Chapter 3

“Because I never got the chance to be with you. So you must go back and change everything. You haven’t been living your best life… but I’ll give you another chance. To change your fate.”

Tears blurred her vision. “But honey, I’d rather stay here with you—”

“No!” he interrupted, his voice firm yet loving. “Mommy, if you go back, you’ll see us again—me, Daddy, and my sibling. But you must be strong.”

Her heart trembled. “Re-really?”

“Yes. So promise me two things—be strong and confident. Those will be your weapons to survive and become who you’re meant to be.”

She laughed softly through her tears. “Getting advice from my unborn child, huh? I’ll remember that.”

“Come on, Mommy,” he said, tugging her hand. “Before Daddy notices.”

He pulled her toward the bright light. When she finally let go, a force lifted her upward. As the distance between them grew, she shouted,

“I love you, my baby!”

And before she vanished completely, she heard his voice echo one last time:

“We love you too, Mommy!”

Alia abruptly opened her eyes.

Her heart pounded as her gaze darted around — the crystal chandeliers, the elegant guests, the faint sound of a waltz playing in the background. Then she looked down at herself and froze.

A white gown. A wedding dress.

She was sitting at a round table on her wedding reception — her wedding with Jasper Silvercrest.

She was really back in time. Eight years ago.

A small frown tugged at her lips. Of all moments, why now? She had hoped to return before the wedding day, not after it was sealed.

“Oh, well,” she murmured under her breath, steadying herself. “I should still be thankful to my son for giving me a second chance. I promise him—” her tone hardened— “I’ll change everything this time. And I’ll make them pay for not letting you see the light of day.”

Her eyes landed on a glass of red wine beside her. She reached for it, ready to take a sip, when a cheerful voice called out.

“Hey, Alia! Congratulations on your and Jasper’s wedding! I’m so happy for you both!”

It was Rhea.

Alia slowly put the glass down and turned toward her, masking her true emotions behind a pleasant smile.

“Thanks, Rhea. I hope you’re not offended that Grandpa Nathan forced us to marry. Everyone — including me — knows how much you and Jasper adore each other.”

She didn’t miss the way Rhea’s smile faltered, or how her lips twitched as if she was holding something back.

“Alia,” Rhea said softly, eyes glistening, “Jasper and I have been together for more than four years… and now he’s marrying someone else,” she let out a shaky breath. “It hurts, but what can I do? He has to obey his Grandpa Nathan’s wishes. I’ll accept that willingly.”

Ah, there it is, Alia thought darkly. The crocodile tears.

Even after years, Rhea still played the same pitiful act perfectly.

Before she could respond, a sudden movement caught her attention — someone lunging toward her. Alia instinctively sidestepped.

A sharp gasp erupted around them as Joana Silvercrest, Jasper’s mother, nearly lost her balance after missing her swing.

Joana’s face twisted in rage. “You street rat! How dare you make Rhea cry while wearing that smug face?!” she spat. “You don’t deserve to marry my son! I don’t know what sorcery you used on his grandfather, but I swear — you’ll get nothing from the Silvercrest fortune, you gold-digging witch!”

“That’s enough!”

A deep, commanding voice cut through the noise like a blade, freezing everyone in place.

The voice came from none other than Jasper Silvercrest — the man Alia had married.

He strode toward their table, each step heavy with authority. His sharp eyes swept over everyone until they landed on her.

“Mind explaining what’s going on here?” he asked, his tone cold and precise.

Alia arched a brow, feigning curiosity. She decided to take a risk.

“What if I said your mother tried to slap me while I was simply having a friendly conversation with your ex-fiancée? Is it bad manners to dodge an incoming assault?”

She expected him to lash out at her — after all, in this timeline, Jasper couldn’t stand her. But instead, his piercing gaze shifted to his mother.

“Is this how a demure lady behaves?” he said sharply. “This is a wedding reception, not a wet market!”

Joana paled under his glare. Before she could speak, Rhea rushed to his side and clung to his arm.

“Jasper, don’t be mad at Aunt Joana,” she pleaded sweetly. “She only got upset because she thought Alia and I were arguing. Please, don’t be angry.”

As Rhea pressed herself closer, her chest brushing against his arm, Alia’s lips curved into a faint smirk. The sight was nauseating — Rhea always did know how to use her body to get what she wanted.

Then, with a voice dripping in mock sweetness, Alia spoke up:

“Rhea, rub your boobs a little harder. My husband might not feel their softness enough if you don’t push just a bit more.”

Gasps rippled through the room. The entire reception fell silent.

Rhea froze, mortified. Joana’s jaw dropped. Even the orchestra seemed to forget their cue.

Meanwhile, Alia casually lifted her glass and took a slow sip of red wine, as if she hadn’t just set the entire hall on fire. Her eyes glinted with amusement as she watched Jasper’s reaction.

Jasper followed her gaze down to Rhea — to her hand clutching his arm, her body pressed against him. Realization flickered in his eyes. Without a word, he shoved her away.

Rhea stumbled back, losing her balance, and fell hard against the marble floor.

Before leaving, Jasper spoke curtly, his voice cold and clipped.

“All of you — behave yourselves.”

He cast one last look at everyone, his gaze lingering on Alia before turning away.

She blinked, a little taken aback. What was that look for? Maybe he was silently blaming her for causing a scene. The thought made her chuckle under her breath.

As soon as Jasper was out of sight, Joana scoffed and folded her arms.

“Better know what’s good for you, peasant!” she snapped before marching off in a huff.

Alia rolled her eyes.

Her gaze drifted to Rhea, still sitting on the floor, her face red with humiliation. Alia sighed softly, feigning concern as she crouched slightly and offered a hand.

“Hey, come on. Hold my hand — I’ll help you up.”

But Rhea smacked her hand away, her eyes burning with anger.

Alia’s expression didn’t falter. She simply straightened up, dusted her dress, and turned to return to her seat.

“Suit yourself.”

But before she could take a step, Rhea’s voice rang out behind her.