Chapter 2

Jason’s POV

I looked around. Everything. The furniture, the design, felt familiar. It looked exactly like our old house before I left Catheryn. I quickly glanced at the bedside table and grabbed my phone.

20XX? Thirty years ago?

"Jason? Is something wrong? You're not even late yet," I heard Catheryn say. I turned to look at her. I saw the young face of Catheryn, my 23-year-old wife.

I couldn’t stop myself from hugging her. Is this real? Did I really come back to the past? Or is this just a dream? Whichever it is, even if they give me just one day, I won’t complain. I’ll use this chance to take care of her, even if it’s just for a moment.

“W-what’s going on? Why are you hugging me?” Catheryn asked. I knew she was confused by my actions, but I didn’t care.

“Nothing. I just want to,” I replied. And she let me hold her.

Suddenly, I remembered everything that happened before—the harsh words I threw at her, the accusations I made when I believed she was doing awful things to Eunice. But the truth was, it was Eunice who was secretly hurting Catheryn. Eunice fooled me for 30 years.

But this time, she won’t succeed. I don’t know how long this dream will last, but until it ends, I won’t leave Catheryn’s side.

“I don’t know what’s going on, but if you don’t start getting ready now, you might be late for your meeting. You said you have one at 10 AM.” She lightly tapped my back. “I’m going to make you breakfast. You came home drunk last night, so you probably have a hangover.”

“I actually feel fine. But I won’t say no to your cooking,” I smiled at her.

“Y-you sure?” she asked, clearly unsure. I nodded.

“Of course. Let me take a shower first,” I said, kissing her on the cheek before heading to the bathroom.

Thirty minutes later, I came downstairs and saw Catheryn setting the table. When I got close, I kissed her again on the cheek. I saw the surprise on her face as she turned away, her cheeks blushing.

“I made you some hangover soup,” Catheryn said, stepping away slightly.

I couldn’t blame her. She must be confused by how affectionate I was being. The truth is, I used to ignore her. I didn’t even bother eating the breakfasts she made for me back then.

“By the way, Catheryn, what month is it now?” I asked as I sat down.

“It’s still March. Why?” she answered, slightly frowning. I shook my head.

“Nothing. Just curious.”

I immediately calculated things in my head. Eight months from now, I’d leave Catheryn for Eunice. Next month, Eunice is supposed to return to the country. I have to think of a way to avoid that woman.

I took a bite of the food Catheryn made—and I was surprised. It was delicious, even though it was simple. Especially the soup.

“What do you call this soup, Catheryn? It’s really good.”

She smiled. “Really? I actually saw it on YouTube. They said it’s a hangover soup usually served after drinking too much. I liked the taste, so I tried making it.”

“I love it. And this whole breakfast, really.”

She looked at the food she made. “Actually, I didn’t expect you to eat breakfast. You usually eat at work. But I’m really happy that you did. They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day.”

I smiled. “I know. And you can expect me to eat breakfast with you every day from now on. By the way, do you have work today?”

“Yes, I have work. Just office stuff, though. Why do you ask?” she asked, slightly frowning. I held her hand.

“I’ll pick you up later. Let’s have dinner together. My treat,” I said. I saw the joy in her eyes.

Back in the past, I wasn’t treating Catheryn well—especially when my friends started teasing me about Eunice. Everyone thought I only felt indebted to Catheryn, not love. But not anymore.

“Aren’t you busy? Or hanging out with your friends?”

“I think there’s nothing going on. We just went out last night. And if they invite me again, I can always say no, right?”

“Okay. I get off at 7 PM. Do you know my office address?” she asked. I shook my head.

“Send it to me. I’ll pick you up later, okay?”

“Okay!” She looked so excited. I never once picked her up from work before.

“You can also choose where we’ll eat later.”

She nodded. “Sure. There’s a place I really wanted to try. I heard the food there is great. I want to try it with you.”

“Alright.” I stood up and this time, kissed her on the top of her head. I saw her flinch and smiled. I didn’t know she was this shy when it came to affection. Maybe she just wasn’t used to receiving it from me.

But as long as this dream lasts, I’ll shower her with care and love. Loving Catheryn isn’t hard—I realized that during my final moments. I just used to be blind because of my trust and feelings for Eunice.

But this time, it will be different.

I went to the office and got straight to work. My main goal now is to secure everything and put all my assets under Catheryn’s name including those meant for our future children.

I heard a knock at the door. My secretary, Mike, came in.

“Sir, Mr. Patrick called,” he said.

“What did he say? Did you tell him I’m busy?”

“I did, sir, but he insisted on speaking with you. He said it’s important.” I sighed and massaged my temples.

“Alright. I’ll call him.” I dialed Patrick.

“Jason! Are you coming tonight? We’re celebrating Katrina and Kalil’s engagement!” he said.

“Pass. I can’t go. I’ll just send them a gift later,” I explained.

“What? You can’t be absent! You’re the only one missing if you don’t come. You have to be there!” Patrick insisted. I sighed deeply.

“What time is it? I already have another appointment scheduled.”

“6 PM. At the usual place. If you don’t show up, your loss.” Then the call ended. I shook my head. I really hope I won’t be late picking up Catheryn tonight.

But suddenly, I felt uneasy. Like something bad was going to happen today, and I didn’t know what. Like I was forgetting something important.

That’s when I remembered what happened on this day. And I regretted showing up at this engagement party. It felt like fate was pulling me back into the mess I was trying to escape.

“Jason! I didn’t expect to see you again… I missed you.” Eunice said, holding onto my arm.

F*ck.