When Yesterday Came Back

Alia saw Jasper and Rhea ran towards her, unexpectedly, Rhea was also struck by a speeding car. Her body rolled to the ground — as hard and painful as Alia’s fall. Alia’s chest tightened as she saw Jasper sprinting toward Rhea, panic and fear written all over his face. Not for her — his wife — but for his first love. The scene cut her deeper than any wound. Her body might already be numb from the pain, but her heart felt like it was about to burst. Before her vision faded into darkness, she caught a glimpse of a pair of black leather shoes standing in front of her. When she opened her eyes again, she wasn’t truly awake — she was asleep, trapped in a coma. Her body was heavily damaged by the crash, and the emergency cesarean that followed left her womb fragile and scarred — a cruel reminder of the life she couldn’t save. In the midst of the darkness that surrounded her, a blinding light appeared. Her eyes welled with tears when she saw her baby — her little angel — calling out to

“Alia!”She stopped mid-step and turned to Rhea. “What? You need my help now ‘cause you can’t get up by yourself?” she said, her tone flat and unbothered.Rhea’s eyes flared with quiet anger, but she quickly masked it, forcing a pitiful expression back on her face.“I’m sorry. My anger got the best of me. Please, Alia, forgive me.”Alia rolled her eyes but crouched down anyway, taking Rhea’s hand and helping her up. Just as Rhea was halfway standing, she deliberately loosened her grip, pretending to stumble—hoping to make Alia look bad.But Alia was quicker. She caught Rhea before she could hit the floor again, pulling her up and closer until their faces were just inches apart. To onlookers, it looked like Alia was helping Rhea stand and offering comfort.But their whispers told a very different story.Alia tilted her head slightly, resting her chin near Rhea’s shoulder as if consoling her. Her voice was a soft, venomous whisper.“Rhea, don’t even think about setting me up. Trust me,

Alia came back to her senses when she realized she’d been staring at the stranger for far too long. Straightening her posture, she stepped back slightly, a faint embarrassment coloring her face. “I’m sorry for bumping into you,” she quickly apologized. “Watch where you’re going next time,” the man replied, his voice low and composed. “Okay,” she muttered, brushing past him toward the elevator without waiting for a response. Little did Alia know, the man’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure before he finally turned and walked away. Inside the hotel room, Jasper was still comforting Rhea as the woman cried endlessly in his arms. Unbeknownst to him, Rhea wasn’t heartbroken because of the assault—but because she had become the victim of her own malicious schemes. She never expected Alia to uncover her plans. What infuriated her even more was that Alia had a solid alibi, one that cleared her of any suspicion from the police. While Jasper and Rhea remained close, embracing like

“Why did you go to Grandpa’s?” Jasper asked, his voice low but stern.Alia didn’t look at him. Her gaze stayed fixed on the car window, watching the city lights blur past.“If you’re asking me that question,” she said coldly, “then let me ask you this—why were you still with Rhea until now? Is your poor, precious Rhea so fragile that she needs you to hold her hand all day?”Her biting tone made Jasper’s jaw tighten.“You already know what Rhea’s been through,” he said, frowning. “Do you have to keep reminding me of that?”Alia scoffed softly, still refusing to meet his eyes. “My point is, don’t question me when I’m not even questioning you. I don’t care what you do, Jasper. Let’s just mind our own business.”“Alia,” he said, his voice growing firm, “we’re husband and wife. Your business is my business. You’re my concern now.”A hollow laugh escaped her lips. “Wow. Didn’t know you could say something like that,” she said sarcastically, glancing at him for the first time. “That’s impres

Alia’s fingers curled tighter around the paper, edges pressing into her skin.“Grandpa,” her voice softened, “even if Jasper and I divorce, you don’t have to worry about me. I’ll make sure to live well… even after everything.”“Just take it,” Nathan replied, firm as stone. “Let me have peace knowing you’ll be comfortable for the rest of your life. At least, even after my passing, I know you are living well.”A tiny laugh escaped her. “Two hundred years, Grandpa. That’s how long you’re stuck with all of us.” She exhaled. “Alright. I’ll accept your gifts. Thank you so much.”Only then did Nathan’s expression ease, his eyes crinkling with relief.After a few final words, Alia ended the call. Silence returned to the room as she slid the paper back into the envelope and set it on the bedside table, her heart refusing to settle.Three grand mansions. Priceless antiques and artwork worth more than sixty million dollars. Luxury cars. Jewelry that could blind anyone at first glance. A trust fu