The smell of gasoline clung to the air like an omen.

Jazlyn Celeste Mercado stood in the middle of her parents’ old warehouse, wrists bound, hair sticking to her face. The only light came from the fire flickering in the oil drum a few feet away, its glow painting cruel halos on the faces of the two people she had once loved more than anyone else.

Her husband, Adrian Navarro, leaned casually against a pillar, sleeves rolled up as if this were just another business meeting.

And beside him, with a smile sharp enough to draw blood, stood her best friend — Camille Reyes.

It was strange, Jazlyn thought, how betrayal could feel both heavy and hollow at once.

Camille’s laughter broke the silence. “You know, Jazlyn, I always wondered what it would take for you to stop pretending you’re better than everyone else. Guess now I know. Fire suits you — it strips away the lies.”

Jazlyn’s voice cracked. “What are you doing, Camille? What is this?”

“What we should have done a long time ago,” Adrian said flatly. His dark eyes were unreadable, his tone almost bored. “You’ve had everything — the company, the legacy, the sympathy. You were born Mercado. You never earned it. Some of us had to claw our way up.”

Jazlyn blinked hard, her pulse pounding in her ears. “Mercado Corporation is mine by right—my father trusted me to lead it.”

Adrian smiled thinly. “Your father trusted too easily. And your mother—” he glanced toward Camille— “she trusted her friends too much.”

Camille tilted her head, that same mocking glimmer in her eyes. “You always asked me how your parents died, remember? You wanted to know who caused that crash.”

Jazlyn’s breath caught. “What do you mean?”

Camille leaned closer until Jazlyn could smell the faint trace of her perfume. “It wasn’t an accident, sweetheart. It was us.”

The world seemed to tilt. Jazlyn’s knees nearly buckled, but the ropes kept her upright. “You… you’re lying.”

Adrian’s chuckle was soft, merciless. “She’s not.”

Tears blurred Jazlyn’s vision. “Why? They were good people. They treated you like family, Camille!”

“Exactly,” Camille whispered, her voice venom wrapped in velvet. “They trusted me enough to hand me documents, signatures… passwords. We took what we needed. Their deaths were unfortunate—” she shrugged “—but necessary.”

“You murdered them,” Jazlyn said, each word trembling. “All for what? Money?”

“For survival,” Adrian said coldly. “You had everything. We had nothing. And when you married me, you sealed your fate. All we had to do was wait for you to hand the company over—and you did.”

The fire crackled louder, sparks leaping like angry ghosts.

Jazlyn’s tears turned to fury. “You won’t get away with this.”

Camille smirked. “Oh, darling. We already have.”

Adrian took a step closer, pulling a small silver lighter from his pocket. He flipped it open and shut, the spark flashing in his eyes.

“I’ll make it quick,” he said quietly. “You deserve that much.”

“No—please—” Jazlyn’s voice broke, desperation slicing through her pride. “Adrian, I loved you—”

“That was your first mistake,” he said, and flicked the lighter.

The gasoline caught instantly. Flames roared to life around the walls, devouring the old wood, the boxes, the air. The heat surged, wild and hungry. Jazlyn screamed as the fire crawled closer, licking at the hem of her dress.

Camille stepped back toward the door. “Goodbye, Jazlyn. Say hello to your perfect parents for me.”

They turned and walked away, leaving her to the inferno.

Jazlyn fought against the ropes until her wrists bled, the heat biting at her skin. The air grew thin, thick with smoke. Her throat burned. No… not like this. She thought of her father’s smile, her mother’s gentle laugh. I can’t die here.

A crash echoed through the roar of the fire. The metal door burst open — and through the smoke, a figure appeared.

“Jazlyn!” a man’s voice shouted.

She coughed, eyes straining through the haze. He was tall, his white shirt streaked with soot, eyes sharp with urgency. She recognized him vaguely — Sebastian Valente, the elusive heir of Valente Industries, known to everyone in the business world as untouchable, ruthless, and untamed. In her old life, he had always watched her from afar during corporate events, silent and distant.

“What are you doing here?” she rasped, choking on smoke.

“I followed them,” he said, rushing forward. “They were acting strange. I knew something was wrong.”

He cut the ropes with a shard of glass and pulled her up. “Come on, we have to go!”

The ceiling groaned above them. Flames licked the walls. Sebastian wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her toward the door. The air shimmered with heat; every breath hurt.

Then — an explosion.

The floor trembled. A metal beam fell, blocking the exit. Sebastian shoved Jazlyn out of the way, his arm shielding her. She felt the blast ripple through her body, saw the orange bloom of fire rush toward them.

“Go!” he shouted.

“I can’t—Sebastian!” she screamed.

He tried to lift the beam, straining, coughing. “Move, Jazlyn!”

But the flames surged again, a wave of unbearable heat. Sebastian grabbed her hand — and for an instant, she saw his eyes, fierce and desperate.

“I won’t let you die here!” he shouted.

The fire roared higher, swallowing the sound of his voice. Pain seared through her body. The smoke choked her.

Her last memory was of Sebastian’s silhouette disappearing in the light — and her own voice whispering through the chaos:

“Next time… I’ll change everything.”

Then the world went dark.

---

Silence.

A bird chirped somewhere.

Jazlyn gasped and sat upright, heart pounding. Her skin was damp with sweat, her lungs still aching as if filled with smoke. But there was no fire, no heat — only the cool touch of morning air.

She blinked. Around her was a familiar room — her room. Soft pastel curtains, a desk covered in books, the faint scent of lavender.

She knew this place. She hadn’t seen it in years. Not since college.

Slowly, she got out of bed. Her knees trembled. On the wall hung a calendar — the date made her blood freeze.

March 2, 2020.

Her last memory had been five years later — 2025, the night she died.

Jazlyn’s hand flew to her mouth. “No way…” she whispered. “I’m back?”

She stumbled toward the mirror. Her reflection stared back — younger, her face unscarred, her eyes bright and whole. Her hands were smooth, no burns, no rope marks.

She pressed her palms against her face, trying to make sense of it. I’m alive. I’m really alive.

A sob escaped her throat — part laughter, part disbelief. “Five years ago… before everything.”

She rushed to her desk and found her phone, the old model she’d used in college. The screen flickered to life, showing notifications, messages from classmates. The timestamp confirmed it — 2020.

Tears blurred her vision. Her parents… they were still alive.

Her legs moved before her mind could catch up. She flung the door open and ran down the hallway. The scent of brewed coffee and fresh bread met her halfway down the stairs.

She heard voices — her mother’s gentle tone, her father’s laugh. It was like hearing ghosts breathe again.

“Mom?” Jazlyn called, voice shaking.

In the kitchen, Mrs. Mercado turned, spatula in hand. She was exactly as Jazlyn remembered — soft brown hair, warm eyes, the kind of beauty time never touched.

But instead of the tearful reunion Jazlyn imagined, her mother frowned.

“Jazlyn Celeste Mercado! Look at the time!” she scolded, tapping her watch. “You’re going to be late for your morning class again!”

Jazlyn froze. “What?”

Her mother sighed, exasperated. “You stayed up too late studying, didn’t you? Go wash up! Breakfast is ready!”

Her father peeked from behind his newspaper, chuckling. “Give her a break, love. It’s only the first week of the semester.”

Her mother swatted at him playfully, then turned back to the stove.

Jazlyn stood in the doorway, tears spilling silently down her cheeks. They’re here. They’re alive.

Her mother frowned again. “Why are you crying now? Did something happen?”

Jazlyn shook her head quickly and rushed forward, wrapping her arms around her mother’s waist. “I just— I missed you, Mom.”

Mrs. Mercado laughed, startled. “Missed me? Jazlyn, I saw you last night!”

“I know,” Jazlyn whispered, voice trembling. “I just love you, that’s all.”

Her mother softened, stroking her hair. “I love you too, sweetheart. Now eat, before it gets cold.”

Jazlyn sat down, staring at the familiar breakfast — eggs, rice, and hot chocolate, just like before. Her father ruffled her hair affectionately. “Still half-asleep, huh? That’s my girl.”

She smiled through tears. “You have no idea.”

As they talked, Jazlyn couldn’t help glancing around — every detail was exactly as she remembered. The clock ticking above the door. The sunlight spilling across the table. The sound of her mother humming.

Her chest tightened with gratitude and guilt. I was given another chance. I won’t waste it this time.

She thought of Adrian — the man who would soon betray her — and Camille, the friend who would destroy her family. The fire. The lies. The pain.

Her fists clenched under the table. Not again.

But amid that determination, one face lingered in her mind — Sebastian Valente, stepping into the flames to save her. His voice calling her name through the smoke.

She remembered the look in his eyes — not pity, not duty, but something fierce and selfless. He hadn’t owed her anything, yet he came for her.

Her heart fluttered unexpectedly. He tried to save me.

She glanced out the window, where the city stretched beneath a soft morning haze. Somewhere out there, Sebastian was alive too — untouched by her tragedy, unaware that she remembered everything.

A small smile curved her lips. “This time,” she whispered to herself, “I’ll see him. I’ll thank him. And maybe… I’ll finally understand what I never saw before.”

Her mother’s voice interrupted her thoughts. “Jazlyn! You’re going to miss your class!”

She blinked, startled, and grabbed her bag. “Right! Sorry!”

As she hurried to the door, her father called after her, “Don’t forget your lunch!”

“I won’t!” she said, waving with a laugh.

The door closed behind her, and she stepped into the crisp air of 2020 — alive, reborn, and ready to rewrite her story. The sunlight touched her face, warm and golden.

Five years.

Five years before the betrayal, before the fire, before her death.

This time, Jazlyn Celeste Mercado would not be the woman who lost everything.

This time, she would save what mattered — and protect the ones she loved.

And somewhere, in the sprawling city skyline, a man named Sebastian Valente went about his day, unaware that fate had just reset the game —

and that the girl he once failed to save was coming back into his life, not as a victim…

but as destiny’s second chance.

The gates of Veridian National University glimmered under the morning sun — tall, proud, and almost intimidating. The school of heirs, prodigies, and a few “lucky scholars,” they called it. Jazlyn Celeste Mercado stopped in front of the gate, taking in the familiar sight.

The smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of students laughing — everything was the same. The only thing that had changed was her.

She clenched her fists and whispered under her breath, her voice cold but steady.

“I’ll start again. And this time… you’ll all pay for what you did.”

The guard nodded at her, recognizing the Mercado name, and she walked through. Her heels clicked against the pavement — every step a quiet reminder that she wasn’t the naïve girl she used to be.

“JAZLYN!”

She turned and saw Jane Rivera, waving with her usual big smile. Jane was one of the few people who never betrayed her — even in her first life. Seeing her again brought a soft warmth to Jazlyn’s chest.

“Jane,” Jazlyn greeted, smiling faintly.

“Girl, you look like a boss today! New hair, new energy!” Jane teased, linking arms with her. “What happened to my sleepy bestie?”

Jazlyn chuckled. “Guess I finally grew up.”

Jane laughed. “Or finally had breakfast?”

They both giggled as they walked toward the Business Hall. For a brief second, Jazlyn forgot about revenge — just a girl going to class with her friend.

Inside the hall, students were already crowding the bulletin board. A senior was announcing loudly, “No classes this morning! Teachers’ meeting for intramurals prep!”

“YES!” Jane almost screamed. “No classes means coffee time!”

Jazlyn smiled. “Library, not café. We can get ahead on our report.”

Jane groaned dramatically. “Fine, fine. But you owe me a caramel latte after this.”

They headed toward the library, chatting about upcoming events, when a too-familiar voice stopped them cold.

“Well, look who decided to bless us with her presence.”

Jazlyn froze for half a second before slowly turning her head. Standing by the basketball court’s fence was Adrian Navarro, his grin as sharp as ever. Beside him, clinging like a shadow, was Camille Santos — the girl Jazlyn once called her best friend.

“Adrian,” Jazlyn greeted flatly.

Adrian smirked. “You still remember my name. I’m touched.”

Camille giggled, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. “Jazlyn, you’re on your way to the library, right? Be a dear and buy us some water bottles. We’ve been practicing and we’re dying of thirst.”

Jane scoffed. “You’ve got legs, don’t you? Buy them yourself.”

Camille rolled her eyes. “Oh, relax. It’s just water. Don’t be so sensitive.”

Jazlyn raised her hand slightly to calm Jane. “It’s fine,” she said coolly. “I’ll get it.”

Jane grabbed her wrist. “Jaz, you don’t have to—”

Jazlyn gave her a small, calm smile. “Don’t worry. It’s just water.”

Her tone was soft but there was something in her eyes — sharp, unreadable.

---

A few minutes later, Jazlyn returned holding four bottles of cold water. Adrian and Camille were still lounging by the court, laughing with their little group of friends. They didn’t even notice her walking past them.

Jane followed behind, whispering, “You’re seriously going to give it to them? They don’t deserve it.”

Jazlyn didn’t answer. Her gaze had already found someone sitting at the far corner of the bleachers — a tall guy in a plain black hoodie, one earbud in, head slightly bowed as he read a book.

Something inside her chest tightened.

That face.

Her heartbeat slowed, then raced. She could never forget that face — the man who had tried to save her before the fire consumed everything.

Sebastian.

She remembered his voice shouting her name, his hand reaching out through the smoke. And now he was here — alive, calm, and completely unaware that she already knew him.

“Jazlyn?” Jane called softly, confused. “Where are you going?”

Jazlyn didn’t answer. She kept walking, straight toward the guy. Every step made the chatter around the court fade away.

When she stopped in front of him, Sebastian looked up, removing one earbud. His eyes — clear, steady, unreadable — met hers.

She swallowed, forcing her voice not to shake.

“You looked thirsty,” she said softly, handing him the bottle.

Sebastian blinked, slightly surprised. “Oh… uh, thank you.”

He took the bottle, and their fingers brushed. His hand was warm — too warm, like fire remembered.

Around them, whispers began.

“Wait, isn’t that the new transfer student?”

“Why is Jazlyn Mercado giving him water?”

“Didn’t Adrian ask her to buy drinks?”

Even Jane’s mouth dropped open. “Jaz… what are you doing?” she whispered.

Adrian’s voice cut through the noise, loud and angry. “JAZLYN!”

Everyone turned. Adrian stormed over, Camille following quickly behind him.

“What the hell was that?” Adrian demanded. “I told you to buy water for us!”

Jazlyn turned to him slowly, her expression calm and distant. “And I did.”

Camille crossed her arms. “Then why give it to him?”

“Because,” Jazlyn said, looking straight into Adrian’s eyes, “he actually looked like he needed it.”

The court went silent.

Even Sebastian looked up, one brow slightly raised, a flicker of amusement crossing his face.

Adrian clenched his jaw. “Are you kidding me right now?”

Jazlyn tilted her head. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”

The crowd murmured again, half in shock, half in delight at the brewing drama.

Camille stepped forward, pretending to look hurt. “Jazlyn, what’s gotten into you? We were just joking earlier—”

Jazlyn’s gaze turned cold. “I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

Adrian scoffed. “You’ve changed.”

“You just never bothered to see me clearly before,” she replied.

Jane tugged lightly on Jazlyn’s arm, whispering, “Jaz, maybe let’s go—”

But Jazlyn stayed still, facing Adrian like she’d been waiting for this moment.

Adrian sneered. “So what, you’re into random guys now? You don’t even know who he is!”

Jazlyn’s lips curved slightly. “I don’t need to. I can already tell he’s better than you.”

Gasps erupted around them. Camille’s fake smile vanished.

“Excuse me?” Adrian barked.

Jazlyn smiled faintly. “You heard me.”

She turned slightly toward Sebastian, her voice softening without her meaning to. “Thanks for taking the water.”

Sebastian blinked again, unsure how to react. “You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” she said quietly.

“Don’t walk away from me, Jazlyn!”

The crowd turned. Adrian strode across the court, eyes blazing. Camille hurried after him, feigning concern.

Jazlyn faced him with calm eyes. “What now?”

Adrian laughed sharply. “What now? You think you can just embarrass me like that and walk off?”

“I didn’t embarrass you,” she said. “You did that all on your own.”

The mocking laughter stopped. He stepped closer, the rage behind his smile barely contained.

“Eight years, Jazlyn.” His tone dropped low. “Eight years you followed me around like a lost dog. High school, college—everywhere I went, there you were.”

Murmurs ran through the crowd. Jane froze beside her.

Adrian’s voice grew louder. “Eight years of chasing me. And I—” he smirked bitterly “—I was stupid enough to believe you were worth a damn. But now?” He leaned closer, eyes cruel. “Now I finally realized you were nothing but trash”

The words hit harder than she expected, though she didn’t flinch. The old Jazlyn would have cried; the new one only stared back, voice steady.

“You’re right,” she said quietly. “You did waste eight years. That’s on you.”

The crowd gasped.

Camille rushed forward, grasping Adrian’s arm. “Adrian, stop, please. She doesn’t mean it.” Then she turned to Jazlyn with a trembling smile.

“Jaz, don’t be mad at him. He’s just upset.”

Jazlyn’s jaw tightened. “Camille, don’t—”

“No, listen!” Camille stepped closer, voice sweet and shaking.

“Jaz, about the water earlier… I was really thirsty. Adrian just told you to help because I felt faint. I’m sorry if it made you angry.” She reached out, clutching Jazlyn’s hand dramatically.

“If you’re going to be mad, be mad at me, not Adrian. I don’t want to ruin your relationship because of me.”

Gasps rippled again. Jazlyn froze, realizing exactly what Camille was doing. Before she could pull away, Camille stumbled back suddenly, clutching her shoulder as if she’d been shoved.

“Jazlyn!” Camille cried, tears glistening.

“I know you’re angry, but you didn’t have to push me!”

“I didn’t push you,” Jazlyn said flatly, but Camille’s trembling voice was already louder than hers.

“I deserve it, I know,” Camille sobbed.

“But we’re friends, right? I’d never try to take Adrian from you.”

The crowd erupted in whispers.

Adrian’s face darkened. “Jazlyn!”

“I didn’t—”

He cut her off, pointing a furious finger. “You really are pathetic. Can’t even handle rejection without hurting people?”

“I didn’t touch her!” Jazlyn snapped, but Adrian had already grabbed her arm and shoved her back.

She staggered—then felt strong hands catch her from behind.

Sebastian.

He pulled her upright with a steady grip, eyes locked on Adrian.

“That’s enough,” he said quietly.

Adrian laughed. “And here comes the hero again. What’s your deal, nerd? Think she’ll fall for you because you play bodyguard?”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, but his tone stayed calm. “You should apologize to her.”

“Apologize?” Adrian barked a laugh.

“She should be the one kneeling and begging Camille’s forgiveness!” He looked back at Jazlyn, venom in his eyes.

“Go on, Jazlyn. Kneel. Maybe then we’ll forgive you for that little show.”

Jazlyn glared, but before she could speak, Sebastian stepped forward.

“She’s not kneeling to anyone.”

Adrian’s smirk faded. “What did you just say?”

Sebastian’s voice dropped an octave, low and dangerous. “I said, she’s not kneeling.”

Adrian’s fist shot out, but Sebastian caught it mid-swing. The next moment was a blur—Sebastian’s punch landed square on Adrian’s jaw.

A sharp gasp swept the crowd. Adrian stumbled backward, clutching his face.

“Sebastian!” Jane shouted.

“Enough!” The basketball coach’s shout boomed across the court as he pushed through the students.

“What’s going on here?”

Camille hurried to Adrian, pretending to cry. “Coach, he hit Adrian first!”

Sebastian straightened, breathing evenly. “He pushed her.”

“Both of you, my office. Now,” the coach ordered. He turned to the students.

“Everyone else, clear out!”

The crowd scattered, whispering furiously. Jane grabbed Jazlyn’s hand. “Are you okay?”

Jazlyn nodded absently, eyes fixed on Sebastian’s knuckles—red and scraped.

When the coach pulled Adrian and Sebastian away, Camille followed dramatically, fussing over Adrian.

Jazlyn stood frozen until Jane touched her arm. “Let’s go, Jaz.”

But Jazlyn shook her head. “I need a minute.”

She slipped out of sight, heading toward the quiet garden behind the gym. Minutes later, Sebastian appeared, rubbing his hand.

“You didn’t have to do that,” he said without looking at her.

“I wanted to,” she answered softly.

He exhaled. “You’re going to get in trouble too.”

“Maybe.” She stepped closer, taking his hand gently. “Let me see.”

He tried to pull back, but she tightened her grip. “Please.”

He sighed and let her inspect the bruise. She took out a small packet from her pocket and pressed a rabbit-printed band-aid over the scrape.

Sebastian blinked. “A rabbit ?”

“It’s my favorite,” she said, smiling faintly. “Besides, it suits you.”

He snorted. “How does a rabbit suit me?”

“You fight fast and disappear just as quick,” she said.

“And you saved me.”

His eyes softened, curiosity flickering. “You talk like we’ve met before.”

She smiled, hiding the ache in her chest. “Maybe in another life.”

He looked at her for a long moment before whispering, “You’re strange, Jazlyn Mercado.”

“Strange,” she echoed.

“But memorable.”

She dropped his hand gently. “Next time someone tries to hurt you… let me handle it.”

Sebastian tilted his head, half amused, half intrigued. “You?”

“Me,” she said firmly.

“I’m done being weak.” then left

“Interesting.” her last said that makes me smile you dont need to watch me from a far from now on let me be your side my rabbit

She smiled back, turning toward the garden path, her heart beating fast. For the first time in her second life, she felt it again—the promise she made before dying.

They destroyed me once. This time, I’ll make them pay—and protect the only person who ever tried to save me.