Chapter 1
Katelyn Hart booked a ticket for a doomed flight set to crash in two weeks. Thinking about finally leaving this world behind, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her.
In her previous life, her husband Michael Morgan had died of cancer thirteen years ago.
Three years later, an accident sent Katelyn into a parallel universe.
She chased Ethan Howard to the bitter end, just like how she did to Michael, and in the end, she got what she wanted—she married him.
"Are you still upset that I stood you up on our anniversary?" Ethan leaned in, gently taking Katelyn's hand to comfort her.
Katelyn shook her head, but tears still slipped down her cheeks.
Ethan caught the look on her face and said softly, "Chloe needed someone to go with her to her prenatal appointment. I'm her boss, so I had to be there for her."
Chloe Wynn was the assistant he'd hired a year ago.
If it were before, Katelyn would've totally lost it. She just couldn't stand Ethan falling for someone else.
But now, she just didn't care anymore.
In two weeks, she'd finally be able to leave all this behind and go back to her old life.
*****
Katelyn finally realized that even if two people looked exactly alike, coming from different worlds meant they'd still be completely different inside.
The one she truly loved was Michael, the man she'd grown up with in the orphanage, her closest companion.
She used to think the universe was being kind, letting her meet Ethan here, healthy and whole, so she could keep her story with Michael going.
Even after marrying Ethan, when he kept her at arm's length, she just chalked it up to him being naturally reserved.
But that day, when she saw Ethan softly resting his hand on another woman's pregnant belly, everything became painfully clear—he never truly loved her. There was no reason for her to hold on any longer.
Katelyn drew in a steadying breath, gathering herself before meeting Ethan's gaze with quiet resolve.
"I understand. She's expecting, and her husband's out of the picture. It's only right for you to help her out," Katelyn said.
But Ethan frowned. "I'm telling you the truth here, and I'm being sincere. Do you have to be so snarky about it?"
"Chloe knew yesterday was our anniversary. She kept urging me to come home. Why are you so hostile toward her?" Ethan said.
Katelyn scoffed, "I'm Hostile toward her?"
Lately, they were constantly arguing because of Chloe.
Back in her original world, Katelyn and Michael never fought, whether they were dating or married.
Katelyn never understood why Ethan cared so much about Chloe when she was only his assistant.
She finally realized that people would treat whoever they loved differently.
No matter how much Ethan looked like Michael, they were not the same person.
Before Ethan could say another word, Katelyn steadied herself and let out a breath, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders.
"I was overreacting. It won't happen again," she said, her voice calm and final.
Not that it mattered—there wouldn't be a next time for them anyway.
Ethan hadn't expected Katelyn to agree so quickly. A strange look flashed across his face, and he replied in his usual stiff, awkward tone, "Suit yourself."
He glanced at the plane ticket Katelyn had booked, and even he seemed a bit relieved. "Getting out for a bit might do you some good. Take it easy."
Katelyn didn't bother with Ethan's reaction. She turned around and started packing up her things.
She'd lived here for three years, her presence lingering in every corner. Since she was leaving, she wanted to wipe away every trace of herself.