Chapter 3

The phone on the table vibrated, breaking the silence of the room that still held the lingering memories of my death. A message appeared on the screen, shattering my composure in an instant.

Mike: "Morning, Honey… Don’t forget, we have the wedding dress fitting at the boutique at 10:00. I’ve asked Lucy to pick you up. See you."

I stared at the word "Honey" with nausea. In my previous life, this message was the fuel that fired my excitement to be the happiest bride. But now, it felt like a rope tightening around my neck. Lucy wasn't picking me up out of kindness, but to ensure I stayed within their "radar."

I got up, but instead of rushing to get ready like I used to, I turned on my laptop. My fingers danced across the keyboard with a steady rhythm.

In the past, Mike had always instilled a subtle doctrine: "You don't need to work, honey. Let me be the head of the family. Just focus on our wedding preparations." And I, foolishly, quit my job to become an obedient display piece.

But not this time. Before leaving, I hit the send button to start working again. I needed money. And more than that, I needed power.

At the bridal boutique, the scent of flowers and expensive fabric greeted me. Mike stood there, looking masculine in his chosen shirt. Beside him, Lucy stood in a dress that was a bit too tight for a best friend who was just "tagging along."

"You look beautiful, Honey," Mike kissed my forehead. The gesture felt like a painful electric shock, but I maintained the most perfect smile—the best mask I had ever worn.

As I stood in front of the large mirror wearing a flowing white gown, Mike stepped closer. He looked at my reflection.

"Honey, I have an idea," Mike said casually. "How about Lucy becomes our maid of honor? She’s your best friend, after all. She knows your taste best; she can surely help handle everything on the big day so you don't get exhausted."

I saw Lucy’s reflection in the mirror. She tried to hide the triumphant spark in her eyes, pretending to be busy smoothing out the folds of my gown.

"Maid of honor?" I repeated his words in a soft tone. I looked Mike straight in the eye. "The responsibilities of a maid of honor are heavy, Mike. Are you sure you want to burden Lucy like that?"

"Oh, I don't mind at all, Bella!" Lucy cut in quickly, her voice a bit too high-pitched. "Anything for your big day."

"Is that so?" I smiled thinly. "And here I was just thinking about cutting back on wedding matters. I’ve started applying for jobs again."

Mike’s brow furrowed deeply. His smile vanished instantly. "Working? Didn't we agree that you wouldn't work? We're about to get married, honey. I want you to focus on the wedding prep."

"The world changes, Mike," I replied calmly while taking off my white lace gloves. "I feel more 'alive' when I have my own income. Besides, isn't it good if I have my own personal savings?"

The atmosphere in the boutique, which had been warm, suddenly turned chilling. Mike stared at me with a flash of disapproval that he tried to suppress, while Lucy looked uneasy, her fingers playing restlessly with her bag strap.

"I don't like the idea of you getting worn out just for some insignificant amount of money, honey," Mike’s voice dropped; the authority that usually made me submissive now sounded like a hollow bluff.

"The salary is decent, Mike. Enough to rent an apartment unit," I countered lightly. I glanced at Lucy, who immediately stiffened as if she had just been struck by lightning.

I knew the word 'apartment' was a dagger through their chests.

"Speaking of bridesmaids," I continued, "Lucy, if you're the maid of honor, you have to be ready to hold all the keys and important schedules. Including the key to the new house Mike is preparing for us later. You can handle that, right?"

Lucy swallowed hard. "Of... of course, Bella. I’ll make sure everything goes exactly the way you want."

I turned back toward the mirror, staring at myself. I looked so foreign. In my previous life, I was a victim who died drenched in blood. In this life, I am the director setting the stage for their destruction.

"Good then," I whispered to my own reflection. "Because this time, I want everything to be perfect. Not a single betrayal shall be overlooked."

Mike and Lucy glanced at each other through the mirror, unaware that the woman they considered weak was now counting down the seconds to their execution.

"Oh, I almost forgot," I turned around suddenly as we were about to leave the boutique. I looked at Lucy with the most intense gaze I had ever given her. "Lucy, I had a nightmare last night. You were standing in my kitchen, holding a fruit knife... and your face looked so angry at me."

Lucy’s footsteps stopped dead. Her face, which had been flushed, now went pale as if she had seen a ghost in broad daylight.

"A fruit... knife...?" Lucy’s voice trembled, barely audible.

I smiled widely—a very sweet smile. I stepped closer and took Lucy’s hand.

"Yes... Strange, right? I mean, you're my best friend. There’s no way you’d be that cruel to me, right?"

I glanced at Mike, who stood frozen beside her. Cold sweat began to appear on his temples. Without waiting for their answer, I walked past them toward the exit.

I didn't need to look back right now, because this was only the beginning. I wanted them to feel like they were walking on a thin thread that I was ready to cut at any moment.

As I got into the car, my phone vibrated. A message from an unknown number arrived.

"Be careful, Bella... Mike just ordered a bottle of wine for a celebration at Sakura Residence tonight. And it’s not to celebrate your new job."

I gripped my phone. They really want to speed up the game? Fine, let's see who gets destroyed first.