Reborn: I Let Her Steal My Lucky Dog

“That little white poodle is absolutely precious! Sir, I’ll take her! Name your price!”

The pet market was a whirlwind of noise and movement.

My supposed best friend, Chloe Summers, who had spent our entire friendship shrieking at the sight of a Chihuahua, was now shoving cash at the vendor, her eyes locked on the fluffy white ball of fur.

She snatched the dog into her arms before I could even blink, holding it possessively against her chest.

Her gaze darted to me, sharp and calculating.

In that instant, I knew.

She was back, just like me.

A smug, victorious smile spread across Chloe’s face as she nuzzled the dog. “Sorry, Aria. I know you had your eye on this one. But first come, first served, right? My lucky streak starts now. Wealth, success… and maybe a certain CEO husband?”

Her voice was dripping with glee, her eyes shining with the certainty of a future she believed she’d stolen.

I simply stared back, my expression blank. “I don’t want that dog.”

In my past life, I’d only bought the pathetic creature because the vendor pleaded, saying it was sick and would be abandoned. It was an act of pity.

That single moment of weakness unraveled my entire life.

Chloe’s smile faltered, suspicion flashing in her eyes. “Don’t lie. You’re the one who—” She cut herself off, shooting me a nervous, appraising look. She didn’t finish the sentence.

But I heard the unspoken words anyway.

After I brought that dog home last time, my world shifted. Elise Hale, the manager who despised me, suddenly promoted me. Impossible clients signed contracts without a fight.

And the most surreal part? James Sullivan, the devastatingly handsome, impossibly wealthy CEO of our company, proposed to me in front of everyone after a gala.

I said yes.

I invited Chloe to my wedding, wanting my best friend to share my joy.

Her jealousy drove a knife into my heart instead.

“Why do you get to have everything?” were her last words to me.

Then I woke up, right here, beside her, in this crowded market.

Now, clutching the white poodle like a trophy, Chloe was practically vibrating with excitement. The very next morning, she paraded the dog into the office, making sure her path took her directly past Elise’s glass-walled office.

Her performance was flawless.

Elise looked up, her brow furrowed in genuine surprise. “You bought a dog, Chloe? I was under the impression you were terrified of them.”

“Me? Afraid?” Chloe laughed, a high, tinkling sound. “I adore dogs! This little angel is my new baby. I’m going to give her the best life ever.”

Elise’s demeanor changed instantly. Her eyes softened. After a moment’s hesitation, she gestured for Chloe to bring the dog into her office.