ELIANA
I gobbled and held my neck gasping for breath, I expected darkness but got complete silence.
Beams of sunlight streamed through silk curtains, and birds were singing somewhere beyond my window.
For a brief moment, I remained there, staring at the familiar chandelier above my bed, my heart racing as if it were attempting to escape.
No pain, no blood and no Joseph.
Only… my room.
My room.
I sprang up quickly, inhaling sharply. The air pierced my lungs harshly, as if I had been breathless for days. My sheets had a subtle scent of lavender — the same fragrance I selected for my engagement week — and I stood still.
No. That couldn't be accurate.
I hurried out of bed and dashed to the mirror. The identical faded walls. The identical vanity strewn with makeup brushes and accessories. However, the calendar on the bedside table—
I grabbed it quickly.
April 12.
Two days prior to my wedding.
"No I'm not dreaming ," I murmured. My hands trembled. "This is reality."
My reflection gazed back — large eyes, untamed hair, and a face I believed I'd never encounter again. My throat tightened. I placed my hands against the chilly surface of the vanity table, attempting to control my breathing.
"I died," I said quietly. "I really did die...."
I laughed continuously like a raging lunatic then ultimately I hear a tap.
"Darling?" It was my mom. "Are you awake? "The stylists will arrive early today for your engagement photoshoot."
The sound of her voice. The voice of my mother. Living. Known.
Tears stung my eyes.
"Eliana?" she shouted once more.
"I'm—" My voice wavered. "I'm awake."
The door swung open an instant later. She entered clad in her morning robe, her blond hair styled impeccably despite the time of day. She stopped when she noticed my expression.
"Sweetheart, what's the matter?"
I did not respond. I simply approached her and wrapped my arms around her, she tensed up in astonishment. "Oh, my goodness, what is this about my love?"
"I missed you," I murmured softly against her shoulder.
She drew away, scowling. "You saw me last night, darling." You're behaving strangely. "Did you have a bad dream?"
Worst nightmare ever.
Certainly. Let's refer to it as such.
I strained to produce a shaky smile. "Indeed. "Something along those lines."
"My poor baby." She cradled my face, worry gentle on her features. "You feel chilly." Take a seat. "I'll bring you some tea."
However, as I took a seat, the mirror captured my reflection once more — and I became still.
My locks. It glimmered uniquely, reflecting the light like strands of gold. My skin appeared smoother, radiant. My eyes — more radiant, clearer, nearly shimmering.
"Mom," I murmured, "how much time have I been sleeping?"
She chuckled softly. "Clearly, since last night." "You seem as if you've been away for ages."
If she only realized.
I gulped nervously, clenching the sides of my satin gown. "Where is Dad?"
"Inside his home office." "Am I supposed to call him?"
I tilted my head. "Please do."
Her eyebrows knitted together. "Eliana, you're making me feel scared."
"I only need to speak with both of you."
Fifteen minutes later, my father entered the room, still dressed in his suit, appearing slightly concerned.
"Pumpkin, what's happening? "Your mom mentioned it's important."
I remained standing. My knees shook a little. "I simply… I have something important to say."
They shared anxious looks.
My mother sat next to me on the bed, running her fingers through my hair. "Did Joseph make you sad?" "Did you both have a disagreement?"
"Not at all," I replied gently.
"Not at all?" my father repeated. "Darling, you're not being logical."
I inhaled deeply. "I realize this seems crazy, but I can't marry Joseph."
Hush.
My mother blinked, as though she hadn't understood correctly. "Could you say that again?"
"I'm calling off the engagement," I declared, calmer this time. "Plus the wedding."
"Eliana!" she exclaimed. "What in the world are you saying?" The guests! The media! The—"
"Mother." I locked eyes with her. "Kindly." "Simply pay attention."
She parted her lips, yet my father lifted a hand. "Allow her to speak."
I looked at him. "I've been… puzzled." I believed Joseph was meant for me, but he isn't. Something feels off, and I can't put my finger on it. "I simply understand that I can't follow through with it."
He observed me in silence. "Is he causing you pain?"
"No," I murmured, then paused. "He's not."
That caused him to tense up. "He's not?"
My mother's hand grasped my arm. "Eliana, what's going on? You were so thrilled about this wedding—"
"I wasn't," I replied softly. "I felt frightened." I simply didn't understand why until this moment.
They gazed at one another once more, puzzled.
At last, my father let out a sigh, massaging the bridge of his nose. "Alright," he spoke deliberately, "if you aren't interested in marrying him, you simply won't."
My mom's jaw dropped. "What did you say?"
"You heard me darling," he stated. "I prefer to see her alone and mentally healthy than unhappy and in a relationship."
"However, the funds— the plans— the journalists—"
"Let them say what they want to," he stated assertively. "It's the life of our only child."
I sensed my chest relax, tears welling up in my eyes once more. "Thanks, Dad."
He inclined his head. "Do what brings you joy, dear." "We'll take care of everything else."
My mother, on the other hand, appeared completely bewildered. "I… I can't understand." You were okay a moment ago, and now this? "Should I contact Dr. Lemar?"
I chuckled gently, shaking my head. "No physicians." I assure you I'm okay. Simply… finally awake.
Once they left, I remained in the center of my room, gazing at my image once more.
Alright. That was not true. I was not okay.
I live. Once more.
I made my way to the bathroom unsteady on my feet, I activated the shower and saw my image in the misty mirror.
I inhaled sharply.
My physique… had transformed. Gently, yet unmistakably. My curves were more pronounced, my waist more slender, my butt , more round, my skin radiated as if I had emerged from bright sunlight. My hair flowed in shiny waves, fuller than ever, draping over my shoulders in luxurious curls that glimmered with chestnut and bronze hues. I looked like a goddess and queen, I could hardly relate the person I was with this beautiful woman who feels like she could conquer the world in a single heartbeat.
Even my eyes appeared distinct — brighter, nearly golden in the appropriate lighting.
"What happened to me?" I murmured.
The fragrance of the rose soap rose, but more intense, more powerful. I could sense it all: the steam, the fresh linen, the subtle hint of my mother's perfume remaining in the corridor.
As I entered the shower, the water seemed vibrant on my skin — each drop unique and invigorating.
I rested my back against the tile, shutting my eyes. I died and now I'm here again.
Why? How am I even back?
No responses. Just this peculiar, strong consciousness resonating within me.
Upon stepping out, I donned a red silk robe. The hue captured my image, and a voice within me murmured, "Welcome back queen".
I dried my hair and put on a red dress — one I hadn't worn ever because it was a very daring dress, featuring thin straps and a flowing skirt that grazed my ankles. The mirror reflected me once more, and I nearly failed to identify the woman looking at me.
Self-assured. Gorgeous. Hazardous.
For the first time, I appeared not to be the innocent girl who trusted in promises.
I resembled a person who created them.
"Okay, Joseph," I whispered. "Let's watch your response to this."
The party for the engagement was already in full motion by the time I got there.
Camera flashes erupted like stars the moment I exited the vehicle. Paparazzi called out my name, and I grinned — a serene, rehearsed grin that felt new this time around.
The crimson gown sparkled beneath the chandeliers as I entered the hall. Eyes were drawn. Murmurs trailed behind.
"Is that Eliana?"
"She looks amazing."
"She radiates."
And there he stood.
Joseph.
Standing by the flower-laden arch, tuxedo immaculate, grin practiced. His eyes grew a bit larger upon seeing me.
"Eliana," he stated, walking toward me. "You look—"
"Lovely?" I completed it. "I understand."
He halted abruptly. "I was about to say radiant."
"Same thing."
He chuckled nervously, extending his hand toward me — but I took a step back.
"Please don't."
He flickered his eyelids. "What's the matter?"
I smiled slightly. "Nothing." "Not any longer."
"Darling, everyone is looking—"
"I know."
I strode by him, heading to the stage, where the microphone awaited the engagement toast. My heels tapped on the marble floor — each step firm and sure.
The audience moved towards me, cameras blinking once more.
I halted at the center, sensing Joseph's gaze piercing through my back.
"Good evening," I remarked into the microphone. My voice resonated through the hall, composed and unwavering. "Thank you everyone for being here to commemorate this engagement."
A wave of courteous chuckling.
"I recognize that everyone has been eagerly anticipating the wedding," I continued. "However… I've come to an important realization."
I hesitated, inhaling deeply. My mother appeared pale while my father observed quietly as they stood at the room's edge.
Joseph stepped nearer, speaking quietly but sharply, "Eliana, what are you up to?"
I overlooked him. "I came to understand," I stated, raising my voice, "that at times we hurry into decisions because they seem correct — not because they feel appropriate."
A whisper circulated among the crowd.
Joseph's grin flickered. "Eli, this isn't funny."
I faced him. "You are correct." It isn't.
I turned my gaze back to the crowd. "Therefore this evening, I want to share an announcement."
The cameras moved in nearer.
"The wedding," I stated plainly, "is canceled."
Gasping sounds emerged.
A glass was dropped by someone.
Joseph's complexion turned pale. "Eliana—"
"I wish to express my gratitude to everyone who stood by us," I went on, voice firm, "but I will not be marrying Joseph Cristian." "I hope for his happiness in life and in his upcoming pursuits."
The reporters pushed ahead, yelling inquiries. My mother appeared embarrassed. My father, on the other hand, seemed strangely proud.
Joseph took hold of my arm, his tone quiet yet filled with rage. "What on earth is this?"
I rotated gradually, locking gaze with him. "Freedom."
He recoiled.
"Freedom from the snake you are," I whispered gently.
He opened his mouth in shock with no apparent comeback.
I smiled at him — the same gentle smile I had displayed at the altar previously. "Goodbye, Joseph."
I then moved, stepped off the stage, and into the refreshing night air.
The cameras trailed behind, lights blinking like thunder, yet I remained indifferent. For the first time, every inhale seemed to belong to me.
The atmosphere was refreshing. The moon rested low and gleaming. I could scent the ocean from miles off, hear the soft buzz of tires on faraway roads.
And underneath it all — a murmur.
Gentle. Known.
You are awake, my queen, it's been five thousand years, soon my love.
I stood still, examining the darkness. There is no one present. Merely the aroma of something rich and sugary — akin to smoke and honey.
My pulse raced.
"Who's present?"
At first I heard nothing but then, a soft laugh — rich, silky-smooth answers me.
"Soon firecracker."
The breeze tousled my hair, and a chill coursed through my body.
Perhaps I was going crazy. Or perhaps… perhaps this opportunity for redemption required a sacrifice.
In any case, I was no longer the same girl who perished by a fountain.
Never again.