Part 1Gave Roommate the Dog

My luck turned the day I found a stray poodle.

It wasn't just landing the company's biggest account and getting a promotion with a hefty raise. The matriarch of a powerful family, Eleanor Wayan, hand-picked me to be her daughter-in-law. She offered me a car, a house, and promised to transfer all her assets to my future child.

I was ready to refuse, but then she showed me a photo of her son, who was away on business overseas. And I, a total sucker for a handsome face, was sold.

The wedding was arranged in a flash, but the groom missed his flight and didn't make it. My mother-in-law had me walk down the aisle holding the poodle instead, and to make up for it, she transferred an extra million dollars to my account on the spot.

Just like that, I married into high society. A few days later, my roommate pushed me off our apartment building's rooftop.

"We saw that dog together! Why do you get to marry a billionaire while I get nothing?" she screamed, her face twisted with rage. "If you die, I get a do-over!"

When I opened my eyes again, I was back at the beginning. And this time, I let her have the dog.

* * *

"Oh, you poor little thing! Are you lost?"

My roommate, Sophie, who was normally a notorious neat freak, scooped up the filthy poodle that was circling our feet. Before I could even react, she shot me a look, her voice sharp.

"Diana, I'm keeping this dog, and you can't have him!"

I saw the fierce determination in her eyes, a stark contrast to how things played out the first time.

I knew instantly. She'd been reborn, too.

Sophie watched me, a smug smile playing on her lips. "I just feel a connection with this dog, you know? Like he's a lucky charm. Maybe he'll bring me good fortune."

She feigned concern. "I know you wanted him too, but you already have two dogs. You probably can't handle another one, right?"

I glanced at the poodle in her arms and gave a nonchalant shrug. "You're right, I've got my hands full. If you want him, he's all yours."

In my past life, I only took him in because he followed us all the way home. He was a mess, so I gave him a bath and some food out of pity, and he refused to leave. I never imagined that simple act of kindness would completely derail my life.

At my words, Sophie could barely contain her glee. "You promise? No take-backs!" she chirped. "Even if he helps me marry... well, anyway, you can't get jealous!" She caught herself, afraid of revealing too much and making me change my mind.

Only after I swore a solemn oath that I wouldn't regret it did she happily cradle the dog and head home.

At that exact moment, a notification materialized in my mind.

Congratulations. You have been granted a second chance. Upon the death of the key individual from this timeline, you may return to this moment and change your fate.

The message was a revelation. The starting point wasn't random; it was tethered to this specific moment. And the trigger was simple: the other person's death.

No wonder Sophie had shrieked, If you die, I get a do-over! She'd been given the same chance.

But from her reaction just now, it was clear she had no idea I was back, too.

The moment I stepped through the apartment door, Sophie blocked my path. "Diana, did you just hear a weird voice?" Her expression was a mix of panic and confusion.

I knew exactly what she was talking about, but I just furrowed my brow. "What voice? Is someone breaking in?"

"No, not like that. It was... robotic. It said something about a second chance… and death."

I gave her a dismissive look. "Have you been reading too many web novels, Sophie? There's no such thing as rebirth in the real world. Stop daydreaming."

She scrutinized my face, searching for any hint of a lie. Seeing none, she let out a sigh of relief and headed to her room, humming a cheerful tune.

I watched her go, a cold smile touching my lips.

She had no idea that some poodles have a dark side. I just hoped she was ready to pay the price for adopting him.