Chapter 1 Cecilia Reborn

"Emergency rescue! There's been a nasty car crash on Meteor Street, and the victims are in bad shape!"

"Ma'am! Hang in there, the ambulance and cops are on their way!"

The air reeked of fuel, the car was a mangled wreck, and glass was everywhere.

Cecilia Medici could taste blood in her mouth, the metallic tang making her feel sick.

She'd never seen anything so horrific.

Her mind swam. 'What time is it? Why aren't the paramedics here yet? Was this deliberate?'

The young driver was sweating bullets, trying to keep Cecilia conscious, his hands covered in blood.

"Julian," Cecilia whispered, her face pale, lips dry, eyes dull.

The driver froze. Julian Russell, the most powerful man in Skyview City!

This was bad! The driver's hands shook as he fumbled for Julian's number, dialing frantically until he got through.

When the call connected, the driver blurted out, "Mr. Russell! Your wife's been in a car accident, the medics are too slow, she can't hold on much longer, please come save her!"

"Is that so? She's tougher than I thought. But I'm busy, call me when she's dead." Julian's voice was cold, dripping with disdain.

Before the driver could respond, Julian hung up.

Cecilia's last bit of hope vanished. 'Julian, do you really want me dead? Leaving me here to die without a shred of care?'

Blood kept flowing, and her vision faded to black. Finally, she stopped breathing.

Cecilia felt her soul drift away from her body. At twenty-five, she died in the emergency lane on Meteor Street.

She was the Medici family's only daughter, their treasure, loved dearly, but she fell for Julian and insisted on marrying him.

In the end, the Medici family fell apart, and she died miserably by the roadside.

As her soul floated away, she closed her eyes. If she could live again, she'd be her proud self.

Suddenly, a voice broke through. "Mrs. Russell, which dress would you like to wear for Mr. Russell's private party tonight?"

Hearing the familiar voice, Cecilia's eyes snapped open, filled with confusion.

What was going on? Wasn't she dead? Why was she in her and Julian's bedroom?

A sharp pain shot through her head, and she winced, holding her head in agony.

It came flooding back. The banquet. Four years ago. Julian hadn't planned to take her, but they were newlyweds, and it wouldn't look good publicly.

"Mrs. Russell! Mrs. Russell, are you okay?" Cleo Smith's worried voice reached her.

Cecilia snapped back to reality, looking at Cleo, and realized everything.

She'd been reborn! Back to four years ago!

With that thought, Cecilia calmed down. "I'm fine." She walked to the wardrobe, pointed to a luxurious golden evening gown, and smiled at Cleo. "I'll wear this one."

Cleo looked surprised, glancing between the gown and Cecilia, hesitantly saying, "Mrs. Russell, isn't this dress too flashy? Mr. Russell might not like it."

Cecilia shook her head and said firmly, "I like it. That's all that matters."

In her past life, she had diminished herself, contorting her personality and even her style to please Julian.

She knew there was a girl named Tamsin Brooks always hanging around Julian.

Tamsin was a college student, always dressed super plain, all in white. So, Cecilia had started dressing the same way, hoping to catch Julian's eye.

The result? Julian had brought Tamsin to the banquet. They'd both worn similar, simple dresses – one white, one off-white. Tamsin had been the belle of the ball. Cecilia, the laughingstock.

The memory stung. How utterly pathetic she had been. Blind and foolish. Julian despised her, and she'd wasted years trying to earn his affection.

Cleo's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly understood Cecilia's feelings.

Finally, Cecilia broke the silence. "Get rid of these clothes later, I won't wear them anymore."

Cleo paused, then smiled sweetly. "Got it. Mrs. Russell, have a good time."

With that, Cleo turned and left, closing the door softly.

Cecilia stared at herself in the mirror. She was still radiant now, but who would have guessed she'd be so ravaged by Julian's torment later?

Thinking of this, Cecilia shook her head, her gaze resolute. No way was she letting that tragedy repeat.

At eight in the evening, Cecilia arrived at the banquet early.

She wore a stunning off-shoulder golden gown, the shimmering fabric hugging her curves. Her face was flawless, her skin smooth and delicate, her long hair cascading like a golden waterfall. Her deep, bright eyes were like the clear blue sky, and the tear mole at the corner of her eye added a touch of mystery and allure.

From a distance, Cecilia looked like a painting come to life, radiant and captivating.

Cecilia noticed several pairs of eyes on her, many filled with curiosity, mockery, and malice.

"Look who decided to show up," Qiana Morris, in a dark blue evening gown and heavy makeup, sneered.

"Well, she is Mrs. Russell. Wouldn't do to leave her at home right after the wedding, would it?" Elowen Ross mocked, "But she does have a pretty face."

"What good is her beauty? Mr. Russell still doesn't care for her." Qiana, slightly dissatisfied, raised her voice.

Elowen chuckled, her delicate earrings swaying, "Exactly. When I arrived, Mr. Russell was still being cozy with his lover outside. There will be a good show later."

Hearing her words, Qiana also laughed. Cecilia heard their conversation and just found it amusing.

She cleared her throat, then looked around, and when her gaze swept over them, it was filled with undisguised contempt and disdain, as if she was just looking at two ants.

Cecilia's lips held a faint smile. After looking at the people staring at her, she elegantly turned back.

Her movements were graceful and noble. She didn't say a single word, but exuded a quite imposing aura.

"Interesting," a man in a black jacket and dark jeans said as he stared at Cecilia's beautiful back while holding a glass of red wine, his voice hoarse.

Kian Coleman was still lost in Cecilia's beauty, only snapping out of it when he heard Alaric Percy's voice.

Kian widened his eyes and said to Alaric, "What? Are you interested in her?"

Alaric took a sip of wine. "Hold this."

With that, he placed the glass in Kian's hand and turned to leave, leaving Kian bewildered.

In the banquet hall, Tamsin shyly held Julian's hand, wearing a plain white dress, her face full of nervousness. "Looks like everyone is looking at us, I'm not used to it."

Julian comforted her, "It's okay, I'm here. Attend a few more of these banquets, and you'll get used to it."

Tamsin shyly nodded.

As they continued forward, they saw a woman shining like the sun in the crowd.