I Loved You Once, I’ll Destroy You Twice

“100 million. Take the money, leave the country within a week, and never come near my grandson again.”

In my old life, I would’ve cried, begged, screamed that I loved Austin Livingston and wasn’t after his money. But that girl is dead. Literally.

Austin killed me with his own hands. A drunken rage, a gun, and a name on his lips that wasn’t mine. I died watching the man I loved whisper another woman’s name.

But when I opened my eyes again, I was back. Back before the betrayal. Back to the night his grandmother slid a check across the table, expecting me to break.

This time, I didn’t fight. I smiled. I took the money. I walked away.

Because I know how this story ends—and it won’t be with me on the floor.

“I’ll be leaving, Austin,” I whispered, clutching that check. “But when I come back… it’ll be to destroy you.”

And this time, I won’t die for him.

This time, he’ll burn for me.