Chapter 1

In 2056, the apocalypse arrived. The world plunged into an extreme cold era.

Those without warmth or shelter stood no chance. They met a swift, icy demise.

My family, despite having everything we needed, died a horrific death at the hands of my cousin and my boyfriend.

I was reborn one year before the apocalypse. That extra time was my secret weapon.

I blew all my savings, frantically stocking up on cold-weather gear, learning combat, and fortifying our family's underground fallout shelter…

Everyone thought I’d hit my head and lost my mind.

I just smiled at them, saying nothing. This time, I wouldn't be the one dying.

My name is Rowan, and I died a horrific death in the extreme cold, tormented by my own cousin and boyfriend.

No one could have predicted my rebirth.

When I opened my eyes, my cousin, Tiffany, and my boyfriend, Ryan, were barely dressed.

I glanced at the digital clock. I was back one year.

I couldn’t believe they were already betraying me at this point.

In my previous life, I must have discovered their affair then too. During our scuffle, I fell and hit my head, suffering severe injuries and losing my memory.

And those two disgusting traitors actually tricked me into believing I'd fallen on my own.

It wasn't until the apocalypse hit and they teamed up to persecute my family that I saw their true colors.

My head throbbed, still dizzy, so I feigned unconsciousness and closed my eyes.

"Ryan, babe, is she… dead?"

Tiffany cooed, her voice sickly sweet.

"Let's take her to the hospital first. If she wakes up, we'll say her memory's messed up. If she doesn't… even better…"

Ryan replied.

I sneered mentally. So, they wanted to kill me this early on, huh?

They quickly rushed me to the hospital and called my parents.

"Where am I? Mom, who are these people?"

I pretended not to recognize the scummy pair.

"Doctor! What's wrong with my daughter?" My parents asked, frantic with worry.

The doctor explained that I'd suffered a head injury, and memory loss was a normal side effect.

Hearing this, Tiffany and Ryan both visibly relaxed.

"Don't worry, Rowan, we'll get you good treatment and rest, you'll be fine in a few days!"

Mom gently patted my back.

"That's right, little sis!"

Tiffany practically gloated that I couldn't remember.

I pretended not to know her. Mom noticed my confusion and said,

"Rowan, this is your cousin, Tiffany."

A plan began to form in my mind. "Is that her boyfriend?" I asked, pointing at Ryan.

Ryan looked awkward.

"Rowan, it's Ryan! I'm your boyfriend…"

I feigned shock:

"Really? How could I possibly like you?"

"Besides, I remember you two weren't wearing clothes just now… and those marks on your necks…"