Revenge on the Rotten Parcelles

I pressed down on my bleeding throat, unable to utter a sound.

Vincent stood over me, grinning like a demon. His eyes were filled with hatred as he pinned me to the ground.

I writhed helplessly. I opened my mouth, desperate to ask him why.

But he only screamed, his voice manic and raw:

"Peggy! It's all your fault! You killed Tammy! You should go to hell and pay for your sins!"

I couldn't believe it. The man I had loved so deeply had been plotting my death all along.

And all because I had stopped him from rushing into the flames to play the hero.

Fine. So be it.

It was my fault for being too blind, too foolish.

…

"Call 911! Run for your lives!"

The chaotic crowd nearly knocked me down as they fled.

I stumbled, and the world blurred into smoke and heat.

God, have mercy. I was alive again.

This time, I wouldn't play the saint.

'Vincent, if saving your precious Tammy means so much, then go right ahead. I won't stop you. Not this time,' I thought bitterly.

Through the smoke, I spotted Vincent, panic written all over his face.

He coughed uncontrollably, hesitating before the roaring flames, too scared to move forward.

The moment he saw me, his eyes lit up. Grabbing my hand, he pleaded breathlessly, "Peggy! Thank goodness you're here! Go save Tammy—she's still inside!"

Tammy—the woman who caused my death in my past life.

Vincent had chased after her for ten years, yet she was always out of his reach.

Even after we started dating, he'd drop everything and rush to her side at a single phone call.

I had warned them time and time again to set boundaries, but Tammy would always tearfully play the victim, quietly stirring up fights between us.

More than once, she had sneered at me, saying I could have Vincent's body but never his heart.

And now, it was her idea to join my art studio, only to end up trapped in a fire.

I shook off Vincent's grip and brushed the ash from my sleeves.

"Why should I go?"

A flicker of anger crossed his face. "Peggy, how can you be so cold? The fire's spreading! She's in danger!"

I didn't bother to hold back my wrath. Shoving him aside, I snapped, "You're right. I'm cold and selfish, so get out of my way. I'm saving myself."

No more letting him guilt-trip me.

I turned and bolted, disappearing into the fleeing crowd.

"It's your chance to prove your love!" I couldn't resist yelling back as I ran.

Vincent hesitated. Then, gritting his teeth, he charged straight into the fire.

Most of us made it out alive, and the fire trucks arrived shortly after.

Vincent's mother, Madeline also showed up, her expression fierce and worried.

Remembering how she tormented me in my past life, I struck first, refusing to give her an opening. "Madeline! It's all my fault! I couldn't stop another woman from latching herself on Vincent!"

I threw myself at her, tears streaming down my face before she could even speak.

"What do you mean? Where's Vincent? Why hasn't he come out yet?" She grabbed my hands, her voice trembling with fear.

Wiping my tears, I forced myself to sound pitiful.

"Madeline, I tried to pull him out as soon as the fire started. But his first love, Tammy, was still inside. Vincent… he ran back in to save her!"