- 13 hours ago
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00:01After coming back to life, the first thing I did was drop to my knees in front of my parents.
00:07Dad, Mom, about the marriage with the Blackhodes, I want to marry Alexander Blackhode.
00:12Celestia, you've always been head over wheels for Jasper. Alexander is his uncle.
00:16I know what happens when I choose Jasper, so I won't choose him anymore, please.
00:25If you've made up your mind, we'll go to the Blackwood Estate, but Alexander may not agree.
00:30My phone rang. Jasper. Nightfall, get over here.
00:34The moment I pushed open the private room door, a bucket of cold water dumped over my head.
00:39Oh, look. Huntington's little princess is here now.
00:42Jasper walked toward me.
00:45You really can't wait. Now the whole city thinks we're engaged. Happy?
00:49I wiped my face.
00:52The marriage between our families is happening, but don't worry. This has nothing to do with you.
00:59Nothing to do with me? Who else in the Blackwood family would even touch you?
01:06Bianca rushed in.
01:08Young master, I heard you're getting married. I hope you and Miss Heddington have a perfect life.
01:20Bianca.
01:21Jasper shoved past me, knocking me into a table.
01:24Blood poured down my face. I watched him disappear. Memories crashed in.
01:29In my last life, I'd married him anyway. He never loved me.
01:33The day my daughter was kidnapped, Jasper chose Bianca's son.
01:36My daughter was pushed off a high floor. I jumped after her.
01:41You can't force love. Even if you marry him, you'll cry alone.
01:45My phone buzzed.
01:47Celeste, Alexander agreed. Wedding in half a month.
01:52Whether I'm happy after I'm married is none of your business.
01:56Tell Jasper for me. In half a week, I'm walking down the aisle, and the groom won't be him.
02:06I went home and gathered everything tied to Jasper.
02:10Photos, gifts, notes, and sealed it all into a box.
02:15Edward and Margaret returned.
02:18Celeste, are you really done with Jasper?
02:21It's all done. Nothing left.
02:24Alexander's overseas, but today the Black Hoods confirmed your marriage.
02:28He agreed fast.
02:30In my last life, Alexander had taken his own life at 35.
02:34When they cleaned out his study, they found letters.
02:37Everyone addressed, to my star.
02:39I knew who Star was.
02:41The night I was born, my grandfather had whispered that nickname.
02:44Tomorrow's your birthday.
02:46Alexander had his assistant bring this from his private study.
02:49Inside, a diamond ring that had sold at Christie's for the highest price in nearly 50 years.
02:55Its name was Star.
02:56I didn't expect Alexander to send something that priceless.
03:03The next night, my birthday banquet began.
03:06Halfway through, a wave of noise rippled through the crowd.
03:11Jasper had shown up, and Bianca was with him.
03:15Behind them, his friends carried a massive plaque straight toward me.
03:24Weren't you the ones swearing Jasper wasn't the groom?
03:26Then why'd he find wedding prep already started?
03:29What a hypocrite bitch you are.
03:30In the Blackwood family, Jasper's the only one her age.
03:33If she's not marrying him, then who?
03:35Celesta, drop the act.
03:37When we get married, you'll get the title.
03:39That's all.
03:40Don't expect more.
03:41Jasper Blackhole, my marriage partner isn't you.
03:44It's your-
03:44Sir, I can't breathe.
03:46Why are there so many hieraclines?
03:48I'm allergic.
03:49Celesta, once we're married, you're not allowed to plant hyalens.
03:53The second.
03:54After I'm gone, trash this hall.
03:56His friends yanked up chairs, slammed them down.
03:59Stop!
04:00This is my birthday!
04:01You're gonna marry Jasper anyway.
04:03If he says smash it, we smash it.
04:06By the time the last guest left, the ballroom was ruined.
04:15In the days that followed, I shut myself in my room with red, swollen eyes, refusing to go out at
04:22all.
04:24That Jasper.
04:25How dare he hurt her like this?
04:27Thank God we didn't marry her to him.
04:29That monster.
04:31I'm going to the Blackmits.
04:32Right now.
04:33They owe us an explanation.
04:34I'm coming with you.
04:42Celesta, you came out.
04:45Stop.
04:47Don't go to the Blackmits.
04:49But they need to answer for what Jasper did to you.
04:51I stopped them.
04:52The wedding was close.
04:54I didn't want any more chaos.
04:56I knew Star was priceless.
04:58And I wanted to return him something just as real.
05:01Something carved from my own heart.
05:05For Alexander.
05:09I handed the sketch to the butler.
05:11But when the deadline came, the ring never arrived.
05:16Jasper had come by and taken it on the spot.
05:20It's for me anyway.
05:22No need to call Celeste.
05:23The staff knew about the strategic marriage between the two families.
05:27So no one stopped him.
05:29I rushed to the Blackwood estate.
05:34Sir, you secretly bought me lots of things.
05:37How am I ever supposed to repay you?
05:39I like spoiling you.
05:41And stop calling me sir.
05:44Jasper.
05:46The ring you took.
05:47Give it back.
05:48It's gone.
05:50I saw online that rings are great for opening packages.
05:52I used it on a few hundred boxes.
05:55Jasper, who gives you the right to take my ring?
05:57Bianca, who gives you the right to treat it like trash?
06:01This ring was for me.
06:02So I took it.
06:04Besides, I've decided.
06:05No wedding.
06:06We'll just grab the certificate.
06:08Your little design's pointless.
06:10Jasper.
06:11That ring isn't for you.
06:14If not me, then who?
06:16He tossed the ring away like nothing.
06:18Grabbed Bianca's hand.
06:20And left.
06:21I took half an hour before I found it in the planner bed.
06:24I turned to leave.
06:25A car was coming straight at me.
06:27The impact hit.
06:29I was one of the guards.
06:34I just started learning to drive.
06:37I mixed up the brake and the gas.
06:39Jasper's eyes flicked to the blood.
06:41Then he pulled Bianca into his arms.
06:43She's fine.
06:44She's always playing the victim.
06:46Don't cry.
06:47I've got you.
06:48Jasper.
06:49To comfort her, you can watch me bleed out without blinking.
06:55Darkness swallowed me.
06:57When I opened my eyes again, it was the next day.
07:02You lost much blood before anyone called for help.
07:05Where's your husband?
07:06He's overseas.
07:09The door swung open.
07:11Jasper stepped in.
07:15Who's overseas?
07:17Isn't he right here?
07:18He signed the surgical consent.
07:19He's not my husband.
07:20Enough.
07:21I brought you to the hospital.
07:22Do you really have to keep playing hard to get?
07:24Eat something.
07:25Red bean puffs.
07:26He used to buy them to cheer me up when I was sick.
07:29About yesterday, Bianca didn't mean it.
07:32So it is for Bianca.
07:34Jasper, she did it on purpose.
07:35I'm calling the police.
07:36I bought you food.
07:37I apologized for her.
07:38Don't push your luck.
07:39Fine.
07:40You want the wedding?
07:41Done.
07:42I'll give you the big show.
07:44Happy?
07:44No need.
07:45The groom was never you.
07:47His phone rang.
07:48Bianca's name.
07:49He turned and walked out without a word.
07:53I dialed 911.
07:55The response made my heart sink.
07:57Mrs. Hedleton, your fiancƩ signed a forgiveness agreement on the spot.
08:00We can't open a case.
08:01No!
08:04Over the next few days, Jasper came to the hospital almost every day.
08:09I treated him like he wasn't there.
08:12The day I was released, I refused to get into his car.
08:16His patience finally snapped.
08:19I've already compromised.
08:19How long are you going to keep this up?
08:21If you keep pushing, I'll cancel the whole damn marriage.
08:24I lowered my head and stayed silent.
08:26In Jasper's eyes, that silence meant submission.
08:29His mood lifted, his voice softening.
08:33Stop making trouble.
08:34My uncle's flying back today.
08:36Tonight, in front of the whole clan, he's announcing our strategic marriage.
08:42Your uncle's back?
08:44Yeah.
08:45That eager to marry me?
08:49I'm going home first.
08:51I need to do my makeup.
08:53Seeing me snap back to normal, Jasper curled his lips.
08:56In his mind, it was obvious.
08:58I cared so much because I loved him.
09:01Just because I wanted to look perfect when I met his uncle.
09:06At the Blackwood estate, the dinner was crowded.
09:09I sat in a quiet corner and waited for Alexander.
09:13I already said I'd marry you.
09:14I almost shot back, but I bit my tongue.
09:17He found out pretty soon.
09:20Alexander had a minor car crash on the way to the airport.
09:22Missed his flight.
09:23Is he okay?
09:24Don't worry.
09:24He's fine.
09:25Don't act like the lady of the house.
09:33How is Alexander currently faring?
09:36Alexander sent photos.
09:38Just a small injury.
09:39Focus on your wedding.
09:45Jasper got banged up in a crash.
09:46Downtown Hospital, room 609.
09:48You coming?
09:49Jasper was in a car accident.
09:50He's got nurses, he's got you, and he's got Bianca.
09:53What does that have to do with me?
09:54Then I opened Instagram.
09:56I exited after a glance.
10:00The moment I learned Alexander loved fresh fish, I was out the door at dawn.
10:06Mrs. Huntington, are you mad because Jasper hurt his hand fighting someone to protect me?
10:12It's all my fault.
10:13I'm just a maid's daughter.
10:21Mrs. Huntington, you can hit me, yell at me, whatever.
10:25Just don't be mad at Jasper.
10:28Celeste, why did you hit Bianca?
10:30I didn't hit her.
10:32There are cameras.
10:33I used to think you were just spoiled.
10:35Now I see you're hopeless.
10:39Bianca, hit her back.
10:44Before I could steady myself, Bianca shoved me from behind.
10:52Don't bother.
10:53The water's shallow, she won't drown.
11:01I feel awful.
11:03Jasper, weren't you going to buy me red bean puffs?
11:05Why aren't you back yet?
11:07This didn't have to get this ugly.
11:08If you hadn't kept forcing marriage, I would have treated you like a little sister for life.
11:14I heard that clearly.
11:17May I come in?
11:28Grandpa heard you were sick and made me come.
11:30Mrs. Huntington, I'm sorry about yesterday.
11:33Please forgive me.
11:34I noticed Bianca staring at my neck, at the necklace Jasper had given me on my 18th birthday.
11:39Jasper noticed too.
11:41Bianca, later I'll have one custom made for you.
11:44I'm getting married soon.
11:45My future husband won't like things you gave me.
11:47From now on, we're nothing to each other.
11:49You hit Bianca first and now you're throwing a tantrum?
11:51Your future husband is me.
11:52Keep the act going.
11:53When the wedding day comes, you'll stand there alone.
11:56Please take this trash to the dumpster.
11:59All right, miss.
12:00Leave it to me.
12:02No name, but I knew.
12:04Alexander.
12:05At 10 the next morning, the Blackwood Wedding Convoy arrived.
12:10Jasper.
12:10You're in the wrong place.
12:11You should be sitting with the guests.
12:12You know this is live, right?
12:14You really want to humiliate both families?
12:18I lifted my skirt and walked downstairs on my own.
12:25I've got something important.
12:26Tell both sides the wedding is canceled.
12:28I told you, whether you show up or not doesn't matter.
12:33Jasper flagged down a car and headed out.
12:36When he arrived at the Hot Spring Resort and saw Bianca surrounded by his friends, his brows snapped together.
12:42You said Bianca was in danger.
12:44Good.
12:45We lied.
12:46How else were we going to get you to ditch the wedding?
12:48Jasper, my head really hurts.
12:50Stay with me, please.
12:52You won't be back in time.
12:57When they saw me refusing to stop the wedding, mockery spread across their faces.
13:02She still won't call it off.
13:04If the groom doesn't show, she's toast.
13:07And now, the groom will make his entrance.
13:19Alexander Blackwood stepped into the hall in a perfectly tailored black suit.
13:24He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and gave the room a brief nod.
13:29The entire hall fell silent.
13:32My uncle?
13:33Impossible!
13:34Right, right, but this must be the officiator messing up.
13:37Alexander reached the center of the stage.
13:40Mr. Alexander Blackwood, do you take Miss Huntington to be your lawful wife?
13:46I do.
13:47The room plunged into absolute silence.
13:50Jasper grabbed a set of car keys, flipped over the table, and bolted out.
13:54He floored the gas pedal, blew through red lights.
13:57By the time he arrived, the wedding banquet was already nearing his end.
14:01He spotted me, rushed over, and grabbed my wrist.
14:06Come with me.
14:10Jasper, what are you doing?
14:12Your uncle and Celeste's wedding is already over.
14:16Let go.
14:17Uncle.
14:23This is your aunt.
14:25Jasper recoiled, but under Alexander's overwhelming presence, he forced the word out, barely audible.
14:33Hey, aunt.
14:40We're family now.
14:42Jasper clenched his fist, eyes locked on me.
14:45My flight was delayed, so we skipped morning ceremonies.
14:49You've had a long day, let's go home and rest first.
14:52Is that okay?
14:54Oh, wow.
14:55Married and suddenly you know how to spoil your wife.
15:03Alexander let me out.
15:05Jasper stood watching our backs fade, his knuckles cracking.
15:08What the hell is going on?
15:10Wasn't this strategic marriage supposed to be me marrying Celeste?
15:13Half a month ago, the Huntingtons named your uncle from the start.
15:16They never once said your name.
15:18This morning, your uncle's transfer got delayed, so we had you help with the pickup.
15:21And what did you do?
15:22You bailed halfway.
15:24From now on, Celeste is your aunt.
15:26Watch yourself.
15:27He had never imagined a day would come when I would become his aunt.
15:32Bianca rushed in and wrapped her arms around him.
15:38Jasper.
15:42Jasper's parents saw it, and their faces turned even darker.
15:50I knew Alexander had feelings for me.
15:53Still, being alone with him now made me feel unexpectedly awkward.
15:58Everyone calls you Cece?
15:59My grandparents sometimes call me Star, too.
16:04You can call me that if you want.
16:06Star.
16:08As in a sky full of stars.
16:11I guessed right, didn't I?
16:12Star is nice.
16:14Cece is nice, too.
16:17But I think my wife is better.
16:20My heart slammed against my ribs.
16:22After all, that one's exclusive.
16:24I managed a small...
16:26We didn't have much interaction before.
16:29But from now on, you don't need to be afraid of me.
16:32Talk to me like any other couple would.
16:34I'll do my best to be a good husband.
16:38Then why did you agree to this strategic marriage with me?
16:41I can answer you.
16:43But before that, I want to ask you something, too.
16:47Why did you choose me?
16:50I'm the only daughter of the Huntington family.
16:52And you're the head of the Blackwood family.
16:54A strategic marriage is about joining strengths.
16:57Plus, you're...
17:00The best.
17:01I figured I'd ask the top option first.
17:03Was I your first choice?
17:06And if I said no, would you have settled for Jasper?
17:08No.
17:11If you hadn't agreed, I wouldn't have married into the Blackhoods at all.
17:18Something in Alexander loosened.
17:20He rubbed his fingertips together.
17:22Was Jasper really that bad?
17:24Didn't you like him?
17:25I knew my answer would shape our marriage.
17:27Alexander would never allow himself to be someone's consolation prize.
17:31So I lied.
17:32I only liked Jasper's face.
17:34I figured if I had to marry for a strategic marriage,
17:37I might as well marry someone handsome.
17:39That's why I chased him.
17:41But I recently realized he's got another woman in his heart.
17:45So I dumped him.
17:47No hesitation.
17:49Alexander saw the tears I was holding back.
17:51He pulled me into him.
17:53We were husband and wife now.
17:55That's called being brave.
17:57Not shameless.
17:59I stopped forcing myself to swallow the pain.
18:02I let it pour out with the tears.
18:05When I finally cried it out,
18:07Alexander spoke first.
18:09My reasons are the same as yours.
18:11One, joining strengths.
18:14Two, you're a good person.
18:16Three, I'm not young anymore.
18:18Four, it's time I settled down.
18:21Liar.
18:22A flicker of surprise crossed Alexander's eyes.
18:25He nodded.
18:28And you lied to me too.
18:30One for one, we're even.
18:37One night, Jasper drank without stopping.
18:41Bianca stood beside him, eyes swollen.
18:44Jasper, please don't drink anymore.
18:46Don't hurt yourself for a woman who only knows how to climb higher.
18:51She married my uncle, just to piss me off.
18:54I'll go find her right now.
18:56I'll just curl my finger at her, and she'll come running back.
19:00He staggered to the South Bay villa, and barred straight in.
19:05Alexander opened the door, clearly woken up.
19:09I walked out, rubbing my eyes.
19:11Alexander wrapped an arm around my waist.
19:13It's nothing.
19:14Go back to sleep.
19:16Mrs. Huntington, young master has been heartbroken all night.
19:19No matter how angry you are at him,
19:22you shouldn't use Mr. Blackwood as a cover.
19:25Sharp tongue.
19:27Tomorrow I'll have a word with my sister-in-law
19:29and ask how she trained such a clever maid.
19:32No!
19:33Mr. Blackwood, I'm just telling the truth.
19:35Miss Huntington always wanted to marry our young master.
19:38Everyone knows that!
19:44Who the hell do you think you are hitting me?
19:48One slap was for the time you hit me with your car.
19:51The other was me returning what you gave me.
19:57Jasper, half sober now.
20:00An uncle.
20:03Jasper Blackhurled.
20:04You're getting drunk and making a scene in my house.
20:08And you brought a dog that bites.
20:10Jasper, since you're going to be calling me aunt from now on,
20:13I'll be blunt.
20:14I have zero interest in being dragged into whatever love story
20:18you and Bianca are acting out.
20:19From now on,
20:21if you don't have a real reason,
20:23don't show up in front of me.
20:25Didn't understand?
20:27I understand.
20:28Alexander took my hand and led me back to our room.
20:33The next afternoon,
20:35Jasper was jolted awake.
20:37Jasper, Madam wants to fire my parents.
20:40She's kicking our whole family out.
20:43Please, you have to do something.
20:48This is non-negotiable.
20:52Jasper brought the entire family to the old estate.
20:56He forced his way in,
20:58right as Alexander and I were chatting with the old patriarch.
21:02Bianca's mother dropped to her knees.
21:05Madam, we've served this family for over ten years.
21:09Why would you fire us without saying a word?
21:12That's enough.
21:13This is the old estate.
21:15You're out of line.
21:21Alexander picked up a glass from the table
21:23and snapped it onto the floor in front of them.
21:25The hall fell instantly silent.
21:28Dad, please take Edward and Margaret upstairs.
21:30Leave this matter to me.
21:32With the elders gone,
21:34Alexander sat at the head seat.
21:43Bianca told the whole story.
21:46When she finished,
21:47Alexander summoned every household staff member.
21:52I think Madam did the right thing.
21:54Bianca's been taking Madam's jewelry and clothes.
21:56She threatened us not to say a word.
21:59Ms. Murphy's always bragging
22:01that her daughter's going to become a phoenix.
22:03She dumps all her work on us.
22:05Mr. Murphy's stolen gifts guests brought to the family.
22:08When he gets caught,
22:09he says young master approved it.
22:12With every accusation,
22:13the Murphy family's faces turned wider.
22:17Jasper looked unsettled as the truth piled up.
22:19Alexander delivered the results.
22:21Any stolen items should still be with the Murphy family.
22:24I suggest you report this as theft.
22:26Jasper's parents immediately had someone dial 911.
22:33But Jasper,
22:35having witnessed everything,
22:36felt nothing.
22:38The warmth in his gaze was gone.
22:47Officer Shang,
22:48this video clearly shows Bianca Murphy
22:51attempting to murder my wife.
22:53I'm formally requesting that a case be opened.
22:57It wasn't me!
22:58Jasper signed a settlement agreement for me!
23:01The signer of that agreement is merely my nephew.
23:04He has no legal standing to represent my wife.
23:07That document has zero legal effect.
23:10Jasper tried to step forward.
23:14If you walk out that door today,
23:16you no longer need the Blackwood name.
23:20Our family does not shelter people
23:22who colloos with attempted murderers.
23:25Jasper Blackwood!
23:27Spineless!
23:28Heartless!
23:29Useless!
23:29I never loved you!
23:31Every sweet word I ever said
23:32was just to trick you into giving me money and gifts!
23:35If I could do it all over again,
23:37I'd rather marry a nobody
23:38than ever look at you again!
23:40Get lost!
23:43The police dragged the still-screaming woman out.
23:48Help!
23:50Help!
23:54We need to go for my parents now.
23:56As the two of us walked away together,
23:59Jasper felt the light fade completely from his eyes.
24:09I told you I was fine.
24:11You being hurt is not fine.
24:13Hearing the worry in his voice,
24:15my nose stung.
24:17I told him everything,
24:19start to finish.
24:21After I finished,
24:22I brightened and asked if he wanted to try my cooking.
24:25Alexander looked at me,
24:26genuinely surprised.
24:28You can cook?
24:29A little.
24:39I mostly know nutrition meals,
24:41okay?
24:41This is my first time pan-frying fish.
24:44Then we'll stick to nutrition meals.
24:46If we both eat healthy,
24:47we'll live a long life and grow old together.
24:50In my last life,
24:51he'd only lived to 35.
24:52This time the tracks had changed,
24:54but what waited ahead,
24:55no one knew.
24:55I finally managed to simmer a pot of fish soup until it turned milky white.
25:01Alexander immediately took a photo and posted his first ever update on Instagram.
25:06My wife's first bowl of fish soup.
25:13Jasper saw the post.
25:15His eyes fixed on the corner of the photo,
25:17where a hand wearing a ring was clearly visible.
25:21That ring was supposed to be his.
25:23That bowl of fish soup had been meant for him, too.
25:27He couldn't help calling me.
25:33I didn't answer the first three times.
25:36On the 4th, the call finally went through.
25:41Celeste, I messed up before.
25:43I know you still have feelings for me.
25:46You married my uncle just to spite me, didn't you?
25:50Divorce him.
25:52Come back to me.
25:53I'll give you everything you were supposed to have.
25:55Jasper, what you should be doing right now is giving the police a full account,
25:59not harassing the woman you've already hurt more times than you can count.
26:07Did someone call just now?
26:09Jasper got drunk again, called to make a scene.
26:12I dealt with it for you.
26:14You sound like you've been dealing with him for years.
26:17But you're only six years older than him, right?
26:21When he was in kindergarten, he pulled a chair out on purpose
26:24and made the old patriarch fall.
26:27I taught him a very memorable lesson.
26:29Ever since then, he's been scared of me.
26:32He's that afraid of you, then how do you see him?
26:38Too impulsive, not mature enough, not fit for responsibility.
26:44What about me?
26:46Smart, rational, decisive, and most importantly, good judgment.
26:53Months passed.
26:55On the day the first snow fell, Bianca Murphy, facing multiple charges including theft and attempted murder,
27:00was sentenced to six years in prison.
27:03On New Year's Eve, at the family dinner, he announced the news.
27:06Celeste is pregnant.
27:11The doctor says it's twins.
27:20Congratulations.
27:26That night, he sat in the corner under harsh white light, staring at the cabinet where my gifts were still
27:31kept.
27:32Only then did he finally understand what it meant.
27:35To only learn to cherish something after it was already gone.
27:39Seven months later, I gave birth to twin girls.
27:43Alexander stayed by my side while also clearing out his workload in advance.
27:46With Margaret pitching in, I was more than happy to take it easy.
27:49The old patriarch was over the moon.
27:52He split the late matriarch's jewelry collection in half and gave everything to his two great-granddaughters.
27:57Jasper's parents transferred a private amusement park under their names.
28:03After just a few months, he looked gaunt, like he'd been hollowed out.
28:07He lifted his head, eyes bloodshot, then looked away again.
28:10Alexander noticed.
28:11He called Jasper into the study.
28:14No one knew what was said inside, but when Jasper came out, there was finally some life in his eyes
28:18again.
28:18On the way home, I asked,
28:20What did you two talk about?
28:22I gave him the Riverside Development Project.
28:25He drinks every day because he's lived too comfortably for too long.
28:29Give him real work, keep him busy, and he won't have time to spiral.
28:34The twins grew up slowly.
28:35Alexander, the man everyone used to call a workaholic, started living like a normal human being.
28:40Nine to five, on time, every day.
28:43The first thing he did after work was exactly what I ordered.
28:45Bring home desserts, toys, and a bouquet of flowers.
28:48On the twins' sixth birthday, the old patriarch decided to throw them a party.
28:52The custom castle cake hadn't arrived.
28:54Alexander was about to drive to the bakery, but I refused to let him go.
28:57It's their birthday.
28:58What's wrong?
29:00If you don't want me to go, I won't.
29:03I slowly calmed down, but I wouldn't let go of his hand.
29:06Because I remembered it too clearly.
29:08Last life, Alexander had gotten into that car accident on the twins' sixth birthday.
29:14This time, I refused to gamble.
29:17Jasper happened to come back.
29:18Seeing the girls on the garden swing, sighing dramatically, his expression softened.
29:30What cake?
29:32The girls told him everything.
29:34Then be good and wait here.
29:37Big Brother will go get the cake for you.
29:40It's okay, Big Brother.
29:42Mom said we're eating a normal cake today.
29:45Yeah, and if you go now, you might miss us blowing out the candles.
29:49Their clever little faces made Jasper's throat tighten.
29:52It's fine.
29:54Don't tell your mom.
29:58Big Brother will get the cake.
30:01And you two have to hide me a slice, okay?
30:04Right before he stepped out, he turned back without thinking.
30:07I was holding the girls' hands, leading them into the house.
30:10I looked the same as I had at 20, but everything was different now.
30:14When my figure disappeared behind the door, Jasper got into the car.
30:19The sky was overcast.
30:21At a red light, a beat-up car pulled up beside him.
30:24He turned instinctively.
30:25And the moment he saw the gaunt, hollowed-out face inside, his gaze froze.
30:40Before he blacked out, Jasper used the last of his strength to yank the necklace off his head.
30:56My brother said Jasper was in a car accident.
30:59I'm going to the hospital.
31:01Stay here with the girls and dad.
31:03I froze.
31:05Same day.
31:06Same kind of accident.
31:08Coincidence piled up until they stopped feeling like coincidences at all.
31:12Was this fate I couldn't outrun?
31:14Or was someone moving pieces in the dark?
31:18Dress education failed.
31:19We'd grown up together.
31:21There had still been more than a decade between us.
31:24Hearing he was gone left my chest tight.
31:26Stunned.
31:27Helpless.
31:28The police say it was attempted murder.
31:30From the crash until the doctors called it,
31:32Jasper kept a death grip on a necklace.
31:35The necklace Jasper had given me for my 18th birthday,
31:37I'd returned it to him the day before my wedding, to Alexander.
31:41For a moment, emotions surged so hard it made my fingertips go cold.
31:45One thought kept flashing through my mind.
31:47After Jasper's death,
31:49Alexander brought the girls back to the old estate every week.
31:52No one mentioned Jasper's name anymore.
31:54The twins acted as if their uncle had simply gone somewhere very far away.
31:58Every time Alexander brought home cake,
32:00they'd quietly save a slice and tuck it into the fridge.
32:06A nightmare.
32:08The calendar read December 7th.
32:10The same date as my last life.
32:12The day the kidnappers took my daughter.
32:18I kept replaying the dream.
32:20The only thing I could still see clearly was that necklace.
32:24The reason I'd returned at Jasper was because Bianca wanted it.
32:28And Jasper, before he died, had clutched it like he couldn't let go.
32:31Was he trying to tell me the person who killed him was Biannica?
32:35Pieces that had confused me for years clicked into place.
32:37In my last life, Bianca had been with Jasper.
32:40Two obstacles stood in her way.
32:41Me and my daughter and Alexander.
32:43So Bianca had staged a car crash and a kidnapping.
32:45This life, I had changed the story first.
32:47Bianca, at 27, had lost both parents, served six years in prison and watched her life collapse into ruins.
32:53And when she got out, revenge wouldn't be optional.
32:55Now Jaster was dead.
32:56Next would be Alexander and me.
32:58And the girls.
33:00And today just happened to be December 7.
33:02Everything lined up with my last life too perfectly to ignore.
33:05It wasn't fate.
33:07It was a plan.
33:08I shook Alexander awake and forced him upright.
33:11Half asleep, he got dragged straight to the police station with me.
33:14Once we found the officer in charge of the crash investigation, I brought up the necklace.
33:22The police moved fast.
33:24Following that thread to track Bianca down, Alexander and I stayed home with the girls all day, not letting them
33:29out of sight.
33:31By early evening, the call finally came.
33:33Mrs. Huntington, based on the lead you provided, we successfully arrested Bianca Murphy and her accomplices outside the preschool.
33:38She confessed to the crime.
33:39The weight that had been crushing my chest all day cracked, then fell away in a rush.
33:43Mommy, I'm hungry. I want BBU ribs.
33:45Don't make ribs for her.
33:47She lost a tooth yesterday. She can't chew.
33:49Let's eat shrimp.
33:51Instead.
33:53The kids are starving.
33:55You gonna move or do I have to ask twice?
33:57If dad cooks, can we just go out to eat?
34:00I'm not eating dad's food. It's so salty.
34:04Laughter and bickering filled the room, warm and loud, drifting out into the night as the neighborhood lights blinked on
34:10one by one.
34:11And tonight, under distant hills and a calm, quiet sky, our home finally felt safe again.
34:17Exactly the way it was supposed to be.
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