Chapter 2

I tried to collect myself.

When I opened my eyes again, the words were even clearer.

"It's chemotherapy day. My hair is almost all gone. The doctor asked Ethan to come sign the papers, but he didn't show up."

"When I finally called him, his tone was full of blame. He complained that I'd interrupted him and Chloe's son on their way to meet potential in-laws, and that I'd almost ruined Chloe's son's engagement."

"After he hung up, the three million in my account for treatment was transferred out, every last penny."

"Ethan rarely sent me a message. He said it was to apologize for me, to use the money for Chloe's son's wedding expenses."

"I was so numb, I couldn't even feel angry anymore."

Seeing those words, my throat tightened, and I trembled uncontrollably.

I couldn't be mistaken. This was my handwriting, my usual diary format.

This was written by me, thirty years in the future.

Only then did I realize that my future self, the me who married Ethan, lived such a wretched life.

And that Ethan, who had chased me for so long, had done it all for Chloe.

"Audrey?" Ethan's heavy breathing cut through my thoughts. "What's wrong?"

I snapped my eyes open and saw his face inches from mine. My heart instantly pounded like it would burst.

He was handsome.

I'd had a crush on him for over ten years, and I never imagined I'd be this close to him one day.

Seeing me frozen, he gently put his hand on my waist. "Audrey, I know you intentionally seduced me, but it's okay, I don't mind."

"As long as you stay here with me, I'll take responsibility for you."

Hearing his words, I instinctively looked up at the floating text.

"Audrey, do you want to start over?"

"If you start over, will your life be brilliant?"

Tears streamed down my face. Then, using all my strength, I shoved Ethan away. "No!"

Ethan stumbled to the side, his face aghast. "What?"

I stared at him, my mind filled with those diary entries.

"Thirty years."

"I wasted thirty years of my life, just for him to say 'sorry'."

"Why me?"

My stomach churned. I instinctively pushed past him and rushed into the bathroom, locking the door behind me.

Yeah, why me?

"Audrey!" Ethan snapped out of it and rushed after me. "What are you doing! Open the door!"

"You're the one who invited me up here! Are you playing games with me now?!"