Chapter 1
In my previous life, I was married to Lucas Bennett for eight years. Our relationship was polite, but distant.
To support his dream of becoming a painter, I gave up my own ambitions.
But as life got harder, Lucas grew resentful.
He finally snapped, telling me, "If I had listened to Isabelle back then and gone abroad with her, I wouldn't be stuck in this miserable life."
Fate gave us a chance to start over.
We both woke up before our relationship began. This time, I chose to let him go.
We silently deleted each other from our contacts and went our separate ways.
He went overseas to find his cherished Isabelle.
I stayed behind, dedicating myself to my work in the lab.
Eight years later, we met again. He looked down on me, sneering at how "pathetic" my life seemed.
But his composure shattered when a little girl ran up, calling me "Mommy."
He demanded, furious and hurt, "How could you have a child with another man?"
*****
Lucas and I met again eight years later at an alumni reunion.
I'd just emerged from a grueling, back-to-back series of pharmacology experiments. I barely had time to tidy up before heading straight to the venue.
Lucas stood in a corner of the hall, Isabelle Carter by his side. They were surrounded by a cluster of elite alumni, the air buzzing with enthusiastic praise.
"Lucas, you're truly remarkable. You've only been in Newcrest's finance scene for a few years and you're already one of the most influential investment strategists. You're Central City High's pride," one of them said.
"No kidding. I heard even the big-name international financiers are lining up to have dinner with Lucas. His consulting fees alone are astronomical," another one added.
"Lucas, I've been dabbling in the capital markets lately. Could you spare some insider tips for an old classmate?" someone asked.
A guy in the crowd piped up curiously, "Lucas, I hear you and Isabelle are getting serious. Is an engagement on the cards?"
Lucas gazed tenderly at Isabelle, who was nestled against him. "Yes, we're getting engaged this month."
Another round of congratulations rippled through the group.
A friend asked, "Lucas, are you still in touch with Emily? You two were the 'it' couple back in school. I heard you even wrote a song for her."
Hearing my name, I saw Lucas's smile freeze. His eyes darkened slightly.
Isabelle, standing beside him, gave a practiced, graceful smile. "Oh, come on, Lucas and I are getting married. Let's leave the past in the past. Young love is sweet, but it often fades with the wind. He's long over Emily. His heart belongs to me now."
Everyone laughed and resumed complimenting the 'perfect' couple.
But I knew the truth. That song, "Look Into My Eyes," was written by Lucas when he confessed his feelings to me. Its melody was once filled with his deep affection and promises.
In our previous life, we were the golden couple everyone admired. It was love at first sight.
He had once looked at me with utter sincerity and said, "Emily, look into my eyes. I love you. Eyes can't lie."
I believed him. Sadly, in our previous life, his eyes did lie.
A soft smile touched my lips as I entered the hall.
Someone from our old circle spotted me. "Emily, you're finally here!"
"Why are you so underdressed? Didn't you bother to change into something formal?" another one asked.
"You didn't just come from work, did you? Where are you working these days? If it's tough, maybe one of the successful folks here can hook you up with something easier," someone sneered.
People glanced at my casual attire, and several snide remarks reached my ears.
I didn't let it bother me, maintaining a polite and composed demeanor.
Lucas's eyes had been on me from the moment I walked in.
I greeted him courteously. "Long time no see."
Lucas seemed momentarily stunned, a complex, unreadable emotion flashing in his eyes before it was replaced by a sneer. "Emily. Years later, and you're still the same. Still lacking any ambition."
Isabelle shot me a resentful look.
She deliberately tightened her grip on Lucas's arm, practically draping herself over him as if marking her territory.
In a syrupy, condescending tone meant for me, she chided, "Lucas, don't be so rude to an old friend. Her life might not be great, but we shouldn't rub salt in the wound. Emily has it hard enough already."
She gave me a once-over, her expression dripping with mock sympathy.
"But Emily, your outfit is quite a mismatch. You're not getting any younger. A woman should really put more effort into her appearance. Otherwise, who would ever want to marry you? What man likes a woman who doesn't take care of herself?" she asked.
"Do you want me to lend you a dress?" she added.
As soon as she finished, the people around us tittered.
Isabelle, after all, was decked head-to-toe in luxury brands, every hair perfectly in place, exuding the aura of a wealthy socialite.
I, on the other hand, had just come from a 24-hour stint in a medicinal chemistry lab, surrounded by reagents and equipment. I was exhausted.
I wore a comfortable tracksuit, not a designer label, but something I'd carefully picked from a local store. It was simple and allowed me to move freely.
"No, thank you. I'm just here to get a good meal," I replied simply, turning my attention to the food.
After the intense lab work, I hadn't eaten all day and desperately needed the energy.
Suddenly, Lucas walked over and placed a bank card on the table in front of me. "There's 60 grand on this card. Consider it a favor for old times' sake. Take care of yourself, get a decent job, buy some new clothes, and start caring about yourself for once.
"Emily, what's past is past. Don't dwell on it.
"If it weren't for you, Ah, forget it. It doesn't matter now.
"What matters is that you shouldn't lose all will to live just because I left. Don't throw your life away, okay?"
I looked up, confused. What was he about to say? What did I do in our previous life that made him so determined to abandon me in this life?