Chapter 2 A New Life

"You're sick. If you're not going to stay in the hospital and get treatment, what the hell are you doing back here?"

"And now you're trying to pin the blame on your own sister and husband? Absolutely revolting."

The sheer disgust on her father's face broke something inside Donna. She stumbled backward, then sank helplessly to the floor.

She couldn't believe it. These were the people who had once spoken to her with warmth, and embraced her with love.

How... how had they become like this?

"This can't be real... Mom... Where is my mom?"

A flicker of life returned to Donna's vacant eyes.

"She would never let me be humiliated like this. When she shows up-just wait. All of you will pay for what you've done."

But before anyone could respond, a giggle echoed from the upper floor.

"A comedy performance, is it? Are you still clinging to hope about your mother?"

"That idiot woman was shipped off to some remote mountain village a long time ago. Even if she wanted to come back and rescue you, she'd never make it in time."

Lisa, Donna's stepmother, descended the stairs with deliberate grace, her voice dripping with mockery and perverse satisfaction.

She cast a scornful glance at Donna, lips curling into a sneer.

"And another thing-don't stay here and pollute the atmosphere. Go crawl back to that rundown mental hospital of yours."

"Don't spoil everyone's mood."

She pinched her nose dramatically as if Donna's mere presence was repulsive, frowning in exaggerated disgust.

Lisa turned away just as Sakura stood up from the couch, a smile tugging at her lips.

"My mom was right. No matter how many times you try to escape the asylum, the outcome will never change."

"Do yourself a favor and crawl away while we're still being merciful."

Sakura kicked Donna hard. Donna stood there like a soulless shell, mumbling "No... it can't be..." over and over. Her eyes burned red with rage, hands clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white. She stood up slowly, fixing Sakura with a cold, cutting glare.

"How... how can you guys do this?"

"How could you treat us like this? Aren't you afraid of karma?"

With a sudden burst of energy, Donna lunged at Sakura, grabbing her by the collar. But her body, frail from long-term malnutrition and drained from running, couldn't keep up. Sakura easily seized her arm, locking it in a tight grip.

"Idiot. You really thought you could stand against us with that pathetic courage of yours?"

"If you don't want peace, fine. Let me help you."

A twisted smile curled on Sakura's lips as she tightened her grip until Donna's arm flushed red. No matter how hard she struggled, Donna couldn't break free.

Sakura's arm was like a vice, dragging Donna toward the staircase. Her eyes glinted with malicious satisfaction as she sneered.

"Get lost. And next time you're reincarnated, try not to be so stupid."

With a crooked smile, she lifted her leg and kicked Donna down the stairs with all her strength.

Donna lost her footing, crashing headfirst onto the steps and tumbling helplessly down, body bouncing and rolling with every impact.

She didn't stop.

Blood spilled down the staircase, soaking each step in crimson. The loud, sickening thuds of impact echoed in the air-each one seeming to brighten Sakura's smile.

By the time Donna's body hit the landing, the floor was slick with blood.

Worse still, a red stream continued to flow from between her legs. A stabbing pain coiled through her abdomen, so intense it made her body tremble uncontrollably.

It was as if... the life inside her was slipping away.

Donna stared blankly, her dazed eyes following the growing pool of blood beneath her. Only now did she realize-She was pregnant.

And in that blurry moment of awareness-She also knew the child was gone.

The pain dulled her senses. Her limbs felt like lead, her body drained beyond measure.

With all the strength she had left, she forced her eyes open-just enough to see Sakura standing at the top of the stairs, smirking coldly.And beside her, Donna's husband.Her father.Her stepmother.All standing still. Unmoved. Indifferent.

The very people she had once called family-They only wanted her gone.

How laughable.How cruel.

Donna clenched her blood-soaked fist. Before her consciousness faded completely, she made a silent vow-If life ever gave her a second chance,She would never again let these hypocrites destroy her.

She would return-And she would make them suffer.One by one, they would taste the same despair, the same agony that had consumed her.

And with that final, broken promise in her heart,Donna closed her eyes-Drained.Grieving.Defeated.

And never opened them again.

Light filtered into the hospital room as the girl lying on the bed slowly opened her eyes.

A sharp pain surged through her head, making her frown-so dizzy it felt like she might pass out all over again.

Donna fought through the throbbing ache, forcing herself upright as she looked around. Her whole body ached as if it didn't belong to her anymore, and a sudden coughing fit made her double over.

The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the room, adding to her confusion.

Hadn't she... already died?

Where was this?

Instinctively, she reached for the phone beside her and glanced at the date-

2022.

Three years ago.

Donna's eyes widened in disbelief, her breath catching in her throat.

Did this mean... she had come back?

Before all the terrible things from her previous life unfolded?

Back when the company she and Andrew built was still a no-name entity in the industry Andrew still flattered her instead of cheating with her stepsister.

And when she hadn't suffered any betrayal yet-her mother was still the one in charge of the family, and her stepmother hadn't moved into the house?

Good. Very good.

Donna clenched her fists tightly, her lips pressed into a thin line.