"So hot…" Lynn groaned, tugging at the collar of her dress as she slowly woke from a stifling heat.
Smoke. Thick, suffocating smoke.
Her eyes snapped open. The room was shrouded in dense smoke, the flickering light of fire visible through the window. Panic surged through her veins.
This hotel… She recognized it instantly—it was the old Crown Hotel in Southview. The one that burned down three years ago.
She had almost lost her life here.
In her past life, this was the night everything began to fall apart—her step-sister had tried to set her up, drugged her, and left her here to be ruined. She barely escaped, but the fire had scarred her face and changed her life forever.
But now… I'm back?
The realization hit her like a lightning bolt—she had been reborn. Somehow, fate had given her another chance.
The fire roared louder, eating its way through the building. There was no time to think.
I have to get out. Now.
Covering her nose and mouth with one hand, she pushed the door open and ran into the hallway, following the panicked screams and fleeing crowd toward the emergency exit.
The heat was unbearable. Smoke stung her eyes. People were pushing and shoving, desperate to escape.
As she neared the stairwell, someone shoved her hard, and she fell to the ground.
"Ah—!"
Pain shot up her arm, but before she could move, she saw a figure in the smoke. A man, slumped unconscious near the wall, his features barely visible.
Her eyes widened.
No… It can't be!
That face—it was Ethan Fu.
CEO of the powerful Fu Corporation. The wealthiest man in Southview. A name every socialite knew by heart.
What is he doing here?
In her past life, she had tried to beg Ethan Fu for help when her step-sister stole her grandfather's company. He refused to see her—he didn't even spare her a glance.
She had no reason to save him.
But watching him lie there, unmoving while the flames crept closer, her instincts took over.
He never hurt me… he doesn't deserve to die like this.
Lynn gritted her teeth and rushed to him.
"Mr. Fu! Wake up!" she shouted, shaking him by the shoulders. "Please, you have to get up! The fire is spreading!"
No response.
In desperation, she pinched his cheek—hard.
Finally, the man stirred, coughing harshly as his eyes fluttered open.
"You're awake? Good! We have to move now!"
He looked at her in confusion. "Who… are you?"
"No time! Just hold on to me—we're getting out of here!"
She dragged his tall, muscular frame up with all her strength, staggering under his weight.
"Come on. We're almost at the stairs. Just a little more…"
The heat was unbearable. Lynn's legs felt like jelly, but she refused to stop. The building groaned as fire licked at the walls and ceiling.
They were so close. The front doors were visible. Fire trucks. Sirens. People.
Almost there…
But then—CRACK!
A burning beam above them gave way. Lynn didn't see it coming.
"Watch out!" someone shouted.
Strong arms shoved her aside.
She hit the ground hard, pain blooming in her shoulder.
The flaming beam crashed down, narrowly missing her—but Ethan wasn't so lucky. It scraped his arm as he shielded her, the smell of burnt flesh sharp in the air.
Lynn turned back, eyes wide in horror.
His face twisted in pain, Ethan clutched his injured arm.
"You… you saved me?" she whispered.
"Go…" he muttered weakly. "Forget me."
"No! I'm not leaving you behind!"
Tears welled in her eyes as she gripped his good arm. "You just saved me. Now it's my turn."
His deep eyes locked with hers—confused, surprised, maybe even… moved.
"I promise," she said firmly. "We'll make it out together."
With her help, Ethan rose again. Together, step by agonizing step, they made it to the exit.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, firefighters rushed in to help. Ethan collapsed onto a stretcher, his consciousness fading fast.
Lynn stood nearby, breathing hard, her heart still racing.
She had escaped.
She had survived the fire—and this time, she had protected her face, her dignity, and her future.
Thank you, heaven, she thought, a small smile curving her lips as the morning sun broke through the smoke.
This time, I won't be the foolish girl who trusts the wrong people.
This time, I'll take control of my own life… and make them all pay.