“I told you, I don’t have $2 million! I don’t!” Justin’s voice echoed from backstage.
“I’m performing at the bar every night to earn your damn dowry! What more do you want?”
Stacey refused to back down. “Your family used to be loaded. Even if you’re broke now, there’s no way you don’t have some money hidden somewhere. You just don’t want to spend it. That’s all.”}
Justin’s patience snapped. “So you’re with me just for my family’s money?“}
Stacey hesitated, then spat, “What else? Do you think it’s attractive that you hang around with that bookworm all day and never even touch a drink? My parents are gone. I need someone who can support me. What’s wrong with that? If you can’t, I’ll find someone who can.“} Then, the sounds of breaking things and yelling came from behind the stage. I inched toward the exit, planning my escape from their drama when it swung open.
Justin stood there, his eyes red–rimmed. “Rhian?”
A flicker of light was on his face as he asked incredulously, “You’re back?“}
I nodded and motioned to the bartender to get me a drink. We both sat down, and he began to speak, like pressure had finally released.}
He emptied the first glass, his voice heavy as he admitted, “Rhian, I regret it…”
Justin drained another, and his grip tightened around the cup, his eyes glossy with tears.}
“I don’t know how I could’ve been so fucking stupid. Rhian, seeing you now, like this, I regret it. I regret it.”}
I said nothing. I already knew all this the moment I was reborn.}]
Hearing it out loud didn’t unsettle me.}
But… it was satisfying.
Once the check came, I stood to leave.
However, Justin panicked and grabbed my hand. “Rhian! Don’t go! Just give me your number–your contact info, anything!“}
I swallowed hard. I had blocked him in college and never provided a means for him to reconnect.}
Insistent, he faltered, “Rhian, I regret it all. Wait for me. I’ll start studying again. I’ll get into your school. Let’s be classmates again, like we were before, okay?“}
Still, I yanked my hand away firmly. “I already graduated, Justin.“}
“Rhian!” he lunged for me again, but another hand intercepted his.
A calm voice said, “Excuse me, what do you think you’re doing?”
Justin froze, eyes widening. He looked at the guy beside me, voice shaky: “Rhian… who is this?”
“My boyfriend,” I replied, my voice steady.
Relief passed over Justin’s face. It was almost comical.
Lance Archer raised an eyebrow at me, amusement evident. I just rolled my own eyes.
I turned to go, but Justin grabbed my hand again in desperation. “Rhian! I swear, I’ll prepare for the exams this year! I’ll get into your school. We’ll go back to how things were! This time, I’ll marry you properly. I’ll love you, for real, for the rest of my life, I-“}
“Excuse me.” Lance’s voice was polite and quiet, but firm.
He separated us and shielded me with his body.}
I frowned and shook off the lingering touch on my wrist.
“Justin,” I began, my voice composed, “why do you think that just because you’re trying again… I’d still be here waiting?”
He froze, utterly lost. “Rhian… what… what are you saying?“!
I wiped away the spot he’d touched and met his gaze with clear detachment.}
“Do you really think you and I still belong in the same world?“}
