Rewind My Heart

The sun touched her face gently, like it had no idea what she’d been through. Lauren opened her eyes slowly, the ceiling above her blurring for a second before reality slammed into her chest.

She was back.

Again.

Same room. Same sheets. Same daughter singing lightly to herself in the other room.

But she was different.

She sat up, heart thudding, not in panic… but in purpose.

In the kitchen, her daughter skipped past her, still in her pajamas.

“Mom, where’s my pink socks?” the little girl chirped.

Lauren smiled, softer this time. “Top drawer. I folded them next to your unicorn ones.”

Her daughter blinked. “You never fold my socks.”

Lauren chuckled, ruffling her hair. “Well, maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.”

....................

At breakfast

Her husband sat across from her, scrolling through his phone, not bothering to look up.

“I’ll be late again tonight. Tania needs help with the quarterly report,” he muttered.

There it is, she thought. That same excuse.

Last time, she had nodded and smiled. This time, she still smiled — but memorized every word.

“Of course,” she said sweetly. “You two work so well together.”

He blinked and looked up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

She tilted her head, all innocence. “Just saying you make a good team.”

You’re acting weird today.
LAUREN
Maybe I’m finally seeing things clearly.

CONNOR
Whatever that means...

Lauren leans forward, voice low but firm.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately. About time,Second chances,Regret.

CONNOR
You sound like one of those self help books.

LAUREN
Maybe I’ve read one or two.
She stands and picks up her bag.
Anyway. I’ll see you at work.

CONNOR
Wait—are you okay?

She stops at the doorway, glancing over her shoulder with a serene but unreadable smile.

Never better.

..................

At Work

She walked into the company building like she always had but this time, she was watching. The receptionist gave her a nervous smile.

Tania walked past with coffee in both hands.

“Morning, babe!” Tania said too cheerfully.

Lauren smiled. “For me?”

Tania froze slightly. “Uh—actually, it’s for your husband.”

“Right,”Of course it is. Lauren said.

....

Later, she passed the finance office. A young intern was arguing with someone on the phone.

“No, the CEO’s wife is supposed to approve the expense cap,” he was saying.
Lauren paused.

“What expense cap?” she asked calmly.

He startled.“Uh—Ms. Lauren! Sorry, I—I thought you already signed—wait, I shouldn’t have—”

She smiled.

It’s okay. Could you forward me everything he has signed off on this quarter?

“Yes, ma’am,” the intern said, pale. “Right away.”

Just before lunch, the office atmosphere changed. People straightened up. Voices hushed.

Lauren looked up from her desk.

He was here.

*AIDEN CROSS*

CEO of one of their fiercest rival companies. Tall, sharp featured, dressed in a charcoal suit that screamed success without trying too hard. And those eyes… calm but calculative.

He was the man her husband hated most.

“Lauren,” he said, approaching with a nod. “Didn’t know you were still here.”

“Still standing,” she replied. “What brings you to enemy territory?”

He smirked. “Just a little proposal meeting. You’d be surprised what your board’s been considering.”

Treason?she smirked

Fascinating.
“Coffee later?” he asked casually.

Her lips curled. “Only if it comes with classified information.”

“I don’t kiss and tell,” he said, backing away with a playful salute.

......

Later that evening

Lauren stood in front of her bathroom mirror. She stared at her reflection at the woman who had died broken and betrayed, and the one now standing, breathing, stronger.

She whispered to herself.

You thought I wouldn’t notice. This time, I will see everything.