Chapter 2 STRANGE INCIDENT

ELARA

"Not again " I yelled when I opened my eyes and realised how bright the sky was, fear hit me first, before any other emotions.

Something was wrong today, I had never woken up this late. I already felt like a failure, as I wondered what my coach would say now.

Just yesterday, he threatened to pull me out of the team.

There was no time to think. Mr Vance was scheduled to visit the orphanage and being one of the best tennis players, I needed to be present.

I sprang out of bed as I pulled the sheets tight and arranged the pillowcase, tucking all corners. I didn't want to be scolded again by the matron.

The sound of whistles outside didn't let me focus, I ran to the sink, ready to wash my face. I tied my hair in a bun and raised my face in the mirror when I stopped.

My hand froze mid-air as air slammed into my lungs so violently that I choked on it, and immediately the sounds of screaming and screeching filled me.

I held my head in pain as I lost my balance and fell to the floor.

The screams caused me to tremble violently.

Flashes of hospital lights, blood, drugs and cars played in my mind's eye like a hologram and then the scene of a car crushing me disappeared as fast as it appeared.

My past memories returned. I was dead... Or was supposed to be.

How could it be? How was I here?

I remembered today, in my past life just like today.

The day I won the national sponsorship, and the Vance family announced publicly they were taking me in as their protégé.

This was the day my life changed. I woke up late on this day because my roommate Ivy had mistakenly reset my alarm clock, but now I doubted if that was a mistake or if it was an intentional act.

My eyes swept the room. In the corner sat her small bed, and our trophies scattered on the dresser. I laughed hysterically as I took a good look at my younger reflection, with no scars on her face.

Was the universe finally on my side? Honestly I couldn't believe it.

"This isn't a fucking paranormal novel." I screamed out my lungs, excited and skeptical at the same time.

‘Too many romance novels.’ I laughed harder this time as I looked at the reflection of the younger me who believed in the good in everyone.

Soon, tears burnt my cheeks, but I didn't let it last as I cleaned it immediately. I wouldn't be this sweetheart anymore.

My outfit caught my eye: a faded blue T-shirt dress with a tiny white tennis ball logo near the hem.

It was the prize from my first Inter-Orphanage Junior Sports Meet. The first match that made the newspapers call me “the girl with the fire swing.” The reason Mr Vance visited the orphanage.

Without thinking, I reached into my box and pulled out a gothic outfit. It was old and faded and the edges frayed. My coach had warned me never to wear it again, since it was too dramatic for a sports girl.

I shrugged and slipped it on. I was given a second chance to life and I was going to do whatever the fuck I wanted. I would start that by putting my bullies in place.

When Mr Vance adopted me… three years before my death, I was beaten badly and pretended I was fine.

Being a good girl didn't pay, I had tried it once and ended up dead in the worst way.

Just like I had guessed, the alarm blared, Ivy had changed the time I set. And right now, I was skeptical of everyone.

Some memories from my past life may have returned but I felt like a big part in my murder story was missing, so for me to know the persons behind it, I needed to tread with caution.

And would make sure they pay.

Aiden would be first.

I met Aiden Blackthorne today, at the Vance family mansion. He was the heir to the Blackthorne & Crowe Group, a multi-billion-dollar sports and media empire, and welcomed me like he knew me all his life. He made me feel comfortable around him at first sight.

Now, this was my second chance at life and I would reclaim my revenge, my title, my life and everything I had lost.

There was no time to waste, if I want my path to cross with that of Aiden and go smoothly as it went the last time, I should be out now.

I walked to the door and twisted the doorknob, but it was locked. Locked from the outside.

“What?” I whispered.

My hands went into a fist, it must be Lyla, the orphanage bully.

I banged my fists against the door. “Hello? Is anyone there? Ivy? Jane?” Nothing.

This didn’t happen last time.

I twisted harder. Nothing.

My heart pounded as I realized… someone had locked me in, it was an intentional act.

My chance to reclaim my life… was being stolen.

I banged again until my palm stung, but nothing.

I sat on the floor defeated. I thought the universe was on my side when it brought me back, but I got it wrong.

I didn't know how long I sat there, listening to the cheers from the spectators, when I heard the sound of car engines. I ran to the cold window and looked out.

A row of black SUVs gleamed under the sun, the Vance family convoy. Elite and intimidating.

My foster father, Kingston Vance, stepped out, flanked by security.

He was a ruthless billionaire and philanthropist of the sports world.

I yelled, but he wasn’t looking up at my window, that was because someone else was stepping into the center of the entourage like I did three years ago today.

Ivy.

Her hair was styled neatly just like mine and her hands clutched the same sponsorship portfolio I carried that day.

She had won the Orphanage National Sponsorship and was now his protégé.

My stomach twisted as I watched them. This wasn’t how today was supposed to go.

That was my place. My life. She was standing in it.

I knew that without a sponsor like Mr. Vance, I was already on borrowed time.

The orphanage had rules, once you turned eighteen, you were considered an adult and is expected to start a life on your own. I was nineteen. Soon, they would no longer be able to keep me here.

The thought didn’t scare me like it did before, but to get my revenge, I needed a sponsor.

Then I remembered Ivy.

She rose to fame and was the second best after me in the tennis world.

Since we swapped places, I may just let her live my life, play the same cards she played and find my way to the top.

I couldn't remember if she had hurt me in my past life since some memories were still missing and I don't know why we had switched places, but I'd let her be.

My life in the Vance family wasn't all that perfect, my only goal then was to make everyone proud, so I pushed myself and practiced to be the best.

My future may have been stolen, but I'd get it back to change its course.

And then...

Click.

The door swung open behind me without a warning and I heard a shrill voice.

“Elara?"

" She's still alive, thank goodness."

My heart skipped at the sentence

I turned…and there stood the matron.

Behind her was Aiden, watching me with the same cold gaze.