He Dumped Me Before Deadline

After I signed, Calvin quickly tucked the divorce papers away.The others traded looks, grinning like their little plan had paid off.That was when I finally got it.Tonight's reunion had been set up for me.On the screen behind Calvin, something flashed across the display. Only I could see it.Two red words:[Mission Failed.]The System's voice slammed into my head.[Target has initiated divorce intent.][Marriage duration required to clear life debt: seven full years.][Current shortfall: one hour and thirty minutes.][Erasure countdown activated.][You will be erased in forty-eight hours.]Then the voice changed.[Exception granted due to your pathetic status. Complete three tasks within the time limit to survive.][Task One: Make Calvin publicly confess his feelings for you.]I laughed.I had literally just signed the divorce papers, and now the System wanted him to confess to me?Molly suddenly stood up, her face tight."Calvin, if you have to agree to Rhea's un

Calvin went quiet for a second, then let out a sigh."It was just a game. Why couldn't you just go along with it?"I answered casually."The second thing—clear your schedule tomorrow and spend the day with me."His face instantly darkened."I've been way too nice to you, haven't I? You're really pushing it."He slammed the door on his way out.Bitterness filled my mouth.I already knew this was how it'd end.The next morning, Calvin still showed up. He knocked on my door with a sour look on his face."I lost a hundred grand because of you today. Whatever you want, make it quick."Because of me?More like because he couldn't wait to marry Molly.The System told me the date itself didn't matter. I just had to keep Calvin with me for six straight hours.So I took him to the mall to kill time.The whole time, his eyes never left his phone.Every so often, he'd stop outside a clothing store or luxury shop and casually buy a few things.All for Molly.Seven years of marriag

He had no idea how right he was.My voice stayed calm."I was kidding before. Meet me at the county courthouse tomorrow morning."Calvin sounded surprised."That easy? Since when did you become so reasonable?""Don't want to? Forget it.""Wait. You'd better not be pulling anything."He agreed almost instantly.***At nine the next morning, we were standing in the hallway outside the county courthouse.The family court office and county clerk's office were on the same floor, separated by nothing but a hallway.Because I was one minute late, Calvin immediately snapped."Rhea, what now? So you were faking being sick yesterday too? People like you always stick around. You'll probably live to a hundred."His friends looked just as smug.They were all waiting for Calvin and Molly to get their license, holding confetti and ready to celebrate.I almost laughed.Back then, whenever Calvin and I made plans, he was never on time. He stood me up over and over, enjoying watching me

Third-Person POVInside the county clerk's office, Calvin and Molly leaned together for photos.The photographer kept hyping them up. "Closer. Come on, closer. More couple vibes."Calvin barely looked present. His eyes kept drifting to the door. Then Owen, one of his friends, came rushing in, his face completely drained."Calvin, this is bad! Rhea collapsed outside the courthouse!"Calvin shot up so fast he knocked the tripod over and headed straight for the door.The other guys grabbed him and threw Owen a look."Owen, seriously? Why're you making it sound like Rhea's dying? You know her. She probably pulled another stunt, acting sick to get Calvin's attention.""Yeah. And if she's REALLY sick, why now? Right when you and Molly are about to get your marriage certificate? Come on. She's doing it on purpose. If you go out there, you're walking straight into it."Calvin froze mid-step. His expression shifted as he looked down and nodded."You've got a point. Didn't think she'd

Every time, he'd hit me with that mocking look, throw out some sarcastic crap, then send ten or twenty bucks like it was some kind of joke.This was the first time he'd ever cared about me.So why the hell did it happen after I was dead?***By the time Calvin and Molly got on the train back to his hometown, it was already late.Sasha finally lost it and texted him:[Calvin, didn't you say you were coming to see Rhea? Where are you? Are you coming or not?]Only then did Calvin remember.[Sorry. Something came up. Next time.]The typing bubble sat there for a full five minutes.Calvin frowned.Molly glanced over. "Rhea's probably right there with her and found out you're not coming. She's definitely pissed."The next second, Sasha sent one last message:[There won't be a next time.]Molly smiled and smoothly flipped the whole story around."See? Told you it was Rhea. She's just throwing a fit. Looks like she's fine, so stop worrying. When I get back, even if she hits me,