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1333 Words
Diana finally lifted her gaze to Thompson's face, and for a brief moment she simply watched him, because she could now see something she had never noticed in her previous life.
He wore affection the way some people wore expensive suits. His brows were slightly furrowed, concern softened his features, and his eyes searched hers as though she were the only person in the world that mattered.
The old Diana would have believed every bit of it. The old Diana would have apologized for ignoring his calls, reached for his hand, and blamed herself for making him worry.
This Diana simply looked at him. She wondered how those same eyes had remained so calm while he stood over her dying body. She wondered how those same hands had held a fire extinguisher above her head.
It was almost fascinating.
"Diana?" Thompson smiled gently. "I've been trying to call you all morning."
She blinked once, then she forced herself to smile. "I know." Relief immediately spread across his face.
Nora, who had been standing quietly behind him, finally took a step forward. "We were worried," she said softly.
Diana looked at her sister. If she had not already lived through her own death, she might have fallen for the act all over again. Before anyone could speak again, a cheerful voice interrupted them.
"Mrs. Diana?"
All three of them turned.
A salesman dressed in a dark suit hurried toward them with a bright smile. "There you are! We've been expecting you."
Diana frowned. "Expecting me?"
The salesman nodded enthusiastically. "You called a few months ago and reserved an appointment today. You mentioned wanting to buy a special gift for someone very important."
The world around Diana suddenly felt strangely quiet, her eyes slowly drifted toward the dealership.
Memory crashed into her.
She remembered that she had made the appointment months before her rebirth. She had planned every detail and she had wanted to surprise Thompson.
She had wanted to buy him his dream car.
The very same car that would later leave her bleeding on the road. "Oh my God!" Thompson laughed loudly. He immediately wrapped an arm around Nora's shoulder before quickly realizing what he had done and pulling away.
His face lit up with excitement. "Baby, you were really planning to surprise me?"
Diana said nothing. Her mind was still trying to catch up.
Nora looked genuinely shocked. "You never told us."
Thompson grinned like a child. "I knew it!" He looked at the salesman. "I kept telling everyone she couldn't live without me."
Diana slowly closed her fingers into a fist. She had actually done this, she had saved money, made appointments, planned surprises for a man who had been planning her death.
A strange bitterness rose in her throat. How could she have been so blind?
The salesman gestured politely toward the showroom. "Please, Mrs. Diana. The vehicle you selected is already prepared."
Before Diana could answer, Thompson had already started walking. "Come on, Nora!"
He laughed. "I'm finally going to be a car owner."
Nora followed him, and although she tried to hide it, Diana caught the quick glance they exchanged.
That tiny look. She had missed it before. Now she couldn't stop seeing it. Diana remained where she was, maybe she should simply cancel. She could explain that she had changed her mind.
Yes. That was the smart thing to do. She took a deep breath and walked toward the salesman. "I actually came to—"
"Oh, I completely understand."
The salesman lowered his voice. "Sometimes clients feel embarrassed after choosing a less expensive model."
Diana blinked.
"What?"
He smiled professionally. "If you've changed your mind, we actually just received a new luxury edition this morning. It's our most exclusive model."
He pointed toward a sleek black sports sedan sitting beneath bright showroom lights, the car looked stunning.
Thompson followed the salesman's hand. His eyes widened and his mouth actually fell open.
"That one?"
The salesman nodded. "It has imported leather interiors, a premium engine package, and fully customized technology features."
Thompson slowly walked around the vehicle. His reflection stared back at him through the polished black surface. He reached out and touched it carefully. "You were going to buy me this?"
Diana opened her mouth. "No, I…"
"I knew it!" He laughed again. "I told you she loves me."
Nora's smile looked slightly forced now.
The salesman glanced between them. "Should I prepare the paperwork for the upgraded model?"
Diana finally found her voice. "I think there's been a misundersta,,,"
"I'll take it." The words came from Thompson. He looked back at Diana, completely ignoring the fact that she had been speaking.
"You only get married once, right?" His grin widened. "My wife deserves to spoil me."
Diana simply stared at him. Oh my f*****g gosh… the arrogance and the entitlemet. He wasn't even pretending to ask.
He had already decided.
The salesman nodded happily. "Excellent choice."
Nora looked uncertain. "Thompson... isn't this a little expensive?"
He laughed. "What are you worried about?" He slipped an arm around Diana's shoulders. "My future wife will pay the full amount."
Diana almost laughed. In her previous life, she had taught them that they could take whatever they wanted. Maybe fate couldn't be changed.
Maybe some roads would always lead to the same destination but perhaps… Perhaps fate could simply choose someone else.
The paperwork was finished quickly. The salesman placed the payment tablet in front of Diana. "Whenever you're ready."
Diana looked at it and then she gently touched her pockets. Her expression changed. "Oh."
Thompson frowned. "What?"
She looked genuinely embarrassed. "I left my phone at home."
The salesman smiled politely. "We also accept cards."
She looked into her body, few seconds passed and then she sighed. "I didn’t bring my bag.” Thompson's smile slowly disappeared. "You don't have your cards?"
Diana shook her head.
The salesman remained calm. "We also have online transfer options."
Diana bit her lip. "I actually changed my banking password yesterday."
Thompson's face stiffened.
The salesman looked confused. "We can also generate a payment code."
"Oh." Diana blinked. "My old number was linked to the account."
The silence became awkward.
Thompson shifted uncomfortably. Nora looked at him. He looked back at her.
Diana almost smiled, she knew exactly what they were thinking. Neither of them had enough money.
She slowly turned toward Nora. "Nora?"
Her younger sister looked up.
"Could you help me out today?"
Nora blinked. "What?"
"I'll pay you back the moment I get home." Her voice was soft, almost pleading.
"You know I always keep my promises."
Nora's expression froze. She looked at Thompson, Thompson looked desperate.
The salesman stood there waiting and several employees had quietly stopped working and were watching.
If Nora refused now, questions would start. Why wouldn't a sister help? Why would Thompson, the future owner of the car, say nothing?
The hesitation lasted several long seconds.
Finally, Nora forced a smile. "Of... of course."
She reached for her own phone.
Diana noticed the tiny tremor in her hand, the transfer went through.
A notification sounded.
Payment successful.
The salesman clapped his hands happily.
"Congratulations!"
Thompson actually jumped. He wrapped his arms around Nora for a split second before realizing everyone was watching and quickly stepped away.
A crack appeared in her sister's perfect mask and there was anger there.
Diana looked at the black car. The very same gift that had once led her toward death.
Slowly, she turned toward Thompson. "You should treasure this car."
He laughed. "I will."
Her own smile was small but it never reached her eyes.
"After all," she said quietly, "it might save your life one day."
Neither Thompson nor Nora understood what she meant but as Diana watched them standing beside that car together, one thought settled quietly inside her heart.
Perhaps she couldn't erase the fate that had once belonged to her.
But maybe...
Just maybe… She could teach fate to find a new owner.
- Writer
