Chapter 1

I was forced to drop out and work to put my impoverished boyfriend through school.

But to pay for studying abroad with my aunt, he sold me to human traffickers.

They tortured me to death and fed my body to dogs.

Then I opened my eyes and found myself back on the day my boyfriend pressured me to quit school.

“Danielle, then it’s settled. I’ll go to grad school, and you’ll stay here and work!” Luke Carter stroked my hair, his eyes full of tenderness.

I stepped back, putting some distance between us. “Work? What are you talking about? I’m staying in school!”

Luke’s expression changed instantly. His voice rose. “Danielle, didn’t we already agree? If I got into grad school, you’d get a job and earn money…”

“To put you through it? Luke, I’m only twenty-one. What gives you the right to make me give up my future for yours?” I folded my arms.

He looked stunned, as though he couldn’t believe I’d refused him.

Once, I’d loved him so much that I’d lost myself completely. I agreed to anything he wanted. Even when it meant scrubbing dishes in a filthy, exhausting little restaurant kitchen, I never complained.

I’d worked several part-time jobs a day just to scrape together his tuition and living expenses. All so Luke could get through college and grad school without a care.

I’d been such a fool. You had to love yourself first before you could build a life worth having.

“Danielle, why? We already planned everything. You said yourself that you don’t like studying. Staying in school would only make you miserable. Why not get a job sooner and start working toward our future?” Luke reached out to put his arm around me.

I stepped aside and gave a cold laugh. “Then why don’t you get a job and put me through school?”

“Listen carefully, Luke. I’m not dropping out!”

He stared at me in disbelief, then his eyes reddened. “Danielle, I know this is cruel to ask. But you know what things are like for my family. Getting an education is my only way out. It’s how I’ll give you a better life someday!”

The same old routine! In my last life, Luke had used his sob stories to make me feel guilty. I’d told myself he was working toward our future, too, so what did a few more sacrifices matter?

But all my patience and compromises had earned me was betrayal. While I worked myself to the bone, he was sleeping with my aunt. They’d never even intended to let me live…

This time, I would make sure Luke and Vanessa stayed tangled up with each other. Everyone who hurt me would pay dearly!

I looked up, softening my voice. “Luke, let’s go talk to my aunt. She’s the only one who’s looked after me since I was little. I’m sure she’ll help us figure something out!”

Luke turned his back on me and kicked a nearby tree. “Danielle Bennett! What the hell are you thinking? Why drag someone else into our business? You want your aunt to lecture me?”

How ridiculous. He and Vanessa had plotted my death together, and now he was standing here playing innocent!

I fought down my anger. “I only want her to help. I know she won’t turn her back on us!”

Luke spun around, losing his temper. “Danielle, other people will only laugh at us! Why are you going back on your word? Have you even thought about our future?”

Smack. I slapped him across the face. “Listen carefully. I’m not dropping out! Don’t forget who’s been earning your tuition and living expenses all these years. If you’re so capable, get a job and support yourself! I don’t owe you anything!”

Then I turned and walked away, leaving Luke standing there, too stunned to speak.