《Second Chance: An Heiress Reborn》


 The Dance

    How did I get here?


    Atop the old Cargona Industries Building, sat a woman staring out into the city that was so full of life and lights. A lifeless smile twisted the woman''s lips, and her brown eyes were empty and hollow. Her skinny frame was wrapped in a long shapeless dress that fell past her ankles and her black curls hung limply around her face. Next to her was an empty bottle that used to hold pills.


    How stupid am I?


    A half-crazed giggle left her mouth, as she thought back to the miserable life she led.


    Once the darling of the wealthy and powerful Cargona family, Alessia had everything she could ever ask for. She had the love of the parents, her brother, the world. She thought she had the love of her cousin, Caterina, and the only man she ever loved, Nicholas.


    How wrong was I?


    For them, Alessia threw everything away. She dropped out of the city''s most prestigious university in her junior year. When her parents and her grandfather tried to convince her otherwise, she heartlessly abandoned them, opting instead to listen to her cousin and leave home to be with and support Nicholas and his dream of reviving his family''s business, pouring into his until there was nothing left to give. With the ''help'' of Caterina, she stole from her grandfather''s company, giving Nicholas the resources to build his company up, while bringing her entire family down for it.


    What have I done?


    The giggles slowly turned into sobs.


    Her brother, along with her father, were imprisoned for industrial espionage, because of her. Her grandfather died shortly afterwards, and her mother was driven out of the family home by Alessia''s uncle, and Caterina''s father, who now had control of the company. All because of her. Alessia was left with nothing. Absolutely nothing. Nicholas had abandoned her the minute that there was nothing more she could give him, falling into the arms of Caterina. The one who had convinced her to drop out of school, to steal from the family company, and to do all that she could to help Nicolas. That same person took the only thing she had left in the world.


    Her child.


    Her tears slowly subsided, the hollow look in her eyes disappeared, holding sorrow and grief in its place. Her head tilted up, looking up at the sky, searching.


    Her baby boy, Michael. Despite the betrayal that she had gone through, Alessia could not bring herself to regret giving birth to Nicolas'' child. She had a reason to live because of him. But he was born ill, and she had no money, no education, and no way to provide for her child, leaving her with no choice but to beg Nicolas and Caterina for help. She made her way to the manor that once housed her own proud family and begged and cried with her ailing child in her arms for hours outside the front gates. When Caterina had finally come out, it had already been 3 hours. Just when hope had begun to creep its way back into Alessia''s heart, Caterina spoke.


    "Think long and hard about where you are and who you are. The best thing for that child is to die. With a useless mother like you, won''t it just suffer anyways?"


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    Caterina spoke those words in the softest voice, and after one last smug and condescending look, she retreated back into the house. Seconds later, guards appeared and proceeded to drag Alessia and her child into the road.


    Three days later, Michael died. And gone was her reason to live.


    But I will see him again.


    At that thought, Alessia began to smile. The pills had already started to take effect. Her body felt loose and for the first time in ten years, she felt light, free. She stood up, stumbling a bit before breaking out into dance, going along with the melody playing in her head, swaying from side to side.


    "Enjoying yourself?"''


    A deep voice that held a trace of laughter interrupted Alessia''s uncoordinated dance. A small frown donned her face as she tried to focus on the tall dark figure who leaned on the wall by the fire escape. The figure stepped forward into the moonlight, allowing Alessia to see the man in front of her.


    He stood tall, towering over Alessia easily. His wide shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs complemented his domineering stature. Messy black hair sat on top of his head, and his dark eyes seemed to stare deep inside a person''s soul. His thin lips were slightly upturned on his face, as he watched this strange woman.


    "As a matter of fact, I was. But I suppose you can join me if you wish."


    Alessia''s voice was smooth and held a kind of laziness that intrigued the man. She stood in a long and shapeless dress, and her hair was messy and tangled but she seemed to have a royal air about her. But her eyes seemed sad, and hopeless.


    His eyes seemed to darken but the smile on his face widened as he took a large step forward, and with exaggerated flourish, took a deep bow before extending his hand out to her.


    "May I have this dance?"


    She blinked, a little surprised before letting out a soft laugh. She took a deep and exaggerated curtsy before placing her hand in his. He pulled her close, placing his other hand on her lower back, before beginning to sway back and forth. His arms were warm, and for the first time in a long time, she felt safe. She laid her head on his shoulder and allowed him to glide her across the roof of the building. Feeling her relaxed in her arms, the man''s arms tightened around her waist.


    "What''s a pretty girl like you doing up on this roof alone, hmm?"


    She let out a humorless laugh at the stranger''s soft question, before murmuring in response.


    "There is nowhere else for someone like me to be. This is my punishment. There is nothing left for me out there."


    The man frowned, pulling away slightly to look into her tired and resigned face. He could feel her body becoming heavier and heavier in his arms. The man''s eyes flickered to the empty pill bottle, widening before turning back to the woman, who was swaying in his arms. He reached into his coat pocket for his cellphone but was stopped by a frail hand. He turned his eyes to the woman, ready to argue, when the look on her face stopped him.


    "There''s no saving me, sir. Nothing left to do for me, no reason to help me. There''s just nothing."


    The smile on her face was wavering, as tears began streaming down her gaunt face. The pain in her eyes became so palpable, that the man could feel it in his own heart. Her body became more and more lax until she could no longer stand on her own. The man''s grip on her tightened as he lowered Alessia to the ground gently, her eyes growing heavier. Hesitating for a moment, the man''s cool hand brushed her hair out of her face before lowering his lips to her ear. He whispered, his cool breath washing over her face, and the warmth from his body spreading over Alessia''s.


    "Then I''ll sit with you, if you don''t mind."


    Alessia''s eyes widened, searching the eyes of the beautiful stranger who was stroking the hair back from her face, her head now on his lap. His eyes were honest and kind, unlike the cold that clouded his eyes earlier. He didn''t know why he felt so much for this woman, but he wanted her to feel comfortable in her last moments. He didn''t know what caused her so much pain, but he wanted to take it away.


    Alessia could see what he was trying to do, and it was as if the pain in her heart was slightly alleviated. No one had cared for her in so long. She raised her hand to stroke the man''s face and smiled genuinely for the first time all evening, her smile wide and radiant, almost blinding the man.


    "Thank you for the dance." She whispered softly.


    And then she was gone.

 A Second Chance!

    A stream of sunlight found its way through the curtains, landing directly onto Alessia''s face. She frowned slightly, before turning away from the window and snuggling deeper into her plush duvet. Her eyes opened slightly, as her hand reached out to grab her phone from her bedside table. She checked the time before tossing her phone away and shutting her eyes. It was only 7:30 in the morning, so she could get thirty more minutes of sleep before¡­.


    Wait, what?


    Alessia''s eyes snapped open as she threw herself out of bed, sleep long forgotten, eyes wide as the memories from the night before began to bombard her. She could remember downing pills, dancing with that beautiful man, and then dying in his arms.


    So what the hell was going on?


    Alessia finally decided to look at her surroundings, trying to make sense of what was happening. She stood near a queen-sized bed that had a bronze metal frame and pristinely white sheets and plushies she had collected from youth. There were three large windows covered by thin curtains that rustled in the air. To the right, there was a door that led to a spacious bathroom, and to the left, another door that led to a walk-in closet. There was a desk situated near one of the large windows and a bookcase full of novels that Alessia had read as a child. This was¡­ her room! Her childhood room!


    She had loved this room, spending hours decorating it, picking the light pink that washed the walls and the antique furnishings. And then she had destroyed it in a fit of rage when her father had forbidden her from seeing Nicolas. So why was everything perfect, and untouched? It wasn''t as if she could have gone back in time?


    As that last thought crossed her mind, Alessia caught a glance of herself in the large and ornate mirror on the wall near the closet, once again shocked.


    Alessia could help but gasp when she saw herself in the mirror. Her skin was flawless and shone with health, unlike the sallow and sickly skin she had been used to for the past 10 years. Her hair was a dark brown and fell in soft waves to frame her face and shoulders. She was tall and thin, but still possessed curves that made her alluring. Her eyes were large and full of life and her lips were a natural soft pink color, parted slightly in shock. She was truly a beauty.


    "How is this possible?"


    She murmured, reaching up to touch her face. She stood still for a moment before rushing to her nightstand where she had haphazardly thrown her phone. She grabbed it and inspected it carefully. As expected, it was an older model phone, the same phone she had in college. Alessia turned it on to see the date.


    August 23, 20XX.


    In shock, Alessia''s legs give out and she sank to the floor, gasping and tearing up as the situation dawned on her. It was true. She had gone back to 10 years before her death. Before the destruction of her family. Before her baby.


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    It was a second chance.


    She sat, staring out of the window in a daze, a swirl of emotions filling her. There was relief, gratitude, excitement. And then there was, grief, and sadness and a deep rage. She stood up, her wide teary eyes clearing up, and then narrowing, filling with fire and wrath. Her pink lips curled into a cold smile and her small hands balled into a tight fist by her side.


    She would make the most out of this situation.


    All those who had gone out of their way to harm her and her family, would feel what it means to suffer by her hands.


    After taking a few deep breaths to calm down, Alessia checked the time. It was about 8 am. It would be time to go down for breakfast with her family. Her heart clenched at the thought of seeing the people who had loved her most, both with joy and shame. Could she even face them? Alessia''s eyes then darkened for a moment at the thought of the cousin that she would also see at the breakfast table, along with her aunt and uncle. Them, she would face without issue, giving them everything that they deserved.


    Alessia entered the large bathroom and drew herself a vanilla scented bath. After a long and luxurious bath, she walked out of the bathroom in a long fluffy robe, and into the closet. She stood there, inspecting her closet, before frowning.


    Why did she, the daughter of one of the richest families in the city, have such a meager selection of clothing?


    Ah, yes. In her past life, Caterina had convinced Alessia that Nicolas preferred simple women who didn''t flaunt their wealth. Because of that, and in order to oppose her parents, she only wore worn out jeans and hand me downs that barely fit her cousin, never wore jewelry or makeup, rejecting gifts and invitations out. Consequently, Alessia stopped being viewed as the heiress that she was and became overshadowed by Caterina.


    Alessia let out a self-mocking laugh, while digging through her closet for something suitable. She would have to go shopping as soon as possible. She finally found a simple yet beautiful blouse in the deepest corner of the closet, light pink and off the shoulder. Alessia smiled, pleased at her discovery. This would have to do for now.


    Now donning the pink blouse and a pair of light wash jeans, she sat down at her vanity. She brushed her hair and inserted a pearl encrusted hairpin. It was the only thing she had left, the rest of her accessories taken by Caterina or given away. The only reason this hairpin wasn''t stolen from her as well, was because it belonged to Alessia''s maternal grandmother. Taking one last look in the mirror, she felt as ready as she could possibly be to take on the day and start her life for the second time. Before she was able to leave the room, Alessia''s phone buzzed. Curious, she took a look at the message that popped up.


    [Hey cousin! Just wanted to let ou know that I''ve got your back!! Gramps may not be happy with your decision to drop out, don''t let him pressure you! It''s your life!! ]


    Alessia''s eyes widened in surprise before narrowing once again. That''s right! Today would be the day that she would tell her family that she wanted to drop out of school. The day where everything began to fall apart. She silently thanked whatever entity granted her a second chance to undo mistakes made. She then, nonchalantly threw her phone back on her bed, stood up and smoothed out the skirt of her dress before heading for the door with a mischievous smile on her youthful face.


    Caterina wanted a show, then Alessia would provide a show. Just not quite the show she was expecting!

 Snakes in the Grass

    Taking one last deep breath, Alessia made her way out of her bedroom, and down the stairs to the dining room where breakfast was being served. As she looked around, she could see that nothing had really changed from the way she remembered it. The house was grandly and tastefully decorated, showing off the power and status of the Cargona family with antique furniture and expensive painting. But it wasn''t the beauty of the house that made Alessia smile. It was seeing her family around the breakfast table.


    Her grandfather, Leonardo, sat at the head of the table, chatting with both her father, Alexander, and her uncle, Sebastien. Next to her father sat her mother, Amara, and her elder brother, Noah. Beside her uncle was her aunt, Victoria and her cousin, Caterina. Alessia felt so many mixed emotions looking at the table. While it was such a warm scene, a scene she had wanted to see again for a long time, she also knew that there were snakes in the grass that her family laid on. Se felt, a mix of joy and grief, shame and rage.


    "Ah, you''ve come down, Alessia!"


    Her grandfather''s warm, and rough voice made its way to her ears, causing Alessia''s eyes to water slightly. Despite his advanced age, Leonardo Cargona sat straight and upright. His stern face and rough voice scared many, but his eyes were warm and full of life. Alessia had missed it so much.


    Before she could stop herself, she sprinted up to the table, tears in her eyes, and threw her arms around her grandfather''s shoulders.


    The table was silent, except for the sound of Alessia''s soft sobs. Leonardo was surprised and had no clue what to do; her mother, father and brother all stood and crowded around Grandfather, worried yet unsure how to help.


    "A-are you okay? What is wrong? Come, tell grandpa."


    Grandpa Leo asked in a comforting voice, patting her back slowly and awkwardly.


    "Did someone hurt you? Who did it?!


    Her brother''s commanding voice rang out in anger.


    "Yes, who dare hurt my child?!"


    Her father exclaimed, huffing in anger, while her mother kneeled in front of her and looked her up and down with worry and tears in her eyes. She grabbed hold of Alessia''s hands.


    "You can tell me anything, okay sweetheart? Anything."


    Alessia looked at the family and loved that surrounded her. How could she have ever been so stupid as to think that these people didn''t love her, and didn''t want the best for her? Caterina had her convinced that her parents only cared about their eldest son, and that her brother hated her as well. But only in this second life, could she see the truth.


    She wiped her tears away, and smiled, embarrassed. In a soft voice, she said,


    "Sorry Grandpa, I didn''t mean to worry you. I just had a nightmare where I had lost you. When I saw you, I just acted on impulse."


    With that, Alessia detached herself from her grandfather, and stood, looking down at her feet. Because of this, she couldn''t see the strange looks on her family''s face. She had always been distant from her grandfather, and had never called him Grandpa so affectionately.


    "Silly child. Just a dream and you are like this. Go on, child, sit and eat."


    Her grandfather smiled at her, reaching out a weathered hand to pat her head one more time, before straightening out on the chair.


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    "Alessia, you know better than to act in such an unrefined manner. You are a young lady now, you should act as one."


    A snide comment disguised as helpful advice came from Victoria. She did not like the attention being off her own daughter for too long, and would never pass on an opportunity to criticize her niece.


    "Alessia was just showing care and concern for her grandfather. Or does being a young lady stop you from doing so?"''


    Amara reproached her sister in law in a gentle yet cold voice, looking at her with a quiet disdain. Victoria sputtered for a minute before falling quiet. She glanced at Alessia, hoping that she would defend her as she had in the past, always eager to please. To everyone''s surprise, not only did she keep silent but she chose to seat herself between her mother and brother. In the past, she would always choose to sit next to Caterina. She sat comfortably for a minute before noticing the silence at the table, realizing how odd her behavior seemed to her family.


    "Is everything okay? I just wanted to sit next to mom. Brother, I can move if you want.."


    She made a show of sadly rising from the table when both her brother and mother pulled her down, back into the chair.


    "Don''t move. Of course you can sit here!''''


    "Sit, sit! I don''t mind at all!"


    Both her mother and brother spoke hurriedly and at the same time. She smiled brightly sitting down and turning to talk to her mother.


    Caterina was unpleasantly surprised. What is this? Why was Alessia so different? In just one morning, things seemed to have changed so completely. She seemed so close to the family and was distancing herself from her. Caterina forced herself to calm down and spoke to Alessia in a kind voice.


    "Cousin! Didn''t you tell me that you had something to discuss with Grandfather this morning? Don''t forget!"


    Alessia''s gaze turned cold, just for a second, before returning to normal, smiling widely and clasping my hands together.


    "Ah, yes! Grandpa, there is something I want to discuss with you.''''


    Grandpa Leo smiled at his granddaughter, and motioned for her to go on. Alessia''s face turned red and she seemed extremely nervous. Caterina smiled internally and leaned back to enjoy the show, twirling her fork in her hand.


    "U-um, Grandpa, I know that for the past few years you wanted me to take a bigger role in the company. And, I know that I had been avoiding it..."


    She paused for a moment, as if to gather courage.


    "...I have been thinking, and I''ve decided that I want to do that!''''


    "What!?!"


    Caterina''s voice rang out in the dining room, shrill and loud. The family turned to look at her, surprised at her unladylike behavior. She realized her mistake and tried to back pedal.


    "What I meant to say is, with no experience, how can she be a part of the family business? Alessia doesn''t know about textile or fabric. She may hinder more than help."


    Caterina''s argument was well structured and made sense. After all, she had to keep Alessia as far away from the company, if she wanted the company to fall into her father''s hands. She took that moment to glance at Alessia, only to see her staring straight at her with a strange look in her eye. It was only there for a moment before it disappeared, but Caterina still felt strange.


    "She can be my personal assistant to get a handle on things. She is set to graduate in two years so she should already have a foot in this business, just like I did when I was her age."


    Noah chimed in, helping out his little sister. In fact, he was very surprised that she wanted a part in the family business, but was happy that he could have occasion to spend time with her.


    "Mm, yes. Since at the moment, your elder brother is training up as general manager at one of our warehouses, you would have first hand experience with textiles as well as running a business on a smaller scale. What do you think, dear?''''


    Her father loved the idea of his daughter learning the ropes. As the current president of the company, it was his dream that both his son and daughter run the company together one day. But, he knew that Alessia wasn''t very close to Noah, and wasn''t sure she would want to work with him. Again, he was surprised, but happy to see the change in Alessia.


    "Working with my elder brother? That would be amazing!"


    Alessia smiled sweetly and linked arms with her brother, looking up at him.


    "I''m in your hands, General Manager, sir!"''


    "Mm. Work hard, okay?"


    She cutely saluted, almost blinding Noah. The usually imposing young man was shocked stiff and could only mechanically reach his arm out to pat her head, and say that. Was his little sister always this cute?


    Caterina was in disbelief. How did this happen? It was she was an outsider looking in on a lovely family scene. Everything happened so quickly. Alessia was supposed to drop out, and she was supposed to be the one to step up and insert herself into the company.


    Alessia glanced over at Caterina, who was visibly shaken with how the morning went. She smiled sweetly, eyes cold.


    It may not have been the show you wanted but it was still quite a show, don''t you think?