LIFE

My life has been a desolate existence, akin to hell, since my grandfather's passing. Deprived of even the simplest of joys, like a warm meal, I've struggled to find sustenance for my body and soul. 

In his final moments, my grandfather made a promise that would seal my fate - arranging my engagement to his best friend's granddaughter, a decision that has haunted me ever since.

As he took his last breath, he placed my hand in his friend's, commanding me to remain by their side, no matter the cost, even if it meant sacrificing my own life

At just fifteen, I was betrothed to Lu Aki, the eldest daughter of the Lu family, and forced to reside in their household. For five long years, I endured their cruelty and oppression, treated more like a servant than a future son-in-law. 

But in the end, I met a fate worse than death - a life devoid of dignity, like a dog discarded and forgotten. 

And yet, I couldn't help but wonder, 'Is someone from another universe playing a twisted game with my life?

Now, at the tender age of twenty, I find myself wandering the desolate streets, devoid of hope and sustenance. My body is weak, my spirit crushed. And then, the inevitable happens. A searing pain pierces my heart, my throat constricts, and blood spills from my lips.

I think to myself, "This is the end. No more suffering." With a faint whisper, I bid farewell to my grandfather, "Gramps, I'm coming." The Lu family has brought me nothing but agony; I can't endure it anymore. With a sense of resignation, I slowly close my eyes, embracing the silence…

"You have endured more than enough, my child,"a gentle voice whispered in my mind. 

"From your next life on, you shall be the master of your own destiny." My grandfather's sincere apology echoed in my heart. 

And then, a miracle unfolded. When I opened my eyes, I found myself transported four years back in time. I was given a second chance. This time, I vowed not to waste it. I would seize control of my life, forge my own path, and never again be a pawn in the hands of fate.

Ugh, I'm back to my high school days? No way! I refuse to go back to being your personal servant, Lu family. Never again will I endure the humiliation and drudgery. 

You treated me like a dog, and to make matters worse, you even tried to poison me - putting toxic substances in my bread. The dogs in this household live a more dignified life than I ever did. Not this time, though. I won't let history repeat itself.

Kiyoshi-Kiyoshi!' Lady Lu's shrill voice pierced the air as her servant dragged me out of the room, their foot connecting with my stomach in a vicious kick. 

"Clean the villa, or you'll starve!" she bellowed, her anger unchecked. 

A stinging slap across my face left me reeling, and then, the final indignity - a dog biscuit tossed at my feet. "Eat that for energy," she sneered, But I'd had enough. 

No more would I be treated like an animal, forced to grovel for scraps. This life, I vowed, would not be wasted. I would rise above their cruelty and forge my own path.

With fierce determination, I sprinted to the library room and hastily printed out the documents I had found online, my ticket to freedom from the arranged engagement. 

But, once again, Lady Lu's servant appeared, dragging me out of the room and throwing me at her feet. I stood tall, my voice unwavering, "I want to break the engagement."

Lady Lu's face turned beet red with rage, "How dare you, you ungrateful son-in-law! I've already signed the papers, now get out of my sight! Never show your face to me again in this lifetime!"

Just then, Himari, Lady Lu's adoptive daughter, appeared, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "Mommy, Mommy, can I kick him in the stomach?" she asked, her voice dripping with malice. 

You're my toy, brother-in-law. You can't escape me. You're nothing but a filthy dog.

Lady Lu's response was chilling, "Yes, why not?" Himari's foot flew towards me, but I dodged it narrowly. Enraged, Lady Lu raised her stick and struck me on the head, blood gushing from the wound. 

Yet, I stood tall, defiant. "Hahaha, I've broken the engagement, and I'm free from your grasp. If you interfere in my life again, no one will save you from my wrath, not even the gods."

I uttered those words and took flight, bursting out of their house like a bird set free, my feet barely touching the ground as I soared into the bright expanse of freedom.