Chapter 3: Coincidence??

Damian sat in his office, leaning back in his chair with a sly smile. His expensive suit gleamed under the light, and the cigar smoke curled lazily in the air.

“Lucien Hale…” he muttered, his lips curling into a smirk.

Stacks of papers were spread on the desk—false reports, edited footage, fake witnesses’ statements. Every line was written carefully, every piece crafted to make Lucien look guilty of crimes he hadn’t even touched.

“This fabricated evidence is flawless,” Damian said to himself confidently. “Even if he hires a top-notch lawyer, it’ll take them forever to untangle the truth. By then, his reputation will already be ruined.”

He let out a low laugh, flicking the cigar ash into the tray. “Once Lucien Hale falls, his empire will crumble—and then I’ll get what I want.”

He leaned back, closing his eyes for a second, his mind already spinning with victory. “And that so called topnotch lawyer girl, Elara… she’ll probably have no idea what’s coming either.”

---

Meanwhile, Elara sat in her office, tapping her pen on the desk rhythmically. Her law firm was quiet that afternoon, sunlight streaming through the large windows. Papers were piled up neatly in front of her, but she couldn’t focus.

Her mind still lingered on the past few days—her rebirth, cutting off her stepfamily, and her new life.

“Two years before everything falls apart…” she whispered.

Just as she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen. It was an unknown number.

“Elara speaking,” she answered.

A deep, professional voice replied, “Good afternoon, Miss Elara. I’m calling on behalf of Mr. Lucien Hale.”

Her pen stopped midair. “Lucien Hale?” she repeated, her brows furrowing.

“Yes,” the man continued, calm and precise. “Mr. Hale is currently facing serious accusations involving illegal transactions and bribery. He wishes to hire you as his defense lawyer.”

Elara’s heartbeat quickened slightly not from fear, but surprise. Lucien Hale. That name echoed in her mind like thunder.

In her past life, he had been her husband… her everything.

And now, in this life, fate had sent him right to her doorstep.

“Miss Elara?” the assistant’s voice pulled her back.

“Yes,” she said quickly, composing herself. “I’ll take the case. Send me the details and evidence immediately.”

“Understood. Mr. Hale will meet you in person tomorrow morning to discuss everything.”

“Tomorrow…” she murmured as she ended the call.

She leaned back in her chair, eyes focused on nothing. The name “Lucien Hale” still lingered in her ears.

A small smile curved her lips. “So this is how fate works, huh?”

Her mind spun with mixed emotions memories of laughter, pain, and love from a life she had already lived.

But she quickly shook her head. “No. This time, I’m not going to let anything happen." she whispered softly, her eyes firm.

---

The next morning, the city buzzed with traffic and morning chatter.

Elara dressed sharply in a black suit, her confidence radiating as she prepared for the meeting.

She didn’t know what kind of man Lucien Hale had become in this life whether he’d still be the same cold, distant man she’d first met… or the loving husband she’d lost.

But one thing was certain—

Fate was giving them both another chance, and this time, she wouldn’t waste it.

The courtroom finally quieted.

Elara stood confidently, her voice steady as she gave her final statement.

“The evidence clearly shows that Mr. Lucien Hale is not guilty. Every claim presented by the prosecution has been fabricated with no solid proof. Therefore, I request an immediate dismissal of all charges.”

Her words cut through the air like a blade.

The judge’s gavel hit the desk. “Case dismissed. Defendant Lucien Hale is free to go.”

A murmur spread across the room. Damian’s expression twisted in disbelief. He had come prepared to destroy Lucien’s reputation, but Elara—sharp, calm, and utterly unshakable—had turned the entire case against him.

Lucien stood, buttoning his suit jacket, his cold expression unreadable. The moment he passed Damian, his eyes darkened—a silent warning that this wasn’t over. Damian clenched his jaw but stayed quiet.

Elara gathered her files neatly, walking out of the courtroom without glancing back. She’d done her job. The rest wasn’t her concern.

Outside, the evening sun painted the sky in deep orange. The air was warm, the streets quiet. Lucien followed her out, his hands in his pockets.

“Payment tomorrow at 11 p.m.,” Elara said without turning around. Her tone was polite, professional, distant. “Let’s part ways for now, Mr. Hale.” She gave a slight bow.

Lucien stopped walking.

Then, with a faint chuckle, he said, “If I’m Mr. Hale, then you can be Mrs. Hale, hmm, Elarie?”

Elara froze.

That name. That voice. That exact tone.

Her eyes widened as she turned to him, heart pounding. “W-what…? Bu-but… that name…”

Lucien’s smile deepened, calm and teasing, just like before. “So you also recognize it too, darling.”

The world felt like it stopped around her. The sounds of cars, footsteps—everything disappeared. Her chest tightened.

He remembers.

He remembers everything.

Before she could say anything, he stepped closer, his voice lower, rawer.

“Why did you jump from the building, Elara? Do you know how much I tried to stop you? Just why?”

His tone wasn’t calm anymore. It carried pain.

Real pain.

Elara’s lips parted, but no words came out. Her throat tightened as she looked at him—at the man she’d once lost, the man she’d mourned so much.

Lucien looked away for a moment, exhaling sharply. “I also remember something else,” he said, his voice soft but with a faint smirk tugging his lips. “You said you’d protect me this time, didn’t you?”

After a pause, he tilted his head slightly. “Well, darling, you still haven’t answered my first question.”

Elara looked up.

When she finally looked up, she realized he’d cornered her back against the wall, his arms braced on either side. The distance between them vanished in seconds.

“Wait! Wait, what—” she stammered, eyes darting around, her heart racing.

Lucien leaned closer, his voice low and dangerous. “What? I can’t even get close to my wife now? You didn’t resist before.”

Her face turned red instantly. “Wh-what are you saying!?”

He smirked faintly, eyes glinting. “Or perhaps…”

“NO! No, no, no! I promise! You’re the only one I love! Otherwise, why would I have sacrificed myself!?” she blurted out in panic.

Lucien paused for a moment, his gaze softening.

And before Elara could realize what was happening, he effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

“Wha—Lucien! Put me down!” she said, struggling lightly.

He just looked down at her with that same teasing smile she knew too well.

“Not this time, Elarie. You jumped once. I’m not letting you go again.”

Her heart skipped a beat as he walked toward his car, carrying her as if the rest of the world didn’t exist.

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