Loved in Rebirth

"Mr. Reed, why on earth are you filing for divorce?"

The housekeeper, Dilly Carter's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "You and Ms. Summers have been married for so many years. Your life together has always seemed peaceful and happy. She has always treated you well, and you should think about the children too, shouldn't you?"

Julia Summers, my wife, was the golden girl of Astoria City's elite circle. Her grandfather had been a diplomat, and she was beautiful, young, and had already taken over the family business. Her future was limitless.

Even though my father, Richard Reed, was the richest man in Astoria, I'd still come from humble roots. Marrying her had always felt like reaching above my station.

Since our wedding, Julia would come home right after work. There were never any scandals or gossip about her.

Our children were bright, well-behaved, and never caused trouble. We were the picture-perfect family anyone would envy.

However, after living an entire life once before, I knew the truth: all of it was a lie.

I looked into the mirror at the young, handsome face staring back at me and said firmly, "Yes. I don't want Julia Summers or the kids anymore. I'll tell the family tonight that I'm moving back home tomorrow."

Dilly swallowed her tears and quietly left the room.

Just then, Julia walked in, holding a drink. She was never the type to bring anything home, but lately she'd started coming back late, and always with something in her hands.

I figured she bought it for someone else and just picked up an extra on impulse, hoping that tiny gesture would soothe her guilt.

She set the drink on the table. Seeing that I made no move to take it, a faint crease appeared between her brows.

"Why aren't you drinking it? I brought it especially for you."

"I don't drink anything sweet," I said evenly.

The drinks she brought home were always sugary, so sweet that I practically needed insulin just from the smell. That was exactly what Henry Stone liked.

Julia's bright, beautiful face flickered with embarrassment.

"I thought maybe your taste changed," she said, shifting the cup aside. "I'll check tomorrow if they have anything unsweetened."

When I didn't react, she looked uncomfortable. "Work's been crazy lately. I'll probably have to sleep at the office for a while."

"Mm. Must be tough," I replied coolly.

Julia frowned, sensing something off. "Jake, you know how important this project is. I need you to understand that, okay?"

I just nodded lightly.

"Spring's coming soon," she said after a pause. "I haven't bought any new clothes yet. Will you come shopping with me?"

"I'll pass," I said without hesitation.

In my last life, I used to coax her for hours before she'd let me tag along when she went shopping or ordered new clothes. Now that she was the one asking, I couldn't care less.

Julia clearly hadn't expected such a flat rejection. Her face twisted with disbelief, then frustration. She grabbed her purse, stormed toward the door, and snapped, "Suit yourself!"

The door slammed.

On the outside, I sat perfectly still, calm as ever, but inside, a faint ache spread through my chest.