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Character:

Main Character:

Layla Edward – Age 25, reborn into her previous life on Earth, destined to live again. Her mysterious death in her past life is a central piece of the story. As she returns, memories of her past begin to surface, leading her on a quest for truth and redemption.

Male Lead:

Andrew Moretti – Age 29, a powerful mafia boss with a reputation for being ruthless and cold-blooded. Yet, his unshakable control starts to unravel after meeting Layla. Despite his principles and the life he’s built, Andrew begins to break his own rules for her, drawn to the vulnerability and strength she embodies.

Layla’s Family:

Aaron Edward – Layla’s father, a man of great influence and strength. He was deeply affected by Layla’s death, becoming even more protective of his family. His love for his daughter fuels his quiet resilience.

Crystal Edward – Layla’s mother, gentle yet strong-willed. She has been the emotional pillar of the family, helping them endure the loss of Layla.

Jonathan Edward – Layla’s half-brother, who has always harbored feelings of jealousy towards her. Though family, there is tension between him and Layla, especially as secrets about their past come to light.

Friends:

Karina – Layla’s best friend, always supportive and upbeat. She helps Layla navigate the confusion and pain of her rebirth, sticking by her side through the unraveling mystery of her death.

Joshua Romero – Andrew’s closest friend and advisor. Though he’s fiercely loyal to Andrew, Joshua is suspicious of Layla’s return and is wary of the changes she’s causing in Andrew.

Villain Character:

Viktor Santoro – Age 33, the cold and calculating leader of a rival mafia syndicate. Viktor had a hand in Layla’s death in her past life, though this remains a mystery to Layla initially. He is cunning, manipulative, and willing to destroy anyone who threatens his power. As Layla’s rebirth and her connection to Andrew start to unravel Viktor’s carefully laid plans, he becomes obsessed with controlling or eliminating her once again. His vendetta against Andrew adds another layer of danger, as Viktor sees Layla not only as a threat but as a pawn in his larger game.

“I never break my own rules, but for her, I’m willing to tear everything apart.” The quote of the story.

Playlist to Set the Mood Before the Story

Immerse yourself in the emotions and atmosphere of the story with these carefully selected tracks to enjoy the scene of the story. Enjoy the journey ahead ^_^

Spoiler Alert: Characters from the “I’m Fell in Love” series will make appearances in this story. Expect a blend of humor and excitement, as I’ve decided to create a fun and captivating narrative. Feel free to skip any chapters that makes you uncomfortable. Here’s a little spoiler ;)

Grumpy x Sunshine tropes. Mafia x Lawyer. He had two sides: one as cold as ice, the other as soft as cotton. ❤️

Enjoy the story at your own pace!<3

Be sure to subscribe and follow me\~

With love by,

Author Chxxa

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Before I died, I stood on the tall mountain, dangerously close to the cliff’s edge. As I looked down, massive waves crashed against the rocks below. My heart raced as Viktor’s voice broke the silence.

“Well, well, well. Looks like you’ve reached the end, Layla,” he said smugly.

I spun around, furious. “You! You’re the one who set this up! I know it was you trying to kill me!” My finger pointed accusingly at him, trembling with rage.

Viktor smirked, stepping closer. “You always were too smart for your own good.”

“I’m a lawyer! Don’t forget that!” I shouted. “I lost my job because of you, Viktor—thanks to the scandal you created!”

Without a word, he closed the distance between us, his hand wrapping around my throat in a cruel grip. Panic surged through me, but before I could fight back, I saw it—cyanide, the lethal poison. He forced it down my throat as my body stiffened like stone. My mind screamed, but my body betrayed me.

In an instant, he tossed me over the cliff.

I plummeted. The icy wind whipped against my skin as the roaring ocean below rushed toward me. No… I can’t die… I thought, the fear gripping me tighter than Viktor’s hand ever had. The freezing water swallowed me whole, dragging me down into its dark abyss.

I wish… I wish I had a second chance…

Suddenly, a blinding light pierced through the darkness. Warmth enveloped me, and I gasped for air, my body no longer in the icy grip of death. I opened my eyes to find myself in a lush meadow, the sun shining above. Confused, I looked down at my hands—no signs of the struggle, no pain.

Where am I? I thought, rising to my feet, my breath shallow with disbelief.

“I see you’ve returned,” a voice echoed from behind me.

I turned sharply, only to see a mysterious figure dressed in white. “Who are you?” I demanded.

The figure smiled, their eyes knowing. “Let’s just say… you’ve been given the second chance you wished for.”

A flood of emotions rushed over me—relief, confusion, but also determination. If this is a second chance, then Viktor will pay for what he did.

But this time, I wasn’t just going to survive—I was going to win.

I quickly stood up, my legs trembling beneath me, and called out, “W-who are you? Are you really giving me a second chance? I wish I could thank you in person, but I don’t even know who you are!”

The figure’s voice remained calm, almost soothing. “Yes, dear. But remember this: you have been reborn. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. This time, you must not face danger without backup or protection. You are still yourself, but now you have the chance to change your fate. And this time, you’ll be able to return to Earth.”

The figure paused, their presence comforting yet mysterious. “Be safe, dear,” they added softly, before slowly fading away into the air.

I blinked, realizing the figure was gone. “Wait!” I called, but it was too late. The meadow felt unnaturally still. Was I hallucinating? My mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened.

I pressed my hands to my chest. Reborn… A second chance. The reality of it hit me all at once. Viktor. The betrayal. The poison. It all led me to this moment, but now I had a chance to rewrite my story.

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. I wasn’t going to be the same person who trusted too easily or walked blindly into danger. This time, I would be ready. Viktor wouldn’t see me coming, and I wouldn’t rest until I uncovered the truth behind his plot—and brought him to his knees.

The world around me shifted, and suddenly, I was back. The streets, the air, the sounds—it was Earth. My Earth.

I glanced down, realizing I was in a different body, the same but somehow new, filled with purpose. This is my chance.

I could feel it—a new beginning unfolding before me, a fresh start to reclaim everything I’d lost. This time, I would show just how strong I could be, how fearless in the face of the one who had destroyed my life and career. Viktor had taken everything from me, but he hadn’t counted on me coming back.

I clenched my fists, a steely resolve settling within me. No more fear, no more hesitation. I would gather allies, find my footing, and make every move count. Viktor would never see it coming. This time, I was prepared to play the game on my terms.

Taking in my surroundings, I realized I was standing outside a familiar building—a law firm I’d once called home. Memories flooded back: the late nights, the thrill of justice, the pride I’d felt in my work. Viktor had taken that away, but now, I had a chance to rebuild. And I knew just where to start.

Just as I turned to enter the building, a voice interrupted my thoughts. “Layla?”

I spun around, shocked to see my best friend, Karina, standing there, her eyes wide. She looked at me as if she’d seen a ghost.

“Karina,” I whispered, a smile breaking through.

She stared, taking hesitant steps toward me. “Is it really you? I thought… I thought you were gone.”

I nodded, reaching out to clasp her hands. “It’s a long story, Karina. But I’m back. And I have a score to settle.”

Together, we walked into the building, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

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As I returned to the law firm, memories washed over me, each corner and desk bringing back moments of a life I’d once lived. But reality struck as I approached my old desk, where a cardboard box sat waiting. My belongings were still there, untouched since the day I’d lost everything.

As I began to pack, I felt the weight of eyes on me—curious, surprised, maybe even sympathetic. Just then, I felt a gentle pat on my shoulder. I turned to find my manager, Araya, standing behind me, her gaze a mixture of shock and warmth.

“Layla…” she said softly, as if she couldn’t quite believe it. “Is it really you?”

I managed a small smile. “Yes, Araya. I’m back.”

She glanced down at the box and then back at me, her expression hardening with resolve. “You know, things never felt right after you left. There’s a lot we need to talk about, Layla. Maybe it’s time to set a few things straight.”

Her words sparked something in me—a glimmer of hope, a reminder that perhaps not everyone had turned their back. And as I looked around, seeing familiar faces I’d once trusted, I knew I was here for more than just packing a box. I was here to reclaim everything Viktor had taken from me, one step at a time.

“I want to apologize about the scandal… it affected the firm and everyone…” I began, my voice barely a whisper as I looked down.

Araya shook her head, placing a reassuring hand on my arm. “We’ll talk about all that. Come to my office.”

I nodded, following her down the hallway. As we walked, the weight of everything that had happened pressed on me—my sudden fall from grace, Viktor’s betrayal, and the consequences I’d left behind.

Once inside her office, Araya closed the door and gestured for me to sit. She leaned against her desk, crossing her arms as she looked at me, studying my expression.

“Layla, I never believed the rumors,” she began. “There were too many things that didn’t add up. But you disappeared before I could get to the truth. Now you’re back, and I need to know what really happened.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the tightness in my chest begin to ease. “Viktor set me up,” I said firmly. “He used me as a scapegoat to cover up his own crimes, and I was left to take the fall. But I won’t be a victim anymore. I’m back to clear my name—and I need your help to do it.”

Araya’s eyes narrowed, a spark of determination flickering in them. “Then let’s make things right. But Layla, this won’t be easy. Viktor has only grown more powerful since you left.”

I nodded, a fierce resolve settling over me. “I know. But this time, I’m prepared for him. I won’t let him ruin any more lives.”

With Araya’s support, I knew I had taken the first step in my fight for justice.

“But I’ve hired you a bodyguard,” she said, handing me a slip of paper with an address scribbled on it. “You’ll find him here.”

I glanced at the name, my eyes widening slightly. “Andrew Moretti?” I read aloud, trying to keep my voice steady. The name sent a jolt through me, sparking memories I’d buried deep. Andrew Moretti—the notorious mafia leader. But I couldn’t let Araya see my reaction. I swallowed, masking my surprise. “Who is he?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

Araya raised an eyebrow. “He’s… unconventional, but one of the best. I’ve heard he’s skilled and highly discreet. We need someone who can protect you from any threat Viktor might pose.” Her gaze softened. “It’s the least I can do to help you through this.”

I nodded, stuffing the paper into my bag. “Thank you, Araya. I appreciate it.”

Later that day, I found myself outside the company building, a sleek, unmarked structure that seemed far too normal for someone as dangerous as Andrew. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside, every nerve on edge.

A few minutes later, the office door swung open, and there he was—Andrew Moretti, the man who had once terrified even his enemies with just a look. His gaze met mine, piercing yet unreadable, and I forced myself to stand tall.

“Layla Edward,” he said, his voice smooth and low, with a hint of curiosity. “So, you’re the one I’m supposed to protect.”

“Yes, it’s me,” I replied politely, keeping my tone steady. “You must be Andrew Moretti. Am I right?”

A faint smirk played on his lips as he crossed his arms, assessing me with those sharp, calculating eyes. “That’s correct. But you can call me Andrew.” His voice was smooth, a quiet confidence radiating from him.

I forced myself to meet his gaze, reminding myself why I was here. “Well, I’ve been told you’re one of the best, so… I guess I’m in good hands.”

Andrew’s smirk widened slightly. “I don’t take protection lightly. So, if you’re working with me, you’ll need to follow my rules. No running off on your own, no unnecessary risks.” His eyes glinted with something unreadable. “You’re here to stay safe, and I intend to make sure of it.”

I nodded, realizing he was deadly serious. This isn’t going to be easy, I thought, already feeling the clash between my need for independence and his insistence on control. But I had no choice. If I was going to take Viktor down, I needed to stay alive long enough to do it.

“All right, Andrew,” I replied. “I’ll follow your lead… for now.”

He gave a single nod, his gaze lingering on me. “Good. Then let’s get started. There’s a lot you don’t know about Viktor—and about staying one step ahead.”