EPISODE 1 - I AM BACK, MEANING IT'S PAYBACK TIME

My head suddenly throbbed with intense pain. It felt like I was trapped inside something that did nothing but tumble over and over. I temporarily lost my hearing, and a deafening static sound was the only thing piercing my ears.

"What happened?" I gasped, violently catching my breath.

When I slowly opened my eyes, a blurry reflection in the vanity mirror near the bed greeted me.

Thud! I dropped the glass of juice I was holding upon seeing myself in front of it.

Wait. Trembling, I touched my neck and quickly checked my arms. Why was it like this? There were no burns, no blisters, and I didn't feel hot at all. Do people still dream after they die?

I looked around until I spotted my phone resting on the side table. I grabbed it immediately to check today's date.

March 20, 2024. 12:00 AM.

This was the date of my wedding to Allen. It had only been a few hours since we got married. Only then did I notice the white wedding gown I was wearing—I designed it myself, so I knew every single detail of its lace and stitching.

But my last memory... I was screaming for help as fire rapidly spread from my room in the Mental Hospital.

I stood up and examined myself in the large mirror in front of me. My face was still smooth here, with no traces of the eyebags and wrinkles caused by the severe abuse I suffered back then. I remember this scene. The guests were already celebrating downstairs while I excused myself to rest upstairs for a while.

"Erin? Are you still there? Are you really not coming back down? The company's investors and business partners are looking for you. Come down for a bit and face them—don't embarrass me here."

That voice... Allen.

Suddenly, my heart twinged with rage. I felt a wave of disgust just hearing my husband's voice. My mind instantly replayed the last words he said to me right before the fire.

“If you don't sign the annulment papers, I'll be forced to use violence, Erin. I need your signature as soon as possible!” Back then, he had even gripped my chin, forcing my face up toward his while I was tied down.

“Allen, baby, didn't I tell you? Erin is going to be stubborn. She loves her money more than you, she won't just surrender it for your sake.”

Even with great difficulty, I had still cast a glare at my 'wonderful' best friend, Luisa. She conspired with my husband. They betrayed me behind my back, which was exactly why they threw me into the Mental Hospital so they could make their move.

I had helped her so many times, especially when she was struggling financially during college. I was even the one who got her abusive father locked up because I treated her like a real sister. Yet, she repaid me with death. And my wonderful husband, whom I loved with all my heart, slept and plotted with her.

I promised myself that I would never forgive them. The pain and torment I experienced at their hands in my past life were too much. I was repeatedly punished in that mental institution because of their orders. They spread rumors to the board members that I was insane and incapable of handling the company. And the most painful part of all... my grandma died without me even catching a glimpse of her because they kept it from me.

I tightly gripped the fabric of my gown. "Now that I've been given a second chance, I will make sure you all pay for what you did to me."

And I would start that by choosing the right ally at this very moment. I picked up my phone and immediately dialed the number of my brother-in-law—Luther Hendricks. The notorious black sheep of the Hendricks family, the second of three siblings.

At this point in time, his life was still a mess Music was his only passion. He was a rebel who couldn't care less about the company. But because I knew what would happen in the future—a year from now, he would be recognized as the richest and most powerful idol in the music industry. He would rise to fame, fill every arena for his concerts, and his billboards would overflow across the country until he eventually took over the entire Hendricks Group, all because Allen would succumb to vices and debt.

The call rang. It took almost five seconds before it was answered.

"Yes, speak. What do you want?"

Luther's voice was low and lifeless, as if he couldn't even be bothered. I was used to his way of speaking to me. There was only a one-year age gap between him and me, as well as with Allen, which was why I never managed to call him Kuya (older brother) before. But now, that voice of his sent a strange current and tremor through my body.

"Luther, make a deal with me," I said. My voice was direct, without a single shred of hesitation. I was certain of this plan.

"What do you mean? It's your wedding. I am at your party."

"Yeah, I know." He was the best man at this wedding.

As I let out a breath, I closed my eyes. "Help me punish your brother. He is having an affair with my best friend."

A heavy silence enveloped the space between us. I waited for his answer. I didn't call out to him; I just let him feel my serious aura.

"And?" he asked. His voice dropped even lower, as if he were merely whispering to me now. However, I noticed a change in the background of the call—the noise of the party from the garden was growing fainter and fainter.

I sighed, looking at myself in the mirror. "You can have me, Luther. Take me, I'm yours." I didn't hesitate to say it. I was desperate to live and make the most of this opportunity.

And besides, I knew Luther would never harm me. In my past life, he was the only one who tried helping me out during the fire. Even in the final moments of my life, I knew he came to save me. I saw him banging on the door and trying to reach out to me. I saw the tears in his eyes. Even though I couldn't hear his words because the steel door was well-built and only its small glass panel allowed me to witness what he did—I still treasure it.

And that was what changed the way I looked at him.

"Where are you?" Luther finally replied, a hint of gravity and a burning desire tracing his voice.

"Guestroom. The one I used as a changing room."

"Open the door. I'll be there in a minute."