Zariah didn't sleep.
Not because she couldn't.
But because she didn't want to waste a single second of her second life.
By sunrise, she had already written down three names.
Ethan Carter.
Vanessa Clarke.
Lydia Vaughn.
Her first life had been destroyed slowly.
This time, their fall would be the same.
Slow.
Public.
Unavoidable.
Her phone buzzed on the table.
Caller ID: Vanessa
Right on schedule.
Zariah stared at the name for a moment before answering.
"Zee!" Vanessa's bright voice filled the line. "Where have you been? I texted you last night!"
In her first life, that voice had been comfort.
Now, it sounded like poison wrapped in sugar.
"I was resting," Zariah said calmly.
"Well, don't rest too long," Vanessa laughed. "There's a casting today for LUXE Cosmetics. Big opportunity. I already submitted your name."
Zariah's eyes darkened slightly.
LUXE.
That casting was where Lydia Vaughn had sabotaged her the first time — switching her portfolio and spreading rumors that she was difficult to work with.
The beginning of the industry turning against her.
In her first life, she had walked in blind.
This time, she smiled.
"Thank you," Zariah said softly. "I'll be there."
Vanessa sounded pleased. "Good! I knew you'd appreciate me looking out for you."
The call ended.
Zariah set the phone down.
Then she whispered,
"Thank you for reminding me where to start."
Two hours later, she stepped into the LUXE building.
Heads turned immediately.
Not because she was famous.
Not yet.
But because Zariah Monroe walked like someone who already belonged.
Calm.
Straight posture.
Quiet confidence.
She checked in at the front desk and took a seat among the other models.
Across the room—
Lydia Vaughn.
Tall. Perfect. Smiling politely while her assistant hovered nearby.
In her first life, Lydia had approached her like a friend.
Then destroyed her reputation behind the scenes.
This time, Zariah didn't look away.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, Lydia's smile faltered.
Then it returned, polished and sweet, as she walked over.
"Hi," Lydia said warmly. "You're new, right?"
Zariah stood.
"Yes."
Lydia's gaze moved over her slowly — measuring.
"You're beautiful," Lydia said. "But a little advice? The creative director doesn't like attitude. Stay humble in there."
In her first life, Zariah had thanked her.
Today, she simply nodded.
"Thank you for your concern."
Lydia smiled and walked away.
But her assistant leaned in and whispered something.
And Zariah saw it.
The quick glance at her portfolio on the chair.
The subtle movement.
The switch.
Just like before.
Except this time—
Zariah picked up the portfolio immediately.
Opened it.
Wrong photos.
Cheap lighting. Poor styling.
Sabotage.
Her expression didn't change.
Instead, she walked straight to the front desk.
"Excuse me," she said politely. "Someone switched my materials. I'd like to report it."
Her voice wasn't loud.
But the room went quiet.
The coordinator frowned. "Switched?"
"Yes," Zariah said calmly. "But I brought backups."
She pulled out a flash drive.
Professional. Organized. Prepared.
The coordinator's expression shifted instantly.
"Good thinking," she said. "Come with me."
Across the room, Lydia's smile froze.
Inside the casting room, the creative director looked up as Zariah entered.
"Name?"
"Zariah Monroe."
He glanced at her photos on the screen.
Then at her.
Then back at the screen.
"Walk."
She did.
Every step controlled.
Every movement intentional.
She didn't walk like she needed the job.
She walked like the brand needed her.
When she finished, the director leaned back.
"We'll be calling you."
In casting language, that meant:
You're hired.
That evening, Zariah sat in her apartment, scrolling through her phone.
Her new account had grown overnight.
Ebon Nocturne
Followers: 12,000
Comments filled the screen.
Your words feel like survival.
Whoever you are, thank you.
This hurts in the best way.
Zariah posted again.
Revenge isn't loud.
It doesn't scream.
It rebuilds quietly…
until the people who buried you
realize you never died.
Across the city, Dominic Sterling read the post.
He didn't know why he kept opening the account.
He didn't know why the words stayed with him.
But for the first time in years—
Something felt real.
Back in her apartment, Zariah's phone rang.
Caller ID: Nyla
Her expression softened immediately.
"Hey, baby," Zariah answered.
"Zee!" Nyla's voice was excited. "Guess what? I got accepted into the summer program!"
Zariah smiled.
"I'm taking you shopping tomorrow," she said. "Anything you want."
Nyla squealed.
And for the first time since waking up—
Zariah felt warmth.
Because this time…
She would protect the people she loved.
And destroy everyone else.