Chapter 4The Teacher's Revenge

Michael had earned a black belt in Taekwondo. In his spare time.

I'd picked up some self-defense moves from him. Just in case.

When I got home, my husband was waiting. Massive bouquet of roses. Voice soft and loving.

"Happy birthday to my award-winning teacher, my beautiful Olivia!"

Despite my excitement, I put on a sour face. Feigning disappointment.

Sure enough, over our candlelit dinner, Michael brought it up. His upcoming research trip abroad.

"This research opportunity is crucial for my career. Babe, I'm afraid I won't be able to take care of you for these two months." He sighed.

My adamant refusal took him by surprise.

I knew he wouldn't believe in time travel or reincarnation. So instead, I said:

"Michael, I had this awful dream the other day. After you left, someone broke into our home. And... and tortured me. When you came back to avenge me, knife in hand, they killed you instead."

"Our family of three was destroyed. But the culprit got away scot-free."

"That's impossible. We live in a society governed by law. Are you feeling okay? You seem a bit unstable lately." He clasped my hand. Concern etched on his face.

In the end, after my relentless pleading, Michael decided to stay. Gave up his research opportunity. Out of worry for me.

I felt guilty about hindering his career. But it was getting close. That stormy night when Ethan would break into my home and ruin everything.

Even though my attitude towards him was completely different this time, I couldn't risk fate playing a cruel joke on me.

I remembered clearly it was on a Friday. Ethan had followed me after school. Begged me to let him in to escape the rain.

But tonight, Michael was stuck in traffic. Couldn't make it home after work.

After several unanswered calls, I started to get anxious.

Soon, Michael sent me a text.

"Honey, accidents everywhere due to heavy rain. Highway's jammed. Can't get back. They're not letting us use phones. Don't wait up, okay?"

By 10:30 PM, still no knock at the door.

Rain coming down harder. Drowning out my chaotic thoughts.

My taut nerves finally relaxed a bit. Finally feeling sleepy. Body covered in cold sweat. Decided to take a shower and go to bed.

Hot water felt good on my skin.

In the bathroom mirror, I saw my reflection. Delicate features. Straight nose. Big doe eyes with long lashes. Hint of sensuality.

I caressed my still-flat belly.

Michael always said I was beautiful. He wasn't bad looking himself. Our baby would surely be a little angel.

Lost in thought, I grabbed a towel to dry off.

Just then, in the steamy mirror, a dark, grinning face appeared behind me. Limping closer.

It was Ethan!

Sheer terror washed over me. This wasn't a hallucination.

He'd cracked my home security system.

In my past life, when I'd let him in to escape the rain, he'd seen my door code. This time, to avoid bad luck, I'd changed the locks. Even installed a reinforced security door.

Only my fingerprint and Michael's could open it.

Had all my precautions been for nothing? Was I doomed to relive this nightmare?

A cold, mud-caked hand reached in.

I screamed, but my waist was suddenly gripped tight. Another hand sliding upwards.

"Ms. Summers, it's raining outside. I'm so cold. Can you... can you hold me?"