begin
Darkness.
It stretched endlessly, consuming everything in its path. Aria Sterling felt weightless, suspended between the void and the last fragments of her consciousness. Memories flooded back—Marcus's cruel smirk, Ethan's betrayal, Freya's laughter echoing in the distance as the pain of death swallowed her whole.
And then—
A gasp.
Aria's eyes flew open, her body jolting upright. Her breath came in sharp, shallow bursts as she clutched at the silk sheets beneath her. Her heart pounded furiously against her ribs, confusion tightening around her like a vice.
This… this was her old bedroom.
The grand chandelier above cast a warm golden glow over the luxurious space. The faint scent of vanilla and jasmine lingered in the air, a scent she hadn't smelled in years. The mirror across from her reflected a face she hadn't seen in just as long—her own, but younger, untouched by the agony of betrayal and death.
She scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over the pristine white rug. Rushing toward the mirror, she ran trembling fingers over her face. The same soft features, the same bright yet uncertain eyes—but there was no sign of the scars life had carved into her soul. Her body was unmarred, her skin unblemished.
She had gone back.
She was alive.
She was back in her past life.
Realization crashed over her like a tidal wave. This was the moment before everything fell apart. Before Ethan was stolen from her. Before Marcus took everything. Before she lost her mother's legacy.
Her stomach twisted into knots. Was this fate's way of giving her a second chance? Was she meant to suffer again, to repeat history like a cruel, unending cycle?
No.
Not this time.
A new determination settled within her, burning hotter than any pain she had ever felt. She would not be the same weak, helpless girl who had lost everything. This time, she would fight.
She would take back her mother's empire, expose Freya and Evie's dirty secrets, and strip Marcus of every last shred of power.
But first, she had to play the role they all expected her to. A foolish, naive girl returning home.
She would let them think she was still weak.
She would return to their home. She would become their greatest enemy while standing right under their roof.
Aria's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. Let the game begin
Aria stood before the grand Sterling estate, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. The towering mansion, with its pristine white pillars and expansive gardens, had once been a place she called home. Now, it felt like a gilded cage—a place where deception, betrayal, and greed festered beneath a polished exterior.
She had spent years being nothing more than an afterthought in this household. A useless girl who had been too naïve, too trusting. But not anymore.
Aria inhaled sharply, straightening her posture. She couldn't afford to let them suspect her change. Not yet.
The heavy iron gates swung open as she stepped forward, her heels clicking against the polished driveway. The butlers and maids paused their work, startled by her sudden return. Some whispered among themselves, eyes wide with curiosity and apprehension.
The grand double doors creaked open, and standing there with a forced, sweet smile was Freya Sterling. Her stepmother looked as pristine as ever, her blonde hair styled to perfection, her expensive silk dress tailored to highlight her status. But Aria knew better. Behind that elegant mask was a woman as ruthless as a viper.
"Aria, darling," Freya cooed, stepping forward with outstretched arms. "We weren't expecting you back so soon. What a... surprise."
Aria hesitated for just a second—just enough to appear unsure, just enough to maintain the illusion of the timid girl they remembered. Then, she forced a small, awkward smile and let Freya embrace her.
"I—I just thought it was time to come home," she murmured, allowing a hint of hesitation in her voice. She had to sell the act.
Freya pulled back, studying her with a sharp, calculating gaze. Aria kept her expression carefully neutral, lowering her gaze as if nervous.
"Of course, darling," Freya said smoothly. "We've all missed you. Evie will be delighted to see you. And your father—he'll be so pleased."
Aria forced a small, uneasy laugh. "I hope so."
She let Freya lead her inside, her eyes sweeping over the opulent interior. It was exactly as she remembered—luxurious, extravagant, and tainted with lies.
She had spent her past life seeking love and approval in this house. This time, she sought only one thing: their downfall.
As she walked further inside, a familiar voice called from the staircase.
"Well, well, look who's back."
Aria's gaze flicked upward to meet the smirking face of Evie Sterling. Dressed in a designer outfit, her stepsister looked every bit the adored model that the public worshipped. But Aria knew the truth—behind Evie's dazzling image was a woman who would do anything to stay on top, no matter how dirty the game got.
Aria forced herself to look slightly nervous, tugging at the sleeve of her blouse. "Evie. It's been a while."
Evie's smirk widened, clearly enjoying the idea that Aria still seemed weak. "And here I thought you'd finally disappeared for good."
Aria let out a soft chuckle, playing into her old persona. "Guess not."
Evie let out a light laugh. "Well, let's see if you can keep up this time."
Aria simply smiled—a demure, innocent smile that gave nothing away.
Let them think she was still the same. Let them underestimate her.
Because when the time came, they wouldn't even see the knife until it was buried deep. Right where it hurt the most.