Ain't Falling For his Lies anymore

Lisa’s POV

A soft knock at the door pulled me out of my heavy thoughts.

“Miss Lisa, breakfast is ready.”

The gentle voice made my heart stop for a moment. I knew that voice so well. I stood up slowly on shaky legs and walked to the door. My hand trembled as I turned the knob and opened it.

There she stood Maria. My old housemaid till I got married. The kind woman who had been like a mother to me. In my first life, Richard had fired her with a gentle smile on his face while I watched. He told me she was spreading bad rumors about our family and that it was for my protection. I believed every word letting him send her away. Later I learned the truth, he just wanted to remove anyone who truly cared for me so he could control everything. Maria ended up sick and alone on the streets because of my blindness.

She looked exactly the same now. Warm brown eyes, gentle smile, and her simple uniform, She was alive and well.

Tears burst from my eyes before I could stop them. Heavy sobs shook my whole body as I stepped forward and threw my arms around her. I held her tight, breathing in her familiar scent of soap and fresh bread.

“Miss Lisa?” Maria sounded confused. She patted my back softly. “What is wrong, my dear? Did you have a bad dream?”

I could not speak at first, I just cried harder. In my first life I had lost her because of my own foolishness. I remembered how she had begged me to be careful around Richard. How she had tried to warn me. And how I had ignored her because I was blinded by love.

“I… I thought I lost you,” I whispered between sobs. “I thought you were gone forever.”

Maria pulled back gently and wiped my tears with her thumb. Worry filled her eyes. “I am right here, Miss. I have been with you since you were a little girl. Come now. Breakfast will get cold. Your favorite pancakes are waiting.”

I nodded and tried to smile through my tears. She was confused, of course. She did not know I had already lived and died once, full of regret and betrayal.

We walked together down the hallway, looking like a lost stranger, even though the house felt so familiar, the same paintings on the walls, the same soft carpet under my feet. Everything looked exactly as it had before I met Richard.

When we reached the dining room I sat down. Maria placed a plate of warm pancakes in front of me. The sweet smell was comforting, but my mind was far away. I needed to know the exact date.

I stood up quickly and walked to the small calendar on the wall. My eyes scanned the numbers.

September 13th….My heart dropped like a stone.

Tomorrow!!!

Tomorrow I was supposed to meet Richard Hale for the first time at the charity gala.

Memories flooded me all at once. In my first life I had worn a simple white dress with silver details and my hair in a soft bun. Richard walked up to me with that charming smile and said, “You look like someone who was made to stand beside me.” His voice was so warm, his touch so gentle…. I fell for him fast and hard.

 I remembered how he promised me a beautiful future, how he held me when I cried about my father's death, and how I gave him my whole heart, my trust, and my family’s company without hesitation. He took everything and destroyed me slowly while smiling like the perfect husband.

The memories made my stomach turn with disgust and anger. 

I walked back to my room with fast steps, not even a second glance at my abandoned meal was spared. My hands were shaking badly. On my desk lay the fancy golden invitation card for tomorrow’s event. My mom stood beside the table in my room. “Richard invited you, his father is the top richest man in the country.” She simply said with a smile.  

I stared at my mom in disgust, her beautiful innocent smile making me hate her more….smart move with Richard, to sell her off so they can work hand in hand and steal what's left of the family inheritance.

The words “Special Guest – Miss Lisa” were written in beautiful letters.

I picked it up. My fingers tightened around it until the paper bent.

“Richard Hale…” I whispered, my voice cold and full of fire.

Tears fell onto the invitation, but these were not tears of sadness. They were tears of anger and new strength.

I tore the card slowly at first, then faster and faster. The pieces fell to the floor like snow.

“This time…” I said quietly but with strong determination, “I’m not coming.”

“You wouldn't do such a thing Lisa! Look…Richard is a good guy, he just wants to meet you. Be nice” my mom cooed in her usual sweet tone, before leaving the room.

 A faint smile tugged beneath my lips, I refuse to fall for lies anymore. Outside the window at the bright morning sun. The city looked peaceful and beautiful. But I knew better now this was my second life and I would change everything, the first thing I changed was simple…I would not meet Richard Hale tomorrow.

“I will never fall for his lies again!!”