Chapter 1

Edward Frost and I traveled back in time to the eve of our marriage registration.

In our previous life, we spent fifty years together as the perfect couple. To everyone, we were the golden pair everyone admired.

Yet on the second day of this new life, I learned he had proposed to his first love, Emily Grant.

He said, "I repaid your kindness with an entire lifetime. This time, I'll live only for her.

"If you truly cannot let go, wait seven years. I might consider you then. You'll have priority."

I smiled and held my tongue. My head hung low, my thumbs flying over the screen as I sent a message.

He never knew I also had someone I swore to protect for a lifetime.

Emily posted new photos online.

In the picture, Edward knelt on one knee with roses, eyes red-rimmed. His gaze was overflowing with utter devotion.

Emily stood there, tearful and ring-clad, overcome with startled joy.

Her caption read, [Finally, you're mine.]

Edward shared the post to his timeline, with a single line: [This time, I live only for you.]

*****

The comments were flooded with congratulations. Everyone was freaking out, saying they were totally shipping them.

But my heart suddenly clenched.

I remembered how my parents had reminded me over and over last night not to forget about getting our marriage certificate tomorrow.

I never expected Edward to turn around and propose to someone else.

But to my surprise, I felt strangely calm, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from my shoulders.

[Let's meet,] Edward messaged me.

When we met again and locked eyes, it was obvious.

We both realized we'd traveled back in time.

Edward took a deep breath and got straight to the point. "Grace Lee, since you're also back, there's nothing left to explain between us. I'm done with that dull life we had together. This time, I want something new."

I just nodded, staying silent.

Everyone had the right to choose their own path, and I respected Edward's decision.

Seeing me stay quiet, Edward assumed I was still hung up on our marriage, so he switched gears. "If you truly cannot let go, wait seven years. I might consider you then. You'll have priority."

I was so taken aback by his words that I couldn't help but ask, "What do you mean?"

He spoke with absolute confidence, "I know you can't let me go. Emily's not in great shape. She's only got about seven years left. Sooner or later, I'll still need someone to have my children.

"If it's gotta be someone, it might as well be you. You weren't half bad as a wife in our previous life, after all—"

I cut him off, bursting his bubble. "What if Emily doesn't die in seven years?"

He frowned, like he couldn't wrap his head around why I'd ask, and replied as if it was common sense, "Then you'll keep waiting, obviously. Who else could you possibly marry besides me?"

I stared at him in disbelief. "So, I'm only good enough to stand by and wait for you?"

Edward's face darkened with a scowl. "Emily was miserable in our previous life because I picked you. She died young, and that's your fault. You owe her.

"Since you're so good at making those nourishing dishes, why don't you take care of her this time? Maybe she'll actually live longer thanks to you."

I'd lost all interest in arguing with him.

No one could wake someone who chose to stay asleep.

I nodded.

He seemed pleased with how obedient I was and tried to comfort me, "Don't worry. I'll do better this time around. When the time comes, I'll throw you a grand wedding."

He left, confident and full of himself.

When I got home and told my bestie everything, she was about to explode. "How did I never realize Edward was this shameless? Who does he think he is, expecting you to wait around for him? He and that bitch Emily totally deserve each other!"

I smiled, absentmindedly fiddling with my phone.

My bestie shot me a look like she couldn't believe me. "Seriously? You're still smiling?"

I pulled her down to sit beside me and spoke calmly, "I don't want him anymore, so why bother wasting any more energy on him?"

The next day, I went to the bridal shop to cancel the dress I'd picked out.

Of all people, I bumped into Emily there.

Her smugness was written all over her face when she saw me.

"Wow, Grace, you look like hell. What happened?" Emily sneered. "Who would've thought Edward would finally figure out his true feelings and propose to me? Guess it sucks to get dumped so suddenly, right?"

I wasn't planning to pay her any attention, but she had to come over and start something. "Sure, it's sad if you miss out on the right person, but if you're tossing out trash, what's there to regret?

"But hey, thanks for taking him off my hands. Since you're so into collecting trash, make sure you hold onto him tight."

Emily's face flushed with anger, and right at that moment, Edward walked in.

"What's going on here?" Edward asked.

Emily instantly switched to her damsel-in-distress mode, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Edward, I know Grace is upset. It's okay. If she wants to call me names, let her. As long as I can be with you, I don't care what people say about me."

Edward said coldly, "Grace, looks like everything I said went in one ear and out the other. Emily's so sweet. How could you be so mean to her? Go home and think about what you've done.

"If I find out you do this again, you won't get off so easy next time."

With that, he strode out with Emily.