Reincarnated To Steal My Married First Love
Chapter 1 — Imari's Death: The Flashback
—THE FLASHBACK—
In the sterile, white walls of a hospital room, Imari lies on a bed, her body weak and frail, attached to various machines that beep incessantly.
Her skin is pale, and she have a hard time breathing. She stares blankly at the ceiling, her mind preoccupied with the inevitable death that approaches her way.
Suddenly, the door to the room creaks open, and a tall, handsome man walks in. It is Ezra, his face lined with worry and concern as he approaches Imari's bedside.
She called Imari gently as she takes a seat beside her bed.
Imari replies, mustering a weak smile.
Imari
You didn't have to visit, you know. You're a busy man—I'm sure you have better things to do than sit here watching me die slowly.
Imari
You shouldn't worry about me so much, Ezra. I'm not going to hold on for much longer.
Ezra frowns at her words, reaching out to take one of her frail hands in his.
Ezra
Please, don't talk like that. There must be something I can do to save you.
Imari shakes her head, a sad smile on her face. Ezra's words send a pang through her heart, knowing that he cares for her deeply even though her time is running out.
Imari
There's nothing that can be done, Ezra. I've accepted my fate. Don't waste your energy on me, you still have a long life ahead of you.
Imari, sensing the growing sadness in the room, quickly changed the subject, drawing attention to the constant buzzing of Ezra's phone.
Imari
It sounds like you have an important client.
Imari observed, her voice laced with a hint of concern.
Ezra glanced down at his phone, a flash of annoyance crossing his face. Reluctantly, he knew he had to leave.
He gave Imari a hesitant look before leaning down and gently pressing a kiss against her forehead.
As the door closed behind him, Imari was left alone in the room.
Imari sat at her bed alone, thinking the strange gesture; Ezra's goodbye kiss. It wasn't something she'd ever expected from him.
With a sigh, she tried to shake off the thoughts and close her eyes, hoping for a moment of rest. But just as she was beginning to fell asleep, the sound of the door opening once more jolted her back to reality.
The clicking of heels against the floor told her instantly that it was not a nurse who had entered the room.
Her heartbeat started to race faster without any idea, Imari slowly turned her gaze towards the door, her eyes widening in shock as she came face to face with Ezra's wife.
The woman stood in the doorway, wearing a wide grin that sent a chill down Imari's spine.
Ezra's wife —Bianca purred, her voice dripping with phony sweetness.
Bianca
I hope I'm not interrupting your sweet daydreams.
Imari swallowed a lump down her throat, struggling to find her voice as she stared up at the woman who had just stormed into her room.
Ezra's wife leaned against the doorframe, her gaze fixed on Imari like a hawk scoping out its prey.
Imari
Miss Bianca, what are you doing here?
Imari tried to ask, her voice trembling.
Ezra's wife laughed, the sound sending a trickle of dread towards Imari. She pushed herself away from the doorframe and walked further into the room, her heels clicking against the floor with every step.
Bianca
Oh, nothing at all! I am just checking in on my husbands's favorite employee.
Bianca replied, her eyes scanned Imari's sickly form.
Bianca
He's always so concerned about you, you know. Always rushing over here day after day, neglecting me, his own wife.
Imari became irritated at Bianca's words, her eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and disgust.
Imari
I didn't ask for Ezra to come here!
Imari
And I certainly didn't ask for you to come, either!
Bianca
Oh, come now, my dear. Don't be so rude. I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about.
Bianca pouted, her lips pursing in mock hurt.
Bianca
You know, Imari, you're quite the distraction. Always taking up Ezra's time and attention. It's time I do something about it.
Bianca
You don't know how hard it's been, pretending to care about that man all these years. But I had to, you see. His money and status were the only things worth sticking around for.
Imari's eyes widened as the truth was told to her. Bianca leaned closer to Imari as she continued, her voice filled with a cold, heartless determination.
Bianca
And you, my dear... well, you've becoming a problem.
Without feeling any hesitations Bianca reached over to the life support machine next to Imari's bed. Her fingers moved over the controls, slowly and intentionally.
Bianca
But don't worry, my Dear. Once you're gone, Ezra will be completely mine. No distractions, no other women stealing his attention. Just him and me. Exactly how it should be.
Imari's breaths came in panicked gasps, her tears started to rush in both corners of her eyes. She regretted pushing her first love, Ezra into marrying Bianca, the girl she thought would be the best for him. Imari's body was too weak to fight back as Bianca pressed the buttons that would disconnect her from life support.
Bianca
You've taken up too much of Ezra's precious time, and it's time for that to end.
Bianca
I can't have you ruining everything, you see!
The sound of the life support machine shutting down filled the room, the beeping growing weaker and fainter as Imari's life ebbed away.
Chapter 2 — Present Day
The elevator in the office building quietly rises towards the top floor. Imari is all alone, deep in her thoughts.
Imari
I can't believe that this really happens in real life. But since I went back in time. I have this opportunity to change my destiny and be with my first love again, Ezra.
Imari
I know the truth, since Bianca told me before she killed me that she's just interested in his money. She doesn't truly love him.
Imari
I'm set on fixing everything this time. I'll never let Ezra be fooled with Bianca's lies.
Imari steps out into the office floor and bumps into a cheerful officemate. Despite the familiar face, she struggles to remember who the person before her is, her mind filled with thoughts from her recent time-traveling experience.
Her friend, sensing her distraction, snaps their fingers in front of Imari's face to get her attention.
Krissy
Hey, Earth to Imari! You there?
Imari gets back to reality, slightly embarrassed.
Imari
Oh, sorry. I was just lost in thoughts for a moment.
Krissy
What's on your mind? You seemed distant.
Imari hesitated for a moment, unsure how to explain her situation.
Imari
It's a long story. I've been going through some personal things lately, that's all.
Krissy
If you ever want to talk, I'm here for you. We're friends, remember?
Krissy was chattering but she stops mid-sentence as they notice Ezra approach.
His aura, stern and serious, immediately silences the room. Everyone in the office is well aware of Ezra's reputation - he's known for his brusque disposition, and his chilly manners towards everyone.
Ezra's commanding presence draws everyone's attention as he approaches Imari and Krissy's workstation. He demanded from Krissy about the output he expected, his voice brooking no room for argument.
Krissy, points towards Ezra's office.
Krissy
It's on your desk, Boss.
Ezra glances at the indicated direction before turning his attention to Imari.
Ezra
How about you, Imari? Are you doing well? Did you have breakfast yet?
Imari
Yes, I did have breakfast. Thank you for asking.
Krissy, barely able to contain her astonishment, found herself on the verge of giggling at this unexpected shift in Ezra's behavior.
Krissy, barely holding back a smirk, nudges Imari and whispers.
Krissy
Did I just hear Ezra speak in a gentle tone, or am I hallucinating?
Krissy then turns to Imari, her eyes narrowing comically.
Krissy
Wait a minute. Are you hiding something from me? As your best friend, I'm offended if you don't share the tea with me!
Imari, caught off guard by Krissy's pointed question, hesitates for a moment before responding.
Imari
No, I'm not hiding anything. And yes, Ezra did sound strangely gentle just now, didn't he?
Krissy's suspicion was not entirely quelled, pounces on this response.
Krissy
See? Even you noticed! Something is definitely up. Spill the tea, Imari. NOW!
Imari
No! No, definitely there's no tea to spill! I have no idea what has gotten into that guy!
Krissy, realizing she won't get anything out of Imari, lets out a sigh of defeat.
Krissy
Fine, have it your way. But don't think I'll forget about this, Imari. I'll pester you again later. There's definitely some interesting tea brewing here!
Imari
I have no idea what's gotten into Ezra. He's behaving so unlike himself. In the past, he was always so cold, distant, and standoffish.
Imari
I can't even remember him ever being this soft or gentle. The only time he ever made an effort to be close to me was after he heard about me dying.
Imari
I'm really confused as to what's going on right now. Did I do something wrong? Oh, God! I'm messed up!
Chapter 3 — Recounting Memories
Imari startles awake from a nightmare, her heart racing as the terrifying scenes of her death replay in her mind. Bianca's face, her murderer, appears multiple times in her dream, a scary reminder of the tragic death she had from her past life.
Imari sat up in bed, panting, trying to catch her breath and shake off the lingering terror of the nightmare.
Imari
From this point on, I need to be extra careful and observant.
Imari
I think it's wise to keep a record of every detail and try to remember if it's already happened in my past life.
Imari
I don't have to interfere with every event, as that might disrupt something.
Imari
I just need to save myself from an early death and protect Ezra from Bianca's devious schemes.
Imari
He's my first love, but I only realized that too late in my past life. I was painfully in denial before.
Imari
I met Ezra during college, at an event where I needed to interview him for a project.
Imari
He was already making a name for himself in the business world, whereas I was a girl struggling to get by.
Imari
I admired him so much, amazed at his early successes. Over time, he began coming to see me frequently, buying me coffee and sharing conversations.
Imari
However, I never considered him in a romantic light. He confessed his feelings for me, and in denial, I told him I could never like him.
Imari
I foolishly blurted out my rejection in front of a crowd, not realizing how many people were listening.
Imari
Afterward, Ezra never spoke to me again until I applied for a job at this company and was shocked to see he was my boss.
Imari
It was then that I began to recognize my true feelings for him, but by then it was too late. I had already hurt him deeply.
Imari
Once I learned that he was engaged to Bianca, my chances seemed to shrink to almost nothing.
Imari
I tried to convince myself to be happy for him, reminding myself that it was my fault for rejecting him so harshly in the past.
Imari
My own actions had pushed him away, leaving me to regret my choices.
Imari was abruptly pulled out of her thoughts by the ringing of her phone. Checking the screen, she saw it was her friend, Krissy, calling.
Krissy's cheerful voice echoed over the phone as she spoke.
Krissy
Hey Imari, what are you up to this weekend? Want to join me for a night out? I'm heading to CitySquare bar this evening for a drink and some KTV. Would you like to come along?
Imari
Who else is going with us?
Krissy
It's just the two of us like always.
Imari
Alright, count me in. See you at CitySquare bar at 8 pm.
Krissy's gleeful laughter filled the phone line as she expressed her gratitude.
Krissy
Thanks, Imari! You're the best friend a girl could ask for, seriously!
Imari, after ending the call with Krissy, made her way to the kitchen.
Imari was about to pour the freshly brewed coffee into a mug when her phone rang again.
Seeing the caller ID, she noticed it was a call from her boss, Ezra. Mildly surprised, she picked up the phone.
Imari responded to her boss with a polite greeting,
Imari
Good morning, Boss! Is there something important you needed to discuss?
Ezra
Oh, it's not that important. I just want to ask if you have any plans for tonight.
Imari lied, saying that she was busy with some important task and unfortunately could not go out.
Ezra's voice, deep and authoritative, came through the phone line.
Ezra
I see. Is the task you're working on urgent?
Imari, trying to maintain a casual tone, replied,
Imari
Well, it's not urgent, but it is important. I really need to finish it tonight.
Ezra, now growing more suspicious of Imari's vague responses, pressed on.
Ezra
Is that so? What is this important task you're working on?
Imari, shocked by the unexpected line of questioning, scrambled for a believable answer.
Imari
It's just some personal work, nothing too significant.
Ezra chuckled at Imari's attempt to brush off the question, clearly not entirely convinced. However, he decided not to question her further and just ended the phone call.
Imari
What is he up to? Should I have said yes to his implied invitation? What if my decision to reject him now causes problems in the future?
Imari was filled with doubts and worried about how her decision not to accept Ezra's invitation might affect her future.
Krissy
I'm already at the KTV. Just come here, we're waiting for you!
Imari
Internal Monologue: What "we're"? I thought it's just us! Ugh! Krissy! You're so dead!
Imari felt a mix of surprise and embarrassment as she entered the KTV and found Ezra and Krissy waiting for her. Krissy happily introduced her new boyfriend, and then explained the unexpected twist.
Krissy
I didn't want you to be bored, just watching us being lovey-dovey, so I asked the cool boss to keep you company.
Imari felt her cheeks turn red as she realized she had lied to Ezra about being busy, and then found herself face to face with him at the KTV bar.
Imari sheepishly took a seat next to Ezra, feeling both embarrassed and nervous after being caught in her lie. She poured herself some beer, trying to distract herself from the awkward situation as Krissy began to sing loudly.
Ezra leaned in closer, a sly smirk on his face, and whispered,
Ezra
"This must be the important task you had planned then?"
Imari blushed deeper, feeling more embarrassed as he teased her.
Imari felt her face burn redder than ever as Ezra continued to tease her, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Ezra
I recall you saying you were quite busy with a very important task. How is it going so far?
Imari fidgeted a bit, avoiding his gaze as she tried to come up with a clever response.
Imari could feel her cheeks flaming hotter with each passing second as Ezra continued to tease her about her lie. She fidgeted awkwardly, still avoiding his gaze.
Ezra, noticing her discomfort, couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself. He leaned even closer, his voice dropping to a low murmur.
Ezra
But I suppose this is all part of your grand plan, isn't it? A little white lie to hang out with me.
Imari, feeling a bit irritated but also secretly glad that Ezra was just teasing her, retorted with a firm voice.
Imari
Hey, that was just a white lie! I had my reasons, you know.
Ezra chuckled at her reaction and replied with a lighthearted tone,
Ezra
I know, I know. I was just teasing you. You're so easy to rile up, it's too cute.
Krissy, who had been singing loudly along with the music, paused for a moment to observe the interaction between Imari and Ezra. Her eyes widened in surprise as she heard Ezra let out a genuine laugh, something she had rarely heard before.
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