Penelope was the first to notice me. “Rachel, you’re back! Come quickly and talk some
sense into Viv. Her temper is getting worse and worse.”
She pulled at my hand, her tone carrying a note of flattery. I withdrew my hand and said coolly, “I’m tired. I want to rest in my room first.”
Penelope’s expression stiffened slightly, but she said nothing more, turning back to
continue placating Vivian in hushed, submissive tones.
She was completely different from the imperious mother I remembered.
Back in my room, I pulled out Gabriel’s Christmas gift from my luggage, a red cashmere scarf. I wrapped the scarf around my neck and looked in the mirror, unconsciously smiling.
That evening, there was a knock at my door. I opened it to find Sebastian standing outside, looking haggard and anxious.
“Rachel, we need to talk.”
I stepped aside to let him in. He rubbed his hands together and summoned the courage to say, “Rachel, you’re the wife I’ve always wanted. I’ve been waiting for you.
“Viv’s temper is getting worse and worse, and she spends money recklessly. I…”
I could not help but laugh mockingly. “Waiting for me? Sebastian, do you even believe what you’re saying?
“You’re waiting for me while getting Vivian pregnant with your child? What do you take me
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Chapter 8
for?”
His face flushed red, his eyes full of panic. “Rachel, let me explain…”
+25 Bonus
I interrupted him. “There’s nothing to explain. You and Vivian already have a child together, so what more is there to say? I wish you both a long and happy marriage. May you be blessed with many children.”
He was silent for a few seconds, as if remembering something.
“I’ve been having dreams lately–dreams where you’re the one I married. You were gentle and virtuous, staying home to care for my parents.”
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He paused, his tone carrying a trace of pain. “But in the dream, I only had eyes for Viv. I neglected you and hurt you… I was such a bastard. I even forced you to divorce me and let go of our son.”
I was astonished. He was actually dreaming about our previous life.
He covered his face in anguish. “I wronged you so terribly, and now I want to make
amends.”
