Chapter 1: A Choice to Rewrite Fate

The sharp sting of pain shot through Stella Judd's body as she gasped for air. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs. She instinctively reached for her chest, expecting to feel the impact of concrete after falling from a rooftop. Instead, her fingers touched the soft carpet of her bedroom. Sunlight poured through the windows, and everything looked exactly as it had years ago.

Confused, Stella stumbled out of bed and looked at the calendar hanging beside her dressing table. The date was April 12—the very day before her parents would visit the Chilton family to discuss the marriage alliance. She froze in disbelief. She had been reborn. The memories of her previous life flooded back: Noel's indifference, his secret love for Sophie, the heartbreaking death of their daughter, and her own tragic end.

Unable to control her emotions, Stella fell to her knees and burst into tears. She could still hear her daughter's final cry before being pushed from the rooftop. Noel had chosen Sophie's son over his own daughter, a decision that shattered Stella's heart forever. Clenching her fists, she whispered to herself, 'This time... none of that will happen again.'

A knock came from outside her bedroom. The maid politely informed her that her parents were waiting downstairs. Stella quickly wiped away her tears before heading to the dining room. The sight of her healthy parents instantly filled her eyes with tears. Without hesitation, she rushed forward and hugged them tightly.

Her parents looked at each other in surprise. Thinking she had suffered a nightmare, they gently comforted her. Stella suddenly stepped back, knelt before them, and bowed her head. 'Mom... Dad... if our family must honor the marriage alliance with the Chiltons, I want to marry Eric instead of Noel.'

The room fell silent. Her mother stared at her in shock while her father frowned in confusion. 'But Stella, haven't you always loved Noel? Eric is his uncle. Are you certain?' Stella slowly nodded. 'I know what I'm asking. But Noel and I are not meant to be together. This is the only request I've ever made. Please let me choose Eric.'

Seeing the determination in their daughter's eyes, her parents exchanged helpless smiles. Her father sighed softly before saying, 'We'll speak with the Chilton family. But Eric is a powerful man who has never shown interest in marriage. We can't promise he'll accept.' Stella smiled faintly. 'Even if he refuses, I won't regret asking.'

After her parents left to prepare expensive gifts for their visit, Stella returned to her room. She opened an old photo album filled with pictures of herself and Noel growing up together. In her previous life, those memories had meant everything to her. Now, they only reminded her of regret. She quietly removed every photo that included Noel and placed them into a box.

Just then, her phone vibrated. A message from Noel appeared on the screen. 'Come to Eclipse Bar. Now.' An address followed beneath the message. Stella knew exactly why he wanted to see her. News of the marriage alliance must have reached him. This time, however, she wasn't going there to confess her love. She was going to end everything between them.

Half an hour later, Stella arrived outside the private room at Eclipse Bar. Loud laughter echoed from inside. Taking a deep breath, she reached for the doorknob. She no longer feared Noel's rejection. She had already survived a lifetime of pain. Opening the door, Stella silently prepared herself to face the people she had once sacrificed everything for.