After They Destroyed My Family, I Came Back from the Dead

In my previous life, just before the wedding, I found my fiance, Phoebe, naked in our marital bed with my best friend.
In a blind rage, I hurled the heavy steel thermos I was holding at the two of them.
Phoebe, bleeding from the head, called the cops immediately.
I was facing assault charges. It was either jail time or a fifty-thousand-dollar settlement.
To keep me out of trouble, my mom paid it without a second thought.
Things had gone too far. The wedding was off.
But when it came time to return the engagement gifts, Phoebe claimed the one hundred thousand dollars worth of solid gold jewelry Id given her was all fake.
With the price of gold having skyrocketed, she sued me for two hundred and twenty thousand dollars in cash.
It wiped out my mother's life savings and every penny I had.
The stress caused my mom to have a stroke, landing her in the ICU.
Crushed by the weight of it all, I was a ghost walking. I stumbled, tumbled down a flight of stairs, and the impact to my head killed me.
When I opened my eyes, I was back.
Back on that same, cursed day.
1
My friends and I stood frozen, staring at my fiance, Phoebe, and my best friend, Lewis, tangled together naked in what was supposed to be our marital bed. Clothes were strewn across the floor, and the air was thick with a sour, repulsive smell.
For a moment, the world went silent.
My friends were stunned into disbelief by the shameless scene before them.
As for me, I was just reeling from being reborn.
In my last life, just before I died, I received the court notice. A lien on my future, ordering me to pay Phoebe that two hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
Even as I closed my eyes for the last time, I knew that debt would follow me into the grave, a final victory for that venomous woman.
You shameless bastards! What the hell are you doing?!
Phoebe, youre getting married! How could you do something like this?
Wait, isnt that guy Kevins best friend? Youre sleeping with your best friends fiance? Havent you ever heard of bro code?
My friends finally found their voices, their shock turning to outrage.
But Phoebe and Lewis didnt react like people caught in the act. There was no scrambling for clothes, no panic. Instead, they both turned to look at me, their eyes filled with a chilling mix of defiance and contempt.
Phoebe leisurely pulled the duvet over her chest.
What are you doing here? she asked, her voice impossibly calm. I thought you were arranging the wedding cars.
There was no begging, no tears, just a breathtaking display of shamelessness.
Then it hit me. Before coming to see the new apartment, I had texted Phoebe, telling her I was bringing a few friends over to check it out.
She knew we were coming. She had set this up.
Last time, I was too consumed by rage to think clearly. The sight of their brazenness made me snap. I grabbed the thermos and threw it.
I remembered how Phoebe, a supposedly delicate woman, had calmly wiped the blood from her forehead and dialed 911.
She wanted me to lose control.
I understood now.
I couldnt let her provoke me again. But my friends were already at their breaking point.
Its a damn good thing we came to see Kevins new place, one of them seethed. Otherwise, how would we have caught you screwing around with another man?
Quick, get it on video! Lets show everyone what kind of disgusting people these two are.
Phones were already out, cameras pointed at the half-dressed pair.
Dont! I shouted, stepping in front of my friends, blocking their view.
They stared at me, confused.
Are you crazy, Kevin? Ryan, my closest friend, demanded. If we dont record this, theyll just deny everything!
I gave a bitter smile.
What difference would it make? In court last time, I submitted a video of their affair. But the law stated that since we werent married yet, she hadnt committed a crime, only a moral transgression.
Phoebe had even threatened to countersue me for invasion of privacy.
Spreading this stuff online is illegal, I explained, my voice tight. Shell sue us.
My words made them lower their phones.
So we just let them get away with it? Ryan fumed. What if they twist the story and blame you?
Oh, were definitely getting proof, I said, pulling out my own phone. But Ill be the one to do it.
2
I aimed my camera and took a series of clear, damning photos of the two of them, huddled together in their state of undress.
There wasnt a trace of fear in their eyes. Lewis even had the gall to smirk at me.
You cant really blame me, Kevin, he said, his voice dripping with condescension. You just couldnt satisfy her.
He draped an arm around Phoebe. A womans heart follows her body. Its just nature.
Words from a scumbag like him could make a man choke on his own blood.
And this was my best friend. The one who had set me up with Phoebe in the first place. I had been so grateful to him, thinking Id found a beautiful, gentle woman. I never imagined theyd end up like this, in my bed.
But this time, his words couldnt touch me.
In my past life, I had been a wreck. I fell apart, wondering what Id done wrong to deserve a betrayal so deep from the two people I trusted most.
Now? I wouldnt waste a second on self-doubt.
Because I knew, with absolute certainty, that this wasnt normal. It wasnt logical.
Phoebe and Lewis werent the people I thought they were. They were wolves in sheeps clothing.
You son of a bitch! Ryan couldnt take it anymore. Kevin treated you like a brother, and you sleep with his fiance?
He lunged for Lewis, and I grabbed him, holding him back with all my strength.
Ryans face was purple with rage. Let me go, Kevin! Ill teach them a lesson for you. You dont need to get your hands dirty.
I knew how much this hurt him. He was genuinely happy for me, hoping Id finally found someone to build a life with.
But I also knew the price of a moments satisfaction. It had cost me everythingmy family, my life. I couldnt imagine what became of my mom in the ICU after I died.
Its not worth it, I said, my grip firm, my voice steady.
Wrecking our own lives over these two? Its not worth it.
My calm, rational gaze seemed to cut through his anger, and Ryan slowly relaxed his fists.
Just break it off with her, man, he said.
Youll find someone else. You cant marry this... this trash.
The others murmured in agreement. They took my lead, shelving the idea of violence. But words weren't illegal, and they unleashed a torrent of insults that left the pair on the bed speechless.
Yet, Phoebe and Lewis showed no remorse. They dressed slowly, their eyes filled with mockery as they watched me and my furious friends.
Break it off? Phoebe finally said, a smirk playing on her lips. Fine by me, Kevin. Lets see who chickens out!
Hearing those words, my heart sank with a grim certainty.
This was it. Breaking the engagement was the trigger. She was goading me into it so she could claim the gold I gave her was fake.
I wouldnt be her puppet this time.
I took a deep breath and, with a few taps, sent the photos Id just taken to a massive group chat.
By the way, I said, meeting her gaze. Ive gone ahead and announced your little affair to everyone.
You two can enjoy the pictures.
With that, I turned to my friends. Lets go.
Kevin, dont let it get to you, they said, trying to comfort me on the way out. Finding out before the wedding is actually a blessing in disguise
I assured them I was fine. Then I dialed my mom.
Mom, Im coming home now, I said, my voice urgent. If Phoebe or her mother calls you, dont answer. Dont reply to any texts. Just ignore them completely.
3
When I got home, my moms eyes were already red.
The photos Id posted had exploded across our social circles.
Phoebes mother had, of course, immediately called my mom.
Following my instructions, she hadnt picked up, but she couldnt avoid the flood of dozens of abusive text messages.
I gently took the phone from her hands.
I sat down with her and explained everything, carefully, patiently. My number one priority was to manage her emotions. I had to ensure she wouldn't suffer another stroke.
As I spoke, Phoebes mom called again and again. I finally answered and put it on speaker.
You son of a bitch! her voice shrieked through the phone. You plaster my daughters photos everywhere for the world to see! How is she supposed to face anyone? I swear to God, I wont let you get away with this!
So much for the woman who always gushed about how she saw me as her own son. The mask was off.
Youre yelling at the wrong person, I replied, my voice cold as ice. Your daughters the tramp. And if youre wondering where she got it from, I suggest you look in a mirror.
Her rage escalated into a stream of incoherent sputtering.
Dont you get cocky! Were suing you for invasion of privacy!
I couldnt help but laugh.
And what privacy did I invade, exactly?
The photos I sent showed scattered clothes and a messy bed. Not a single image was explicit.
There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end.
You bastard, she finally hissed. You just wait.
She hung up.
Despite my reassurances, hearing that venomous tirade made my mom tremble, tears welling in her eyes.
Call it off, she said, her voice shaking with anger. Call off the wedding right now. We want nothing to do with people like that. And we want the gifts back. That was one hundred thousand dollars in gold jewelry. We want every last piece back.
I took her hand.
We wont get it back just yet, Mom.
Shes not going to return it. Because theyve already swapped it all for fakes.
My mothers jaw dropped.
Fakes? But we bought all of that from a reputable jeweler! We have the receipts, the certificates of authenticity. It was all real!
Yes, it was.
But none of that mattered. In my past life, I showed the court the purchase records, the receipts, the certificates. It was useless. Phoebe insisted I had given her fakes from the very beginning. She accused me of fraud and demanded I compensate her for the appreciated value of the gold, which came to two hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
I paused, carefully sorting through my thoughts.
This was, without a doubt, a trap set by Phoebe and Lewis.
It was probably a setup from the moment Lewis introduced us. I knew he had been struggling financially for the past couple of years.
At the time, I hadn't thought anything of it. Phoebe was beautiful, smart, and seemed perfect in every way.
When we got engaged, she insisted on the hundred thousand dollars in gold jewelry. She said cash gifts felt impersonal, while gold was a true gift to her. She even mentioned how it was a great investment that was sure to appreciate.
It all made sense now. When I broke off the engagement, she would accuse me of giving her fakes, of committing fraud, and of costing her a massive profit from the golds rising value.
But shes the one who cheated! my mom cried, her voice filled with disbelief. By tradition, she has to return the engagement gifts! Thats one hundred thousand dollars she owes us!
The reality of the situation was sinking in, and she looked utterly lost. The value had more than doubled since we bought it.
I sighed and shook my head.
This was the hard part. I had no way to prove the gold I gave her was real. I had no idea where the real jewelry had gone.
And Phoebe would sue me, demanding the full market value of two hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
But I had been reborn. No matter how impossible it seemed, I had to find a way to break this unbreakable trap.
4
As expected, when I met with Phoebe to officially end the engagement, she met me with a cold, mocking smile.
You think you can just call it off whenever you want? she sneered. First, you can explain to me why you gave me fake gold for our engagement. Why did you lie to me?
It was happening. Exactly like before.
I just watched her, silent.
Even though Id already died once, seeing her face still made a volcano of rage threaten to erupt inside me.
I had once planned to spend my life with this woman. I never knew a human heart could be so venomous, so twisted.
She dramatically opened a jewelry box. Inside lay the bracelets, the gold beads, the necklacesone hundred thousand dollars worth of glittering metal.
Here it is, she announced to the family members gathered. Looks real enough, right? Each piece has a serial number, a receipt. But if I hadnt looked closely, I never would have discovered they were all fakes.
She produced a pair of bolt cutters and, without hesitation, clamped down on a thick bracelet.
With a sickening snap, the bracelet broke, revealing a dull, gray core.
She continued, snapping piece after piece, each one revealing the same worthless metal inside.
The room gasped.
Fake! Its all fake! Phoebe shrieked, pointing at me. Kevin gave me fake gold! Everyone, look! I gave him my heart, and he deceived me with a box of junk!
Her mother chimed in, launching into a tirade about how rotten and depraved I was.
I glanced at my mom. Thank God for the warning. She stood silently, her lips pressed into a thin, tight line.
I squeezed her hand. Its okay. Im here. This time, she wouldnt collapse from the shock. This time, Phoebe wouldnt have a crowd of her people surrounding my mother, preventing her from getting to a hospital.
This is just disgusting! Phoebes mother yelled. Who gives fake engagement gifts? One hundred thousand dollars of junk! Nobody is leaving here today!
Not until you give us the real gold, or the money! Nobody leaves!
Phoebe was still screaming, but I tuned her out, letting her perform.
I had no intention of leaving. Her little show wasn't over yet.
I just muttered, my voice devoid of emotion, I gave them to you right after I bought them. I have no idea what happened.
Just like last time, Phoebe dialed 911.
Her mother didnt stop her verbal assault, but her words couldnt hurt me this time.
Because I had come prepared. I brought a few of my most sharp-tongued relatives with me.
And as instructed, they didn't take the bait.
When Phoebes mom screamed about my black heart and fake gifts, my relatives fired back about her daughters filthy habits and questionable upbringing.
It was a standoff. You scream your insults, well scream ours.
When the police arrived, they mediated, explaining that this was a civil dispute. We could either negotiate or take it to court.
Alright, were leaving, I said calmly.
Phoebe shot me a dark look and tried to block my path, but the officer intervened.
Kevin, dont think you can just walk away from this, she hissed. I will sue you. But, for old times sake, if you get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness right now, and post a public apology clearing my name, maybe Ill let you off for a few thousand.
Her smug expression was nauseating. But wasting another breath on her was pointless.
Fine, I said. Sue me. If you don't, you're a coward.
5
Phoebe was no coward. The court summons arrived shortly after.
My mom was still worried sick.
Ive talked to several lawyers, she said, her voice heavy with anxiety. They all say the same thing. We have no way to prove the gold we gave her was real. If she demands compensation for being deceived, the court will most likely rule in her favor.
I, on the other hand, was surprisingly calm.
Its okay, Mom. Im not even going to hire a lawyer for this one. Save the money.
Dont worry, I added, seeing the fear in her eyes. I can handle this.
The court date arrived quickly.
I sat alone at the defendants table.
Across from me, Phoebe sat with a high-profile lawyer, a smirk playing on her lips.
Her mother and Lewis were in the gallery, watching with smug satisfaction.
Phoebes demand was simple: either I produce the real gold jewelry, or I pay her its current market valuetwo hundred and twenty thousand dollars.
Her lawyer presented the evidence: the receipts and certificates with their unique serial numbers, a video from our engagement party of me giving her the box of gold, and another video of her discovering the fakes in front of everyone.
It was a perfectly constructed, logical loop of evidence.
The judge turned to me. And your evidence, Mr. Defendant? You claim you gave her real gold. Where is your proof?
I was silent for a long moment.
I have no proof, I finally said.
I just find it strange. Isnt it a bit too convenient that the plaintiff was so prepared for all of this? I bought real gold from a certified dealer. How did it become fake in her possession?
But my words changed nothing.
The verdict was delivered. I was ordered to either produce the original items or pay their current market value of two hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Phoebe was not required to return a single thing.
Phoebes mother let out a whoop of joy and high-fived Lewis.
In the gallery, I could hear people whispering.
Doesnt this seem a little too perfect for the woman? Demanding that much gold, and then conveniently discovering its fake something feels off.
It feels off, sure, but the guy has no evidence.
I rose from my seat, my face a mask of calm.
Phoebe stepped in front of me, blocking my way. She leaned in, her smile dripping with venom.
How does it feel to lose? she whispered.
Dont worry. You have one month to wire the two hundred and twenty thousand to my account. Otherwise, Ill file for a court-ordered seizure. Youll pay me, even if you have to sell everything you own.
Looking at her vicious, triumphant face, I finally understood the meaning of a beautiful monster.
But she had no idea.
My counterattack was just beginning.

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