Bab 1: Chapter 1: Running Again?
Chapter 1: Running Again?
Awakening, Emma Roberts found herself peering into a pair of eyes that chilled her to the core.
"Aaah—"
Her pale fingers gripped the sheets tightly beneath her.
The excruciating pain in her body was a grotesque echo of past torments. Was this a nightmare? Why was she back here, back to this man, after she had already died?
Her mind whirled in confusion, tormented by his scorching presence. Instinctively, she protested, "Don't touch mee!"
His movements halted for a brief moment before his expression turned sinister, his cold lips locking onto her with destructive intensity, as if he sought to consume her whole.
Through her agony, all she could muster was, "Why... why me... Logan Black... why does it have to be me..."
"Because, it can only be you."
His deep, gravelly voice echoed in her ears, binding her spirit.
Recognizing the same chilling answer from her previous life, Emma slipped into unconsciousness.
When her eyes fluttered open again, daylight had replaced the night outside.
The scent of flowers filled the air, and the warm morning sun filtered through the window, bringing a deceptive sense of calm.
However, Emma tensed up almost immediately.
The oppressive aura of the man filled the room as he woke.
His arm tightened around her waist, holding her like a cherished possession.
"Still running?"
His chilling voice whispered in her ear.
Driven by sheer survival instinct, Emma nodded vigorously.
His gaze lingered on her face before he leaned in, kissing her lips, her cheek, her neck...
His rough, hot breath buried in her neck sent constant waves of alarm through her.
Emma, paralyzed with fear, did not dare to move.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally let her go.
Emma's eyes caught sight of an intimate scene.
He moved away from the bed, his half-naked silhouette against the light highlighting his muscular frame.
This vision lasted only a moment before he picked up his clothes and meticulously buttoned his shirt up to his collar.
Moments ago, ferocious as a beast, his handsome face now appeared cold and indifferent, devoid of any tenderness.
It wasn't until the door closed that Emma's taut nerves began to relax.
Now she could properly assess her situation.
She looked around the room, taking in the familiar yet foreign surroundings, and her reflection in the dressing table mirror—
The girl in the mirror had black lipstick smeared to mere remnants, her smoky makeup ruined by tears and sweat, her skin marred by bruises and tattoos.
In her previous life, she had deliberately disfigured herself to escape Logan's attention.
She had indeed been reborn...
The overwhelming fear and despair almost crushed her.
She was back to the night when Logan, in a fit of fury, claimed her after her failed attempt to flee!
Why...
Why did she have to return seven years into the past!
Even death would be kinder than reliving this, being trapped with him once more.
Because of him, she had lost her love, her family, her dignity—her entire life had been destroyed!
Would she have to endure it all over again?
No, if fate had given her a second chance, she must change everything!
Determined, Emma reflected on her previous life's hardships. She recalled every detail that had led to her demise, from the moment she met Logan to the countless ways she had tried in vain to escape his grasp. This time, she resolved things would be different. She would not make the same mistakes again.
She needed a plan, but first, she had to regain her strength. Emma forced herself out of bed, every movement accompanied by a sharp pain that caused her to wince. The room around her was lavishly decorated, a gilded cage that reminded her of her imprisonment. She reached the bathroom and splashed cold water onto her face, the shock bringing her mind into clearer focus.
Her reflection in the mirror was almost unrecognizable. Gone was the defiant girl who had once dreamed of a better life. In her place was a woman marked by suffering and struggle. Yet, beneath the layers of makeup and bruises, a spark of determination still burned. She would harness it; she had to.
Emma started to list her priorities mentally. First, she needed information. She had to understand what Logan was doing now, his current plans, and who his allies and enemies were. Knowledge was power, and she intended to gather every bit of it she could.
Next, she needed to find allies of her own. In her past life, she had been isolated, but now she knew she couldn't do it alone. There must be others who wanted to see Logan fall, people who had been wronged by him or who were opposed to his iron rule.
Lastly, she had to protect those she loved. Her family, her friends—any contact with them in the past had only brought them harm. This time, she would keep them far away from her dangerous quest for freedom.
Just as she was formulating the beginnings of a plan, the bedroom door creaked open. Emma's heart pounded, but she kept her expression neutral as Logan stepped in. He looked at her curiously, an eyebrow arched.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked, though his voice carried no genuine concern.
Emma nodded, forcing herself to maintain eye contact. "Yes, much better. Thank you," she lied.
Logan's lips curled into a smile, but his eyes remained devoid of warmth. "Good. Because you won't have the luxury of resting for long."
Emma's stomach churned, but she remained stoic. She would play along for now, biding her time. Inside, however, her resolve only grew stronger. She would never let Logan win again.
And so, the first day of Emma's new life began, with her heart set on altering her destiny. As she navigated the treacherous landscape that awaited her, one thought remained clear: second chances were rare, and she would not squander hers.
Emma gathered her strength, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. This time, she vowed, she would fight with everything she had.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone