Chapter 2

In reality, Vivian was just stringing Sebastian along. After all, Sebastian was merely a captain at the time—she wanted to wait for someone better.

I went to the school to inquire about everything needed for university enrollment, including living expenses, before heading home with peace of mind.

Returning to Sebastian's military housing, I heard Vivian's coquettish voice the moment I walked in.

"Seb, you actually rushed back to keep me company instead of staying with my sister. Won't she be angry?"

"I can spend time with her anytime, but you're always in pain during your period. I worry about leaving you alone at home."

Vivian laughed happily, then put on a dejected act. "Seb, will you still treat me well after marrying my sister?"

"Of course." Sebastian's tone was firm. "Who else would I treat well? If your sister treats you badly, I'll divorce her!"

I clenched my fists tightly to suppress the heartache welling up inside. Even with a second chance at life, hearing my own husband speak so coldly about me still hurt.

I composed myself and walked into the house as if nothing had happened. Sebastian emerged from Vivian's room with a trace of embarrassment on his face.

"I-I'm just checking on Viv because she wasn't feeling well."

I hummed indifferently and turned to head to my room. In my previous life, I fought with him countless times over their inappropriate intimacy. In this lifetime, I refused to waste my time and energy.

He called out to me, "Rachel, how about we buy some wedding favors to distribute to the other military wives in the housing complex?"

I looked at him with surprise, then realized this was probably his way of compensating for my unusual silence. "No need. There's no point in such formalities."

He was stunned, probably finding it hard to imagine I would refuse such a proposal.

"Are you angry because Seb took care of me, Rach?" Vivian emerged from her room with a face full of grievance and innocence.

She was wearing the dress I had bought explicitly for our wedding photos—something I saved up half a year for in my previous life but never dared to wear even once.

Seeing my gaze, Vivian frantically explained, "I saw this beautiful outfit by your bedside today and wanted to try it on. I forgot to change out of it."

She lowered her head, wringing her fingers like a child who had done something wrong.

Sebastian instinctively began, "Rachel, don't—"

I interrupted him calmly, "It looks good on you. Keep it. I've never worn it anyway."

I still remembered the faint smell of blood and sweat on that dress, and how I ran home crying in the middle of the night. The memory disgusted me now.

Under their astonished gazes, I returned to my room and locked the door. I pulled out the folder containing my acceptance letter from Southport University.

In my previous life, I wanted to live in Southport, especially Southport University offered my dream major in finance and economics.

In my past life, I gave up my education to support Sebastian and willingly stayed home to care for his parents. This time, I still had a chance, so I wanted to live only for myself.

I flipped through the calendar. There were only ten more days until I could leave this place. Time was tight, but I had to use every minute I could spare.

A sudden knock interrupted my thoughts, and I opened the door impatiently.

Sebastian stood there holding a bowl of noodles, his tone gentle as he said, "You must be hungry. I made you some instant noodles."

I was dazed for a moment. In my previous life, he was either cold as ice toward me or only spoke harshly.