CHAPTER 2: New Rules

The words She had been reborn echoed in Aria’s head long after Mia dragged her out of the apartment.

The city was busy all around them as they manoeuvred through morning traffic. Aria barely heard Mia’s talk about the job interview.

They were headed to the Whitmore Corporation headquarters. Her family’s company. Back then, she hadn’t realised how close the company was to collapsing. She’d been too wrapped up in her infatuation with Ethan Blackwood.

But now?

Now she knew exactly how the story would end, unless she rewrote it.

She inhaled sharply, pressing a hand to her chest as the weight of the second chance settled in her bones.

Focus, Aria. You know what happens. You know what’s coming. This time, you’ll be the one in control.

As they entered the lobby, Aria’s gaze swept the marble floors, the sharp-suited executives, and the receptionist who would soon be laid off if she didn’t intervene. In her past life, the Whitmore Corporation had gone bankrupt within two years, leaving her father devastated, their family legacy destroyed.

Her father.

Her throat tightened.

He was still alive.

She would save him. Save their company. And she would never again hand her heart over to Ethan Blackwood.

"Aria,” Mia waved a hand in front of her face. "You’ve been zoning out all morning. Are you good?"

"I’m fine. Just… thinking about the interview," Aria forced a small smile.

"Well, rumour has it that Ethan Blackwood himself will be there. Imagine meeting a CEO that young. Ugh, he’s so…"

"Not my type," Aria cut in, her voice colder than she meant it to be.

Mia raised a brow. "Didn’t know you had a type. You’ve been all work, no romance since college."

That’s going to change. No more sacrificing everything for someone else’s dreams. Not this time.

When they were ushered into the conference room, Aria’s heart skipped as she saw him. Ethan Blackwood, sitting at the head of the table. Younger, rougher around the edges, still fighting to keep his struggling company afloat.

His gaze shifted to her. "Aria Whitmore?"

"Yes." She straightened her shoulders.

He extended his hand. "Thank you for meeting with me."

She shook it briefly, ignoring the spark she’d once believed was fate.

"It’s just business, Mr. Blackwood," she said firmly.

His lips twitched, amused by her composure. "Good. I like women who understand the game."

You think you’re playing the game, Ethan?

You have no idea. I’ve already seen how it ends.

The meeting proceeded, but Aria barely listened to the pitch she’d heard in another life. She already knew his company’s weak points, the mistakes he would make, and the eventual collapse he barely avoided until she stepped in and rebuilt his empire for him. She’d saved him once.

This time, I’ll save myself first.

When the meeting ended, Ethan lingered as the others filed out.

"You’re sharp, Aria. You didn’t even once," he said, studying her like a puzzle.

"Why would I? It’s just business, isn’t it?"

His smile deepened. "That’s rare. Most women who meet me either stutter or pretend not to care while they’re dying for my attention."

"That’s unfortunate," she replied coldly. "But I’m not most women."

"Clearly." He leaned against the table, curious. "I’m going to need your help. My company needs backing. I need someone who knows the Whitmore network."

"In my past life, I jumped at this chance," she murmured, almost to herself.

"Pardon?"

Aria blinked. "Nothing."

"Can we schedule a follow-up meeting? I want to propose something more long-term."

She crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Actually, I’d like to propose something first."

His brow lifted in surprise. "Go on."

"A partnership. But not in the way you’re thinking." She paused deliberately, watching his curiosity grow. "A contract marriage."

The room fell silent.

Ethan’s expression faded, the charming businessman caught off guard. "A what?"

"You need a stable image to attract investors. I need to protect my family’s company. A marriage would benefit us both. We’ll look powerful, unstoppable. But there will be strict terms."

"And what terms would those be?" he asked slowly, interested.

"Business only. No emotions, no expectations. We attend events together, we make decisions together, but our lives outside the contract remain our own. And when I decide I’ve had enough, I can walk away, clean, with no negotiations."

A small laugh escaped him. "You’re… different from the women I usually meet."

"Good," Aria said smoothly. "Because I have no intention of being like them."

Ethan’s gaze sharpened, assessing her carefully. "What makes you think you’ll be the one to walk away?"

"Because this time," she whispered under her breath, "I won’t love you."

"Sorry?"

"Nothing."

He studied her for a long moment, then finally extended his hand again. "Alright, Miss Whitmore. Let’s play this your way."

She shook it, her grip firm. "We’ll draft the contract by tomorrow."

As they exited the building, Mia tugged her hand at Aria’s arm, wide-eyed. "Did you just… propose marriage to Ethan Blackwood? Did I hear that right?"

Aria smirked. "You heard right."

"But why? You just met him!"

"It’s the smart move."

"Smart? Aria, you’ve never even dated anyone, and now you want to…"

"It’s not real, Mia. It’s strategy. Nothing more."

Mia frowned, clearly unconvinced. "You’re playing a dangerous game."

"Only if I fall for him. And I won’t."

Mia sighed, brushing hair out of her face. "I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but… I trust you."

As Mia walked ahead to stop a cab, Aria stood still, staring at her reflection in the glass door.

In her past life, she’d given Ethan Blackwood her heart, her loyalty, and her soul.

And he shattered her.

Not this time.

This time, she would be the one writing the rules. She would build her own life, protect her family, and when the time came, she would walk away without looking back.

Her fingers curled into fists as her reflection hardened.

"I’ll never love you again, Ethan Blackwood."