving someone’s life would cost me so dearly. If only I could turn back time and stop all of this from happening. I longed for the chance to reclaim my happiness, to fulfill my dreams instead of trying to carve out a place in someone else's heart.

As I stood there, I wished I could change my fate. Suddenly, they released my hand, and I felt myself teetering on the edge. Time seemed to slow down as I began to fall, the ground rushing up to meet me. In that moment, a wave of hatred surged through me—hatred for them, for Howard, and for his family. I wanted revenge; I wanted them to pay for what they had done.

These thoughts raced through my mind as a light swallowed me whole.

I braced myself for the impact, waiting for the pain to hit me. But suddenly, my eyes snapped open, and I found myself standing in front of Howard. He looked cold and furious, his expression a mask of rage. “I’m talking to you! How dare you bring my grandfather on a bike? What if something happened to him? You put his life in danger!” His words pierced through me, echoing the very same accusations he had hurled at me three years ago.

Confusion washed over me. I had been falling from the building, teetering on the brink of death, and now here I was, facing Howard again. My eyes widened in disbelief as I struggled to comprehend the situation. How could this be happening?

Just then, Dr. Robert entered the scene, witnessing Howard’s outburst. He quickly intervened, stepping between us with a firm demeanor. “Mr. Carter, calm down,” he said, his voice steady. “If it weren’t for her quick thinking, your grandfather would have died. The heart attack was severe.”

Howard fell silent, the anger draining from his face as Dr. Robert’s words sank in. This was all too familiar, a twisted replay of events from three years ago. My mind raced—how could this be possible? Without thinking, I turned and ran, the weight of confusion propelling me forward.

As I fled, I could feel their eyes on me, filled with surprise and concern. Howard turned to Dr. Robert, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Who is she that you’re defending?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Dr. Robert replied, “She’s the new intern. Today is her first day. Some people are just born to save lives.”

Howard nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on the spot where I had just stood, a mix of emotions playing across his face. I could feel the tension in the air as I disappeared down the corridor, still grappling with the surreal nature of what had just unfolded.

I rushed into the washroom, my heart pounding in my chest. I splashed cold water on my face, desperately trying to wake myself from this surreal nightmare. Am I dead? Is this all just a replay of my past? Or am I simply losing my mind? The questions swirled in my head like a tempest, and I stared at my reflection, searching for answers in my own eyes.

As I stood there, lost in thought, a woman who looked like a nurse entered the washroom. She glanced at me with concern. “Are you okay, Doctor?” she asked gently.

I blinked, trying to shake off the confusion. “Y...yeah, I’m fine,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

“It’s okay,” she continued, her tone soothing. “I know you must be upset about what Mr. Carter said. I heard it all. He’s such a handsome man, but he’s so cold-hearted. He didn’t even thank you for what you did. Can you believe that?”

I looked down, washing my hands in the sink, the water cascading over my fingers. No one knows how cruel he is better than me. The words slipped out before I could stop it.

The nurse paused, her brow furrowing in confusion. “What? What do you mean?” she asked, her eyes searching mine for clarity.

“Nothing,” I replied quickly, trying to dismiss the weight of my words. “C...can you tell me what the date is today?”

Her expression shifted to one of shock at my question. “The date?” she echoed, momentarily taken aback. “It’s October 20, 2021.”

The words hit me like a slap to the face. 2021? I repeated in disbelief, my mind racing. I felt the walls of reality closing in around me. I had been thrown back in time, to a moment I thought was long past.

Without another word, I bolted out of the washroom, my heart racing as I processed this shocking revelation. The nurse stood there, her face a mix of confusion and surprise, watching me as I rushed away, desperate to escape the confines of this strange reality.

I rushed out of the hospital, my heart racing as I took in my surroundings. The billboards loomed overhead, their bright colors and bold messages screaming at me, confirming the impossible: it was truly 2021. Had I somehow traveled back three years in time? Did God hear my last wish and grant me a chance to make my life better?

The realization washed over me like a wave, filling me with a mix of disbelief and exhilaration. I have a chance to change everything. This was my opportunity to right the wrongs of my past, to confront the Carter family, and to finally seek the revenge that had eluded me before.

I had missed my chance to expose Anastasia’s truth back then, but now I could do it. I could bring everything to light and ensure that justice was served. I will not let this opportunity slip away again.

As I stood there, the weight of my resolve settled in. “Howard Carter,” I whispered to myself, my voice steady with determination. “The time has come to settle the score for all the pain you’ve caused me.” Each word was a promise, a vow to myself that I would not back down this time.

I took a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs with renewed purpose. This time, I would not be a victim. I would reclaim my power and rewrite my story.

***