Chapter 3

Back then, Christopher was short and skinny. Although he was already eight years old, he looked barely five.

Mom had a soft heart. She felt sorry for him and even called his parents to talk about his nanny. In the end, she brought him home to live with us.

If it hadn't been for Mom, he might not have grown up safe and sound.

But even after all that kindness, he still showed no mercy when he came for her life.

He let go of my arm now, eyes clouded with mixed emotions.

"Alice, were you reborn too?"

I admitted it without hesitation. "Yeah. So drop the act, Christopher."

Hearing me admit it, Christopher actually let out a long breath of relief.

"Alice, you know that the surgery in our past life was an accident. This time, I'll make sure the surgical plan is perfect. Besides, who else in Aloria could possibly match my skill?"

As he spoke, he took my hand, eyes full of tenderness.

"We were married for so long. Haven't I always treated you well? Why don't you trust me?"

Christopher was always playing the role of a devoted husband.

But in our past life, he used "intimacy anxiety" as an excuse to avoid me after the wedding. He even secretly drugged me with sedatives just so he could bring Jennifer back to our home.

Whenever I caught glimpses of what was going on, he brushed it off as my hallucinations. I even blamed myself, thinking I was mentally unstable.

"Christopher, did you ever love me?" I stared straight into his eyes, trying to catch even a hint of sincerity.

He didn't even hesitate. "Of course."

He really was a brilliant actor. It was a waste that he ended up working as a doctor.

"Then, tell me. What exactly was that piece of meat in the fridge?"

A crack finally formed in his composed facade. His fingers clenched the hem of his shirt.

I had found it while cleaning the fridge. It was placed inside a delicate little box. When I opened it, the inside of the lid read, "To my dearest darling."

I'd wanted to throw it out immediately. Yet, he slapped me and screamed hysterically, "Don't touch my stuff!"

That was the first time he ever hit me, and the first time I saw that monstrous look on his face. It was obvious who the box was meant for.

"It's just a specimen I admired as a doctor."

He paused for a moment before abruptly shifting to his gentle voice.

"Why don't we hold the wedding in a few days? I know you've always wanted to marry me since you were a kid. Bring Ms. Morgan back to our hospital. Don't gamble with her health out of spite. You can't afford the kind of care she needs."

He spoke as if he'd already decided everything, and I just needed to go along with it.

I was about to say no when a weak voice cut in.

"Chris, are you two getting married?"

It was Jennifer, of course. She stood at the doorway, looking frail and sickly. Her eyes were filled with heartbreak and disbelief.

Her vulnerability made Christopher panic. He rushed to her side, full of concern.

"What are you doing here? You should be resting!"

Tears streamed down Jennifer's face.

"I shouldn't have come. I know that. I just wanted to wish you happiness," she said between sobs, her voice full of sorrow and reluctant acceptance.

Christopher grew more anxious. "You know exactly…"

Clearly aware of my presence, he swallowed the rest of his words.

I'd had enough of their sick little performance. I grabbed my packed things and turned to leave.

He caught my wrist and spoke in a rushed tone. "Let's register the marriage tomorrow."

"I'm not going," I said, yanking my hand out of his grip.

"Be good. I'll come pick you up at your house tomorrow." His tone was firm, leaving no room for argument.

I was just about to respond when Jennifer conveniently collapsed.

Christopher let out a cry and scooped her into his arms, shouting for a nurse.

The ward erupted in chaos. He didn't even look at me once. From his arms, Jennifer shot me a smug, taunting smile.