Echoes of a Shattered Vow

In her past life, when a truck barreled toward them, Lillian Hogan instinctively pushed Elton Ruiz out of harm's way. She paid the price with both her legs crushed. When she woke up in the hospital, the aloof, noble man lowered his head for the first time. Standing by her bedside, he promised to marry her. Tearfully, she accepted the proposal from the man she'd loved since she was eight. But after the wedding, Elton often stayed out all night. His attitude toward her grew cold and harsh. When an infection from her injuries left her on the brink of death, the billionaire didn't spare a single penny for her care. "I never thanked you for saving my life," he said. "Our marriage was a mistake from the start. Let me go." His face grim, he pulled out her oxygen tube. Lillian's eyes widened in shock. In the agony of betrayal and heartbreak, she took her last breath. If she could do it all over again, she vowed never to love Elton again. Chapter 1 When her eyes opened again, Lillian Hogan found herself back on the day of the accident. The same truck sped toward them. In a split second, her body moved on its own, pushing Elton Ruiz out of the way, just like in her past life. But this time, Elton reacted instantly, pulling both her and Jill Pratt out of the truck's path. He grabbed Lillian's shoulders, roaring, "What were you thinking? You could have died! Who asked you to save me?" Lillian stumbled to the ground, her hands instinctively touching her legs. They were still there. She'd never forget this day. At Jill's birthday party, hosted by Elton, Jill had argued with Elton's parents. Upset, she had run off, nearly getting hit by a truck. Elton had risked his life to save her, and Lillian, in turn, had pushed him out of danger, losing her legs in the process. Elton had married her, but he had resented her, feeling forced to give up Jill, his true love. When Lillian had lain dying from infection, he had ended her life. Now she was given a second chance, but things played out differently. She stared at Elton, noticing a strange intensity in his sharp gaze, a weight that didn't match his age. Lying nearby, Jill let out a weak cry. Elton released Lillian and rushed to her side, checking her over. "Jill, are you hurt? Let me see," he said, his voice and movements dripping with a tenderness Lillian had never felt during their marriage in her past life. Jill shook her head, wincing. "I'm fine. Just can't walk." Without hesitation, Elton scooped her up in his arms. "I've got you. Let's head back and see the surprise I prepared for you." He strode back to the party without another glance at Lillian. Watching him disappear, Lillian gave a bitter smile. But there was a hint of relief in that smile. Getting back to this moment was good. At least, she wouldn't be Elton's burden. She pulled out her phone and called her uncle, Alonzo Ballard, who was living abroad. Alonzo wasn't blood-related to her. Her father used to help him, and they became sworn brothers. He had always treated Lillian like family, offering to take her abroad many times. She had refused because of her obsession with Elton. Now she decided to grant Elton's wish and disappear from his world. "Uncle Alonzo, I've made up my mind. I want to live with you abroad," she said. On the other end of the phone, Alonzo was thrilled. "That's great! I've got a room ready for you. Whatever you want, be it school or a job, I'll set it up. When are you coming? I'll send someone to pick you up." Lillian's eyes welled up as she thought of leaving her hometown and cutting ties with her doomed love. "Give me two weeks to wrap things up here," she replied. "Then I'll come." Chapter 2 After hanging up, Lillian limped back to the party. From a distance, she heard a shout. "Lillian, you're hurt?" Elton's parents rushed toward her, worry etched on their faces. The commotion caught Elton's attention as he led Jill to entertain the guests. Lillian glanced down and saw that her leg, grazed in the accident, was bleeding. Her white dress was stained. Alice Ruiz called for someone to bandage her up, then scolded Elton. "Lillian is badly hurt, and you ignore her to fawn over some nobody? Have you forgotten who your fiancée is? This is ridiculous!" "Enough, Mom!" Elton snapped, shielding Jill. "I never accepted the arrangement. That's all your wishful thinking." Though Lillian had heard these words countless times in her past life, they still stung. The Ruiz and Hogan families were old friends. Elton and Lillian had grown up together. When she was eight, a camping trip turned tragic when a landslide hit. Her parents protected the young Elton at the critical moments but died in the process. Their bodies were found by the rescue team. Elton knelt, vowing to protect Lillian forever. His family adopted her, and he doted on her like a princess. He'd throw lavish birthday parties for her and spend millions at auctions on jewelry she admired. His tenderness touched her, and she saw him as her future husband until he saved Jill. Everything changed after that. Jill found various ways to stay close to him. Their bond grew from pity to desire. Elton brought her home, telling his parents that Jill was his true love. Lillian watched as his affection for her turned to resentment. Alice and Bruce Ruiz had raised her as their future daughter-in-law, announcing her engagement to Elton on her 18th birthday. But to Elton, that promise became a chain. He accused her of using her parents' sacrifice to trap him. Lillian pressed Alice's arm, looking at Elton calmly. "You're right, Elton. I've been the one holding on. I shouldn't force you. Let's call off the engagement and go back to being siblings." Everyone froze, stunned. Elton clenched his fists, his brows furrowing. "Is this some kind of game? You think playing hard-to-get will make me ditch Jill for you? You'd better mean what you say." Alice touched Lillian's forehead, worried. "No fever, so why are you talking nonsense? Don't worry. We will make sure Elton keeps his promise to marry you." Lillian gave a bitter smile. They all thought she was joking, but living a second life, she refused to repeat that fate. "Don't worry about me. I'll talk it out with Elton," she said. "Alright, you two sort it out. Clear up any misunderstandings," the old couple said, shooting Elton a warning look before leaving. Elton ignored Lillian, pulling Jill to cut the cake. Watching them share that tender moment, Lillian took a deep breath and whispered to a waiter. Then she stepped into the control booth. The room suddenly went dark. Then a giant screen lit up, showing photos of Elton and Jill, along with a love letter Elton hadn't sent. The crowd was moved by the heartfelt words, and Jill teared up. Elton had spent a month planning this party, inviting the city's elite. In his past life, the accident had derailed his plan to confess to Jill. In this one, Lillian made it happen for him. Elton was stunned until a waiter brought a bouquet of roses. He took it and knelt before Jill. She covered her mouth. "Gosh! Is this the surprise you planned? You did all this for me?" He smiled softly, his hand trembling as he wiped her tears. He raised the roses and declared, "Jill, I love you. Will you be my girlfriend?" Jill nodded excitedly, taking the bouquet. "Yes!" They embraced and kissed, and the room erupted in applause. At the control booth, Lillian set down the mouse, watching with a smile that turned to tears. Chapter 3 Lillian didn't notice Elton glancing her way. She slipped to a corner, sipping champagne. After a few glasses, someone snatched her drink. She looked up to see Elton, his lips red, with a faint trace of Jill's lipstick on his cheek. Lillian's heart twinged, and she looked away. Elton's voice was cold. "You set that up? I'm with Jill now. Whatever stunts you pulled to chase me before, I don't want to see them again." Lillian bit her lip and nodded. "Got it. From now on, I will only see you as my brother." Her tone felt distant. She hadn't called him that in years. Hearing it today sparked an odd irritation in him. "You'd better mean it, or I'll think you're scheming again since you couldn't marry me by breaking your legs." His words hit like a sledgehammer. Lillian froze. Breaking her legs was from her past life, and he knew. Apparently, he had been reborn, too. That was why he could pull her out of harm's way just in time when the truck came, changing the outcome of her past life. "So, you're reborn, too?" she asked. He sighed, but his expression didn't soften. "This time, let's both move on." He turned to leave without another word. That night, Lillian walked home alone. When she tried her fingerprint to unlock the door, it failed. She'd lived with Elton since he moved out at 18, and this had never happened before. As she puzzled over it, the door clicked open. Jill stood there, wrapped in a bath towel, staring at Lillian before smacking her forehead in mocking regret. "Oh, shoot. Elton must've deleted your fingerprint when he added mine during the day. Come on in." She ushered Lillian inside like she owned the place. Lillian noticed several boxes in the living room. At a closer look, she realized those were her belongings. Elton stepped out of the kitchen and spoke flatly. "Jill and I are engaged. She's moving in." Lillian understood instantly. She nodded calmly. "Alright, I'll move out." She grabbed her bags, but Elton snatched them away. "I didn't ask you to leave. My parents already have issues with Jill. You running off will just make things harder for her." Jill chimed in, "Yeah, you've got it wrong. Elton said your room has better lighting, so I'm taking it. I didn't know where to put your stuff, so it's in the living room." Elton tossed the bags into a guest room. "You said you wanted to be siblings, right? Then act like it and stay put. Don't cause me any more trouble." Lillian lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. "Got it." She'd be gone soon anyway. Where to stay made no difference. Over the next few days, Elton openly fawned over Jill in front of Lillian, but she stayed calm. She just quietly packed her things and handled her visa paperwork. Chapter 4 When Lillian got her visa, it was the day of the Ruiz Group's annual gala. As part of the Ruiz family, she had to attend it. After slipping into the evening gown, she stared at the elegant figure in the mirror. For a moment, it felt like she had stepped into another world. In her past life, after she lost her legs, Elton kept her hidden away. Since then, she hadn't worn a dress this beautiful or attended such grand events. Chasing Elton had cost her so much. As she stepped out, Elton's gaze lingered on her until Jill tugged his arm. He looked away, and the three rode to the gala together, drawing every eye as they arrived. Whispers followed. "Did you hear about Elton's big confession at Jill's birthday bash? They say it was super romantic, but it was for Jill, not Lillian. How did she handle that?" "No way. Everyone knows Lillian and Elton have been promised to each other since they were kids. The Ruizs raised her like their own. How could he switch to someone else?" "Something's off with Lillian, too. She's usually glued to Elton, but today she's acting all chill. Is she giving up?" "Maybe Jill swooped in and stole him. Look at her. She's got game, pushing his childhood sweetheart out of the picture." A sharp crack cut through the chatter. Everyone froze, turning to see Elton's glare, and lowered their heads. The man had crushed a wine glass in his hand after hearing someone call Jill the third wheel. "Elton, your hand!" Jill yelped, prying open his bloodied palm, and saw glass shards embedded in it. Unperturbed, Elton took her hand with his uninjured one and strode to the center of the room. "Let me make this clear one last time," he declared. "I never agreed to Lillian being my fiancée. That engagement was never my choice. Jill is the love of my life and the only future Mrs. Ruiz." He glared at the gossipers, his voice icy. "If I hear anyone badmouth her again, they're out of the Ruiz Group. Understood?" The crowd nodded nervously. "Yes, sir. It won't happen again." Elton nodded, comforting Jill before tending to his injured hand. Lillian watched from the sidelines, a pang of bitterness hitting her as she heard his fierce defense of Jill. She slipped out of the gala and walked home alone. Back at the house, she packed away every trace of Elton—photos, mementos, and gifts she'd once cherished. She stuffed them into boxes for the trash truck. Then she began packing her personal belongings into a suitcase. The next day, Elton noticed. "What are you doing? I told you, you don't have to leave." He stood in the doorway, staring at her coldly and waiting for an answer. Lillian didn't hold back anymore. Chapter 5 Lillian lifted her suitcase and faced Elton calmly. "I know you're worried that Bruce and Alice would be upset if I left, but you heard what people said at the gala. Our situation's too messy. My stay isn't good for anyone." Elton didn't seem to hear her. He reached out a hand to block her. "You've lived here two lifetimes," he muttered. "Where else can you go?" Lillian closed her eyes, then let it all out. "I talked to my uncle. He's got a place ready for me abroad. I can move in as soon as I get there." Elton's eyes widened in disbelief. The room fell silent, only their breathing audible. Finally, he found his voice. "Is this really necessary? You know how far that is? Who permitted you to leave the country? Just because I brought Jill here, you're running off? I said we could be siblings. I can give you everything except love. Jill never asked you to leave. What are you even thinking?" Jill, standing nearby, froze. She'd been thrilled to hear Lillian was leaving, but Elton was trying to stop Lillian. 'Since when did Lillian mean so much to him?' Jill wouldn't allow it. Oblivious, Elton kept barking orders. "Put the suitcase down. You're not leaving this house without my say-so." Lillian laughed, raising an eyebrow. "What, can't bear to see me go?" Elton's face darkened. His fists clenched, his knuckles cracking. But instead of exploding, he sneered and stepped aside. "You're reading too much into it. Go as far as you like. I'll even drive you." He reached for her suitcase, but she stepped back. "Don't bother. I'll visit my parents' graves first, and then I'm gone." Elton softened at the mention of her parents, who died saving him. He'd respect them forever. "I'll go with you." "No need." Suddenly, a cat darted out of the shadows toward her. Lillian, severely allergic to cat fur, panicked and raised her arm to shield herself, which startled the cat. She stumbled and fell to the floor, clutching her itching throat as she coughed violently. "Tubby!" Jill rushed to grab the cat but got scratched, her arm bleeding. Elton scooped her up. "Don't worry. I'm taking you to the hospital." As he moved to leave, Lillian weakly grabbed his pant leg. Her chest heaved, her face twisted in pain. She could barely breathe, not to mention speak. "What's wrong?" Elton crouched to check on her. Jill let out a soft cry. "Ow, it hurts." Elton hesitated, then carried Jill out without another glance at Lillian. Chapter 6 Lillian passed out. When she opened her eyes again, she was in the hospital, her chest still tight. She looked around and saw Elton standing by her bed, his expression solemn. "You..." she started. Elton cut her off. "Jill and I didn't know about your cat allergy. She's sent Tubby away. I wired you three million to make up for the scare." Lillian checked her phone. The transfer was there. She gave a self-mocking smile and shook her head. "Don't worry. I won't hold it against Jill. And I don't need your money." Elton stopped her from sending it back. "Keep it. Consider it compensation for your last life." He hesitated, then added, "You need to recover. Your asthma could flare up again. If you ask me, you should stay home instead of running off. There's no point." Lillian lightly shook her head, meeting his gaze. "I'm fine. This time, let's both move on." Elton frowned, about to argue, when a knock came. Jill walked in, glancing at Elton before turning to Lillian, pale on the bed. "Sorry, Lillian," she said. "I had no idea you were allergic to cats and would end up in the hospital. Next time, let me know about any conditions, okay? I'd feel awful if we accidentally hurt you again." Lillian replied calmly, "It's fine. I'm leaving soon. You can bring the cat back." Elton's frown deepened, but Jill tugged his arm. "Lillian is awake and fine now. Let's not disturb her rest. Honestly, since sending Tubby away, I've been feeling down. Maybe it's stress. Since we're here, can you come with me to see a doctor downstairs?" Elton nodded, concerned, and followed her out. At the door, he paused and turned back. "Rest up. I'll pick you up before noon tomorrow to visit your parents' graves." His gaze was deep and unreadable, reminding her of the moment he pulled her oxygen tube in her past life. The next morning, Elton picked her up as promised and drove toward the cemetery. Halfway there, he received a voice message from Jill. "My stomach's acting up. It hurts so bad. Can you grab my favorite oatmeal from that place I love?" Her weak, trembling voice made Elton's face tighten with worry. He pulled over and looked at Lillian apologetically. "Head to the cemetery. I'll settle Jill down and meet you there." Lillian had expected this. She nodded, got out, and walked the rest of the way. Chapter 7 At her parents' graves, Lillian bowed slowly. In the past, when Elton hurt her, she'd come here to pour out her heart. This time, she didn't cry. She just spoke firmly. "Mom, Dad, I'm done with Elton. I'm going abroad to live with Uncle Alonzo. I don't know when I'll see you guys again." After paying her respects, she didn't wait for Elton. As she prepared to leave, someone grabbed her, covering her mouth and dragging her to a shadowy spot. She struggled desperately, then saw a familiar figure step out from behind a tree. Jill came over and slapped her across the face. "Do you think I can't see through your little act? You think playing the victim and bringing up your parents will make Elton love you? He's with me now. You still won't give up? Do you think I'm invisible? Since you love playing weak so much, let me help you out." Jill smirked and signaled behind her. Several men with leering grins lunged at Lillian. She tried to scream, but the man holding her stuffed a rag in her mouth. "Stop struggling. No one's coming," Jill taunted, looking down at her. "Oh, and one more thing. I asked Elton what he'd do if he married anyone but me. He said he'd kill her, then himself. He loves me so much. No way he could be swayed by you. Honestly, I just can't stand you. How dare you try to steal him from me? Get ready to face the consequences." Lillian's mind reeled. 'So, that's why Elton was reborn, too.' After pulling her oxygen tube, he'd taken his own life, consumed by guilt over Jill. Even now, when she'd stepped back, they wouldn't let her go. Lillian fought to protect herself, a tear sliding down her cheek. "What do we do with her, boss?" one man asked. "Useless idiots!" Jill snapped, taking out a pill from her bag and tossing it to him. "Make her swallow this. It'll sap her strength and make her cooperate." Lillian stared at the pill in horror, scrambling back. Suddenly, Elton's voice cut through. "Jill, are you there?" Lillian thrashed, muffled cries escaping the rag, hoping to draw him over. The hooligan panicked, shoving the rag deeper in a hurry. Elton caught the noise and started toward them. "Jill, is that you?" "Shit, he found us," groaned the hooligan. "Damn it," Jill cursed under her breath. "I forgot the tracker on my phone." She gritted her teeth and messed up her hair before grabbing the pill from the hooligan and swallowing it. "Quick, grab me. Make it look like you're attacking me." The hooligans hesitated. "Uh, is that okay?" "Do it!" Jill hissed. "Say Lillian set you up. You'll get a big reward." She yanked the rag from Lillian's mouth and shoved her aside before collapsing dramatically. Before Lillian could scream, she wailed, "Help! Elton, where are you? Save me! Get away from me! Help!" "Jill!" Elton sprinted over, his eyes blazing at the scene. Chapter 8 Elton's fists flew, pummeling the hooligans until they sprawled on the ground. He kept kicking, unrelenting. Jill grabbed his waist. "Stop, Elton! You'll kill them." The hooligans fled. Elton regained control, gently holding Jill. "Are you okay? I'm sorry I'm late." Jill squirmed in his arms, distressed. "You didn't come home, so I came looking for you, but..." She sobbed, continuing, "Lillian's guys forced me to take some kind of drug. I feel awful, Elton. Help me, please. I'm dying." "What?" Elton's face tightened as he felt her hot breath, his veins bulging. Lillian, still shaking from fear, tried to speak. "No, I didn't." Tears spilled before her words. Jill pointed at her. "She is mad that I took you from her. She said she'd ruin me and make sure I couldn't show my face around you again." Lillian tried defending herself. "It was her..." Elton's hand cracked across her face, his eyes burning with rage. "You're still lying?" His icy glare pierced her heart. Jill let out a pained whimper. "I can't take it." Elton's voice softened instantly. He kissed her forehead. "Don't worry. I'll fix this." He scooped her up and headed for a nearby hotel. Lillian, sprawled on the ground, felt her cheek stinging. Tears blurred her vision, and she passed out. When she woke up, she was back home on her bed. "Awake?" Elton stood beside her, sighing. "Jill told me everything. She's sorry. She just loves me too much and fears losing me. She wants you to be her bridesmaid to make up for it." Lillian froze. She knew his love for Jill, but their shamelessness still surprised her. Jill had nearly ruined her life, but Elton brushed it off with an apology and expected her to play bridesmaid for the culprit. "Make up for it?" she said, her voice rising. "She wants me to watch you two get married, and that's her apology?" Elton didn't answer, his stern expression brooking no argument. Lillian took a deep breath, breaking the standoff. "Fine! I'm leaving soon anyway." "Leaving?" Elton's voice spiked. He grabbed her wrist. "You're still going on about that? Don't push your luck! You will be her bridesmaid." No matter what she said, he ignored her, locking her in her room. "When you're ready to play nice and be Jill's bridesmaid, I'll let you out." "No, let me out!" She pounded the door. He sat on the couch, silently clenching his fists. He couldn't understand why she was so set on leaving or why her insistence sparked such anger in him every time. As her departure date neared, he still showed no sign of freeing her. He'd even taken her phone, cutting her off from Alonzo and leaving her restless. For the next few days, Elton threw himself into wedding plans, sending food to her room daily. On the wedding day, he finally opened the door, holding a fancy box. "Get changed. The driver's coming soon. Don't mess up my wedding." He locked the door and left for the wedding venue. Moments later, the door creaked open. Several burly men in suits entered, startled to see Lillian slumped on the floor. "Ms. Hogan, are you okay? Should we call Mr. Ballard?" the leader asked. Lillian looked up, realizing these were Alonzo's men. Today was her departure day, and they were here to pick her up. She stood up, leaning on the wall. "I'm fine. Take me to him." On the plane, just before takeoff, Lillian pulled out her phone and deleted every trace of Elton. 'Goodbye, Elton,' she whispered silently. 'We're done for good.'