Chapter 1

At this moment, my hand was already stretched out.

Just a few more inches, and I would have helped the old lady up.

Looking at her frail figure lying helplessly on the ground, it suddenly hit me that I had been reborn.

In my last life, it was because I helped this same old lady that my entire life fell apart.

The painful memories rushed back like a tidal wave.

I was the only son in my family, pampered and loved. My parents even had a car and a house ready for me before I graduated from college.

My wife, Cindy Ford, and I were sweethearts from our campus days all the way to the wedding altar. Our bond only deepened when our daughter, Tessa Hayes, was born.

Cindy's parents were retired teachers. They were well-off and always knew their boundaries. They never meddled in my relationship with Cindy.

As for my parents, they adored me.

But everything changed the moment I helped that old lady.

At first, I thought they were just worried that the old lady might try to extort me. But in reality, after thanking me, she disappeared without a trace. To this day, I didn't even know her name or where she lived.

No matter how much I tried to explain, no one believed me. Everyone looked at me with hatred, even Tessa.

I died without knowing the reason.

At this thought, my heart raced with anxiety.

Since helping the old lady would bring me trouble, if I didn't help her this time, nothing bad would happen, right?

So, without hesitation, I withdrew my hand and didn't even dare glance at the old lady on the ground.

I quickly turned and walked away.

"Honey."

The familiar voice made my heart skip a beat.

At the service station's mart, I saw that Cindy already had water and snacks and was waving at me. Tessa, holding some treats, called me "Dad", her smile wide.

My heart, which had been in my throat, finally relaxed.

In my last life, Cindy would've screamed at me and taken Tessa with her, leaving me behind. She certainly wouldn't have smiled like this.

It seemed like I made the right choice this time.

"Honey, do you need anything else?" Cindy asked.

"No, let's just head back."

I picked Tessa up, holding her close, eager to leave this gloomy place behind.

Before we left, something made me glance back at the spot where the old lady had been, but she was already gone.

I figured one of the service station staff had helped her up.

Regardless, it was over now. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders.

We got into the car, and Cindy continued driving down the highway.

The mood inside the car was warm and pleasant. I played with Tessa in the back seat while Cindy focused on the road. The car stereo was playing songs Tessa liked.

Just as I was feeling relieved that I'd changed my tragic fate from my last life, Cindy's phone rang.

The harsh ringtone shattered the peaceful vibe.

Cindy answered the call.

I couldn't tell what was said, but after a quick glance in my direction, her expression changed.

"Darling, what's wrong?"

I suddenly had a bad feeling in my gut.

Cindy, who usually answered every question I asked, ignored me this time. She handed the phone to Tessa coldly.

Sitting on my lap, Tessa took the phone with a confused look. Suddenly, she stopped playing with her toys and roughly pushed me away.

"I don't want you as my dad!"

Those were exactly the same words she had said in my last life!

It felt like I'd been struck by lightning, and I nearly passed out.

Meanwhile, Cindy had already pulled over, opened the back door, and roughly yanked me out of the car.

"I must have been blind to marry you! Get out! Don't dirty my car!" Cindy spat out angrily before getting back in the car.

The nightmare from my last life was repeating itself!

Why?

Why was this happening?

I hadn't helped the old lady this time, so why were Cindy and Tessa treating me the same way as before?