Chapter 7
During my senior year, I came home for a visit.[]
As soon as I got to the front door, I could hear arguing from next door.
My parents told me the Parker family business was in trouble.[]
But Rachel was still insisting on a two million dollar wedding – not a penny less.]
I was a bit surprised.[]
In my past life, the Parker family had hit hard times around this same period too.
But back then, Jonas and I had both made names for ourselves in academia and had solid savings, so we easily helped the Parkers get through their crisis.
Jonas had been reborn too – he actually had not prepared for this crisis ahead of time?
Iwas grateful that after what Jonas did to me back then, our families had completely cut ties.]
Now even if the Parkers wanted to borrow money, they’d be too embarrassed to come to us.
When I went out to take out the trash, I ran into Jonas smoking on the front steps.
He hadn’t shaved – I almost didn’t recognize him at first.]
In my past life, he wouldn’t even let himself have a little stubble, but now not only was he unshaven, he reeked of cigarettes too.
“Oh, you’re back?”
When he saw me, his eyes lit up for a moment, then quickly dimmed again.[]
I had nothing else to do, so I sat down to chat about old times:
“Two million and not a penny less?”
“Yeah.”
He stubbed out his cigarette,
I didn’t say anything.
I figured he had to know that two million would’ve been nothing to us in our past life – we could’ve written that check without even thinking about it.]
So I changed the subject:
“You really have to marry her?”
Jonas perked up a bit:[]
“Of course, I love her.“]
He pointed to Rachel’s tattoo on his neck
I kept my expression neutral: “Isn’t it exhausting?”
“Exhausting? Life isn’t just about studying, you know.“[]
I smiled but didn’t say anything.
He was quiet for a moment, then finally cut to the chase:
“You were reborn too, weren’t you?“]
171
“Obviously.”
He laughed
“I knew it – even after being reborn, you haven’t changed at all. You’re still not willing to try a different way of living.[]
“I think my life after being reborn has been so much freer. I’ve made up for a lot of regrets.”
“Well congrats.”
I stood upd
“I have a curfew, can’t chat anymore.“]]
I turned to leave.]
But after just a couple steps, he called out:
“Ruby, could you… lend me some money?“]
I turned back, a bit surprised.]
He looked embarrassed:
“Don’t get the wrong idea….I will pay you back, I swear…“)
I sighed:
“Have you forgotten about those photos?“]
His eyes widened, but he said nothing–just lowered his head in shame.]
One of the smartest decisions I ever made was filing that police report and making it all public.
That way when Jonas and his family hit hard times, I’d always have a reason to shut them down.
