Chapter 148

After I died, I existed in a ghostly limbo—no pain, no hunger, just an endless nothingness. I hadn't blacked out in ages, but when I did, fear gripped me. What if I woke up as a spirit again? Or worse, what if something even more terrible happened?

I have no idea how long I was unconscious, but when I finally regained awareness, the sharp smell of antiseptic stung my nostrils, and harsh lights assaulted my eyes. My head pounded, my stomach churned with acid, my wrists throbbed, and even the soles of my feet ached. But despite the agony, I was thrilled. I was human again!

Feeling pain meant I was alive. I was exhilarated, overjoyed. Tears of excitement streamed down my cheeks; I felt like a child again. "Grandma, I can finally take care of you," I thought. "Ann, I promise I'll get revenge for you. Your death won't be in vain." I didn't care if this body was beautiful or plain; all that mattered was that I was alive.

"You're awake," a familiar, cold voice said. It was Derek, my savior. The memory of his rescue flooded my mind, prompting another wave of tears. Over the years, Derek and I hadn't interacted much, but he always appeared when I was in desperate need. If I hadn't encountered him this time, I might not have survived. Seeing my tears, concern softened his handsome features.

"Don't worry, your suicide attempt hasn't been publicized. I've told your parents to come and get you. Since you're against the marriage, I'll speak to your father."

Marriage? That triggered a flood of memories. When I was with Chase, Davin mentioned the Ryans wanted Derek to marry someone from either the Hoffman or Graham family. So, which family's heiress was I? No wonder she had said she didn't want to marry someone disabled—she meant Derek.

For some reason, the image of the eternal lamps on the mountain flashed in my mind. Who were those three thousand lamps for?

Derek looked thinner than when he'd returned to the country. He was strikingly handsome, his skin more flawless than any woman's. But he couldn't walk.

I knew little more about him than anyone else, but I knew he was a good man, unlike Chase. After I died, he was the only one who searched for me. He was the perfect ally for vengeance. Plus, my identity could benefit his business. This marriage was a win-win.

What the original owner of this body didn't want felt like a stroke of luck. After all life had thrown at me, love was irrelevant. Revenge was my sole focus. I needed a powerful ally to help me move forward.

In this law-abiding society, I couldn't simply take an eye for an eye against Nicole and Chase. But with this new life, I wouldn't let them escape. They were in the light, and I was in the shadows. It was time for me to control this cat-and-mouse game. I wouldn't worry Grandma.

Seeing my silence, Derek started to leave, saying, "Rest up. Your father's on his way. I'll cancel the engagement once he's here."

As he turned to go, I snapped back to reality and grabbed his hand. "Mr. Reyes, don't cancel the engagement."

He looked at me, puzzled. "Ms. Amelia, I understand. If you don't want this, I won't force it."

Panic seized me. My voice was hoarse as I rasped, "I'm willing to marry you. I really am." Terrified he wouldn't believe me, I tried to get out of bed, but my legs, weak from blood loss, gave way. He instinctively caught me, his grip firm and steady, as reliable as anyone's could be. I clung to his wheelchair, gripping his hand. Tears streamed down my face, my eyes red and swollen. Trembling, I whispered, "Derek, I want to marry you! Don't turn me away…"