Chapter 1

My husband and I died in a terrible car crash on our way home for the holidays.

When I opened my eyes, we had woken up twelve years in the past, right before we started dating.

In our past life, we were married for seven years. We lived like polite roommates, and he refused to even have a child with me.

Only later did I find out he had always loved another woman.

Given a second chance at life, we both silently deleted each other's contact info, choosing entirely separate paths.

Twelve years later, I was back on the medical career path I had abandoned in my past life. He had become a top-tier Wall Street investment trader, announcing his engagement to Vivian at our high school reunion.

Seeing me walk into the banquet hall alone, he couldn't resist a mocking jab.

"Jennifer, I know you still love me, but you really don't need to keep waiting."

I ignored him and took my son's hand.

Chris's face instantly drained of color. His eyes went red as he stared at me.

"Didn't you say you'd love me forever? That you only wanted to have my children?"

Chris and I crossed paths again at our high school reunion, twelve years later.

I had just stepped out of the OR and taken a cab straight to the Manhattan banquet hall.

Chris stood in the center of the room, one hand resting casually on Vivian's waist, soaking up the crowd's fawning.

"Chris, you're absolutely killing it. A few years on Wall Street and your year-end bonus is already hitting six figures?"

"Are you kidding? I heard his total comp is enough to cover an average family's rent and living expenses for a whole year."

"Hey Chris, I've been getting into investing lately. For old times' sake, mind giving me some market tips?"

Someone else chimed in with a knowing smile. "Chris, are you and Vivian finally making it official?"

Chris looked down at Vivian, who blushed perfectly on cue. His gaze was gentle.

"Yeah. We're getting engaged on December twentieth."

A chorus of congratulations erupted around them.

Then, a voice piped up from the back. "Chris, do you still keep in touch with Jennifer? You two were the IT couple back in school."

At the mention of my name, the smile on Chris's face froze. His eyes darkened.

Vivian stood beside him, offering a flawless, polite smile.

"Oh, come on. Chris and I are getting married. Why bring that up? He moved on a long time ago."

The crowd laughed it off and went right back to praising how perfect they looked together.

In our past life, he and I had been together since high school.

He fell in love with me the first time he saw me. I still remember the earnest look on his face.

"Jennifer, look into my eyes. I like you. Eyes don't lie."

I believed him.

Unfortunately, the man from my past life lied to me anyway.

I walked calmly into the banquet hall. It didn't take long for sharp-eyed alumni to spot me.

"Jennifer? Why are you so late?"

"Why are you wearing sweats? Didn't you bring anything formal to change into?"

"Did you come straight from a shift? You look exhausted. A lot of us have connections now—we could totally help you find something less... grueling."

Laughter rippled through the group as they took in my outfit.

I didn't care. I just kept a polite smile on my face to keep up appearances.

From the moment I walked in, Chris's eyes never left me.

"Long time no see," I said politely.