Chapter 17%
Iris had finally escaped the fate of her past life. She would never have anything to do with Wendel again.
The next day, the family of three boarded a southbound train.
This was Iris‘ first time leaving the place she had lived for eighteen years.X
The south was more developed. Her parents had bought an apartment in advance, and her new school was nearby.!
They treated her well. She had her own room and even a television–something she had only ever seen in the homes of the wealthiest families back in town
She no longer had to do heavy labor or wear patched–up clothes.
At first, Inis struggled to adjust to the humid southern climate and the unfamiliar flavors of the food. But over time, she adapted.
In September, she started high school.
The schools in the south had better resources and a more advanced curriculum. At first, she found it overwhelming, but she never once considered giving up.
Even on weekends, she would visit the top–performing girl in her class to catch up on lessons
The next time she heard any news about the Lancaster family, it was about Wendel’s wedding–to Esther.
When Iris found out, she felt nothing
She only wished for a peaceful and quiet
tlife from now on.!!
The days passed, and as the weather grew colder, winter break arrived.)
Before the break, Iris took an exam, and her results had improved significantly.
With the arrival of the new year, the 1990s began.”
It was also her first time celebrating the New Year with her biological parents.
She no longer had to toil in the kitchen preparing meals for an entire family. For the first time, she had fireworks of her own.
As the dazzling bursts of color lit up the night sky, Iris felt an overwhelming sense of freedom.
Soon, school resumed.
She was riding her bicycle home one evening when she unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure on the roadside. Esther.
She was arguing with a street vendor over a few measly cents.
The moment their eyes met, both of them froze.
Esther was the first to speak, her tone dripping with disdain. “Well, well, I never thought I’d run into you here. How’s life, Miss High–and–Mighty?”
Iris was still in shock, struggling to process the sight before her.
The once pampered and delicate girl from the Lancaster family now wore a cheap cotton jacket, her face lined with exhaustion
She wasn’t even trying to keep up appearances anymore. Instead, she sneered and mocked openly. “I’m with your precious Wendel now. He’s working at a factory, earning a decent salary every month. Sorry to disappoint you, but we’re not doing as badly as you might’ve hoped.“}
This outcome didn’t surprise Iris in the slightest.
Just like in her past life, Wendel had given up his teaching job to follow Esther south for work.
To Esther, their move was a romantic, passionate journey for love. But to Iris, it was nothing short of stupidity. She simply smiled. saying nothing.
Esther mistook her silence for pain and smirked triumphantly. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. “Two lifetimes, and you still lost to me,
Iris. “E
Iris‘ eyes widened in shock.
‘Esther… was reborn too? she thought. A jolt of electricity seemed to shoot through her body.
No wonder Esther had known where she hid the letter in her room.
Suddenly, everything made sense.!!
Iris clenched her fists, barely restraining the urge to slap her. Instead, she forced a smile, her words dripping with mockery. “Oh, I don’t mind at all. After all, I stopped loving Wendel a long time ago. Trash is meant to be picked up–so go ahead, take him.
