Chapter 1
My husband Joaquin Leon killed me with his own hands for his first love.
“It’s your fault! If it weren’t for you, Myra wouldn’t have died in that accident!” Joaquin screamed.
I thought Joaquin loved me too, so I gave virginity to him that night he was drugged to help him.
“I can repay it with my life. But what about the babies I lost for you? Were they guilty too?”
“Yes, because you’re their mother!” he hissed, closing his eyes as he strangled me.
So, Joaquin never loved me. He only hated me.
If I could go back, I’d never be this foolish.
***
“Harley Terrell, I raised you all these years. You did this to me? Huh?”
“Are you insane? You have no shame!”
Hearing Joaquin’s ragged breaths, Harley stumbled back.
Her uncle Joaquin used to dress impeccably. But now, he lay disheveled
in the cowshed.
When Harley came to her senses, she found herself drenched in cold
sweat.
She’d been reborn at the moment Joaquin was drugged!
In her last life, Joaquin, a sent–down youth, took care of her after her parents died.
The day he was drugged, Harley found him already delirious.
To save Joaquin from a false molestation charge, she lied about their engagement so he could get back to the city.
But Joaquin had already promised to marry Myra Nash, his childhood
love.
After hearing the lie, Myra ran blindly into the path of a truck.
Joaquin never mentioned Myra’s death. He married Harley as if nothing had happened.
From that on, Harley sensed something was off with Joaquin.
Afterward, Joaquin locked her in a room, forcing pregnancies that never
came to term.
Her body withered, her mind fraying, until she could bear no more.
In the end, Joaquin killed Harley with his own hands.
As her vision faded, Harley heard him whisper, “Myra, I’m coming.”
Feeling desperate, Harley just lost it and started crying.
Only then did she understand–Joaquin had never moved on.
Joaquin blamed Harley for Myra’s death and sacrificed everything, even his own life, to get revenge.
Harley closed her eyes, seeing her past self.
When she opened them, Joaquin begged, “Harley, don’t… don’t come
closer.”
Harley stopped a meter away.
“I won’t hurt you. I just want to tell you–the drug wasn’t my doing. Hold. on, and I’ll get help.”
She turned to leave, but he lunged, grabbing her wrist.
“Don’t… don’t go…”
Harley remembered Joaquin coming to her house. He was so kind and elegant, offering her a book with a smile.
She stamped her foot, wrenched free, and fled.
This time, Harley didn’t want to save him like she did in her last life.
She decided to help Joaquin and Myra reunite and escape her tragic fate.
Following her memories, Harley found Myra at the farm gate.
Without a word, she dragged her to the cowshed.
Once there, Harley explained, “Myra, I know you and Joaquin are meant to be. This is your chance to save him and confess your love.” Myra stood dazed.
Harley urged, “He’s been drugged and needs your help. This is your moment to be together.”
Myra caught sight of Joaquin lying in the cowshed and bit her lip, suspicion flashing in her eyes.
“Why should I trust you? Don’t think I don’t know you’ve had a crush on him. You tried to confess before–now you’re suddenly playing the selfless girl? What’s your angle?”
Harley dropped her gaze, bitterness welling up.
She’d once thought Joaquin returned her feelings, but it turned out to be a fantasy.
“I overstepped before. Some things were never meant to be mine,” she murmured. swallowing her pain.
“Stop stalling. He needs you now. We can talk when he’s coherent.” Harley urged.
Myra snorted, turning toward the cowshed.
“If you’re done playing hero, watch the door for us,” she shot over her shoulder, a triumphant glint in her eye, before slamming the gate shut.
Harley wiped her tears, scrambling to her feet.
She had to get home–today was the last day for college applications.
She pulled out the form, her three choices all Joaquin’s alma mater.
Last life, when she learned he’d teach there after returning to the city, she’d aimed to reunite with him.
The truth was, that Harley could’ve gotten into Stanford University. But when Joaquin asked her score, she lied–low enough to disappoint him.
He’d seen her as a slacker, so he altered her application behind her back, enrolling her in a technical college “for her own good,” really just to keep
her away.
ப
Naive, she’d sent him every penny she saved.
How foolish.
This time, Harley filled in Stanford University.
She exhaled, relief washing over her.
No more living for someone else.
She folded the form carefully, tucked it close, and sprinted to the principal’s office.
“Professor Davidson, I’m applying to Stanford University! Could you please not tell my uncle until the acceptance letter comes?”
The principal chuckled, taking the form. “Surprising him, huh?”
Harley forced a smile.
“I want to tell him myself–in a month.”
In that month, she’d tie up loose ends.
Afterward?
She’d head north; he’d go south.
No looking back.
As she reached home, Joaquin blocked her path, fresh scratches marring his chest.
Harley averted her eyes, trying to slip past–until he seized her wrist.
“Did you orchestrate today’s mess?”
