Chapter 12: Death Restart
575words
"The clinical trial results are very promising," I said, pointing at the data. "This treatment approach could completely change the landscape of cancer therapy."
Alexander nodded: "Your research from your previous life is finally getting the recognition it deserves."
Over the past year, we had integrated the valuable assets from Sinclair Pharmaceuticals and Howard Medical to establish a new biotech company—Phoenix Life Sciences. The company focused on the research I couldn't complete in my previous life, developing innovative treatment solutions.
"How is Clara doing?" I suddenly asked.
Alexander opened his tablet and pulled up a report: "Still in the Swiss psychiatric hospital. The doctor says she spends her days drawing your portraits, then tearing them to pieces."
I sighed: "She could have had a different life."
"Everyone is the result of their own choices," Alexander closed his tablet, "including us."
We fell silent for a moment, enjoying the peaceful time. Revenge had been completed, and a new life was unfolding.
"Sometimes I wonder," I said softly, "if I hadn't been reborn, if I had really died, how would everything have turned out?"
Alexander held my hand: "I would have found the truth and cleared your name. It just might have taken longer."
"Do you really believe in destiny?" I asked, "That we were meant to be together?"
Alexander thought for a moment: "I believe in choices. Every decision, every action, led us to each other. Whether in this life or the previous one, we were seeking the same things—truth and justice."
I leaned on his shoulder: "And love."
"Yes, and love." Alexander smiled.
In the evening, we returned to our apartment on Central Park West. Alexander took a small box from the safe.
"One last thing," he said.
I opened the box to find my family crest necklace—the one that had been bloodstained with me in the accident, now carefully restored with the black diamond set in its center.
"I retrieved it at your funeral." Alexander explained, "It witnessed your death, and it should also witness your rebirth."
He placed the necklace around me, the metal against my skin no longer cold, but warm like the rising sun.
"Complete," I touched the necklace, "Both of us are."
Alexander kissed my lips, this time, without any hesitation or tentativeness, only the promise of the future.
Outside the window, Manhattan's lights twinkled like stars. For most people, this was just an ordinary night; but for Alexander and me, it was the beginning of a new life—a future no longer overshadowed by the past.
I once thought rebirth was only for revenge, but now I understand it gave me more—a true companion, someone who understands my soul, someone who walks forward with me.
Death is not the end, but an opportunity for restart. In this game of life, I finally won my own ending. Not as a lonely avenger, but as a survivor who has found belonging.
I looked into Alexander's eyes, and in those deep gray depths, I saw my own reflection—no longer broken, but whole.
"Thank you for finding me," I said softly.
Alexander pulled me into his embrace: "No, we found each other."
The necklace emitted a warm glow against my chest, just like our future, bright and full of hope.
【The End】
