Doomsday Rewind: My Ex Gets What's Coming

Leo Parker, my fiance, shoved me out the door with his own hands. He used me as bait to buy time for himself and my best friend, Jessica Thorne, to escape. I'd never forget him shutting the door. I'd never forget his last words through the narrow crack. "Thank you for your sacrifice, Chloe." When I open my eyes again, I'm back to the day before the zombie outbreak. Leo is gently urging me to hurry up and transfer 150 thousand dollars for the remodeling. It's the money we set aside for the home we plan to live in after we get married. In my past life, he set a trap and drained every cent of my savings. This time, I smile and agree. The only difference is that the 150 thousand dollars is going to build my doomsday bunker. And I'm also planning something special for them. After all, since I get a second chance at life, I should properly thank them for the "kindness" they showed me last time when they shoved me out to get torn apart by zombies. Chapter 1 My fiance, Leo Parker, cheated on me with my best friend, Jessica Thorne. When the apocalypse hit, they threw me out to be torn apart by zombies. After I was reborn, I spent every last dollar I saved for Leo to build up a stash of supplies. When the zombie outbreak happened again, I finally got to sit back and watch the two of them face the consequences they deserved. … "No! Don't!" I jolted upright in bed, cold sweat soaking through my pajamas. A tearing pain ripped through my limbs, as if dozens of sharp teeth were gnawing into my flesh. I looked down at my arms and saw that they were completely intact, without a single mark. Yet the agony of being eaten alive felt so real I could hear my bones crunch and taste the coppery tang of my own blood. "Chloe? Babe, did you have another nightmare?" Leo came out of the bathroom with his hair still damp, worry all over his face. He sat on the edge of the bed and reached for my cheek. I pulled back on instinct, dodging his hand. "I'm fine," I said, even though my voice shook. Leo frowned. "You don't look okay. Are you stressed at work? Do you want me to come with you to the doctor?" The doctor? I almost laughed. What doctor could fix the trauma of being torn apart by zombies? What doctor could fix the despair of being shoved toward death by the person I loved most? Leo suddenly seemed to remember something. "Oh, right. The remodeling contractor is coming by today to sign the contract. Make sure you have the 150 thousand dollars ready. We can't put off remodeling our future home." 150 thousand dollars? The number blared in my head like an alarm. I turned toward the phone on the nightstand on autopilot. October 30th, 2064. 8:17 am. My stomach dropped. The date, the time, Leo's words, even the look on his face, were exactly the same as that day burned into my memory. October 30th, 2064, was the day before the zombie outbreak. It was also the day Leo used "remodeling our future home" as an excuse to bleed my savings dry. The remodeling was a scam. The contractor was in on it. The second I transferred the money, they'd help him drain it. "Chloe? Are you even listening?" Leo asked, impatience creeping into his voice. I forced myself to breathe and looked him over. His hair was perfectly styled. His eyes were warm and charming. His face looked like it belonged in an ad. Three years ago, I'd fallen for it completely and honestly thought I'd found real love. Now I knew what was underneath. He was rotten. Memories of my past life came rushing back all at once. After the zombie outbreak hit, we were trapped in the apartment. Our food and water ran out fast, and Leo finally showed who he really was. He admitted he was sleeping with Jessica, and then he turned around and blamed me for everything. "If you hadn't been so damn stubborn about that remodeling, we'd have had money for food. "Why don't you go out and find some food? You could be useful for once. "You're nothing but a burden. All you do is drag us down!" In the end, when the zombie horde broke through the building's barricades, Leo shoved me outside without hesitation, using me as bait to buy time for himself and Jessica to escape. I'd never forget the sound of the door slamming behind me. I'd never forget Leo's last words through the narrow crack. "Thank you for your sacrifice, Chloe." "Babe?" Leo waved a hand in front of my eyes. "Are you sure you're okay?" I drew a slow breath and swallowed the surge of rage trying to climb up my throat. Now wasn't the time. I had a second chance, and I knew what was coming. I was going to make that bastard pay. I forced a smile. "I'm fine. I was just a little nervous. 150 thousand dollars isn't exactly pocket change." A flicker of satisfaction flashed in Leo's eyes, then he slipped back into his usual sweet act. He leaned in like he meant to kiss me. "Don't worry. This is our future. Once the remodeling is done, we'll have the perfect home." I swallowed the nausea and let him press a light kiss to my forehead. I pushed down the urge to kill him and kept my voice gentle. "Go on. Take care of what you need to, sweetheart. I'll handle the remodeling contract." Leo gave a satisfied little nod and grabbed his suit jacket. He paused at the door. "Oh, right. Jessica texted you last night. She said she wants a look at our new place. Don't forget to reply." Jessica was my best friend, my bridesmaid, and the person I trusted most. She was also the bitch who split up my inheritance with Leo after I died. "Okay, I'll get back to her." With the door shut, I was finally all alone in the bedroom. I stood up slowly and went to the mirror. The woman staring back at me had long hair, soft eyes, and a gentle face. She still looked like Chloe Covey, the fool who'd given up everything for love. But that Chloe was already dead. She'd died torn apart by zombies because the person she loved most had betrayed her. The Chloe standing here now was the one who'd crawled back from hell. I suppressed my urge to kill and feigned gentleness as I said to Leo, "Dear, you go ahead and attend to your tasks. I'll handle the remodeling contract." Chapter 2 "Are you sure you're okay?" Leo's voice came from outside the door. I took a deep breath, adjusted my expression to appear calm, and said, "I'm fine, just want to rest a little longer." The sound of his footsteps faded away, and with the closing of the front door, I finally allowed myself to relax completely. The apartment was deathly quiet, with nothing but the rapid thud of my heartbeat in my throat. Now it was time to find out the truth. I forced myself to steady my breathing. This time, I needed proof of when Leo and Jessica's betrayal started. As a software engineer, I knew Leo's password habits inside and out. He always treated me like I was an idiot who couldn't understand his finance job. He was so arrogant and careless that he never bothered to hide it from me. I walked over to the personal laptop Leo had left at home, the one he said was strictly for work and never let me touch. The password field blinked on the screen. I entered "Max0315", his dog's name, followed by its birthday. The laptop unlocked. The desktop was neatly arranged with icons for different finance programs, and I went straight to his cloud-synced drive. A second password prompt popped up. I entered his birthday and opened the encrypted cloud storage. The folders were organized by date, but one name made me go still. "Project Honeypot." I clicked it open. In that folder, I found everything that made my blood run cold. There were explicit videos of him with Jessica, along with pages of their chat logs. The earliest ones were from a year ago, just two months after we got engaged. Then I opened their chat logs on the social app, and what I read on the screen made my world fall apart. "Babe, that idiot wired me another five thousand dollars for my birthday." "Ha, she really thinks you love her? Leo, you're such a good actor." "An actor? I almost threw up. I had to hold that fat bitch every night." "Just hang in there. Once we get the 150 thousand dollars, we're free." "Jessica, you know what? Sometimes I really want to strangle her." "Don't do anything stupid. We're not done yet." My hands shook as rage and grief flooded my chest. I kept scrolling, and every new detail exposed the scam they had been planning so carefully. The financial records broke down my savings over the years, my monthly salary, their current plan to swindle 150 thousand dollars, and even a budget for using my money to buy Jessica luxury goods. Every dollar came from my own work, and I'd handed it over to Leo on trust alone. At the end of the thread, Jessica sent Leo one last message. "Honey, once we get the money, what excuse should we use to get rid of her for good?" Leo's reply was even colder. "Don't worry. I have a plan. We can stage an accident and collect the insurance payout, too." Those words matched what I remembered from my past life, Leo shoving me into the zombie horde. So, they had planned my death all along. The zombie outbreak had simply handed them the perfect way to kill me and walk away clean. I took a deep breath, my rage settling into something cold and controlled. I quickly backed up all the evidence to an encrypted flash drive. Then I erased every trace of my activity. My face was blank as I pulled the drive free. That little device held more than proof. It was a constant reminder that Leo and Jessica had to pay for everything. I walked to the window and looked toward the building where Leo worked. Maybe he was sitting in his office right now, sending Jessica sweet-nothing texts. Or maybe he was figuring out how to get more out of me tonight. They thought they were the predators and I was the prey. They had it all wrong. My eyes flicked to the apartment building across from Leo's place, and I smirked. "This time, someone else will be running the show." Chapter 3 I called the real estate agent right away. "I need to rent a place immediately. I need to sign the lease and move in today," I said, my voice hurried but clear. "Ma'am, that's really short notice. We usually need at least 24 hours to schedule a showing." I let the right amount of tremor and desperation creep into my voice. "My fiance cheated on me, and I need to move out immediately. Money isn't an issue. I can pay any additional fees." There was a brief silence on the other end of the line. "Alright, I can see what I can do. Do you have any specific requirements?" "I want the vacant third-floor unit at 1247 Maple Street." "How do you know that unit is available for rent?" I told a flawless lie. "I noticed it when I passed by earlier. There was a "For Rent" sign on the door. Please contact the landlord immediately. I need to sign the lease within the hour." … An hour later, I stood inside the vacant apartment. The view couldn't have been better. I had a clear line of sight to Leo's place. The landlord, Sarah Olsen, was a military veteran in her 40s, with cropped hair, sharp eyes, and faded military tattoos running down her arms. She sized me up like she was still on duty. I got straight to the point and pulled up the transfer. "I'll pay six months up front." Sarah raised an eyebrow. "So, you met a cheating jerk?" I held her gaze and caught the concern there. I decided to warn her. "Something worse than a cheating jerk. Sarah, if you trust me, secure your doors and windows today and stock up on food and water. Things could go very wrong tomorrow." She frowned. Her instincts, honed by military service, kept her from dismissing my words outright. "What do you mean?" My tone stayed sincere and firm. "I can't say much more than that, but trust me or don't. It's your call. I have seen certain… signs. If you trust me, do what I said." Sarah went quiet for a few seconds, then nodded slowly. "I've seen too much war and too many disasters. I know when to listen to a stranger's warning." After the lease was signed, I immediately contacted a 24-hour physical security contractor. "I need emergency service. I need you to install the best security doors you have and bulletproof glass today." "Ma'am, that will require an additional emergency service fee, and the installation of bulletproof glass—" I cut him off. "Money isn't an issue. I want the best protection. I want the strongest locks and privacy film. I want a clear view outside, and I don't want anyone looking in. Rapid keyboard tapping came through the line. "Alright. We'll be on site within three hours. The total cost will be approximately 25 thousand dollars. Are you sure?" "I'm sure. Start immediately." I also contacted a professional surveillance systems company and requested high-definition cameras and listening devices. "I need equipment that can monitor the building across from me. The video has to be clear, and the audio has to be clean." "Ma'am, there are privacy laws—" I lied again. "This is for a property I own, so it's completely legal. I suspect illegal activity is happening there." Just then, another call came in. The screen flashed the number for the "remodeling contractor" Leo had lined up. "Ms. Covey, are you available to sign the contract now?" I sounded exhausted. "I'm sorry, something urgent came up. I have to run out and deal with a bank card issue. I'll call you back in about an hour. Is that okay?" "Of course. No problem." After I hung up, I let out a cold, humorless laugh. Time was tight, but everything was going exactly the way I wanted it. Leo and Jessica thought they were hunting a lamb. They didn't realize the lamb had already turned into a wolf, hungry and vengeful, working off a plan that couldn't fail. I stared out the window, imagining the look on their faces by this time tomorrow, when the zombie outbreak would hit. They would be desperate and terrified, and they would regret everything. But it would already be too late by then. The remodeling contractor called again. "Ms. Covey, are you available right now?" I checked my watch. Workers from the security contractor were about to arrive. "I'm sorry. Give me another hour. I'm tied up right now." Chapter 4 I ended the call with the remodeling contractor and picked up the bank card that held 150 thousand dollars. Time was running out, but I still had to get everything bought today and pile up supplies before the zombies hit. In my past life, Leo swindled me out of that money. In this life, it had to stay my lifeline. I rushed to the nearest warehouse club, grabbed a cart, and headed straight for the food section. I told the staff, "I need to buy in bulk. It's for a big company team-building event." I wiped out the canned-food aisle, grabbing every can of tuna, ham, and beans I could find. I also took anything that would keep, including hardtack, energy bars, and nuts. I bought 50 boxes of pasta, 30 bags of flour, and 20 bottles of cooking oil. The cashier stared at me. "Ma'am, are you sure you need all of this?" I swiped my card. "It's for a company retreat outside the city, and we've got a big headcount. I need rush delivery. It needs to arrive this afternoon." Next, I made a pass through the outdoor aisle and grabbed a solar generator, a water purifier, and a couple of portable stoves. Then I stopped at the counter and arranged delivery for a chest freezer. After that, I headed over to sporting goods and added a compound bow, arrows, machetes, and stun batons. "Are these also for the team-building event?" the cashier asked, clearly confused. "It's wilderness survival training. Our company has very strict requirements," I said without blinking. One cart was no longer enough, so I grabbed two more and loaded them with cases of bottled water, first-aid kits, flashlights, batteries, ropes, and gas masks. Every single item was essential for surviving the apocalypse. The remodeling contractor called again, his voice sharp with anger, as if he were ready to come over and take a swing at me. "Ms. Covey, we've already been waiting two hours." "I'm so sorry! My bank card got hit with fraud, and the bank froze it. They won't unfreeze it until tomorrow, so I can't pay today," I said, rushing the words. "Are you—" I cut in before he could go off. "I'll add five grand for the time you lost. I guarantee you'll get the full payment tomorrow at 10:00 am." There were a few seconds of silence before he said, "Alright. We'll come back tomorrow." After I hung up, I finally let out a breath. Now I had the whole night to finish the final preparations. At checkout, the cashier froze when the total popped up. "Ma'am, your total comes to 138,742 dollars." I tapped my card without hesitation. All of it was survival gear, and I didn't care what it cost. "The rush delivery fee is extra, and we can get everything to you by 6:00 pm today." "No problem." After I left the warehouse club, I stopped at a military surplus store and bought a bulletproof vest, night-vision goggles, tactical gloves, and combat boots. The owner eyed me. "Are you law enforcement?" I flashed a forged ID. "Private security. My client has high standards." When I got back to the new apartment, workers from the security contractor were installing bulletproof glass. "Ma'am, this level of protection is usually for banks or government buildings," the foreman said. I lied smoothly. "My ex-husband has a violent streak, and he has ties to organized crime. I'm terrified he'll show up and start something, so I really need the highest level of protection." After that, the foreman stopped pushing. A violent ex was reason enough. The privacy film let me see out just fine, but nobody outside could see in. The security door was almost two inches thick and bolted three ways. At 6:00 pm, the warehouse club delivery truck pulled up right on time. The workers carried box after box into the apartment, and the place filled up fast. As I looked at the supplies, I felt safer than I ever had. Canned food was stacked in piles, and cases of bottled water covered an entire wall. The solar generator sat on the balcony, and the freezer hummed steadily. The compound bow was mounted on the wall, with arrows lined up neatly beside it. The machetes and stun batons stayed within easy reach. This was my apocalypse shelter, the place that would keep me alive when the zombies hit. Night fell while I organized the last of the supplies, and my phone rang. A familiar name flashed on the screen. Jessica. I stared at it and smirked. The real show was finally about to begin. Chapter 5 Jessica's voice came through the phone, rough with tears. "Chloe? Can I stay with you tonight?" I took a deep breath and steadied my voice. "Jessica, what happened? Do you need help?" She sobbed as she spoke. "I fought with Rex again. He was drunk and tried to hit me. I have nowhere to go right now." It was exactly the same as in my past life. Jessica always came to me after fighting with her violent boyfriend, Rex Henderson, and I always took her in without hesitation. I'd never had many friends, and she had been the only one who'd treated me kindly since college. In my past life, I truly thought of her as a friend, and whenever she had a problem, I did everything I could to help. I didn't realize that every time she came to me, it was so she could sneak around with Leo. I made my voice sound shocked and sympathetic. "That's horrible. How could he do that to you? Of course, you can come over. I'll come pick you up." Relief softened Jessica's voice. "Really? You're the best. I'll wait for you at the downtown cafe." "I'll be there soon." After I hung up, I slipped on my coat and grabbed my car keys. It was time to set the last piece into place. As I drove downtown, my thoughts drifted back to that night in my past life. Jessica had cried as she told me Rex had hit her again, and I'd taken her home, my heart aching for her. Leo had looked concerned, but underneath it, he'd been thrilled. I'd been a complete idiot. I'd offered to sleep in the guest room and given Jessica my bedroom. Then, in the middle of the night, I realized Leo wasn't beside me anymore, and I heard their low, restrained breathing. Back then, I'd lied to myself. I told myself I must've imagined it. Looking back now, I realized how stupid I'd been. At the cafe, Jessica sat in a corner booth, her eyes swollen and red, her makeup slightly smudged. When she saw me, she rushed over and hugged me. "Chloe, thanks for letting me stay with you." I patted her back. "Don't say that. We're best friends. You should've left that asshole Rex a long time ago." Jessica bit her lip. "I know, but… I'm scared of being alone." I held her hand. "You're not alone. You still have me. Come on, let's go home." In the car, Jessica kept ranting about Rex's violent streak. "He said I was his property, and he wouldn't let me talk to other men. He even meant Leo. He said the way Leo looked at me was wrong." I almost laughed. Rex wasn't wrong. Leo really did want his girlfriend, and Jessica was just pretending she didn't notice. When we got back to Leo's apartment, I unlocked the door with my key. Leo was sitting on the couch watching TV. When he saw Jessica, surprise flashed in his eyes, but concern took over right away. He stood up. "Jessica? What happened? You look upset." Jessica wiped at her tears. "Rex went crazy again. If it weren't for Chloe, I wouldn't even know where I'd go." Leo walked over and gently touched Jessica's shoulder. "Don't worry. You're safe here." I watched the way they moved around each other. That easy closeness between them made me feel sick, but I had to keep up the act. I spoke gently. "Jessica, go take a shower first. I'll get you some pajamas. Leo, can you stay with her for a bit? I'll go make something to eat." Leo nodded, and something flickered in his eyes. "Of course." In the kitchen, I could hear their voices drifting in from the living room. "Is she okay?" Leo asked. Jessica gave a soft laugh. "She's still so naive. She has no idea about us—" "Keep your voice down," Leo warned. I clenched my fists and forced myself to stay calm. Before long, Jessica came out of the shower wearing my pajamas. I pretended to yawn. "I'm kind of tired tonight. You two can keep talking. I'm going to bed. Jessica, call me if you need anything." Jessica hugged me. "Thanks, Chloe. You're the best friend anyone could ask for." I went back to the bedroom and quietly closed the door. Then I pulled a tiny listening device out of my bag. I'd gotten it earlier that day from the surveillance systems company. I crept into the living room and, while they weren't paying attention, stuck it under the couch. Back in the bedroom, I put on my headphones and adjusted the receiver. Before long, their voices came through loud and clear. "Is she asleep?" It was Leo's voice. "She should be. She looked really tired today," Jessica answered. "Then we…" "Wait. Give it a little more time." I listened with a smirk, and revenge kept twisting tighter under my ribs. Good. Everything was going according to plan. Tomorrow, when the zombie outbreak hit, the sleazy pair would learn their good times were over.