Chapter 4

Charlotte continued, "I already told you, it's only for seven days. Find something of your own to do over the next few days instead of pestering us. I told you we're getting remarried. Why won't you listen?"

Looking at the deep disappointment written across her face, I felt nothing.

"Sorry," I said quietly. "My bad. It won't happen again."

I turned to leave, but Charlotte froze and suddenly caught my arm. A hint of sympathy crossed her face.

"I'm sorry, Alan. I was too harsh. I promise, he's just a fling. I don't really have feelings for him. No one is ever going to take your place. Please, just trust me, okay?"

I nodded. "Okay."

I pulled my arm free and walked away alone.

For the next few days, I stayed inside the hotel to avoid running into them again.

During that time, Bradley tracked down my socials and deliberately sent me photos of him and Charlotte together.

"Alan, Charlotte took me shopping for a suit. It cost thousands of dollars."

"Alan, I'm staying at your place tonight. You won't get mad, will you?"

"Alan, you must be furious, right? But what can you do? An old face like yours just can't give Charlotte that spark anymore."

I didn't reply to a single message.

I passed the days in quiet solitude, eating three simple meals a day, much like the years I spent waiting at home for Charlotte to return.

On the seventh day, I put on a clean set of clothes, checked out of the hotel, and got into my car. I drove aimlessly down the road, ready to greet the end of my life.

Along the way, Charlotte—who hadn't reached out in days—unexpectedly called.

Her voice sounded bright and cheerful. "Honey, I'll be back home right at midnight to be with you. You must be happy, right?"

I gave a few hollow responses and hung up.

The next second, a violent crash roared through the air, and a crimson haze burst across my vision.

The car slammed into the median, and flames instantly engulfed the vehicle.

Agony tore through every inch of my body as my consciousness began to fade.

Was this finally over?

Through the haze, I faintly heard sirens. Soon, several people pulled me from the wreckage.

I saw someone pick up my phone and dial Charlotte's number.

"Hello? Is this Alan Miller's family? He's been in a terrible car accident."

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Bradley's voice cut in. "Charlotte, it's the very last day. Is Alan really that impatient that he has to make up a lie like this to trick you into going back?"

Charlotte quickly cut Bradley off and grabbed the phone.

"Alan, stop making jokes like this," she said softly. "It's not nice. Didn't I say I'd be back at midnight? Just wait for me."

The person holding the phone realized she'd misunderstood and tried to explain. "No, wait—"

But Charlotte hung up.

With no other choice, the paramedics focused on trying to save me.

My consciousness grew fainter, and even the excruciating pain began to fade away.

I was rushed to the hospital, where they hooked me up to countless life-support machines, but nothing worked. The monitor beeped faintly as my vital signs dwindled.

Flashes of my life with Charlotte since I'd arrived in this world swept through my mind.

Our first encounter, confessing our feelings, falling in love, walking down the aisle…

She once promised she would love me forever.

Then she said she couldn't help falling for new men, but I would always be her husband.

In the end, I didn't even get to keep the title of her husband.

I was left with nothing.

Tears slid down my face.

The system's voice echoed in my head. "Beginning countdown to depart this world. Three… Two…"

At the same time, the heart monitor began to beep erratically.

As the countdown hit one, the line on the monitor went completely flat.

Midnight of the eighth day had arrived.

The next second, the ER doors burst open, and Charlotte rushed inside. "Alan, I'm back!"