Chapter 3
In her past life, Margot kept using the same excuse to push back the engagement year after year. As long as she held firm, Aiden would never marry Eliza.
Eliza thought about this and gave a little self–deprecating smile. “Yeah, sure, whatever, she muttered-
Her opinion didn’t matter anyway. They were never going to tie the knot. She set her utensils down and said, “I’m done,” before heading straight upstairs without a backward glance.
Watching her resolute figure disappear, Aiden had a new feeling that she seemed different somehow. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but she wasn’t the same as before.
With the wedding indefinitely postponed, they naturally stopped planning it. Aiden now had all the time in the world to go on trips with Margot. Margot made sure to include Greg, Thea and Evan in their adventures but conveniently left Eliza out, claiming she needed rest after donating blood.
Of course, they were the real family, having a grand old time. If Eliza tagged along, she’d just be a thorn in their side. Why put herself through that?
To share her “joy,” Margot sent Eliza a snapshot from every place they visited. In each picturesque scene, Margot stood front and center, all smiles, basking in the goodwill of those around her.
[Eliza, such a pity you couldn’t come! The views here are stunning!]
[Mom and Dad said if I love it here, they’ll buy a house so I can visit whenever I want.]
[Eliza, my brother promised to go anywhere I want with me in the future.]
[Aiden gave me a huge gift here too. Want to guess what it is?]
Eliza deleted each of Margot’s messages, shut off her phone, and started packing her bags. She just needed to hold on a bit longer for her escape.
Just then, she heard a faint rustling downstairs. Her hand froze, and memories flashed through her mind. She recalled that in her previous life, around this time, a burglar broke in, stole priceless jewelry, and trashed all her artwork. Panic surged through her.
Money was replaceable, but her art? That was personal. With that thought, she quickly secured her artwork, dialed 911, and hid behind the door with a knife.
Having lived through it once gave her the advantage. This time, she managed to help the police catch the intruder. However, the disparity in strength was too great, and despite knowing his moves, she couldn’t fend him off entirely.
This time, she ended up with several injuries, tumbling down the stairs, her face a bloody mess.
When the Newell family and Aiden returned, all they saw were police cars leaving and her sitting in disarray on the sofa amidst the chaos.
Greg and Thea was shocked, stammering, “You… you caught him by yourself? Why didn’t you call us? These home invaders are dangerous. Are you crazy?”
Even Evan, usually so indifferent, showed rare surprise. “Yeah, why didn’t you call us when there was trouble? Are you trying to make it seem like we’d leave you hanging?”
Eliza was utterly spent, too tired to even speak. She sat there, her hand still trembling from clutching the knife.
Noticing her trembling, Aiden rushed over and grabbed her hand, “Eliza, are you hurt? Do you need a hospital? You were too reckless. Why didn’t you tell us?”
Eliza pulled her hand away from his grip, weakly retorting, “Would it have made a difference? Would you have come back for me?”
They all flinched, guilt etched on their faces, trying to hold their ground. “Of course we would!”
1/2
10:12
Eliza let out a bitter laugh. In her past life, she believed they’d come back, so she called each of them. In the end, not one answered.
And she was discovered and nearly killed by the intruder for trying to reach out. Later, she learned they were all with Margot, watching fireworks.
They were busy having a good time elsewhere, while she almost lost her life that night. So this time, she
needed no one.
Taking in her calm and detached demeanor, Aiden couldn’t help but furrow his brow. Once again, he felt she had truly changed.
The old her would have cried and been upset with them for not coming back in such a situation. But now, she was so composed, as if none of it mattered to her.
Just as he was about to speak, Evan suddenly noticed the scattered luggage. “Why are you packing all this stuff? Where are you planning to go?!”
