All Chapters of The Other Side of Reality: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

10 Chapters

Chapter 1

"Just fill in the name and give it to me," Jessica Carter said, rapping her knuckles impatiently on the table.I stared at the marriage application. As my fingers lightly traced the rough edge of the paper, my thoughts drifted.In my past life, I wrote my name down as seriously as if I were signing a royal decree before excitedly dragging her off to buy wedding favors.I ended up getting chewed out by Jessica, all because she was in a rush to go home and make soup for a sick Marcus Jensen.I gave a noncommittal response. "Yeah, okay."I glanced up, taking in her agitated expression and the way her eyes kept darting to her watch.Jessica was wearing a white shirt-dress today. The sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her slender forearms. I remembered that Marcus loved it when she dressed like this. He said she looked clean and fresh."If you've got things to take care of, go ahead," I said, forcing down the bitter tide rising in my chest and feigning nonchalance. "I'

Chapter 2

In reality, Marcus was just stringing Jessica along. After all, she was just an ordinary soldier at the time. Instead, he was holding out for someone he considered more impressive.I visited the college to inquire about the necessary preparations required for enrollment, as well as living expenses. Only after I had all the details straight did I feel reassured enough to head back.When I returned to Jessica's military housing and walked through the door, I heard Marcus whisper, "Jess, you rushed back to be with me instead of accompanying Zach. Won't he be upset?""I can spend time with him anytime," she replied. "But you're unwell, and I don't feel comfortable leaving you alone at home."He chuckled, his voice dropping into a teasingly forlorn tone. "Will you still treat me well after you marry him?""Of course," Jessica replied firmly. "Who else would I be nice to if not you? If Zachary mistreats you, I'll divorce him."My fists clenched tightly as I fought to swallow the bitter

Chapter 3

I replied, "No, thanks. I already ate out.""How is that possible? Aren't you usually the one who never wants to spend a dime?" Jessica asked.Her words stung, precisely because they were once true. I'd been frugal to a fault, saving every penny from my part-time job just to spend it on her and buy her stuff. Now that I was going to college, there was so much to spend on, and every penny also had to be carefully budgeted.I looked up at her and said calmly, "I remember giving you the money a few days ago to buy wedding supplies. It looks like you didn't buy anything with it, so just return it to me."Jessica froze for a second, then offered an awkward explanation. "That money… I used it to buy dress shoes for Marcus."I couldn't help pursing my lips. Seriously? It was the same nonsense as always."If there's nothing else, I'm closing the door and going to bed," I said."I'll pay you back tomorrow," Jessica said, with a hint of annoyance in her voice. "We're married. Do you rea

Chapter 4

"Let's go take the photos first. I'll go with you to buy whatever you need afterward," Jessica said firmly, as if giving me no room for refusal.Marcus chimed in, "Yeah, Zach. You're not refusing to go because of me, are you?"At that point, I didn't feel like arguing and just nodded in agreement.Early the following morning, I could hear Jessica fussing in Marcus' room, coaxing him out of bed. The bright red numbers on the calendar reminded me that my freedom was just four days away.Just as my patience was wearing thin, they finally dragged their feet out of the room.Jessica diligently fetched hot water and personally washed Marcus' face. I must have been blind in my past life to naively think that once we were married, she'd treat me the same way.I was lost in thought when Jessica shyly walked over to me, holding a ring. "Mrs. Wilson said couples these days wear wedding rings, so I got you one."I didn't take it when I recalled there had been no rings in my past life.As

Chapter 5

I smiled bitterly, and the last shred of hesitation in my heart vanished completely. So, this was what Jessica meant by treating me well from now on.The driver soon took me to the hospital. After a thorough examination, it turned out I only had some cuts and minor internal displacement. My whole body ached as I lay in the hospital bed, but my mind was surprisingly calm.Late that night, Jessica walked in with exhaustion written all over her face. Seeing I was awake, a flicker of panic crossed her features. "Are you alright? Do you feel any better?I looked at her coldly and said nothing.She wrung her hands nervously as she explained, "Marcus was traumatized by the accident. I've been staying with him this whole time, so…"Under my unwavering gaze, her words faltered, and she trailed off awkwardly."Listen. It all happened so fast, and Marcus was closer to me. I just reacted on instinct…" Jessica paused, seemingly searching for the right words. "I didn't know you would get hit."

Chapter 6

The air in Humridge was humid and warm.I stood in front of the college, and it felt surreal. While walking around the campus, it felt like I'd been given a second chance at life.During the day, I sat in lecture halls, listening attentively and soaking up knowledge. At night, I worked at a small diner, carrying trays and washing dishes. My back was sore by the end of every shift, but this kind of fatigue made me feel grounded.After one month, I gradually adapted to this busy but fulfilling life.One day, I found Jessica standing outside my dorm."Zachary, why are you doing this? Why did you write Marcus' name on the marriage application? And why didn't you go to Lisbeth?" Her voice was filled with anger and confusion.I met her gaze coldly. "I don't want a wife whose heart belongs to someone else. It's disgusting and makes me sick."Jessica stared at me in disbelief. "How can you say that? You weren't like this before."I turned my head away as a wave of nausea churned in my

Chapter 7

Mr. Holden looked at me, then at Jessica. After a moment of thought, he said, "Ms. Carter, since you have no relationship with Zachary, you're not authorized to submit a withdrawal request for him."Hearing that, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.Jessica tried to say something, but Mr. Holden cut her off, "If there's nothing else, please leave. I have work to attend to."…In the days that followed, Jessica still wouldn't leave me alone. She was driving me crazy with her constant pestering, and it was starting to affect my studies.And just when I thought things couldn't get worse, Marcus also showed up."Jess, I beg you. We need to go back and get a divorce. I can't do this… I can't steal my brother's wife. I'm a terrible person…"He tugged on Jessica's sleeve, and a few tears slipped down his face.Seeing that, Jessica's heart ached, and she pulled him into her arms, gently patting his back. "It's okay, Marcus. Don't cry. This isn't your fault. We'll go back right now. It'

Chapter 8

When winter break arrived, Margaret wouldn't stop calling. She kept urging me to come home for the holidays.The Carters had raised me, and I couldn't be too heartless. After much deliberation, I still bought a train ticket and returned to Montevale with bags full of gifts.The moment I stepped through the Carter residence's front door, a sharp, angry voice rang out."Jessica, what is your problem? Don't forget, you're my wife now."Hearing that, I was stunned. I saw Marcus sitting there, yelling at Jessica. Her face was pale, but she didn't dare argue."I want that watch, and you're going to buy it for me right now!" he shouted.She said tentatively, "I'll get it for you next time, okay? I've already used up this month's allowance.""You're useless. No wonder you're still stuck as a captain. You're not giving your money to Zach, are you?" he retorted.Jessica's expression shifted. "Marcus, don't talk nonsense. I cut things off with him long ago.""Cut things off? Do you take

Chapter 9

My patience finally ran out, and I directly asked her to leave. "Jessica, you should go. This isn't something you should be saying, nor is this a place you should be."So, she stood up dejectedly and left my room with heavy steps.I watched her leave without a single flicker of emotion. In both my past and present lives, she'd always wavered between two men and greedily wanted to have it all.Since Jessica and Marcus were already living here, there was no reason for me to stay. Plus, the Carter residence had never truly been my home, anyway.The next morning, I finished packing and knocked on Margaret's door. I handed her a bank card and said calmly, "Mrs. Carter, thank you for your care all these years. This card contains the money I've saved over the years. Consider it a token of my gratitude for raising me."She froze for a moment and refused, "I can't accept this…""Keep it," I said, picking up my luggage. "I have things to take care of at school, so I'm leaving now."With t

Chapter 10

That evening, we sat around the dining table, enjoying a steaming hot roasted turkey dinner. Dorothy kept loading my plate with food."Zachary, you should come visit more often. You're always welcome here," she said.I smiled and nodded, feeling a comforting warmth in my chest.After dinner, Melissa suggested we take a walk in the nearby park. The winter park was mostly empty, except for a few couples nestled together, enjoying the rare tranquility.We strolled along the lake in silence. Snowflakes drifted down like a thin veil, settling softly on our shoulders."Thank you, Melissa," I said, breaking the silence."What for?""For taking me in and giving me a warm place to stay," I replied.She looked at me with a teasing smile. "So, how about you repay me by giving yourself to me?"I froze for a moment, then huffed with mock indignation. "In your dreams!"Even as I said it, a small flutter stirred in my chest."Then tell me, how are you going to repay me? I'm the hero who re

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