Chapter 3

Mom smacked Dad's arm with an annoyed huff. "You've been using that same old fireworks display for a few decades now! Do you really think young people nowadays enjoy these sorts of things?"

I was overjoyed when I saw Mom and Dad looking so young. I pulled them both into a hug and exclaimed, "I'm back, Mom and Dad! I missed you guys so much!"

My parents were both taken aback by how I was acting, but then they broke into smiles.

Mom patted me on the back, looking just as thrilled. "What's gotten into you? How come you're acting so clingy after proposing to someone? Did it work out, Tyler?"

I felt strangely put on the spot, given that I hadn't proposed to Matilda at all. I was just genuinely happy to see them. "You've got it all wrong. I'm not—"

I was just about to set things straight when Dad suddenly cut me off. "You don't have to explain anything to us, Tyler. I completely get it!"

They both acted like they knew exactly what was going on and acted all secretive about it, which left me amused and helpless.

Mom held onto Dad's arm and flashed me a warm smile. "Oh, by the way, Tyler! Your birthday is tomorrow, so your father and I have put together a surprise for you!"

I froze for a moment. I didn't remember this happening at all in my past life. I had spent two straight days drinking with my friends after Matilda rejected my proposal, and when I finally sobered up, Dad had to come and drag me home.

I realized that because I chose differently in this lifetime, my future path had shifted as well.

But I didn't feel any panic about not knowing what was coming next. I was just grateful for a second chance. I was determined to cherish this new life and make every single opportunity count.

Mom and Dad had always doted on me, so they went all out for my birthday party. They had even brought in event planners to deck out the villa for that very day.

I couldn't help but wonder if they had decorated the villa like this in my past life too, only to spend two days waiting for me to show up. Dad had probably heard from someone that I had been rejected and made a fool of myself, then had to track his drunk son down and drag me home.

I felt slightly guilty just thinking about that.

I thought the birthday party would just be a fun, lively gathering, but on the second day, someone unexpected showed up. Matilda appeared in the garden in a white dress, standing alongside Mom and Dad as they introduced her to our relatives. She would occasionally look at me with a gentle smile.

I stood there frozen as they walked up, letting out a barely noticeable frown.

Mom patted Matilda's hand affectionately while Dad added, "Do you see how beautiful and thoughtful Matilda is, Tyler? She knew it was your birthday, so she came all the way here just to sing for you."

I pinched the bridge of my nose and, under Mom and Dad's pointed looks, said stiffly, "Thanks."

Matilda's eyes lit up as she smiled at me. "You're welcome! I'll sing one of your favorite songs later!"

I remained silent while she took her place on the small stage in the garden. She sang my favorite song as the band accompanied her. I stood in the crowd feeling completely miserable and out of place.

I couldn't embarrass Mom and Dad during this time, so I was forced to squeeze out a smile to acknowledge Matilda's birthday wishes delivered before everyone.

In my past life, we were married for ten years, yet she had rarely ever wished me a happy birthday.

I pulled Matilda aside once that agonizing ordeal was finally over and asked her sternly, "What are you playing at, Matilda? We're nowhere near close enough for you to show up at my birthday party!"

Matilda froze, her eyes instantly welling up with tears. "I just wanted to celebrate your birthday with you…"

She broke down the next moment and began crying uncontrollably.

I was baffled by her reaction, but seeing her cry still caused an involuntary pang in my chest. After all, ten years of feelings couldn't possibly be erased overnight.

Still, I couldn't figure out why she was crying. In my past life, I had seen her cry only a handful of times in ten years.

"What are you—"