In my previous life, I was a workaholic. This time around, I became even more focused.}
With the advantage of past–life memories, I climbed higher than ever before. At the National Institute of Applied Sciences, I participated in several significant federal research projects and received notable recognition.
Only then did Justin finally realize how much my head start had propelled me forward.
But his envy faded quickly.
He rubbed the back of his neck and muttered, “It’s nothing,” before walking off hurriedly, as if avoiding my eyes would somehow undo what he had seen.”
By senior year, I returned home for a short break.
Just as I reached the front door, I heard shouting from the Beckett house next door.
My parents told me their family business was in serious trouble. The financial issues were bad enough to threaten everything they had. Even so, Stacey was still demanding a two–million–dollar dowry without compromise.
I was surprised.}
The Becketts had faced similar difficulties in their previous lives. But at that point, Justin and I had already made a name for ourselves in academia, and we had enough savings to help them recover with a single check.
So why had he done nothing this time? He had the same memories I did. He should have known what was coming.
Luckily, after everything he had done to me, our families had long since severed ties.}
They would not dare come knocking now.
And even if they did, I would never open the door.
…0
While taking out the trash that evening, I spotted Justin smoking on the steps.
He looked rough–stubble, slump, a ghost of who he once was–and smelled of stale cigarettes.}
“Oh. You’re back?” Justin said, glancing up.
His eyes lit for a split second, then went dim.
I sat with him out of boredom, and we made small talk, drifting through memories.
“Not even a cent less than $2 million?” I asked.§
“Yeah. That’s what she wants,” Justin said, crushing his cigarette beneath his shoe.
I didn’t say anything. I already knew that the money would’ve meant nothing to us once.
Then I asked, “Do you really have to marry her?“)
Justin stiffened.
“Of course. I love her,” he said, tilting his chin toward the tattoo on his neck–Stacey’s initials etched into his skin.
I stared blankly and asked, “Isn’t it exhausting?”
Justin burst out laughing. “Tiring? Life isn’t just about studying, Rhian.”
I smiled, but didn’t argue.§
After a brief pause, Justin said, “You’ve been reborn too, haven’t you?”
“Of course,” I replied without hesitation.
He let out a low, bitter laugh. “I knew it. Even with a second chance, you’re still the same. Always playing by the rules, never daring to try anything different.”
He leaned back in his chair, his expression oddly content. “As for me, this time around, I’ve felt free. I’ve fixed a lot of the mistakes I made before. I live on my own terms now.”
“Well,” I said as I stood up, smoothing my skirt. “Congratulations.”
I turned toward the door. “I’ve got a curfew. I can’t stay.“}
I had only taken two steps when he called out behind me.
“Rhian… could you lend me some money?”
I stopped and looked back at him, surprised.
He shifted uncomfortably. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’ll pay you back.”
I let out a soft sigh, not from anger but from exhaustion.”
“Did you forget about those private photos?” I asked softly.
Justin’s eyes widened. Then he looked away, silent.D
That moment reminded me why I had gone public with everything in the first place.”
By speaking up, I had created a boundary between our families that couldn’t be crossed. No charm, no excuses, or apologies could ever erase what he had done.
…0
After graduation, I came home again.
.
The Beckett family was gone.
They hadn’t survived the economic downturn and could no longer afford their mansion in the affluent neighborhood.
Their old house sat dark and hollow.
Later, I ran into Justin at a bar downtown. After a long day at the lab, I went there with my best friend.
He was backstage, wearing full hip–hop streetwear, a guitar slung across his back, arguing loudly with Stacey, who was caked in heavy makeup.
9:23 AM
ཀ་་པ་ ųI¤སuས་པ་་ད ་ པས་་དས ་པད་དc པ་བ་་..
