Chapter 2
But back then, I didn't take it to heart. I always thought that maybe, with time, we'd fall for each other.
What I didn't expect was that Lawrence didn't just stay cold toward me; he actually started to hate me even more.
He'd flirt with Gloria right in front of me, ditch me for her in front of everyone, and even bring her home when I was there.
It was like he was getting back at me for making him marry me all those years ago.
The system kept throwing me lifelines, but Lawrence still never fell for me.
This car accident was my last shot. If Lawrence had just come to see me, I could've survived.
But he just wouldn't.
Now that I was dead, it was finally over.
My soul was pulled by a powerful force, and before I knew it, I was right next to Lawrence.
He was sitting in a fancy restaurant, singing "Happy Birthday" to Gloria across from him.
The place was empty; he'd rented out the whole restaurant just for her.
So that was why Lawrence didn't come to see me. He was too busy celebrating Gloria's birthday.
He really was cold-blooded. His wife got into a car accident, and he didn't even care enough to show up.
Of course, I could never compete with Gloria for a place in Lawrence's heart.
Lawrence watched as Gloria finished making her wish, then applauded with a big smile. "Happy birthday, Gloria."
After that, he took out a gift box and handed it to her. "Go ahead, open it."
Gloria opened the box, her face lighting up with surprise.
Inside was a luxury designer bag, the one I'd told Lawrence about before, the only one in the world.
Gloria excitedly pulled out the bag and gave it a quick kiss, then bounced over to Lawrence and planted a playful peck on the corner of his mouth. "Thanks, Lawrence."
Lawrence paused for a moment, caught off guard by her move, then quickly frowned and wiped the corner of his mouth.
Gloria was so wrapped up in her excitement, she didn't even notice.
"I'm glad you like it. And that's not all. I got you a car too," Lawrence said, pointing out the window at the sports car parked outside.
I followed Lawrence's gaze and spotted the car.
Turns out, it was that car.
That used to be my favorite car. There was a time when Lawrence was in a good mood and said he'd give it to me.
But I never got it.
Now, looking at it, it was clear that neither the bag nor the car was ever really meant for me.
As they were eating, Gloria suddenly asked, "Lawrence, didn't you divorce Chloe today? When are we going wedding dress shopping? I can't wait to marry you."
I only looked up at them when I heard Gloria say that.
Lawrence and I had just gone to the courthouse this morning to get divorced.
On my way home, I got into a car accident.
I should've died in that crash, but the system gave me one last shot.
But sadly, Lawrence never showed up.
No matter how many chances I got, it always ended the same way.
Lawrence looked a little irritated as he checked his phone. When nothing popped up, he just said, "All right, whatever."
Gloria was absolutely thrilled. She raised her glass to clink with Lawrence's. "Oh my god, Lawrence, I've been dreaming of marrying you forever, and now it's finally coming true."
Lawrence's hand rested on the wedding ring from our marriage, lost in thought.
Gloria noticed too, her expression darkening. She complained playfully, "Lawrence, why are you still wearing that ring? Come on, you need to get me a bigger one!"
Hearing Gloria whining like that, I couldn't help but want to laugh.
Of all the people Lawrence could've fallen for, he had to pick Gloria.
She was just a gold-digger who only cared about his money.
Lawrence heard Gloria's complaint and took off the ring, stuffing it into his pocket without a second thought.
I personally designed that ring for Lawrence for our second wedding anniversary.
He used to love that ring and never took it off.
But since Gloria was in the picture, I bet he'd never wear it again.
Lawrence and Gloria went back to their place in the city.
He gave it to her right after Gloria returned from abroad.
It was literally right across from our home.
Whenever I pulled back the curtains, I could see whatever they were up to in their living room.
Lawrence did plenty just to mess with me.
While Gloria was in the shower, Lawrence sat out on the balcony, lit up a cigarette, and leaned back, gazing in the direction of our wedding apartment.
He sat there for a while before finally pulling out his phone and making a call.
"Jeffrey, did Chloe come home today?" Lawrence asked.
He was calling the assistant he'd planted by my side to keep tabs on me.
He called him an assistant, but honestly, he was just there to watch my every move.
There was a long pause on the other end, then Jeffrey Attlee's voice came through, heavy with grief. "Mr. Bruno, Ms. Tuttle was in a car accident and passed away this afternoon."